Thankful Thursday: Grateful in 2024

January 18, 2024

The new year has brought in a fresh crop of amazing appreciation messages from across our network. Go Team Vetcor!

Angie Boatwright from Carthage Animal Hospital, Carthage, North Carolina, wants to recognize Sydney Lee, RVT: "Sydney is an awesome team player! She goes above and beyond. During the month of December, she posted on Facebook the "daily antics" of Rudy and Bumble (stuffed characters). They always had a tidbit of client education with their daily post."

Ashley Willis from Basin Run Animal Hospital, Colora, Maryland, wants to recognize the end of year counts crew - Mary, Connor, Wilson, Brandon, Cunningham, Szczerba, Sarah, Tanya, Kaitlin, Katie, and Jennifer: "A huge thank you to everyone that helped with EOY tasks and inventory counts!  Everything went very smoothly and we all were able to get out in a timely manner.  This is the first year I was home before 8 pm.  Thank you!!"

Kelly Soreghen from Wright Animal Hospital, Des Plaines, Illinois, wants to recognize the whole team at Wright Animal Hospital: "I am thanking the team at Wright Animal Hospital for everything they do. Everyone works really hard with limited staff and tries their best. I appreciate all of them."

Christina Lazo from Balfour Animal Hospital, Fenwick, Ontario, wants to recognize Keri Bishop, Veterinary Assistant: "Keri has been an amazing staff member. She has been my right-hand person. Helps me with so much, I don't think I could ever properly thank her for what she does here."

Haylee Murks from Animal Care Center of Hays County, San Marcos, Texas, wants to recognize Janiyah Ware, Veterinary Assistant: "Janiyah is such a hard-working technician! She is very reliable, always on time, always here to get the job done. I couldn't ask for a better employee!"

Haylee also wants to recognize Misty Ellis, Receptionist: "Misty is an outstanding Receptionist! She is so reliable, always willing to help, and has a heart of gold! I am so lucky to work alongside someone like her!"

Finally, Haylee would like to recognize Jeanette Kelley, Receptionist: "Jeanette is a great Receptionist! She is so kind and dedicated to her job! I am so lucky to have her on my team!"

Kim Fegan from Big Creek Pet Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, wants to recognize Megan Mosberger, Sarah Jarzembak, Lindsay Mihu, Amber Exner, Carolyn McDowell, and Leanne McCoy: "This was the inventory count team!  Without complaining (too much) this team knocked it out of the park with the counts.  They were supportive of each other and got it done in a timely manner.  Thank you to the best inventory crew!"

Mallory Joyner from Ambassador Animal Hospital, Fayetteville, North Carolina, wants to recognize Aya Suggs, PCA: "I want to recognize Aya, one of our kennel staff, because she does her job with such a positive attitude! She is in the zone when cleaning and is very thorough when doing her job! She is helpful by always checking if there is anything else that needs to be tended to before leaving for the day!"

Mallory also wants to recognize Josie Hale, Groomer: "I appreciate Josie, our groomer, for coming to work every day with such a positive outlook! Whether she has one pet to bathe or ten, she gets it done without complaints! Nothing can bring her down and her good attitude really should be contagious! She is friendly to everyone and has such sweet conversations with the pets she bathes!"

Matt Campbell from the OPS team wants to recognize Phil Rocca, Veterinary Assistant, and Krystle Bernier, Regional Manager: "I want to recognize Krystle Bernier and Phil Rocca for all the hard work they put into creating a safety guide for our Canadian locations. Thank you!"

Lynda Law from Round Lake Animal Hospital, Round Lake, Illinois, wants to recognize Yalitza Torres, Assistant Practice Manager: "Yalitza has gone above and beyond in welcoming me to the hospital! She's done a great job showing me the ropes and teaching me how everything works. I'm super thankful for her guidance, time, and knowledge."

Sean Sornsin from the OPS team wants to recognize Eric Allen and Ernie Turner in IT: "So much appreciation for these two IT leaders for all their hard work and extra time spent on preparing locations who are testing a new online pharmacy and home delivery service!  Thanks for the help Eric and Ernie!  Much appreciated!!!"

Sean also wants to recognize Alex Distasi, Martine Salamone, and Amy Haley on the Accounting team: "Alex, Martine, and Amy are just fabulous partners for myself and my OPS team.  They are just awesome at directly solving problems when they can or helping us with solutions in the field.  I trust them so much and know they are always Doing the Right Thing in their departmental decisions and processes.  I know I can always count on them, I enjoy working with them anytime we interact, and they are always so timely in response.  Thanks for being awesome Alex, Martine, and Amy!!  We all appreciate you!!"

Lucy Smith from the OPS team wants to recognize the entire staff of Golf-Mil Vet Hospital: "This location has been without a hospital manager for several months. Everyone on the team has stepped up and taken on additional duties. They completed year-end tasks, renewed their AAHA accreditation, and have continued to practice excellent medicine. Thank you all for all of your hard work and efforts!"

Nicole Frank from the OPS team wants to recognize Amy Miller, Senior Director, and Liz Brooks, Director of Operations: "I just want to Thank Amy Miller for all her help in 2023 and big shout out to my New Director Liz Brooks , 2024 is throwing us some curve balls already but I cant thank you enough for all your support. Lets hope for no more Rain."

Danielle Mercado from Leland Vet Clinic, Mableton, Georgia, wants to recognize Chelsy Perez-Leave and Amonii (Kaylynn) Lovejoy, Veterinary Assistants: "Chelsy and Amonii have been life savers for me through the past few weeks. I have been recovering from surgery and they held everyone down while I was gone. They are the best at what they do and I could not have made it through with out them. Our Doctors and staff appreciate you both and am thankful for you two everyday, thank you so much for being there for us when we need you!"

Dr. Chad Harris from the Veterinary Leadership Team wants to recognize Sean Sornsin, Senior Vice President of Operations: "Sean has always been very fun during baseball and football seasons. He loves to shoot me messages of "encouragement" when my teams are on!"

Dr. Harris also wants to recognize Dr. Jen Koenig, Vice President of Veterinary Leadership: "I always enjoy working with Dr. K. Getting to know her and spending time with her in Tanzania made me realize how much of an ENIGMA she is!!! We are lucky to have you, JK!"

Kelly Cuttitta from Red Hill Animal Health Center, Carbondale, Colorado, wants to recognize Sydni Heimback, CSR: "Sydni is our team "cheerleader"!! Always sharing words of encouragement through cute notes, messages, and memes. She says "This is the best job I've ever had" and we think she means it by promoting positivity in the workplace. Sydni - we think you are great!"

Dr. Kathy Bradshaw from Trusty Vet, Huntsville, Alabama, wants to recognize Heather Stevens, Hospital Manager: "Heather has been innovative in developing a communication platform for our practice that brings all points of data into one place. She is dedicated to improving the flow of information among team members to keep stress levels low and improve morale."

Brittany Klopp from Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, California, wants to recognize Jane Williams, Veterinary Assistant: "Jane always arrives with a bubbly, positive attitude. She is always smiling and you can tell she loves her job, the people she works with and the pets. Thank you Jane for your endless positivity!"

Sherry Thompson from County Line Animal Hospital, Ontario, New York, wants to recognize Bri DiSanto, Veterinary Assistant: "Bri is incredibly helpful. She is quick to jump in and help with anything. She takes on projects and volunteers to do all sorts of things around the hospital. She is a real self-starter. I am thankful to have Bri on our team."

Kelly McNeely from Heartland Niagara Animal Hospital, Niagara Falls, Ontario, wants to recognize Amber Staats, RVT: "Amber is a wonderful and skilled RVT, and a valued member of our family! She has impeccable organization skills (thanks to Amber, everything is clearly labeled and perfectly sorted), and is always the first to offer fresh ideas and step forward for any kind of party planning. She's moving to another city for her next big steps, and will definitely be missed! Thanks for all the awesome years, Amber!"

Samantha Stephens from Friendship Pet Hospital, Schertz, Texas, wants to recognize Megan Wittkower, Hospital Manager: "For being so supportive and helpful during the EOY process!"

Jessie Nelson from Sugarloaf Animal Hospital, Lawerenceville, Georgia, wants to recognize Carrie Pratt, CSR: "Wonderful smile!  Also happy to see everyone no matter the day and just a blessing to have here as SAH."

Jessie also wants to recognize Rebecca Hardman, CSR: "Always willing to help in any area of the hospital and with a smile.  Thank you!"

Alannah Labesky the OPS team wants to recognize Hunter Reed, Hospital Manager at Animal Medical Center of Ontario: "Hunter has provided some one-on-one training with some of my HMs in regards to Pet Desk.  Thank you for your help and support to make these exciting transitions easier!"

Alannah also wants to recognize Farren Rice, Talent Acquisition Manager: "Farren has ended 2023 and started 2024 with a bang for recruiting! Farren and I often tag-team introductory calls together with candidates and it’s been really positive.  Farren is a one-of-a-kind recruiter and I’m so thankful to have her in PA and OH!"

Amanda Flannigan from Service Center, Waco, Texas, wants to recognize Jose Izarpate, Talent Acquisition Manager: "Jose is the most positive person I have ever worked with and also so patient. Vetcor is so lucky to have him! Ps. Go Raiders!"

Dr. Maria Kenny, Chief of Staff from All Animals Veterinary Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Margie Giles, Hospital Manager: "Having worked closely with Margie, as my manager, for many years at Sanford Animal Hospital, it was initially challenging for me to transition to our sister clinic. However, the struggle was alleviated when Margie stepped up and assumed the position of Hospital Manager for both practices last summer. Margie's dedication and seamless management of both facilities have been nothing short of remarkable. Despite the absence of a Hospital Manager for months, she effortlessly stepped into the role and has been instrumental in keeping everything on track. Her tireless work ethic, positive attitude, and ever-present smile have significantly contributed to the overall success and harmony of our clinics. I am thrilled to be working with Margie once again, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for her exceptional efforts in managing two busy practices simultaneously. Margie is truly an asset to both Sanford Animals and our sister clinic, and I am confident that her continued leadership will bring continued success to our practices. Thank you, Margie, for your unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to our clinics.”

Krystle Bernier from the OPS team wants to recognize Alannah Labesky, Regional Manager: "Big thanks to my amazing colleague Alannah for being an invaluable resource on all things related to NY state! Grateful for your support and guidance! Thank you for all that you do! I appreciate you!"

Marah Trask from Springboro Vet Hosp, Springboro, Ohio, wants to recognize Dr. Stephanie Croyle: "Dr. Steph is a recent doctor to our practice.  Since joining our team, she has been nothing short of an absolute delight to work with!  Dr. Steph has easily made new friends with the other doctors, won over clients with her charm and thoroughness, helped many sick and healthy pets, and is someone who brightens the mood on a stressful afternoon.  She has, also, stepped up and filled in for doctors without any hesitation or need for anything in return.  We LOVE you, Dr. Steph, and cannot thank you enough for all you do for us!!"

F. Alexa Warburton from Countryside Veterinary Hospital, Chelmsford, Massachusetts, wants to recognize Pat Durkin, LVT: "Pat has been with our hospital for 37 years! She runs our in-house laboratory and her knowledge of cytology, hematology, and common veterinary ailments is vast. She goes above and beyond for the hospital and clients to ensure every person's needs are met. Thank you Pat for your endless service to Countryside Veterinary Hospital."

Ali Laing from Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Richmond Heights, Ohio, wants to recognize Hillcrest staff, Emily Petro, Kristy Adorjan, Rebecca Husteck, D Dewberry, Jackie Pawlak, and Jennifer W. and Alannah: "I would like to recognize the entire staff here at Hillcrest. The last couple of months have not been without challenges and you have all been so accommodating and helpful. I could not do this without you! Jennifer and Alannah- thank you both so much for all of your help as well over the last 2 months!"

Brittany Poulin from Main West Animal Hospital, Welland, Ontario Canada, wants to recognize Christina Lazo, Hospital Manager: "I wanted to recognize Christina! Christina is a fellow HM who manages a clinic close to mine. She is a fantastic leader. She is fair, honest, motivating, supportive, and positive. She is always there to help me when I have questions or need some guidance. Keep doing what you are doing Christina! You rock!!"

Julie Hogue from Windermere Animal Hospital, Fishers, Indiana, wants to recognize Dawn Conklin, IT Support: "She always saves me!  She goes out of her way to help and gets things done!  I can't say enough good about her.  Thanks, Dawn!"

David Gagnon from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Diane Van Herwynen, CCS: "Diane is our longest-tenured employee at our clinic, being part of our team for nearly 42 years now. She started as a technician but now works exclusively with clients as part of our reception team. She is a hard worker who wants nothing but the best for our clients and their beloved pets. Diane takes her time with our clients and makes sure they feel as comfortable as possible in all circumstances."

Cindy Lerch from South Mill Veterinary Clinic, Boardman, Ohio, wants to recognize Dawn Conklin, IT Support: "Dawn spent countless hours dealing with our unfortunate server crash (that took out two locations) and all of the consequential problems that came along with it. Thanks for your time and patience, Dawn! You are awesome!"

Cindy Wyma from Two Notch Road Animal Clinic, Columbia, South Carolina, wants to recognize Martine Salamone, AP Supervisor: "I would like to recognize Martine Salamone for doing such a wonderful job! She very quickly came to my aide when I needed her and I would like to give her a big thank you!"

Melanie Worman from Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, wants to recognize the whole team: "I would like to thank our whole team at the Cat Clinic for welcoming new veterinarian Dr. Bow.  Everyone has been very helpful to Dr. Bow, making her feel supported and a part of the team.  Thank you everyone!"