Thankful Thursday: In It Together

May 20, 2021

Summer is on the horizon and we know everyone's eager to get outside and catch some sun, but that hasn't stopped our practice teams from taking a moment to acknowledge their amazing coworkers.

Enjoy May's VetCor family shout outs below:

Sean Sornsin from the OPS team, wants to recognize Dawn McGrath from the VetCor home office: "Dawn has been outstanding in her leadership and support for all our practices as they have moved to new websites and the new integrated SkyWorld platform. Her training with the teams has been great and her willingness to have some open office hours was an awesome addition. Much thanks to Dawn on her patience and approach to this massive project and all her time and energy on bettering our platforms and improving this area of our business. A job well done and a deep thanks from the operations team!!!"

Kim Krueger from Animal Hospital of Verona, Verona, WI, wants to recognize Kristin Gehrke, CVT: "Kristin organized AHOV's Doctor Appreciation Week in my absence last week. She decorated the clinic, made signs, got cards and gifts, and organized treats/food each day to help our doctors feel special. Despite being super busy with her own CVT duties, she made time to help lift up others."

Alannah Labesky from the OPS team wants to recognize Jill Craig and Sue Gentry of the OPS team: “For all their support and help! They always have the best advice, whether its professional or personal! Also want to thank Jennifer Weitzel and Amy Miller for their continued support and for allowing me to grow in my career with VetCor. I learn so much from all of these ladies and am thankful to work with them.

Christine Coe from Tanneberger Veterinary Hospital, St. Albans, VT, wants to recognize the entire Tanneberger team: "It has been a wild year for all of us. The entire team at TVH has come together and does a great job every day. Times are stressful, but I take comfort in knowing that I have a team that I can count on. I can't thank them enough for all they do!"

Cindy Wyma from Two Notch Road Animal Clinic, Columbia, SC, wants to recognize Dr. Libby McKay: "Dr. McKay has been such a tremendous help to our clinic! She works at a sister location, but she has been helping us out. We lost our only full-time doctor and she has been helping us out two days a week. She has been such a pleasure to work with! She is a fabulous doctor and great with all our clients. We love her and just want to say thank you for all she has done for us!"

Jennifer Weitzel from the OPS team, wants to recognize Terry Graessle and the IT team: "Terry and the IT department has put in countless hours to help three of our Ohio practices with large IT projects. Their never ending support and dedication are so appreciated! We are so fortunate to have such a devoted and hardworking team supporting our practices. Thank you!"

Marianne Hay from VetSelect Animal Hospital, Novi, MI, wants to recognize client services supervisor, Andrea Smith: "She is an excellent client services representative and supervisor. Andrea, is efficient, self-motivated and has a smile on her face when speaking to others."

She also wants to recognize supervisor Samantha Price, LVT: "Sammie has wonderful compassion for our patients. She is a very skilled LVT who does a great job training new team members."

Dr. Chad Harris from the OPS team wants to recognize Dr. Bruce Cox, Chief of Staff at Northside Animal Hospital in Waco, TX: "Dr. Cox has to be the nicest human on the planet. I've been a big fan from day one of teaming up with Northside and have seen that practice grow and change by leaps and bounds. Dr. Cox always has a supportive and warm attitude and is a true example of a servant leader. Everyone should have the opportunity of knowing him!"

He also wants to give a shout out to the entire DEI team (Steph Ragsdale, Dr. Niccole Bruno, Cesar Molina, Melanie Meyer, Sue Gentry, and Timia Baez): "This amazing group of humans is working very hard to assure VetCor is a place where all people can feel welcomed and a part of a supportive team. The work is very appreciated!"

Amanda Faulkner from Roberts and Wendt Animal Hospital, Lakewood, OH, wants to recognize the entire Roberts and Wendt team: "This amazing team has worked through so much adversity over this past year. They need to be recognized for all the hard work they have put forward in order for RWAH to reach its full potential."

Cynthia Moss from Central Animal Hospital, Leominster, MA, wants to recognize Michelle Kelley: "She has many responsibilities and does a great job on all of them. We would be lost without her."

Mary Hougan from Chalet Veterinary Clinic, Stoughton, WI, wants to recognize Christina Schoppe: "Christina takes initiative to help get things done when her manager is overwhelmed. She is more than willing to help carry the load when needed. Her technical skills for setting up our new printers and troubleshooting with IT is greatly appreciated! We would be struggling without her!"

Keri Garland from Animal Hospital of Gordon County, Calhoun, GA, wants to recognize Miranda Jordon: "She is very dependable, always does what is ask of her, always has a positive attitude."

Jennifer Donnelly from Verandah Pet Hospital, Fort Myers, FL, wants to recognize veterinary assistant, Camryn Cotner: "Cam is a team player who always puts the needs of the patients and coworkers first! Cam is positive, fun, and reliable as well as willing and able to work anywhere she's needed!"

Carina Chalfant from Fisherville Animal Hospital, Concord, NH, wants to recognize Kayla Pomerleau, head technician: "The entire team at Fisherville Animal Hospital deserves to be recognized, but Kayla has had a tough go of things this past year outside of work. One thing after another but she still comes to work and gives it her all with a smiling face and willing to jump in wherever she is needed. She is a great addition to our team."

Dava Hunt from Cozy Cat Veterinary Hospital, Raleigh, NC, wants to recognize Dr. Colleen Wallace: "Wanted to give a shout out to Dr. Wallace for all the hard work she has done and wish her a happy birthday. She has been with Cozy Cat for 16 years and continues to give all our patients and clients the highest of care. Her compassion and care have only continued to grow over these many years. She has also extended her care to Operation Catnip to help control the cat population. We are very proud to have her at Cozy Cat."

Karen April from Norton Animal Hospital, Norton, MA, wants to recognize technician and social media aficionado, Yahaira Harraghy, CVT: "Yahaira is a social media rockstar! She is also excellent at making fun, educational videos; taking beautiful pictures of our patients for FB; and creating informational bulletin boards for our exam and waiting rooms."

Gina Svelnis from Kingston Animal Hospital, Kingston, MA, wants to recognize her entire team: "I am so fortunate to have a group of people that harmonize so well with each other. They know how to work together to get through a crazy busy day (which is often), and yet still find some fun in it. They are not only supportive of each other in work, but in their personal lives as well. When the COVID pandemic started over a year ago it was a difficult time for everyone on every level and I appreciate so much having this team during it. Go KAH!"

Sara Dingman from Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic, Elkhorn, WI, wants to recognize Dr. Liana Wiegel: "Dr. Wiegel has been so consistent and reliable during such a trying time at our practice. She has recently transitioned from an equine veterinarian to a small animal veterinarian at our practice after a career ending injury while working with a horse. Shortly after the transition, she announced her pregnancy and then we had to deal with the HUGE transition to practice during the pandemic. So while pregnant and learning the "small animal ropes," she showed up to work every day, without complaint, and made it through her days to help our clients in their times of need. She returned after her maternity leave with the same determination and level-headed approach to veterinary medicine and continues to influence calm attitudes in her teammates. AND all of this while dealing with a severe veterinarian shortage! I am so thankful that she decided to become a small animal veterinarian and admire her dedication."

Kaleigh Weaver from South Bend Animal Clinic, South Bend, IN, wants to recognize Lisa Goodman, veterinary assistant, receptionist, and overall superwoman: "I want to recognize Lisa for all of the hard work and passion she has brought to the clinic not only during COVID but her entire time with us at SBAC. She has learned so much and has grown so much in her journey in veterinary medicine. Dr. Duncan and I cannot wait for her to sit for her test to become a registered veterinary technician!"

Sue from Floyd Harbor Animal Hospital, Shirley, NY wants to recognize the entire staff: "We had to monitor the staffing hours along with the COVID precautions. Our community is becoming more and more impatient (as I am sure it's the same everywhere). My staff are still hanging on; our furry friends get us through each day!!"

Kathy Currlin from Atrium Animal Hospital, Charlotte, NC, wants to recognize her amazing front desk team: "Last month, we celebrated our fabulous front desk team! To say they are super human does not even come close! Imagine this... all five phone lines ringing, clients trying to check in and check out, clients trying to schedule appointments, boarding, surgery, drop offs, work-ins, and tech appointments to name a few. Then add to this preparing px's and food requests while thunderstorms cause power flickers which threaten or do knock out the system! Unexpected patients - like wild bunnies, snakes, turtles, and chickens - visit them while waiting for a room. All this done with grace and happy, happy voices. They are our superheroes. They are the first and last impression of our clinic and guide the ship through all kinds of crazy. We appreciate them more than they will ever know!"

Jennifer Silkworth from Inwood Animal Center, Inwood, WV, wants to recognize the entire team: "I want to thank the entire staff of Inwood Animal Center for all the hard work and dedication to our clients and patients. The past year has been challenging, both physically and mentally, for everyone. It has brought out the good, bad, and ugly in people. Working in this field is not easy; the expectations are not always clear, and the stress and uncertainty of what is next can fatigue a team. Our team at Inwood Animal Center has been working hard providing the best client patient care possible. Our patients are the reason WHY the team continues. For that, I thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you at Inwood Animal Center.”

Alyson Evans from Briargate Boulevard Animal Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO, wants to recognize Karen Frank, hospital manager at High Plains Animal Hospital: "I had a lunch meeting with Karen a month ago or so to meet and connect. I mentioned to Karen that I hadn't heard from anyone in MWI for about seven months. Her MWI stopped by and she mentioned to him that he should reach out to me. He did and, in fact, we found out that our hospital was not assigned a rep inside or out with MWI when we were acquired. Thanks to Karen and remembering that conversation, I now have two points of contact in MWI. Thank you so much for helping a sister hospital out. I truly appreciate it."

Kathleen Koprowicz from Highland Veterinary Hospital, Highland, MI, wants to recognize Beth Malafouris, LVT: "She has been going over the top trying to learn all kinds of things at our practice and doing the LAH program. Even when she is having a bad day, she doesn't let it show or get to her and she comes back to work the next day with a smile. She is a very knowledgeable person and we are very lucky to have her at our practice." 

She also wants to Kayla Murphy, LVT: "Kayla has been jumping into everything feet first. She has been helping organize the clinic after renovation and pulling more weight without having the proper amount of staff. She is excelling in surgery as well."

Cesar Molina from the OPS team, wants to recognize Kelly Davis and Jillian Mesa: "This dynamic duo is truly fantastic. They are resilient, intelligent, punctual, and always bring great attitudes. They have been very pleasant to work with, even during a pandemic when we partnered up. They show great leadership day to day and even throw in a joke or two once in a while. I am so happy to have them in my region and appreciate them so much! Keep up the great work, ladies. You all are killing it!"

Ashley Misner from Stark Animal Hospital, Canton, OH, wants to recognize the entire team at Stark Animal Hospital: "I have been with this clinic almost six months and I have a whole team of rockstars. Everyone strives to put patient care as a priority and we all work so well together! Every part of our team is important to our practice. Thanks for what you do, everyone!"

Ron Biese from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, WI, wants to recognize receptionist, Mariah Stedl: "Mariah is a young lady that recently was looking for a different job that was closer to her house (she lives 35 miles from our clinic). She accepted a job and announced her leaving our clinic for which we were very sad. She did an on-the-job shadow of the clinic she was going to prior to her actually leaving us and, that day, she contacted our manager and wanted to come back to us. She said the other clinic did not feel the same and that we were much more like family. So we welcomed her back with open arms. She is an energetic person with a very bubbly personality. She is great with the clients. We recently promoted her to what we call "the Big Chair person." This person is the head receptionist for that day and does all of the check outs. She is only 21, but she is a hard worker and really understands how to treat the client with respect and compassion. We are very glad that she stayed on our team!"

Gretchen Zarle from the OPS team wants to recognize Jennifer Weitzel, fellow OPS team member: "She cares deeply, responds promptly, works her butt off for her practices, and I have NEVER seen anyone so prompt and genuine when responding. She is energetic, and complete professional at all times. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with her!"

Bryan Haag from Golf-Mil Veterinary Hospital, Niles, IL, wants to recognize Vanesa Rivera, CVT, hospital manager, and Cap-ex/vendor program VetCor: "Vanesa Rivera is inspiring to work with. She has the ability to approach challenges from multiple angles and steadily finds solutions. She supports our home clinic as well as helping two other regional clinics and assists Amber Hanson with the Cap-ex/vendor program. She is kind and fair to all of her coworkers and takes a can-do, no-drama approach to her job. I am truly grateful to work with Vanesa and I’m certain others are as well."

Amy Chohan from Leavells Animal Hospital, Spotsylvania, VA, wants to recognize the reception team: "A receptionist is the face of the practice, the bearer of bad news, the one who has to make tough decisions on who we fit in, the one who has to ask difficult questions to determine what is a true emergency. They have to turn away clients who can't pay for services, and listen to complaints from staff who won't get a lunch break "if we fit in one more emergency." They take heat from the doctors when they don't ask enough (or the "right") questions... If you say that being a receptionist is easy, you've never manned the front during COVID. Nobody hears it enough, so to all of the reception staff at Leavells, THANK YOU for what you do!"

Amy Klotz from Douds Veterinary Hospital, Oberlin, OH, wants to recognize Nicole Gendics, veterinary assistant: "Nicole has stepped up and started a Sunshine Committee with a Morale Buddies program - where everyone who wants to participate will fill out a quick "favorites" form and then get paired up with a buddy. Each week, they will do a small pick-me-up surprise for their buddy. Buddies will remain anonymous for three months. "Gifts" don't need to be anything large - they can be a candy bar, a cute meme/picture printed out, or just a note with some words of encouragement. At the 3-month mark, we will do a big buddy reveal party and then go on to the next round for any and all who elect to participate again with a new secret buddy."

Joyce Boston from Countryside Pet Hospital, Conover, NC, wants to recognize Alice Lawson, receptionist and veterinary assistant: "Alice started working for many years ago while she was still in high school. She took care of boarding pets and did bathing. She was very responsible at a young age. We were delighted that she stayed on with us and learned some receptionist skills while she was in college. After she graduated, she went on to other things. We were happy for her but she was missed. After marrying and starting a family, she decided her Countryside family was the best fit for work. Now we are watching her children go off to college! Alice is wonderful with all the clients and the rest of the staff. Thank you for all you do for Countryside!"

Dr. Christy Layton from Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort, Plant City, FL, wants to recognize Chelsea Cox, hospital manager: "Since December, we lost our associate veterinarian, a CSR, and two vet techs, including our lead vet tech. Chelsea has not only stepped up as our HM in working every way possible to get these positions filled, but she's also stepped into all of these roles (other than vet... LOL) as needed throughout the week to get everything taken care of. And she is doing it with a smile! So proud of her!

LeAnne Charles from Mars Hill Animal Hospital, Bogart, GA, wants to recognize Tiffani Adcock: "Tiffani has been the glue holding Mars Hill together for 26 years! She was the reason I was hired 24 years ago and I appreciate her hard work, attention to detail, and excellent nursing skills. Tiffani is the go-to girl for all things medical, inventory, and patient care. She is a blessing and an asset to myself and Mars Hill!"

Michelle Leigh Gomulak from Independence Animal Clinic, Gainesville, TX, wants to recognize Diana Garrison: "Diana is my office manager and we are brand new members of VetCor. She is my life boat right now handling the transition. She has shouldered the weight of all the extra work without complaint and with a smile. I would definitely be drowning without her right now. I am so thankful for her!"

Kim Krueger from Animal Hospital of Verona, Verona, WI, wants to recognize Alana Resch, CVT and Dr. Brian Hoelscher: "At the very end of a very long and stressful day, a client's car would not start and they immediately jumped in to action and helped jump the car. The client was very thankful!"

Michael Cooper from Portage Veterinary Clinic, Portage, WI, wants to recognize Kim Gannon: "Kim has been a longtime employee at the Portage Veterinary Clinic. She has done it all. From technician to front desk to hospital manager. All the different jobs she has done are accomplished with a great deal of competence. Shows great compassion for clients, patients, and fellow workers. A very valuable member of the team at PVC."

Deborah Parry from Veterinary Services of Aiken, Aiken, SC, wants to recognize Ally Bolton, Ashley Hodson, Cassidi Brinson, and Kami McCollem: "Both Ally and Ashley moved into our hospital to train as assistants when COVID pretty much shut down boarding. As kennel has picked up, both Kami and Cassidi (our remaining PCAs) have been working very hard while we find new employees. These last couple of weeks, Ally and Ashley willingly moved back into kennel to assist in training our new kennel help. We have such an amazing team, that always steps in to help each other but this week I wanted to give these girls in particular a shout out."

Jen Zilinski from Taunton Cat Hospital, Taunton, MA, wants to recognize Tiffany Moitoso, CVT, hospital manager: "Tiff went above and beyond the past two weeks filling in for coworkers and taking on extra hours when needed, yet still keeping an upbeat and positive attitude. We are so lucky to have her!"

Jill Craig from the OPS team wants to recognize the IT department: "I would like to thank the whole IT department! This group of people are always working behind the scenes to keep us all up and running! Whether it is ordering new equipment, updating our systems, or putting out IT fires - you are always there for us. We would be lost without you. Special shout out and thank you to Dawn Conklin helping me with my computer issues lately. You rock, Dawn!"

Katelyn Estman from Hermitage Veterinary Hospital, Hermitage, PA, wants to recognize lead tech, Sarah Smith: "For always going above and beyond for patients and being a vital part of the hospital."

Alyssa Stewart from Lake Alfred Animal Hospital, Lake Alfred, FL, wants to recognize Dr. Laura del Valle: "I want to take the time to show our appreciation for our new Chief of Staff Dr. Laura del Valle. She has been a huge impact to our clinic. She shows so much compassion and understanding. Always thinking positive. Clients love Dr. del Valle and she truly makes coming to work a pleasure for our staff!"

Marilyn Lear from Beach Park Animal Hospital, Beach Park, IL, wants to recognize technician, Jessica Spencer: "I'm a new HM and she has been amazing teaching me Avimark when I am familiar with Cornerstone"

Chrissy Brown from Animal Hospital Inc., Willoughby Hills, OH, wants to recognize Renne McCuistion, assistant hospital manager: "Have you ever had that employee who you know has the best interest of the hospital at heart? Well, I can tell you, I HAVE THAT IN RENEE! She will go above and beyond in every single job task she is faced with. She is the ONLY employee in this entire hospital that is fully trained in every department and will jump right in like she works that position every day with nothing but confidence. While you will see Renee on the floor helping to cover any department that may be short staffed, what many do not realize is just how much behind the scenes she is responsible for. Whenever she is pulled to help on the floor, she must work even harder to be able to complete her own job responsibilities. So when you have her in your department, be sure to give her an extra thank you for helping. Renee, I appreciate you more than you know, and I would be a crazy mess if you were not in this with me.Thank you so very much for all that you do!”