Speakers
Lectures
Jaci Christensen, BAS, LVT, VTS (Oncology)
Jaci has 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, with 15 of those years being focused in veterinary oncology. She obtained her Associate’s and licensure in 2008, followed by her Bachelor’s in Veterinary Technology in 2015, before obtaining her VTS in Oncology in 2021. She has been fortunate enough to author a variety of articles, textbook contributions, and recently served as the taskforce co-chair for the newest AAHA Oncology Guidelines to be released in 2026. She currently manages the oncology department at Texas A&M, where she is passionate about oncology education for both pet owners and veterinary professionals.
Sessions:
Cancer- How It Happens & How We Treat It
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in companion animals. This complex disease is made up of a multitude of neoplasms, each behaving vastly different. For many patients, a successful outcome requires multiple treatment modalities. This lecture will discuss how cancer occurs and the multiple modalities that are used to treat it, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The Canine Cancer Kings
Cancer in companion animals is often classified cytologically as mesenchymal, epithelial, and round cell which are umbrella terms for a variety of cancer types. This lecture will discuss the most common tumor types in each classification along with a brief overview of diagnosis, tumor behavior, and treatments. Understanding the “kings” of canine cancer will aid the veterinary technician in recognizing patient concerns and assisting in the management of the oncology patient.
Michelle Crothers, BS, AAS, LVT
Michelle Crothers Hines is the hospital administrator for Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists San Antonio, bringing more than two decades of experience in veterinary medicine. She began her career in 2000 as a veterinary assistant in general practice in Missouri and went on to serve in roles including technician manager and laboratory manager. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Animal Science from the University of Missouri–Columbia and obtained her veterinary technician license in 2009 from Palo Alto College. In 2011 she stepped into practice leadership at the helm of the Broadway Emergency Pet Clinic location.
Throughout her career, Michelle has been recognized for her ability to develop teams, build operational excellence, and drive sustainable growth. She helped transform a 24-hour emergency hospital into a multi-specialty center, expanding annual revenue from $3 million to $13 million in just seven years.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys anime, traveling with her husband Ronnie, Peloton rides & yoga, and relaxing with an adult beverage on the weekends.
Sessions:
Time Management for Busy Veterinary Leaders
If you work in a veterinary hospital, you know that time management feels almost impossible most days. Between emergencies, callbacks, staff questions, and trying to get even one admin task done—it’s a lot. Today, we’re going to walk through realistic tools that work specifically in veterinary settings. My goal is to give you strategies that help you stay calm, stay organized, and stay in control of your day even when the hospital gets chaotic.
Understanding Financial Health in Veterinary Medicine: KPIs That Matter
Today we’re diving into something that often feels intimidating: understanding the financial health of your hospital. Whether you’re new to financial KPIs or have been tracking them for years, this session will give you clarity on what truly matters, what each KPI really means, and how to use them to make decisions that strengthen your team, your medicine, and your client experience.
Christina Gentry, DVM, DACVD
Dr. Christina Gentry is a member of the American College of Veterinary Dermatologists and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Texas A&M University. She graduated with her DVM in 2012 from Texas A&M and completed her dermatology residency at Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado in 2016. She spent 7 years in private dermatology practice in Denver, CO and Houston, TX prior to returning to Texas A&M in 2023. Her dermatology interests include: feline allergic skin disease, otitis, immune mediated skin disease and client education.
Sessions:
Ear and Skin Cytology: High Value Diagnostic Tests
This presentation focuses on the details of ear and skin cytology including: presence of yeast, bacteria, inflammatory cells, neoplastic cells, and atypical keratinocytes (skin cells). Next step diagnostics based on initial cytology will be discussed. General guidelines of treatment recommendations based on cytology results will be provided.
Introduction to Dermatology: Terminology and Diagnostic Tests
This presentation introduces dermatology vocabulary with clinical images. Understanding terminology can improve diagnostic test selection. In the second half of the presentation, clinical lesion types will be matched with dermatology diagnostics and selected dermatology tests will be discussed in detail.
Amanda Hanna, DVM
Dr. Amanda Hanna is a veterinarian who began her career as a Registered Veterinary Technician after graduating from the Veterinary Technician Program at Seneca College in Ontario in 2001. She considers her tech foundation the reason she became the doctor she is today. Working as a tech taught her how to think on her feet, handle complex surgery days, communicate clearly, and keep patients safe even when the situation is far from ideal. She still sees herself as a tech at heart, just one who now also gets trusted with the scalpel.
After tech school, Dr. Hanna completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston and earned her DVM from Texas A and M University with the Class of 2015. Her clinical career has included high-end private practice, work at BARC which is one of the largest open-intake shelters in the United States, and time with Houston Pets Alive. These roles shaped her commitment to accessible, efficient, community-centered veterinary care.
Dr. Hanna is also the lead veterinarian for the Empty Shelter Project Houston, where the team has provided more than ten thousand free spay and neuter surgeries to Houston residents. These events run as large-scale MASH-style clinics and have reached volumes of more than 650 animals in a single day.
In 2021 she opened Houston Spay Neuter Clinic, a high-volume, high-quality practice that now performs more than eight thousand surgeries each year while providing essential low-cost care to the greater Houston area. She also leads mobile and MASH-style spay and neuter programs across Texas and internationally, and is known for bringing structure, humor, compassion, and extremely fast hands to even the most unpredictable field environments.
Sessions:
High-Quality, High-Volume Surgery: Breaking the Myths and Making It Safe
High-volume surgery has a reputation that ranges from “smooth efficiency” to “are you running a NASCAR pit crew back there?” This talk clears up the confusion. We will look at what high-quality, high-volume work actually looks like. Spoiler: it is not chaos, it is choreography. Attendees will learn how solid systems, predictable anesthesia protocols, and techs who anticipate everything make these days run safely and sanely. If you have ever wondered how some teams knock out surgeries like a well-oiled machine without losing their minds, this session explains it. No cutting corners. Just cutting myths.
MASH-Style Spay/Neuter: Planning, Executing, and Thriving in High-Impact Field Clinics
A MASH-style spay and neuter event is veterinary medicine mixed with summer camp mixed with controlled chaos. This session walks through how to run dozens or even hundreds of surgeries in a parking lot, barn, or random warehouse without sacrificing quality or sanity. We will cover everything from building a functional field hospital to managing volunteers who arrive with enthusiasm and absolutely no sense of where to stand. Expect practical tips, real stories, and a whole new appreciation for anyone who walks out of a MASH day with their instruments, their lunch, and their patience still intact.
Marina Harrison, BS, LVT
Marina Harrison has been with the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital since 2013, first working as a student technician and then moving to the small animal surgery department after graduating from Texas A&M University with a BS in Animal Science in 2014. She worked in orthopedic surgery before transitioning to the soft tissue surgery service where she is currently a veterinary technician III. She graduated from Dallas College with an AAS in Veterinary Technology in 2025 and is a licensed veterinary technician. She is a strong patient advocate with certifications in Fear Free and the Human-Animal Bond. She enjoys wound care, bandaging, assisting in minimally invasive surgery, and teaching veterinary students.
Sessions:
EARS, Rears, and Airways – Oh My! – Surgical Treatments for Chronic Ear Disease
Canine and feline ear disease can have you and your clients shaking your heads. When medical management fails, surgical options are available to provide relief for pets. In this lecture, the surgical treatments for otic diseases will be covered.
Ears, REARS, and Airways – Oh My! – Anorectal Disease in Dogs and Cats
What goes in must somehow come out! The anus and rectum are important structures, and when a beloved pet has an anorectal disease, it stinks! This lecture will cover the most common anorectal diseases affecting dogs and cats and how to recognize, treat, and maintain a healthy exit.
Ears, Rears, and AIRWAYS – Oh My! – Upper Airway Disease
Many dogs and cats have predispositions to upper airway conditions. Recognizing these conditions and the differences between them in your clinic is the first step to managing these patients. This lecture will discuss the most common upper airway diseases and how to identify and treat them to improve patient care and overall outcomes.
Michelle Hervey, BS, LVT
Mrs. Hervey has been in the veterinary field for 18 years and works in the Small Animal Internal Medicine & Interventional Radiology Departments at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She graduated from Blinn College in May of 2014 with an Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and continued her education by graduating from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in December of 2017. While continuing to expand her education in veterinary medicine daily, in her spare time she enjoys her family, friends, fur babies, riding horses and working cattle with her husband on their farm.
Sessions:
Endoscopic Gastric Foreign Bodies
In this lecture, attendees will learn about the use of rigid and flexible gastric endoscopes used for foreign body retrieval, retrieval devices, and methods of retrieval. Attendees will understand the vital role a technician plays in assisting the veterinarian performing the gastric foreign body procedure; while also keeping the patient safe in the process. Client communication regarding post procedure care will also be discussed.
Urinary Obstructions and Interventions
In this lecture, attendees will learn about different emergency urinary obstructions and specialty interventions performed for dogs and cats. Some interventions can be performed in a private practice setting and some will need to be performed at a specialty hospital with access to advanced imaging, endoscopy and a sometimes involving a surgical team. Attendees will lean about the technician’s vital role in assisting veterinarians performing advanced imaging, procedures, patient care and client communication.
Sherri Jerzyk, CCRA, CCMT
Sherri has been in veterinary medicine since 1984. She was part of the Texas vocational education program in high school. She has worked in primary care, specialty care, emergency, and critical care, and found a passion for rehabilitation back in 2006 and decided to train with the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Sherri graduated in 2006 and have been doing rehabilitation full time since then. She loves the mental challenge of rehabilitation and the relationship it builds with the clients.
Sherri has been a part of several rehab facilities. She started one in North Carolina, then moved to Arizona with her husband and children where she started 2 more. It was a surprise when A&M contacted her to be a part of their team. She is committed to improving the quality of life in patients. This not only includes postop patients, but patients of any age. Sherri especially love senior pets and how many options there are to improve their golden years
In addition to her patients, Sherri has always had a passion for coworkers and their wellbeing. In 2022, she decided to enroll in the UTCVM Veterinary Social Work Program, where she graduated in 2024. She gained a lot of valuable knowledge to support her coworkers and clients through this program and look forward to being a beacon of wellness in the veterinary community.
Sessions:
Improving Senior Pet Care In a Primary Clinic
Senior pet care tends to be reactive instead of proactive. This talk gives a rehab perspective on creating a proactive senior pet plan in any clinic. A pet’s senior years should be active and interactive withing their family.
Rehabby Things for the Primary Vet
This interactive lecture will go over rehab basics that can be added into a primary setting to improve patient care. This includes basic exercises as well as assistive devices. It will be interactive to answer questions you may have.
Lanette Jordan, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)
Lanette received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology in 2011 followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Medical Technology in 2014 at Mississippi State University. She then worked in the anesthesia department in the Animal Health Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University which allowed her to combine her love of both veterinary medicine and teaching. In 2019 she was accepted into the AVTAA as a VTS in Anesthesia and Analgesia.
Currently she works in the Small Animal Anesthesia Service in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Texas A & M University as the Training Coordinator for the Small Animal Anesthesia Department and is overseeing the development and training of new employees as well as providing opportunities for continuing education and training to current staff members.
Outside of anesthesia Lanette loves cooking and is constantly experimenting with new recipes which her sweet and appeasing husband taste tests. She also loves being outside and finds nothing better than being on a kayak on a slow-moving river just enjoying the feel of the sunshine and smell of the water. Most of the time though is just enjoys spending time with her family. They keep her on her toes, with her two children, two dogs, and three cats there is always something going on in the house.
Sessions:
Managing the Moment: Acute Pain Management Options in Dogs and Cats
Seeing the Signs: Assessment of Acute Pain in Dogs and Cats
Sunny Laird, VRM
Sunny is a seasoned veterinary professional with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, specialty medicine, teaching, integrative and emergency medicine, academia, and leadership.
Her background includes her most meaningful role as a senior technician in Internal Medicine at Texas A&M, as well as lead roles in Internal Medicine and Dermatology at BluePearl. Some of her most impactful work was serving as a cruelty investigator with the Houston SPCA and leading the surgery team as the head technician.
Sunny currently leads marketing and referral initiatives at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists, San Antonio. She is passionate about fostering strong partnerships with referral veterinarians and the community. She specializes in identifying opportunities for focused outreach, recognizing market trends, and developing tailored strategies to drive sustainable practice growth.
A recognized leader and educator, Sunny has earned numerous awards for teaching and service. She is committed to advancing patient care, elevating team health, and fostering professional growth through collaboration, innovation, and integrity, to ensure teams and patients truly Thrive..
Sessions:
Unleashing Opportunities: Marketing & Networking Tools to Elevate Your Impact
A focused look at how veterinary technicians can use effective marketing and networking tools confidently to build trust, increase visibility, and cultivate meaningful professional connections. Learn strategic approaches to shape everyday interactions into impactful marketing moments and how to identify opportunities to drive professional growth and lead to positive change.
Strategic Outreach: Marketing Beyond the Exam Room
Veterinary technicians play a powerful role far outside the four walls of the hospital. Attendees will learn practical strategies for communicating with influence, strengthening trust, identifying partnership opportunities, and becoming visible leaders who elevate the veterinary profession. This talk blends real-world examples, marketing-friendly tactics, and clinical relevance to help technicians expand their impact beyond the exam room.
Courtney Liermann, LVT, VTS (ECC)
Courtney began her veterinary career in 2002 as a veterinary assistant through a high school work-study program—an experience that sparked her passion for the field. She went on to enroll in Harcum College’s Veterinary Technology Program in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where she secured her first emergency position in 2005. After graduating in 2006, she obtained her CVT in Pennsylvania and continued to build her expertise in emergency medicine.
In 2008, Courtney relocated to Austin, Texas, expanding her clinical experience across both emergency and specialty practices. Her dedication to the discipline culminated in earning her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care in 2014.
Courtney has served in teaching roles for several AVMA-accredited programs, including Sanford-Brown College, Austin Community College, and Penn Foster College. She is an enthusiastic speaker who enjoys sharing the diverse and dynamic topics within emergency and critical care. She is a member of VECCS and AVECCTN, and serves on the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) as both an LVT and the Paraprofessional Committee Chair (2023–2025).
Courtney is currently the Veterinary Nursing Manager at VEG SoLa (South Lamar) in Austin, Texas.
Sessions:
Heat Stroke
This lecture provides an in-depth exploration of the pathophysiology and treatment of hyperthermia in veterinary patients, with a primary focus on the recognition and management of heatstroke. Attendees will learn to differentiate fever from hyperthermia, understand the mechanisms that drive thermal dysregulation, and identify key clinical signs that guide rapid intervention. To support a comprehensive understanding of heatstroke’s systemic impact, the session includes a concise review of shock physiology and its relevance to patient stabilization. By the end of the lecture, participants will be better equipped to assess, treat, and support hyperthermic patients using evidence-based, clinically practical strategies.
Little Improvements in Nursing Care to Make Your Life Easier
This practical lecture explores real-world strategies veterinary technicians can use to streamline workflow and elevate patient care. The session highlights time-saving shortcuts, organization methods, and communication techniques that reduce stress and improve outcomes. Topics include efficient venipuncture procedures, treatment hacks, optimizing treatment-prep setups, and leveraging delegation and teamwork for seamless care. Attendees will leave with actionable tips that boost efficiency without compromising safety, accuracy, or compassion in veterinary nursing practice.
Shock Types and Phases
“Shock” is a term frequently used in everyday conversation, but its clinical meaning is far more specific and critical to patient survival. In this lecture, we will break down the true definition of shock in a veterinary context and examine the clinical signs associated with its various stages—from early compensatory changes to decompensated and terminal presentations. We will also review the different types of shock and how each one creates a distinct clinical picture. By recognizing these key indicators, support staff can communicate concerns clearly and effectively, anticipate the veterinarian’s needs, and help ensure timely, life-saving interventions when every second counts.
Snake Envenomations
In this session, we will explore the pathophysiology of common snake envenomations in the United States, with a primary emphasis on Crotalid (Pit Viper) bites. We will review how canine and feline patients typically present following envenomation and discuss key priorities for initial stabilization. The lecture will cover available treatment modalities—including antivenom considerations—and highlight the essential nursing responsibilities involved in monitoring, supporting, and managing these patients throughout their recovery. Additionally, we will address common myths and misinformation surrounding first-aid responses to snakebites, ensuring attendees leave with clear, evidence-based guidance for both in-clinic care and client education.
Elizabeth McNeil, LVT, MSc
Elizabeth McNeil is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with a Master’s degree in Shelter Animal Medicine, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, and an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology. She also holds certifications as a Professional Animal Cruelty Investigator and an Advanced Animal Cruelty Investigator.
With more than two decades of experience in the veterinary field, Elizabeth currently serves as the Shelter Supervisor for the medical department at BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions in Houston, Texas. She is deeply committed to improving animal welfare through innovative shelter practices, staff development, and community engagement.
Based in Houston, Elizabeth has led impactful outreach initiatives to increase pet microchipping awareness and compliance, including projects that demonstrate a steady rise in microchipping rates among owned pets. Her efforts also focus on improving recovery rates for lost animals and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Driven by her passion for advancing shelter medicine and animal welfare, Elizabeth continues to inspire positive change within her community and throughout the broader field of veterinary care.
Sessions:
Feline Shelter Medicine: Unique Challenges and Solutions
This presentation addresses the distinct medical and behavioral needs of cats in shelter environments. We will cover best practices for managing upper respiratory infections, reducing stress, and improving feline welfare through thoughtful housing design. The session also highlights the role of community cat and TNR programs in population management. Attendees will gain actionable strategies tailored specifically to feline shelter care.
Vaccination Protocols in Shelter Settings
This session explores how to design practical, evidence-based vaccination programs that protect shelter populations from common infectious diseases. We will review core versus non-core vaccines, ideal timing protocols, and how maternal antibodies can influence vaccine efficacy. Attendees will also learn strategies for rapid vaccination response during disease outbreaks. The goal is to help shelters maximize protection while working within real-world resource constraints.
Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health in Shelters
This lecture focuses on the identification, prevention, and management of zoonotic diseases that can impact both shelter animals and the humans who care for them. Topics include rabies, ringworm, leptospirosis, and common internal parasites. We will discuss practical risk-reduction strategies, staff training approaches, and how to communicate effectively with the public about zoonotic concerns. Participants will leave with tools to strengthen shelter biosecurity and community trust.
Jackie Medina, LVT, VTS (Neurology)(Anesthesia & Analgesia)
Jackie is currently an LVT and dual veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in Neurology and Anesthesia and Analgesia. With a background in human medicine, she completed her veterinary technology degree in 2011 at the Palo Alto Veterinary Technology Program. After working in general practice for 5 years, she moved to MissionVet Specialty & Emergency in 2013. She obtained her VTS in Neurology in 2018 and has since been a lead technician in the neurology and neurosurgery service. She recently successfully earned her second VTS in Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2025. Jackie has a passion for education and training the future of veterinary technicians and recently accepted a position as an adjunct faculty member at her alma mater. She has a special interest in complex neurology cases and advanced anesthetic management. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband and two young daughters.
Sessions:
Untangling the Alphabet Soup: Understanding Meningitis in Veterinary Patients
Meningitis of unknown etiology (MUE) is a challenging neurologic condition seen most commonly in young to middle-aged dogs, especially small breeds. Thought to be immune-mediated, MUE causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord without a clearly identified cause. Clinical signs vary depending on the area of the central nervous system affected and may include seizures, circling, behavior changes, neck or back pain, ataxia (uncoordinated movement), and even paralysis.
This talk will provide veterinary technicians with a strong foundation in recognizing the clinical signs of MUE, understanding the diagnostic process—including MRI and CSF analysis—and supporting both acute and long-term patient care. We’ll also discuss the technician’s critical role in medication administration, monitoring for side effects of immunosuppressive therapy, and identifying signs of relapse. Since MUE is a chronic condition, ongoing care, client education, and quality-of-life assessment are essential components of successful case management. By the end of this session, technicians will be better equipped to contribute meaningfully to the diagnosis, treatment, and continued care of patients with MUE.
Intervertebral Disc Disease & Herniation: What You Need to Know
Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is a common and potentially debilitating condition in dogs, particularly in chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshunds and French Bulldogs. Veterinary technicians play a crucial role in the early recognition, diagnostic support, and ongoing care of patients with IVDH. This talk will provide a practical overview of the pathophysiology, clinical signs, and classification of disc herniations, with an emphasis on the technician’s role in triage, nursing care, pain management, and client communication. Attendees will learn how to assist with neurologic exams, monitor patients pre- and post-operatively. Through case examples and interactive discussion, this session aims to empower veterinary technicians with the knowledge and confidence to improve outcomes for canine patients with spinal cord injury.
Neurolocalization: Understanding What the Heck That All Means
Neurolocalization is the cornerstone of diagnosing neurological diseases in veterinary patients—but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. This talk is designed to demystify the process for veterinary technicians by breaking down how to identify and interpret key neurologic signs. Attendees will learn the basics of the neurologic exam, including how to assess mental status, gait, postural reactions, spinal reflexes, and cranial nerves. We’ll explore how to use these findings to “localize” the lesion within the nervous system—brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Real-life cases, visual aids, and step-by-step explanations will make the material accessible and applicable to daily practice. Whether helping with triage, diagnostics, or patient care, technicians will leave this session better equipped to support the veterinary team and advocate for neurologic patients.
Beyond the Brain: Recognition & Management of Seizure Patients
Seizures can be confusing and complex, but breaking them down into causes, types, and responses makes them manageable in clinical practice. This presentation will provide veterinary technicians with a solid foundation in recognizing, responding to, and managing seizures in both dogs and cats. We’ll cover common causes of seizures, from idiopathic epilepsy to metabolic and structural brain disorders, and how to distinguish seizures from other episodic events. Attendees will learn how to provide effective emergency care during active seizures, monitor postictal patients, and assist in long-term management strategies including medication administration and client education. Real-world case examples and clear, technician-focused guidance will ensure that participants leave with practical skills to confidently support patients experiencing seizures and contribute meaningfully to their care.
Jennifer Perkins, LVT
Jennifer attended the University of Maine graduating with a Bachelor of Science in zoology. After graduation Jennifer worked as a zookeeper at the Birmingham Zoo for a year before attending Medaille College in 2006, graduating with an associate’s degree in veterinary technology and received her licensure in the state of New York. In 2008 she began working at a general small animal practice until October 2012 when she accepted a position at Texas A&M veterinary teaching hospital in the zoological medicine service. After 7 years of working at the teaching hospital, Jennifer transitioned to working at a zoological facility. She currently lives with her two tortoises.
Sessions:
From Cockatiels to Eagles: Tailoring Anesthesia to Avian Species
Provide an outline for basic avian anesthesia protocols. This presentation will discuss the process from pre-anesthetic concerns to anesthesia monitoring, ultimately finishing with recovery. In addition to species specific considerations.
Eight Legs, Endless Learning: Exploring Arachnid Medicine
An exploration into the world of spiders and scorpions in a veterinary setting. An overview of basic husbandry, as well as anatomy, focusing on the differences from vertebrates. A general discussion on common diseases that could present in a clinical practice. Lastly, will touch on diagnostics that can be done.
Sarah Perry, LVT, VTS (ECC)
Sarah has worked in veterinary medicine since 2010, building a strong clinical foundation through a decade of experience in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery before specializing in emergency and critical care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology, and is credentialed in transfusion medicine nursing through the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies.
Sarah’s professional focus includes advanced ECC nursing, respiratory emergencies, and trauma response. She is actively involved in organized trauma and emergency training through VetATLS (Veterinary Advanced Trauma Life Support) and NAVEMS (North American Veterinary Emergency Medical Services), supporting improved trauma readiness and the continuum of care from prehospital response through ICU management.
She recently earned her VTS (Emergency and Critical Care) and is committed to elevating standards of care, improving clinical workflows, and supporting the education of veterinary professionals within high-acuity environments.
Sessions:
The Chamber of Rhythms: Decoding the ECG in Critical Patients
This lecture provides a practical, step-by-step approach to ECG interpretation in emergency and critical care settings, emphasizing rapid bedside rhythm recognition and distinguishing artifact from true arrhythmia during patient monitoring. Attendees will gain confidence in identifying high-risk patterns, understanding their clinical significance, and using ECG findings to guide timely nursing interventions and support patient stabilization.
The Prisoner of No Air: Managing Acute Respiratory Distress
This session reviews the recognition and stabilization of patients in respiratory crisis, with emphasis on identifying abnormal breathing patterns, assessing airway patency, and detecting early signs of fatigue or decompensation. We’ll focus on nursing-driven strategies such as positioning, minimizing stress, selecting and delivering oxygen therapy, monitoring respiratory effort and perfusion, and knowing when to escalate care or intervene to prevent respiratory failure.
The Goblet of Poison: A Practical Guide to Veterinary Toxicology
This lecture will review common toxic ingestions in dogs and cats—including household products, medications, rodenticides, and insect repellents—with a focus on nursing recognition and early intervention. We will discuss core toxic principles, triage and stabilization priorities, decontamination techniques, monitoring parameters, and nursing-driven treatments that support patient recovery when managing toxic exposures.
Rebecca Piotrowski, LVT, VTS (Surgery)
Rebecca Piotrowski LVT, VTS (Surgery) began her career in veterinary specialty surgery in 2012, shortly after graduating with honors from Brown Mackie College in Boise, ID. Since then, she has played active roles in clinical trials for arthroplasty implants for Arthrex and Biomedtrix. In 2020 Rebecca achieved the designation of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in surgery in 2020 and presently serves the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST) as President, and a credentialing committee chair. She believes skill development and continued education is a key component to the advancement of the veterinary technicians’ vital role in the surgical setting. Rebecca supports this mission by instructing and lecturing at local and national conferences. Having knowledgeable surgical technicians reduces anesthetic time and patient morbidity, therefore contributing to a successful patient outcome.
Sessions:
Disinfection for Patient Protection
This lecture explores the principles of disinfection in the surgical and clinical environment, emphasizing how different microorganisms respond to various disinfectants. Participants will learn to distinguish between cleaning, disinfecting, and decontaminating, select appropriate chemical agents, and understand how factors such as organic debris, hard water, and application method influence disinfectant efficacy.
Fracture FUNdamentals
This session introduces the foundational concepts of fracture management, including long bone anatomy, fracture classification, and fracture biology. Attendees will also review the role of sensitization and multimodal analgesia, as well as the differences between primary and secondary bone healing and how these processes influence treatment decisions.
Teachin’ on a TPLO
This session provides an overview of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), focusing on the underlying pathology of cranial cruciate ligament disease and how the procedure restores stifle stability. Attendees will review normal versus abnormal stifle anatomy, patient risk factors, and proper radiographic positioning, as well as become familiar with the implants and equipment used during a TPLO procedure.
That’s a Wrap: Advanced Wound Care
This lecture focuses on advanced wound assessment and management, highlighting species-specific differences in healing and the mechanical forces that influence tissue viability. Participants will learn appropriate wound lavage techniques, bandage selection, and advanced bandaging options, as well as how to identify devitalized tissue and determine the most appropriate method of wound closure.
Jerri Rubio, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)
Jerri Rubio received her Associates in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from the Vet Tech Institute of Houston in 2013. She then worked at the Texas A&M University in the Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where she started operating room for ~2 years and then moved to the anesthesia department for 9 years. In 2023, she became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia & Analgesia. She recently relocated to San Antonio, Texas where she dipped her toes in the waters of Emergency Medicine before returning to her passion anesthesia and surgery at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists.
Her veterinary passions include community outreach via low cost or free spay/neuter events and providing well balanced analgesia to patients via local blocks. In her down time she likes to pet/nap with her cat Van Helsing and play fetch with her Pug Frankenstein. Some of her favorite things in life are K-pop music and Mexican snack shops.
Sessions:
“Dancing With Our (Beans) Tied”: Anesthetic Considerations for the Renal Compromised Patient
Renal disease affects many of our small animal patients and can significantly influence anesthetic planning and perioperative management. This presentation will review the anticipated complications associated with anesthesia in patients with renal dysfunction. Topics will include interpretation of bloodwork, urinalysis, and blood pressure assessments, as well as strategies for selecting safe and appropriate anesthetic protocols.
“Get It Off Your Chest, Get It Off My Desk (Table)”: Anesthetic Considerations for Thoracic Procedures
This presentation will review key thoracic anatomy in small animal patients and explore how thoracic pathology influences anesthetic management. We will discuss the effects of trauma, pleural disease, and pulmonary disease on respiratory and cardiovascular function, highlighting the challenges these conditions present during anesthesia.
Anesthetic management strategies for patients with thoracic disease will be covered in detail, including stabilization prior to anesthesia, ventilation considerations, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative care.
Workshops
Reading Between the Lines: Practical ECG Interpretation for Veterinary Technicians
Electrocardiography (ECG) is an essential diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, yet many veterinary technicians receive limited formal training in interpreting ECG tracings. This workshop provides a practical, hands-on approach designed to equip veterinary technicians with the skills and confidence needed to recognize normal and abnormal ECG patterns in small animal patients. Through guided practice participants will learn how electrical activity translates to an ECG waveform, identify normal sinus rhythm and label the ECG components, recognize common arrhythmias, troubleshoot ECG artifacts, apply ECG interpretation directly to clinical scenarios, and communicate findings using standard terminology.
Instructors: Lanette Jordan
Max. # of Attendees: 16
Stitch It Up Buttercup: A Technician’s Guide for Basic Procedural Suturing
Do snitches really get stitches? Participate in this lab and find out! We will discuss different suture materials, knots, and techniques and scenarios in which each type of knot is applied. The hands-on portion of the this lab will allow you to put your knowledge into practice with suture models. This lab will help elevate your technical skills and enable you to keep your team less tied up!
Instructors: Marina Harrison
Max. # of Attendees: 16
Decisions… Decisions… A Small Animal Anesthesia Workshop
This workshop will feature a series of case presentations, each highlighting a different anesthetic complication. For every case, we will review the diagnosis, management strategies, and patient outcomes. Attendees will be encouraged to actively participate by offering feedback, suggesting alternative approaches, and sharing their own clinical experiences with anesthesia-related events.
The goal of this workshop is to foster collaborative learning, strengthen clinical decision-making, and expand participants’ understanding of how to effectively recognize and manage complications in anesthesia practice.
Instructors: Jerri Rubio
Max. # of Attendees: 16
