2024 Board of Directors Nominees

Below are the nominee profiles for each of the candidates for the OAVT Board of Directors. In 2024, there are five (5) positions open on the Board. Please review the candidates below; candidates are listed alphabetically by last name. Each nominee was given four questions to answer and was provided the optional opportunity to record a video to explain in one minute or less why they wanted to be on the OAVT Board of Directors. If a nominee recorded a video, it is included in their profile. All candidate answers are posted exactly as they were received, no edits (for grammar, clarity or spelling) were made to the responses.

1. Give us an idea of why you are seeking to be a Director for the OAVT

Having spent 2023 as a board member, filling a vacant seat, I have begun to learn the processes that go on behind the scenes that make the OAVT run. The opportunity to be a part of the upcoming changes to the Veterinarian’s Act, and help to push the role of an RVT forward is exciting.

2. Tell the members about your background and qualifications for this position (biography, resume, and/or listing of qualifications)

Graduated Seneca College 2004

10 years in General Practice

9 years in Emergency + Referral

Currently- Technical Resource Manager – 50 team members.

Also taking Leadership Development courses.

3. Tell us about your expertise and how you plan to meet the objectives and goals of the OAVT

Hosting VT students at my hospital helps me to see how the field is evolving, and having the opportunity to help develop college programs and also the reviewing of the requirements to become an RVT is something that I am interested in and am happy to be a part of.

4. What is your vision for the future of the profession? How do you feel the OAVT can positively influence this vision?

I would like to see RVT’s and VT’s be proud of their careers, and want to be more involved. I also would like to see the continued development of Veterinary Assistant programs and recognition of that role.

The OAVT plays a part by reaching out and providing a platform for everyone to participate.

 1. Give us an idea of why you are seeking to be a Director for the OAVT

I truly believe in the OAVT Mission Statement – To improve the lives of animals by inspiring a diverse community of Registered Veterinary Technicians to positively impact human, animal, and environmental health.

RVTs are a passionate, compassionate, skilled and diverse set of individuals who possess a wide variety of talents. Over my career I have been lucky enough to work with many amazing people, RVTs, and I want to be an advocate for all of them and this profession. I believe being a part of the organization at a director level will allow me to take my experiences and bring all of those amazing people to the table, in a sense.

It will allow me to be a part of protecting and advancing this profession while advocating for positive change where needed.

2. Tell the members about your background and qualifications for this position (biography, resume, and/or listing of qualifications)

I graduated from Seneca College in 2006 and obtained RVT designation in early 2007. I worked in private practice in Midhurst, ON for 7 years before getting ‘that itch’ and moving to ER/Specialty. A brief stint there led me back to my passion for general practice and I began working at a small clinic in Orillia. The team quickly grew into what we still affectionately dub ‘the dream team’ and for five years we worked alongside each other and built a friendly and thriving practice.

At about the 5 year mark, an incredible opportunity presented itself and I moved from my lead tech/management position into industry (nutrition). I never saw myself there and after 13 years in private practice, it was a daunting move! I quickly found my groove and took comfort in all the connections I had made over the years in this small field. I started in sales, moved into operations and today I am a proud member of our Scientific Communications Team as one of the first RVTs to join.

I am currently a member of the Program Advisory Commitee for Seneca College and have done some various volunteer work with the OAVT over the years.

I love in Moonstone with my husband and the requisite number of pets for any RVT (which is way more than ‘normal’ people!)

3. Tell us about your expertise and how you plan to meet the objectives and goals of the OAVT

Objectives of the OAVT
-To promote, maintain and regulate the professional standards of veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists;
-To promote and further the education of veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists;
-To sponsor, encourage and promote liaison with other individuals, associations and groups engaged in similar or related fields of activity; and
-To promote the interests of the Association.

I plan to use my strong connections and great relationships to be an advocate for both new and ‘veteran’ RVTs. My diverse background will offer various strengths and viewpoints to provide perspective on a variety of topics and ideas.

I will bring my drive and passion for the industry to the table and promote, encourage and advocate for veterinary technicians and the Association alike.

4. What is your vision for the future of the profession? How do you feel the OAVT can positively influence this vision?

My vision for the future is one of positive growth and change for an evolving landscape. Veterinary Technicians are vital to a practice in many ways, and that has become more apparent over the years and especially in the past 4-5. It is time we as a profession keep up with the need for change and elevate VTs to the space we know they already are.

The OAVT can support this vision with their forward-thinking views and efforts in the Legislative Reform space. We are capable and highly skilled and should be able to use those skills to their fullest extent as part of a highly functioning practice using team medicine, elevating the client and patient experience and providing job satisfaction in an industry where it truly matters.

1. Give us an idea of why you are seeking to be a Director for the OAVT

I am seeking to be a Director for the OAVT because I feel it is time for the RVT profession to be celebrated and expanded into many different areas of our communities. I feel RVT’s have a great capacity for care in several different areas in our communities and are experts in the field of Animal Care. With today’s difficulties with access to care, celebrating the current and advocating for more compassionate people to join our community will bring our province to the forefront of the Animal Welfare sector and a champion in the Human-Animal Bond.

2. Tell the members about your background and qualifications for this position (biography, resume, and/or listing of qualifications)

Private single Veterinary Technician Practice: 13 Years.

-Honed my communication skills, technical skills and really started to understand the importance of the Human Animal Bond.

High Volume Spay/Neuter Services: 1.5 years

-Performed up to 30 S/N surgeries per day.

-Came to recognize the importance of highly skilled technicians and just how many animals there need this life saving procedure.

-Participated in 4 mobile S/N and wellness events (including Northern Ontario)

Animal Sheltering: 8 years

-Experienced 2 different Animal Shelters

-Became Manager of my own location. Then moved on to a Provincial Leadership role overseeing 5 Centres,

-Expanded my management skills and identified key areas to improve.

-Advocated for a local S/N clinic to be established in Sudbury. It is now on its way to being established.

-Learned about the importance of animal and people bonds and what they can look like in the community

-Really understanding the importance of animal shelters and the role they play in the communities.

-Working collaboratively with several different people and organizations/businesses to achieve a common goal.

Qualifications

-Passionate about Animals and People living fulling lives together.
-Passionate about RVT’s having more career pathways and being recognized for what they are capable of.
-Passionate about Accessible vet care for everyone.
-Dependable
-Organized
-The ability to collaborate and empathize with people from many different walks of life.
-Professional
-Able to communicate in many different forms.
-Proficient in Microsoft Applications

3. Tell us about your expertise and how you plan to meet the objectives and goals of the OAVT

With my exposure to many different areas of the province, as well as being a Northern Ontario resident, I feel my experiences can help me offer a different perspective to the Board. With my diverse animal care background, understanding of the Human Animal Bond and comprehension of the impact animal health and wellness has on our communities, I feel I can help The OAVT reach their goals of increasing membership, education, and advocacy, by being a voice for areas not currently represented on the board and by creative thinking and collaboration strategies to help achieve our goals.

4. What is your vision for the future of the profession? How do you feel the OAVT can positively influence this vision?

My Vision for the future of the profession is to have a widely acknowledged career path with diverse avenues for growth. I would like to see RVT’s have more autonomy in their chosen career pathways and have appropriate compensation for the roles they are filling. Seeing RVT’s in leadership roles across the Animals Welfare Sector will undoubtedly see advances in Animal Care and Philosophies.

The OAVT plays an integral role in this vision by advocating and working with the different sectors that influence animal care and welfare. From the individuals in our communities, the private practices, Animal Shelters, even right up to the different levels of provincial government and governing bodies of Veterinary profession. In essence they recognize the major players in the industry and bring them together with a common goal. I believe the OAVT has a very important seat at that table and would be proud to be a part of it.

1. Give us an idea of why you are seeking to be a Director for the OAVT

I have been a proud RVT for over 12 years and I have worked in a variety of practices from specialty, research, large animal, emergency and general practice. I am passionate about veterinary medicine, and I want to be part of the future of the OAVT. I have volunteered with the OAVT conference for the past few years, and I have seen firsthand the amazing work of the board of directors. With my skills and knowledge, I feel like I would be a strong asset to the board of directors and I would like to be part of making the future of veterinary medicine a positive place.

2. Tell the members about your background and qualifications for this position (biography, resume, and/or listing of qualifications)

Graduate St. Lawrence College Veterinary Technologist Program with Honors- 2011

Became an RVT in 2012

Worked at The Ontario Veterinary College (Clinical Studies, Large Animal, Surgery, Radiology, Oncology) 2011- 2022

Worked at The Toronto Equine Clinic- 2013-2014

Volunteered with the Grey Bruce Aboriginal Quimmiq Team 2014-2017

Completed the AO principals of fractures course- 2019

Worked at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Waterloo- 2022- Present

Volunteered at the OAVT Conference 2019, 2020, 2023

3. Tell us about your expertise and how you plan to meet the objectives and goals of the OAVT

Working mainly in specialty and emergency veterinary medicine, I have learned to utilize and strengthen my skills as an RVT. By knowing my skills and what I am capable of, I have been more confident in promoting myself and negotiating for better wages. I would like to promote more opportunities for RVTs to build their own skills and for RVTs to be more utilized in their workplaces. I would love to encourage workplaces to invest in their RVTs including providing more funds and time for continuing education. RVTs are the future of the veterinary industry and I want to work with the OAVT to make it a strong, positive and sustainable future for all RVTs.

4. What is your vision for the future of the profession? How do you feel the OAVT can positively influence this vision?

My Vision for the future of the RVT profession is for the career to be more sustainable. RVTs are strong, passionate people who love animals and care deeply for their health and wellness. Unfortunately, this type of career takes a strong toll on mental health. I want to work with the OAVT board of directors to create more mental health resources in clinics. This would include promoting safe workspaces, work life balance and livable wages.

1. Give us an idea of why you are seeking to be a Director for the OAVT

I would like to be a board member with the OAVT because I believe in the mission and the future that the OAVT wants for RVT’s across Ontario.  I believe in getting involved to see change and improvement where our patients and clients can benefit and not just wait for the change to come.  Although modernization in Veterinary medicine has not come over night, there is still so many ways we can improve our industry and I want to be a part of the change we will see in our industry.

Being a director would allow me to build on my leadership skills and allow me to use my organization and communication skills.

2. Tell the members about your background and qualifications for this position (biography, resume, and/or listing of qualifications)

My name is Daniel Rojas, and I have been a member of the OAVT since September 2022.  After being awarded a scholarship through my employer to attend the Veterinary Technician program through distance learning I graduated and gained RVT status through the OAVT and began my journey as a Surgery technician in a busy emergency and referral centre in Southern Ontario. Other qualifications separate from RVT would be BLS and ALS certification through RECOVER, and fear free practitioner.  After becoming an RVT I also trained and certified in becoming a rabies response RVT with the RRP.
Other moments in my history that have set me up to become a board member was my volunteer experience through Pride Toronto.  I volunteered from 2011 through 2014 and held a supervisor role, attending regular meetings through the year to go over strategic planning and during festival season actively participated in public safety.

3. Tell us about your expertise and how you plan to meet the objectives and goals of the OAVT

Over my years of experience, the best quality in a team member is their loyalty and commitment to the cause. I show my commitment regularly at work and in my personal life.  I show my flexibility in adapting and addressing hemodynamic changes in hospital, in the same way the OAVT is adapting and modernizing the legislation of Veterinary medicine in Ontario. I plan on meeting objectives with my organizational and triage skills.  Personal traits I possess that would make me a successful board member are integrity, transparency, I’m eager to participate, and I am very effective at conflict resolution.

4. What is your vision for the future of the profession? How do you feel the OAVT can positively influence this vision?

As the conversation and process of changing legislation continues to move in the direction of a more modernized regulation of Veterinary Medicine in Ontario, I see RVT’s and DVM’s collaborating under the same licensing umbrella. Empowering RVT’s with title protection, scope of practice, and more. In doing so this allows the OAVT to serve in full capacity as increasing awareness of RVT’s, promoting the profession, and increasing an association made by RVT’s and supporting RVT’s. The Veterinary profession in Ontario has seen a spike in demand from pet owners seeking care and we are not yet meeting the demands that this increase has created. An association with the sole direction of promoting the profession, and working to increase awareness that we are more than just puppy and kitten cuddlers, but also healthcare professionals in our field.

1. Give us an idea of why you are seeking to be a Director for the OAVT

I am excited about the opportunity to join the board of directors for the OAVT. My commitment to advancing our field is fueled by years of expereince as an RVT. I believe in the power of collaboration to elevate the standards and foster a sense of comminuty among veterinary professionals. By actively contributing to our baord, I can share my expertise and experince with the board to help move the profession forward. The OAVT has grown exponentially in the last 25 years and I am certainly one who wants to be a part of the history that we as a group are making.

2. Tell the members about your background and qualifications for this position (biography, resume, and/or listing of qualifications)

Please see attached resume.

3. Tell us about your expertise and how you plan to meet the objectives and goals of the OAVT

With 25 years of experience as a Registered Veterinary Techinician (RVT), my journey spans diverse settings, including small animal, exotic and mixed practices. More recently I have been a part of the Ontario Veterinary College, where I have honed my skills in various facets of veterinary care. My extensive background equips me to bring a nuanced perspective to the board of the OAVT. Drawing from my roles in different environments, I plan to leverage this breadth of experience to address the unique challanges and opportunities faced by veterinary technicians across Ontario. My time on the Environmental Health and Safety Commitee underscores my commitment to fostering a secure and compliant working environment. I plan to apply this dedication to safety and compliance to enhance toe OAVT’s objectives, ensuring that Veterinary Technicians province wide can work in environments that prioritize their well being. In summary, my 25 years as an RVT, coupled with my diverse practice experiences and commitment to safety, uniquely position me to contribute effectively to the goals and objectives of the OAVT. I am eager to leverage this expertise to further advance the profession and enhance the experiences of Veterinary Technicians in Ontario.

4. What is your vision for the future of the profession? How do you feel the OAVT can positively influence this vision?

I envision a future where Registered Veterinary Techinicians (RVT’s) play a role akin to nurse practiioners in human medicine. Building on our expertise, RVT’s would take on expanded responsibilities, contributing significantly to animal healthcare. This evolution would involve more active engagement in patient care, diagnotics and treatment plans with the Veterinarians to optimize the delivery of veterinary services. With advanced training and specialized knowledge, RVT’s would become key contributers to comprehensive animal care, enhancing efficiency and accessibility within veterinary practices. Ultimately, my vision is for RVT’s to be recognized and utilized to their full potential and beyond. This tranformation not only elevates the status of RVT’s within the profession but also enhances the overall quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals and their owners. The OAVT can play a pivotal role in influencing the vision by proviiding advocacy and edication, Collaborating with Veterinary schools, providing research and innovation support, using the moderization of the Veterinarians act to propel this vision into reality.