At the 2018 VMX Conference, three outstanding veterinary nurse leaders received the inaugural Dr. Earl Rippie Veterinary Technician Leadership Scholarship. Dr. Earl Rippie was a strong advocate for veterinary nurses and shared his enthusiasm with colleagues around the world. These veterinary nurses are leaders within our profession and were chosen for their contributions. I wanted to recognize these individuals in a very notable way.
Our Three Winners
Alison Weller, ACT, RVT, RMLAT, ZAT, VTS (LAM)
Ms. Weller is the Vivarium Supervisor at the University of Toronto-Mississauga Campus, dedicated to continuing education and helping those around her to develop their skills and training in laboratory animal medicine. She has received numerous awards and is highly involved with the Ontario Association Veterinary Technicians Association, volunteers on several executive boards, and does volunteer work for the Toronto Zoo in the elephant and polar bear research. She is author of over 20 articles and a speaker at numerous conferences.
Diane Becker, RVT, VTS (ECC)
Ms. Becker is lead veterinary technician at Harbor Point Animal Hospital in Mooresville, NC. Along with having her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care, she is Fear Free Certified. In her previous role, Diane managed over 35 staff members, continually sharing and leading staff through training and education. A veterinary colleague opened a new hospital in a new city, and Diane co-coordinated the practice’s application and subsequent certification from AAHA. Diane is described as a coach and a mentor. She is Veritas CPR certified and volunteers for the American Red Cross Pet First Aid.
Kyle Wendy Skultety, LVT, CVT
Ms. Skultety is hospital manager for VCA Bayview, Toms River, NJ, where she oversees the general and financial operations of the practice. What drives Kyle is her never ending personal challenge for continuous learning and, in turn, to teach to others. She volunteers with several professional organizations and has served as the communications secretary, the vice president and the education committee chair for the NJ Veterinary Technician Association. Kyle has authored numerous articles and lectured on communication.
Congratulations!
To learn more about the scholarship award program, visit NAVC.com/conference/veterinary-technician-scholarship.
Lynne Johnson-Harris, RVT
Editor in Chief
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Write me at ljohnson@navc.com.