FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Morrison, 215-884-6499 cassie@comsolutionsgroup.com
ALACHUA, FL– Bianca Alfonso helped transform Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center from a six-person startup into a thriving multi-hospital organization. She fostered a culture of mentorship, cross-training, and professional development that has propelled employees from entry-level positions into leadership roles. In recognition of her leadership and impact, the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) has named Alfonso its 2026 Practice Manager of the Year (PMOY).
"Bianca Alfonso exemplifies the transformative leadership this award was designed to
recognize," said Christine Q. Shupe, CAE, VHMA Executive Director. "Her commitment to mentorship, professional development, and building a culture where team members can thrive has helped fuel remarkable organizational growth while strengthening patient care and team engagement."
As this year's award recipient, Alfonso receives complimentary registration to the VHMA 2026 Annual Meeting and Conference, which will take place September 10–12 in Reno, Nevada, along with $1,250 for travel, lodging, and meals. The award package also includes VHMA/ACT Client Service Certificate Program registration, generously sponsored by VHMA Platinum Sponsor, CareCredit.
From the Front Desk to Practice Manager
Alfonso moved from Miami to Los Angeles in 2015 after she accepted a job opportunity in California, and at the time, she was rethinking her career path. While studying nursing at Miami Dade College, she realized the profession was not the right fit for her. Still passionate about medicine and helping others, she turned toward veterinary care and joined the newly opened Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center as a client service representative. With no prior veterinary experience, she quickly immersed herself in learning every aspect of the business.
Over the next 11 years, Alfonso rose through the ranks to administrative director while helping guide Green Dog’s expansion from a small startup practice in Sherman Oaks to a multi-location organization with hospitals in Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, Venice, and Van Nuys.
As client demand grew, so did the practice’s services. What began as a dental-focused hospital expanded to include general practice, urgent care, advanced dentistry, oral and
maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, cardiology, internal medicine, advanced imaging, and exotic animal care, ultimately becoming a full-service outpatient specialty referral hospital.
"We've always embraced a staff-first philosophy. Green Dog has been a true testament to what can be achieved when team members feel valued, supported, and empowered," said Alfonso.
Leading Through Mentorship and Service
As Green Dog expanded its footprint and services, Alfonso helped develop the systems and processes needed to support sustainable growth while maintaining the organization's culture.
Through regular staff meetings, employee feedback initiatives, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic hiring practices, she helped ensure team members remained engaged and invested in the organization's success. Her leadership also helped foster a highly collaborative environment where employees are cross-trained across departments and encouraged to support one another regardless of their role.
"We've always believed that our teams need to be successful in order for the hospital to be successful," Alfonso said. "When people feel supported and have opportunities to
grow, they become more confident in themselves and more invested in the success of the hospital."
"What has always stood out about Bianca is her ability to make people
feel heard, valued, and respected. She leads with professionalism, empathy, and integrity, and those qualities have not only made her an exceptional leader but have also helped shape the culture that has fueled Green Dog's growth," added Gladys Juliette, Chief Communications Officer of Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center.
Building a Culture of Growth, Community, and Professional Development
One of Alfonso’s proudest accomplishments has been helping team members discover and pursue career paths they may not have otherwise considered. Rather than relying solely on outside recruitment for leadership positions, she has focused on identifying
potential within existing employees and providing the mentorship, education, and support needed to help them advance. Two client service representatives she personally mentored have since risen through the ranks to become a practice manager and assistant manager, while numerous other employees have advanced into leadership roles throughout the organization.
“What sets Bianca apart is not a title or a single achievement. It is the consistency with which she shows up for people,” said Dr. Ren Garcia, BVSc, DVM, founder and chief of staff of Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center. “She leads with humility, steadiness and genuine care, and she believes in others long before they believe in themselves. Young professionals grow into their confidence. Individuals who once doubted whether they belonged in veterinary medicine discover not only that they do, but that they can lead.”
That commitment to growth extends beyond Green Dog’s own walls. The organization maintains a partnership with Western University of Health Sciences, providing veterinary students with clinical learning opportunities through rotations, lectures, and hands-on training experiences across its hospitals.
The VHMA Advantage
Having entered the veterinary field without a formal background, Alfonso built her career through continuing education, industry conferences, mentorship, and professional networking. Through VHMA, she gained access to resources and connections that strengthened her expertise in practice management while expanding her understanding of the profession and the role of leadership within it.
“The education, support, and professional connections I’ve found through VHMA have been invaluable throughout my career,” Alfonso said. “To be recognized in this way is incredibly humbling, and it reflects not just my journey, but the team and culture we’ve built together.”
About the PMOY Award
The VHMA PMOY award recognizes a practice manager who has used their knowledge, experience, and expertise to transform their practice and improve business operations. Their efforts have resulted in a better workplace for staff, improved care for pets, and a better return for ownership.
Practice owners and colleagues are encouraged to nominate a veterinary management professional whom they feel has transformed their practice for the better. Nominators are asked to detail why they think the nominee is qualified for the award and how they changed their practice.
The award nomination requires an essay of up to 750 words detailing why the management professional should be selected for the award and how the nominee has transformed their veterinary practice. Transformation can be related to a financial, staff
and team, practice organization, cultural, marketing, or other operational impact. The essay can be submitted by either a nominator or a nominee (self-nomination).
About the VHMA
The VHMA, a nationally recognized thought leader, provides training, education, and resources to over 5,000 members. Its certification programs support veterinary practice management professionals by developing competence and encouraging standards. VHMA serves as a trusted resource for industry insights and advocacy, helping to shape the future of the veterinary profession. For more information, visit www.vhma.org.