2021 Annual Meeting & Conference

Career Conversations

Ever wish you could talk through career issues with a trusted colleague? At the 2021 Annual Conference, you can! VHMA will match you with a conversation coach, and each participant will be allotted up to 45 minutes per session. These confidential conversations will allow you to ask questions, request feedback, and can yield valuable insights that will equip you to be more proactive as you grow your career.

Conversation coach bios are listed below. If you are ready for a talk that can enhance, adjust or transform your career path, please select this option on the registration form. You will need to complete a brief survey to help VHMA better understand the topics you are interested in addressing (due by August 1). - SURVEY NOW CLOSED - No longer taking registrations for this event.  This information will be used to match you with a compatible coach. All information will remain CONFIDENTIAL.

There are a limited number of conversation times and registration is on a first come first serve basis. Conversation appointments are available during the meal breaks (breakfast and lunch) on Thursday and Friday.


Dee Allen, RVT, CVPM

Dee Allen, RVT, CVPM

Milestones

  • Almost 30 years experience in the Veterinary field
  • RVT since 2009
  • CVPM since 2012
  • Symposium speaker for Customer Service and Veterinary Management tracks

Super Powers

  • Empowering and encouraging others to reach their full potential
  • Positively Optimistic - almost to a fault!

Career Coaches




Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP

Milestones

  • CVPM since 2011
  • Owner of Fur Paws Consulting
  • National speaker, author, and teacher 

Superpowers:

  • Teaching, training and coaching
  • All things Human Resources
  • Outdoor enthusiast

Julie Nash, CVPM, PHR, SHRM-CP

Julie Nash, CVPM, PHR, SHRM-CP

Milestones

  • Over 25 years of experience in the veterinary profession
  • Founder of Practice Moxie, a veterinary consulting firm focused on employee and organizational development
  • Author of the first veterinary-specific train-the-trainer programs
  • Partner/Chief Talent Development Officer at AscendVets, group of veterinary practices
  • National speaker and training facilitator

Superpowers:

  • Leadership development, conflict resolution, and coaching
  • Connecting and helping others find their Moxie
  • Training that transfers into business results and empowerment
  • Invents solutions with the big picture and the people in mind

Jessica DeCesare, CVPM

Jessica DeCesare

Milestones

  • 20+ years experience in the veterinary industry
  • Opened a community owned emergency clinic by partnering with 23 local veterinarians that has been in operation for over 10 years.
  • Transitioned a 7-DVM GP to a 11-DVM 24-Hour GP/Emergency Veterinary Hospital.
  • Vice President of Operations for VetEvolve - overseeing operations for VetEvolve owned clinics.
  • Speaker at many Practice Manager Meetings and Retreats throughout the U.S.

Superpowers

  • Developed support staff high performers into high functioning Practice Managers.
  • Team Training
  • Team Member Accountability - Fierce Conversation Coaching for supervisors and managers
  • Powerful Positive Manager/Mentor

Shelley Johnson, CVPM

Shelley Johnson

Milestones

  • A pioneer in the area of tele-management and multi-practice management
  • Founder of a veterinary consulting, speaking and writing business
  • An enthusiastic and committed contributor to the veterinary profession through industry work and participation in professional associations

Superpowers

  • Communication and networking specialist
  • CEO – Chief Encouragement Officer
  • Glass ¾ - full attitude
Attendees will be required to review and sign our COVID-19 Notice and Release either in advance of the event or on site upon registration/check-in.  Attendees will be required to review and acknowledge our health screen on site.