2019 Annual Meeting & Conference

Judith Asséo, CVPM

Judith Asséo, CVPM, originally from Boston, Massachusetts has been a part of the veterinary community since 1998. A graduate of Cornell University and a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, she has worked in the veterinary field for over two decades in leadership roles in the veterinary non-profit and private sector. Her experience extends from working with small general practices to large specialty and emergency practices.

Judy is also a performer and teacher with San Francisco’s Secret Improv Society. She has been performing improv for 25 years and has been part of this award-winning troupe for the last 10 years. She loves taking improv to the veterinary hospital by providing play-based communication training and team building for veterinary hospitals and other organizations.

Judy’s public speaking, training and performance experience includes providing her original interactive “De-Escalation Training for Veterinary Hospital Teams” at various regional conferences in the United States. She has also performed in comedy sports in Australia, improvised at various comedy festivals throughout the United States and has endeared herself as a teacher/trainer to various groups of individuals terrified of “team-building fun.” Judy knows the importance of laughter, lightness and humor in the often-times stressful veterinary hospital. With her conference program, she hopes to inspire some shared cathartic guffawing for her fellow veterinary community members.

Camala (Cammi) Bailey, CPA, CVA

Camala (Cammi) Bailey, CPA, CVA is founder and president of Camala C. Bailey, CPA, PC a Certified Public Accounting and Financial Services firm in Tempe, Arizona. After graduating from the University of Idaho with a BS in Accounting she spent several years with a national accounting firm, followed by 15 years as tax partner in a local CPA firm. In 1998 Cammi formed her own firm focusing on veterinary specific services. Her firm serves veterinary clients exclusively, throughout the United States and is known nationally for its expertise in veterinary accounting, tax planning and preparation, practice valuations, due diligence work, profit improvement consulting, and other practice management and advisory services.

With more than 30 years’ experience as an entrepreneur, behavioral expert and financial mentor, Cammi’s mission (and passion) is to help veterinarians and practice managers attain financial fitness, be personally productive, achieve success and prosper in their business, job and life. Cammi is a Certified Public Accountant, holds a Certified Valuation Analyst designation from the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts and holds four DISC certifications.

Bridgette Bain, Ph.D.

Bridgette Bain currently holds the position of Associate Director of Analytics at the American Veterinary Medical Association. She earned her Ph.D. in Financial Economics from the University of New Orleans and a Masters in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Bain maintains the statistical reliability of surveys and ensures the consistency of various data sets to be used in analysis. She contributes to the interpretation of data for publications and assists in the development of both survey instruments and economic modeling.

Karen Felsted, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM, CVA

Dr. Felsted is a CPA as well as a veterinarian and has spent the last 20 years working as a financial and operational consultant to veterinary practices and the animal health industry. She also spent three years with the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues as CEO.

She is active in multiple veterinary organizations, has written an extensive number of articles for a wide range of veterinary publications and speaks regularly at national and international veterinary meetings. In 2011 and 2017, she was awarded the Western Veterinary Conference Practice Management Continuing Educator of the Year and in 2014, the VetPartners Distinguished Life Member Award.

Bret Canfield

Bret Canfield is a Global Process Efficiency Advisor and Regional Business Consultant for Elanco Animal Health. In this capacity, he is responsible for providing Elanco customers with unbiased customer specific recommendations and solutions. He has been fortunate enough to work with hundreds of clinics, including many of the most successful groups and organizations within the Animal Health Community.

Specializing in Process Efficiency, Bret brings value to his clients by seeing the world through different eyes, identifying latent needs, making open-minded observations, and providing customized solutions. He works with his partners and clients to help them improve their business, engage their staff, challenge their status quo, and solve the struggles that keep them up at night.

Bret Canfield calls the beautiful American Pacific Northwest his home base. When he is not saving the world with Process Efficiency you can find him hiking, kayaking, or doing yoga with his wonderful wife, Moriah, or relaxing with his mischievous torby cat, Eve, and his lazy pit bull, Rookie.

Helena Goto

Helena Goto is the Managing Principal of HG Consulting. Since 2013, she has been successfully running her own consulting business, working with, and advising clients from both public and private companies in conflict, culture and communication.

Helena’s background gives her the combined benefit of understanding both how a successful businesses functions, as well as the human dynamics that motivate people to work well together. Backed by a personal commitment to transparency and authenticity, Helena’s work focuses closely on how individuals needs impact both business decisions and employee relationships.

Helena graduated from The University of Southern California in 2010 with an MBA and Pepperdine University’s Straus Institute in 2011 with a Masters in Dispute Resolution.

Jennifer Hock, M.S.S.L., DEL

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the veterinary profession. Her experience includes 16 years of managing a 24-hour hospital, a specialty hospital, and a multi-location veterinary group. She worked for Patterson Veterinary as a Leadership Development Manager where she wrote and taught the Patterson Veterinary University Executive Series and consulted with veterinary practices.

Currently, Jennifer works for the Lakefield Veterinary Group as a Regional Director of Operations. In addition, Jennifer speaks nationally on the topics of veterinary practice management and leadership. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Charleston (WV), where she teaches online courses in the Graduate Leadership Program. Jennifer holds a B.S. degree in Organizational Leadership, a M.S. degree in Strategic Leadership and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership (DEL). She lives in Houston Texas with her golden retriever, Dolly.

Natalie Fikes

Natalie speaks from a personal place when she coaches her audience to dial into their purpose, be the star of their own show, and produce at their maximum capacity. Natalie Fikes disrupts the corporate speaking category with thought-provoking energy that not only keeps her audience engaged but convicts them to take personal responsibility for the experience they create within themselves and for others.

Natalie Fikes travels the country speaking on an array of topics which ignite organizations one person at a time through an authentic conversation and unmatched entertainment on-stage. Sharing platforms with some of the world’s biggest inspirational speakers such as Elizabeth Gilbert and Lisa Nichols, Natalie Fikes is a highly sought after speaker, consultant, #1 Bestselling Author, and The Worlds Greatest Emcee™.

Natalie evolved from a disgruntled, disengaged employee to a top sales service consultant, trainer, and sales manager through personal development and increasing her relationship capital. Two years later, she became the youngest African American female in management and led a team of the lowest performing consultants in her company to the top of the sales district. In 2015, Natalie Fikes was recognized as one of John Maxwell’s Top 100 Leaders.” Natalie Fikes specializes in relationship development topics which include but are not limited to leadership, motivation, diversity and inclusion, team building, inspiration, corporate wellness, life balance, and employee engagement.

Derreck Kayongo

Derreck is the founder of the Global Soap Project, which recycles used hotel soap and redistributes it to impoverished populations around the world. In creating this global humanitarian initiative, he demonstrated that a simple, yet novel idea has the power to transform the lives of millions. His passion for helping others and commitment to innovative thinking previously earned him the role of CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Most recently Derreck has joined the board of trustees for Helen Keller International, an organization committed to improving the sight of vulnerable populations around the world.

From Ugandan refugee to successful entrepreneur and renowned human rights activist, Derreck inspires audiences to dream big as he shares his vision for harnessing the power of observation to identify issues and solve challenges in any community or organization.

With palpable energy and enthusiasm, he brings his personal guiding principles, coined as S.E.L.F. – Service, Education, Leadership and Faith – to life in emotionally-packed presentations that linger long after his speech. Dynamic and empowering on stage, Derreck inspires a spirit of entrepreneurialism and creative problem-solving while spurring audiences to invent their own self-made motto of success so they can create tangible change in the world.

Amy Kelley-Williams, MBA, CVPM

A Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), Amy has been in the veterinary field since 1999. She has worked in both small and large emergency and wellness hospitals in a variety of positions, including: Kennel Technician, Veterinary Technician, Customer Service Representative, Inventory Manager, Practice Manager, and currently, Practice Administrator.

Amy was instrumental in forming the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Association and has served as the Association’s President since 2015. She completed her MBA in Human Resources in April of 2017. Amy is passionate about helping others to become effective, motivated individuals.

Clint Latham, J.D.

With two senior Yorkies, Clint (CJ) understands the need to have a trusted veterinarian to care for his family members. That’s why in 2017 he was ecstatic about joining the Veterinarian IT Support team. Clint’s goal is to help uncover the mystery of IT (information technology) for DVM’s across the country so that they can focus on what is most important: quality care for our four-legged family members.

Clint started his career in software development which then lead him into cloud infrastructure for major financial institutions. Clint saw how this same cloud technology could not only simplify but also provide great security and stability for veterinarian practices everywhere.

Darcy Luoma CPCC, MCC, BCC, ORSCC, MSOD

(Master of Science in Organization Development, Graziadio School of Business & Management at Pepperdine University) served for 12 years as the Director of U.S. Senator Herb Kohl's office and is now a full-­‐time leadership coach and organization development specialist and the owner of Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, LLC. She has worked in the coaching and consulting field for more than 20 years and wrote her master’s thesis on the impact of life coaching on overall life satisfaction. Darcy is a dynamic facilitator and engaging motivational speaker whose optimistic attitude and intuitive style have helped hundreds of clients achieve remarkable results, including greater work/life balance, a clearer vision, and enhanced leadership skills.

A credentialed Organization and Relationship Systems Certified Coach, Certified Professional Co-­‐Active Coach, former board member of the International Coach Federation Wisconsin chapter, and member of the Institute of Coaching Professional Association, Darcy was voted Madison, Wisconsin’s Favorite Life Coach by the readers of the Isthmus newspaper as well as Brava Madison. She is proud to have designed the UW–Madison Professional Life Coaching Certificate program, and she has been the lead instructor since it’s inception in 2013.

Eric Meyer, Esq.

You know that scientist in the action movie who has all the right answers if only the government would just pay attention? Eric B. Meyer, Esq. gets companies HR-compliant before the action sequence. Serving clients nationwide, Eric is a Partner in the Employment Group at FisherBroyles, LLP. FisherBroyles is the first and world’s largest cloud-based law firm partnership, which has grown to over 230 attorneys in 21 offices nationwide.

Eric is also a volunteer EEOC mediator, a paid private mediator, and publisher of The Employer Handbook, which is pretty much the best employment law blog ever. That, and he's been quoted in the British tabloids. #Bucketlist.

Ali Nikoopour

VetMatrix Sr. Business Development Manager, has over five years of veterinary sales, marketing, and leadership experience, which he utilizes to help thousands of veterinarians get new patients and become leaders in their local market. His expertise includes online marketing principles, advanced search engine optimization, and paid search strategies.

JoAnn Stewart, RVT, CVPM

With over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, JoAnn Stewart is a leader in specialty practice management and administration. She is currently serving as a consultant and as the executive director of the Collaborative Care Coalition, formerly known as VetSOAP. Prior to her current roles, she has overseen the building and operation of multi-site radiation therapy centers and has led large teams of specialty and emergency hospitals.

JoAnn focuses in developing the strengths of others and helping teams to always improve. She is passionate about collaboration and the integration of primary and specialty care to achieve optimal outcomes for pets, their families and the veterinary professionals that serve them.

Stacy Pursell, CPC, CERS

Stacy Pursell, CPC, CERS, is an internationally respected Executive Search Consultant and Recruiter serving both the Animal Health Industry and the Veterinary Profession. Stacy builds world class Animal Health and Veterinary organizations. She is a Talent Scout and Workplace/Workforce expert in the Animal Health Industry and Veterinary Profession.

Stacy helps companies of all sizes throughout the United States, Canada locate, recruit and hire the best talent for their specific needs. Stacy has assisted many of the major Animal Health Companies in recruiting C-Level executives, senior level management personnel, mid-level management and individual contributors. In addition, Stacy has helped start-up Animal Health Companies and Veterinary Businesses build their entire teams. She has assisted numerous veterinary hospitals; both corporate and privately owned, across the United States in finding executive leadership, associate veterinarians, medical directors, chief of staff and boarded veterinary specialists.

Nina Mouledous, DVM

Dr. Nina Mouledous joined the PLIT as a Trust Representative on June 23, 2008. Dr. Mouledous speaks to AVMA members insured through the PLIT-sponsored programs, answering questions related to malpractice allegations and practice situations. She reviews professional liability claims, assists in the defense by identifying experts and appraisers, and advises the insurance broker and underwriters about new developments in veterinary medicine. Additionally, Dr. Mouledous visits several colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, represents the PLIT at various veterinary conventions and speaking engagements each year, and contributes to PLIT publications.

Before joining the PLIT, Dr. Mouledous was the owner and sole practitioner for nineteen years of Equine Veterinary Services, Ltd, a mobile clinic that specialized in thoroughbred race horses at Hawthorne Race Course (Chicago, Illinois) and Arlington Park (Arlington Heights, Illinois). In addition to her practice, Dr. Mouledous developed a trap-neuter-release program at the race tracks to help control the feral cat population. She also mentored pre-veterinary students during the summer.

Dr. Mouledous is a 1985 graduate of Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine. Born and raised in New Orleans, Dr. Mouledous secured her first job as an associate veterinarian at a unique small animal, exotic, and equine practice in the French Quarter. Four years later, she relocated to Chicago and started her equine practice in 1989. During her career, Dr. Mouledous has served as a consulting veterinarian for the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation as well as a board member for the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association.

Danielle Russ, LVT, BS, BA, AS

Currently, Danielle is serving as the Hospital Manager of the Center of Veterinary Expertise in Suffolk, VA. She has held this role since its inception in May 2012. Her formal education began at North Carolina State University where she obtained in December 1998, two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Chemistry and one in Biochemistry. In 2003, she added yet another degree, Associate in Science of Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College and became a licensed veterinary technician in Virginia.

Danielle’s 25+ years of veterinary experience covers general practice, academia, research and specialty medicine. The entirety of her time as a licensed veterinary technician has been in specialty medicine, split fairly evenly btw internal medicine and cardiology. During this time, she has honed her skills as both a licensed veterinary technician and practice manager, becoming adept in all aspects of running a busy practice with a 24/7 caseload.

Danielle continues to serve as a VSPN Board Moderator and Course Assistant, and presented several topics in the Veterinary Technician track at ACVIM Forum (07, 08, 10), as well as at Colonial Veterinary Conference (14), First Flight (14), SunNFun(15) and WVC (16), VALVT (16), CVC/Fetch (17 &18), VMX/NAVC (18) and management tracks at VSIPP (15) and IVECCS (16 & 18). Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Board for Tidewater Community College’s NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant Program and is currently serving on the Ad-Hoc Committee for their proposed Veterinary Technician Program and serves on Board of Directors of Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance (VSPA)since October 2017, current role, President-Elect.

Josh Vaisman

Josh has been a proud member of the veterinary community since 1995. In 2009, he took the leap into practice management and ownership, and continued in those roles in two small-animal hospitals until 2018. A lifetime optimist and overall “happy guy,” Josh was shocked to find himself feeling spent, alone, and crying over breakfast while his surprised wife looked on with disbelief. Recognizing he had burnt himself out, he made the difficult decision to step away and recapture his authentic self.

Since then he’s dedicated his professional trajectory to elevating veterinary staff and teams so they can authentically flourish in their work. To that end he’s obtained certificates in areas such as Positive Psychology, Workplace Culture, and Building Effective Teams and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.

Stacee Santi, DVM

Stacee Santi is a 1996 DVM graduate from Colorado State University and the founder of Vet2Pet, a technology startup that builds personalized custom apps for veterinary practices.

With over 20 years of clinical experience in small animal and emergency practice, Stacee brings an “in the trenches” approach to innovation and solutions for veterinary teams. She has also served as a medical advisory consultant for NVA for five years, medical director for a general/ER practice in Colorado, as well as President of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association.

Jessica Trimble, DVM

Jess is a veterinarian passionate about increasing access to basic veterinary care for pets through technology-enabled healthcare. Scaleable telehealth services and practical implementation of telehealth technologies are of particular interest.

Jess currently is the Chief Veterinary Officer at Fuzzy Pet Health, a technology company offering in-home and virtual care veterinary services in San Francisco and New York City. In her spare time, Jess enjoys backpacking to places with no cell signal, reading excessively, and painting.

Pamela Stevenson, CVPM

"As long as I can remember, my passion involved improving the lives of animals and those that surround and love them. This is evident in my long-time commitment to veterinary medicine starting as a veterinary assistant in 1981 and taking on various positions such as hospital management, operational consulting and association management since then.

Now, as a consultant and instructor I positively affect thousands of pets and peoples’ lives through my clients and student’s success. Over the years, my activities have varied but never wavered in the intention of enriching the profession and those it serves."

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