Blogs

ALACHUA, FL– The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is pleased to announce that Alicia Edwards, CVPM, and Ericka Klopp-Taipalus, CVPM, CVT, have been selected as the 2026 Emerging Leader Program Scholarship Award Winners.

The VHMA Emerging Leaders Program creates opportunities for the next generation of veterinary management professionals to advance toward earning the esteemed Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification. It also energizes the association with new leaders who help shape the future direction of the profession. The 2026 recipients were selected for their commitment to professional development and leadership.

Meet the Emerging Leaders:

Alicia Edwards, CVPM, Practice Manager, Chagrin Animal Clinic

After earning her bachelor's degree in applied communications from Kent State University, Alicia Edwards pursued a career as a graphic designer, imagining it would be filled with crafting bold visuals, sleek layouts, and eye-catching campaigns. But the quiet hours behind a screen left her craving more energy and human connection. Thankfully, she found it at the front desk of a veterinary clinic, where she spent seven years as a receptionist.

From there, Edwards leveraged her experience in the field to transition into practice management, where she now leads Chagrin Animal Clinic, a busy general practice in Bainbridge, Ohio, with three full-time doctors, registered technicians, and assistants enrolled in tech school. While her early years in management were full of growth and momentum, her biggest test arrived sooner than she could’ve anticipated.

Weathering a Sudden Staffing Crisis

Just a year into her role, one of the clinic’s doctors announced she was leaving to open her own clinic, and Edwards quickly realized the impact would be far greater than a single departure.

“Within two weeks, we lost two doctors and nine staff members. It was incredibly difficult,” she recalled.

She took a moment to absorb the shock, then immediately shifted into action. Edwards met with the remaining staff, asked what they needed, and invited open, honest conversations about their concerns. Team members stepped up with referrals, worked overtime, and helped rebuild the clinic from the ground up. The experience reshaped Edwards’s leadership philosophy, showing her that clear communication, empathy, and optimism can steady a team through upheaval.

“When you lead with positivity and your staff know you value their opinions and have their best interests at heart, they will trust you,” she said. “We rebuilt together, and our culture is stronger than ever because of it.”

Growth, Learning, and Supporting the People Who Care for Pets

Recently earning her CVPM certification marks the continuation of a goal Edwards has pursued since her receptionist days. She never wants to feel stagnant and sees her role as supporting veterinarians and technicians so they can provide the best care possible.

“When I got picked for the Emerging Leader Program, I was thrilled and immediately received an outpouring of support from CVPMs across the country,” Edwards said. “I wasn’t meant to be a DVM or an RVT. I’m here to support those people so they can take excellent care of our patients.”

Ericka Klopp-Taipalus, CVPM, CVT, Practice Manager, Lakeview Animal Clinic 

After stepping into a clinic strained by rigid leadership and low morale, Ericka Klopp-Taipalus set out to show it could be done differently, and better. Starting her career as a veterinary assistant, she then attended the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. After passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to earn her Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential, she completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Colorado State University– equipping herself to transition from the exam room to leading the entire clinic.

Today, Klopp-Taipalus manages a team of two doctors and eight staff members at Lakeview Animal Clinic, a small general practice in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, dedicated to small animal care. However, overseeing the practice meant more than managing day-to-day operations; it also meant restoring a struggling team and rebuilding trust from the ground up.

Shaping a Positive Culture in the Midst of Transition

Klopp-Taipalus faced her greatest challenge when the clinic’s previous owner, known for an authoritative management style, prepared to retire. By that time, high turnover and a disengaged, burned-out staff left the clinic struggling. She was tasked with laying the groundwork for a positive, successful environment, all while navigating the organization’s transition to new ownership without mentorship or guidance.

“I had to figure out how to turn a very negative culture into an uplifting, empowering place where people actually want to come to work,” she said.

She focused on listening, asking the team what they valued, and creating opportunities for staff to take ownership of processes. By fostering a safe environment where mistakes became learning opportunities rather than moments of criticism, she gradually reshaped the clinic’s culture and gained validation in her own management style.

“I didn’t have role models to follow, so I had to trust my instincts. Seeing positive results from my approach proved that I could lead effectively, even without prior guidance,” she said.

Championing Mentorship and Professional Growth

Earning her CVPM in November 2025 was more than professional ambition for Klopp-Taipalus; it represented the validation behind years of pushing through self-doubt, navigating responsibility without guidance, and supporting others while finding her own footing. She also established a mentorship program to guide colleagues through challenges and support their career growth, a commitment she hopes to continue through her work with VHMA.

“Mentorship changes everything,” Klopp-Taipalus said. “I know what it feels like to figure it out by yourself. It’s isolating. If I could be the person I once needed for someone else, that makes it all worth it. Earning my CVPM validates that I do have what it takes and confirms I can continue to grow and help others succeed.”

About the Emerging Leaders Program

VHMA Emerging Leaders receive an annual $2,500 scholarship for two years. The scholarship covers registration and travel expenses to attend the VHMA's Annual Meeting and Conference and CVPM certification program. Each candidate is expected to "give back" to VHMA through specific volunteer activities, which position them as an ambassador to promote the program, the association, and the profession. 

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.