Who We Are

The ABVTA Staff and Board of Directors value approachability by being available, openminded and welcoming to all our members. We demonstrate integrity by being honest, reliable, respectful and ethical in our approach to animals and people. We demonstrate professionalism by our dedication to excellence in the veterinary field. Teamwork is the foundation of our ability to provide compassionate and exceptional animal health care.

The ABVTA was founded to provide member services such as, continuing education, public awareness and to promote animal care and welfare. The ABVTA is a non-profit, non-union, member driven organization led by a Board of Directors whose emphasis is on the advancement of animal health technology as a profession so that its members may better serve the industry.

The ABVTA Board consists of the following: President, Past President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 3 – 6 General Directors. All Directors elected may serve three consecutive two-year terms with the exception of the Vice President. This individual will serve consecutively as Vice President, President and Past President for a 3-year term in addition to previously served time as a General Director. Other positions on the Board include liaison to the standing committees and special project chairperson. All Directors contribute to the month-to-month administration, policy development, development and delivery of member services, as well as the annual and future strategic planning of the ABVTA’s activities.

2023 ABVTA Board of Directors:

ABVTA Executive:


President
Darryl Haugen, RVT


Vice President 
Angela Denbow, RVT


Treasurer
Shea MacCallum, RVT


Secretary
Courtney Ziegler, RVT

Directors at Large:


Director
Kate Simon, RVT, VTS (ECC)


Director
Ms. Rhonda Browning, RVT


Director
Candace Olive, RVT


Director
Karen Langtved, RVT

Ex-Officio:


ABVTA Past President
Karen Melnyk, RVT


ABVMA Council Representative to ABVTA Board
Dr. Daren Mandrusiak


Executive Director
Vanessa George, RVT


RVTTC Director
Penny Steffen, RVT

Continuing Education

These enthusiastic people help to organize current and future CE events. The volunteers help make events successful by developing topics, surveying members, booking speakers, marketing events and much more. The CE Committee consists of a Chairperson and ten regional representatives.

2023 Continuing Education Committee:

  • Board Liaison: Courtney Ziegler, RVT
  • Chair: Kelsey Gray, RVT
  • Vice Chairs: Connie Varnhagen, RVT & Treena Barnett-Ritcey, RVT
  • Committee Members:
    • Jamie Skish, RVT
    • Sujata Bagwe, RVT
    • Keanna Gorgichuk, RVT
    • Taylor Bachynski, RVT

Member and Public Relations

These creative individuals have a special interest in promoting and recognizing ABVTA members, writing and designing brochures, flyers or educational materials, as well as attending trade shows at industry and public events to promote the role and training of the animal health technologist (veterinary technologist). Member and Public Relations Committee volunteers promote our programs and services at public, industry and association events. Some of the publications we work with are ABVMA Member Magazine, RVTTC member media, social media, website development, ABVTA and ABVMA award nominations, and many other activities.

2023 Member and Public Relations Committee:

  • Board Liaison: Candace Olive, RVT
  • Chair: Alexia Schuetz, RVT
  • Vice Chair: Gabrielle Namchuk, RVT
  • Committee Members:
    • Amy Cusack, RVT
    • Nicole Fauth, RVT
    • Chelsey Greig, RVT
    • Heidi Craig, RVT
    • Megan Higgins, RVT
    • Keanna Gorgichuk, RVT
    • Marissa Adie, RVT
    • Crystal Chaput, RVT

Representation Positions

The ABVTA provides delegated representation to:

  • College Advisory Group to Alberta AHT and VMR, VMA and VTA Programs
  • CVMA Accreditation Site Team
  • CanWest Veterinary Conference Speaker Selection Committee
  • ABVMA Council
  • ABVMA HR Committee
  • ABVMA Wellness Committee