ABVTA Awards

ABVTA Appreciation Award Recipient
Penny Steffen

Penny has dedicated her time and energy to volunteering for the ABVTA for the past several years, with a significant portion spent serving on the executive committee. Her commitment to the association has amounted to thousands of hours generously given from her personal life.

Remarkably, Penny has served as president for not just one, but two terms, with one of those terms coinciding with the challenging period of the Covid pandemic. Throughout her tenure, she has displayed exemplary leadership, always prioritizing the well-being of our membership. Penny's decision-making process has been inclusive and considerate, taking into account the unique circumstances of each member, whether they work with small animals, large animals, lab animals, are in the industry, or on leave. She and her board have made thoughtful decisions to support all of us during our time of need.

Penny played a pivotal role in ensuring that the entire veterinary profession was recognized as essential workers. She has also actively engaged in government relations, representing the ABVTA alongside the ABVMA and their government advocate. Through her involvement, RVTs are consistently at the forefront of discussions about the veterinary profession as a whole. Furthermore, she played a key part in the creation and interpretation of the workforce study, contributing to a better understanding of our profession.

When Penny is not championing government and RVT advocacy, she can be found at the board table, where she leads with warmth and inclusivity. Her welcoming nature extends to newcomers and guests, ensuring they feel comfortable and valued. As the chair of our meetings, Penny demonstrates compassion and understanding, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to voice their opinions and be heard. Her extensive experience on the executive committee has allowed her to mentor and inspire all of us, and we deeply admire her unwavering dedication to our association.

However, the primary reason for the nomination of Penny is her significant contributions to advancing not only the ABVTA but the veterinary technology profession as a whole. Whether she is advocating for our profession in meetings with government officials, participating in discussions within the ABVMA committee, volunteering at the SPCA, working with large animal producers in the industry, or even in her daily life, Penny has played a vital role in elevating our association and profession provincially, nationally, and internationally. It is for these reasons that I wholeheartedly nominate Penny for this award.

After a position on the ABVTA Board of Directors opened in 2018, Danielle Harris, or Dani as many of us know her, was appointed to a temporary one-year term after being recommended by an existing Director. Dani said her reason for joining the Board was to be directly involved in advocating, on every level, for her profession.

She was first appointed as the Continuing Education Committee Liaison, where she became an incredible advocate for advanced and continuing education for RVTs. Throughout her time as the liaison, her support and leadership contributed to the success of the committee.

After her first term ended, she was elected to a two-year term and was appointed as the Student Representative Liaison. When you would talk with Dani about the association and profession, you could feel the passion and support she has for not only the student representatives of the Board of Directors she worked with but for all AHT students. She quickly became an advocate for elevating the voice, concerns, and challenges of students by supporting their passion and guiding them to become engaged and empowered in their profession.

In addition to her role as Liaison, Dani was always the first to volunteer to work on special projects, working groups, and task forces. In 2021, she was appointed as Chair of the ABVTA Radiation Safety Task Force. Through her work with this task force, she has become a passionate champion for increasing radiation safety standards for the veterinary profession and ensuring all RVTs and AHT students have safe working conditions and recognize the importance of personal safety.

Please help me in recognizing the important contributions of Danielle Harris and congratulate her on receiving this award.

This year the ABVTA received two nominees for the Appreciation Award. The ABVTA board is happy to present both Kate Simon and Fiona Kowalczyk with this year’s award. We cannot think of more deserving women than these two to share the honor.

Fiona Kowalczyk has been an RVT since 1990 after graduating from the Fairview College Animal Health Technology program. Fiona has seen many changes in the veterinary profession during her time in this field. She has been a mentor and leader during her career to many RVTs. Fiona joined the ABVTA board in 2015 and soon started her climb into the executive committee. With the support and encouragement of her fellow board members, Fiona became the ABVTA President for 2019-2020.

During her presidency position, Fiona also held positions on the Policy Task Force, the Wage Survey Task Force, and the Wellness Task Force. It was during this time that we were all hit with the unknown pandemic, and no one was sure where this would lead us or what fate was bestowed upon us. Fiona stood as a strong leader and was able to face any challenges thrown her way.

Fiona is an advocate in our profession and truly demonstrates our core values and mission. It was these attributes that helped the ABVTA move into the future of technology and hold our first virtual AGM, as well as support our members through these trying times. Thank you, Fiona, for all your hard work over the past year, and we congratulate you on your new position on the RVTTC. We cannot wait to see what your future holds for leadership in the technologist world.

Amanda has shown dedication to the veterinary profession and to the ABVTA throughout her time as a member of the PR Committee, having completed two consecutive terms, her years as a Board Director, and especially this past year serving as the 2019 ABVTA President. Amanda has also just ended her term as the ABVTA representative to the ABVMA Council and continues to serve on the ABVMA Registration Committee.

In 2016, she took over the role of magazine editor for the ABVTA News section in the ABVMA magazine with very little experience regarding this role. Since then, she has made the role her own and has provided our association with a great bi-monthly newsletter to keep our members well informed.

Recently, Amanda relocated to Vancouver Island to be closer to family. Aside from maintaining all of her administrative duties within the ABVTA and ABVMA leadership group, Amanda has also been employed full time as the Lead RVT at a busy emergency hospital in Nanaimo.

Amanda is a dedicated and passionate RVT, and I believe she is deserving of recognition for her efforts and is a great candidate for the ABVTA Appreciation Award.

The recipient of the 2017 ABVTA Meritorious Service Award has been a dedicated volunteer with the ABVTA, starting on the Continuing Education Committee in 2013 and now, currently serving as President. Despite being the most northerly volunteer the ABVTA has recently had, she has persevered to remain an active and engaged volunteer.

Not only is she an engaged RVT within the ABVTA, but she is also an active volunteer of 4-H Alberta, President and Animal Health Coordinator of the Peace Regional SPCA, President of the Grimshaw & District Agricultural Society, member and volunteer of AFAC and ALERT Line Volunteer, and a Territory Manager for the Production Animal Business Unit of Vetoquinol Canada. This is a very condensed list of the activities she is currently involved in. We would be here forever if we listed everything!

She is a positive, energetic, and enlightened RVT who is incredibly passionate about animal welfare as well as advancing the RVT profession at home and abroad. Please join me in thanking Penny Steffen for her outstanding achievements in the veterinary profession and her long-time dedication to animal welfare.

Brigitta Smith began volunteering for the AAAHT Continuing Education Committee in 2013. In 2016, a significant change occurred when she and her family moved out of province to the beautiful and vast territory of the Yukon. Among this incredible life change, she also took on the role of Committee Chair. Being as remote as she is, she has contributed significantly to the committee. She is ever-present, organized, and has demonstrated her leadership role by always keeping the committee focused while she chairs meetings, something we know is not always the easiest task with leadership groups.

In her professional life, Brigitta is a technical product liaison for Bayer Animal Health. She always makes time for AHT students and has been instrumental in educating them about unique opportunities for RVTs in industry while upholding the image of the AAAHT and the value of volunteerism. She is a superb example of a successful RVT in a non-clinical role and is ever deserving of this award.

ABVTA Emerging Leader Award Recipient Kaila Steward, RVT (left), February 2025

The Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award is presented to a new member of the ABVTA who makes outstanding contributions to the association and our professional veterinary community. I am honored and privileged to be invited by the ABVTA to present the inaugural Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award on their behalf to the 2017 recipient: Ms. Penny Isaak.

After 11 years of teaching junior and senior high math and science, Penny followed her love of animals and was inspired to return to school to pursue a career as an RVT. Graduating from NAIT in the spring of 2014, Penny quickly took a position on the ABVTA Communications Committee that fall. She has served on this committee since then and, during her second term, took on the role of Chair of the committee.

She is always eager to help out with whatever is needed and provides leadership, guidance, and great discussion at each meeting. Penny takes joy in speaking about her profession and association at public events. She is an incredibly passionate and dedicated individual, and we’ve just begun to see what she is capable of.

Congratulations to Penny Isaak on being the recipient of the 2017 Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award.

Gabrielle (Gabby) began in the veterinary profession as a VMA and recently graduated from the NAIT AHT program in early 2022. During her practicum, she reached out to the ABVTA to inquire about volunteering with the association. She has a strong interest in public education and engagement and was appointed to the Member and Public Relations (M & PR) Committee in June 2022.

Since her appointment, she has been an engaged member of the committee, taking part in discussions, brainstorming ideas, and volunteering to moderate and speak in the Veterinary Technology Information Session. In the short time I have had the privilege of getting to know Gabby, she has demonstrated leadership qualities, shown initiative, and been an excellent communicator.

I look forward to seeing Gabby continue to develop her leadership skills and further contribute to the promotion and advancement of the veterinary technology profession in the future.

Alexia joined the ABVTA Board of Directors in 2019 as the student representative from the Olds College AHT program. At that time, no one expected what was soon to happen with the Covid-19 pandemic. Students were sent home with little notice and faced uncertainty regarding their education, practicums, and graduation. Alexia became an advocate not only for her own student class but for AHT students everywhere. Even with the stress caused by shutdowns and the pandemic, Alexia continued to attend Board meetings, contribute, and engage as a member of the ABVTA Board.

After her graduation in 2021, Alexia wanted to continue to be part of the ABVTA leadership group and was appointed to the ABVTA Member and Public Relations (M and PR) Committee. From hosting Light the Tower for RVT Month in downtown Calgary to organizing and assisting in member networking events and public awareness campaigns, Lexi continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities as a veterinary professional and is an excellent advocate for the AHT students and RVTs of Alberta.

This profession is extremely lucky to have a young leader like Alexia, and I look forward to seeing where she goes with her career. Congratulations, Alexia.

Sydney was born and raised in Edmonton and has had a passion for animals since a young age. She found her passion for veterinary medicine when she took a year off from post-secondary school to work as an assistant at a veterinary clinic in Saskatchewan. After this experience, she chose to become an RVT because she wanted to give a voice to those who do not have one.

Sydney joined the ABVTA Board of Directors as a student representative for Lakeland College in 2019. During that time, she complemented our Board of Directors by putting forth her ideas, bringing forward concerns from her class, and contributing to discussions. We have been fortunate to have her as part of our board, and she continues to be involved in our association through her work on the Continuing Education Committee.

Her efforts and dedication to the ABVTA so early in her career have been exemplary. I am proud to present the 2021 Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award to Ms. Sydney Frost.

Brittany Baldock has always had an interest in helping animals. With the goal of having a career focused in marine mammal research, she attended the University of Alberta, majoring in Biology and specializing in Physiology and Developmental Biology. However, it was during her time volunteering with WildNorth that she discovered her passion for a more hands-on approach to helping animals.

Following the completion of her degree, Brittany pursued her diploma in Animal Health Technology at NAIT. During her time at NAIT, Brittany joined the ABVTA Board of Directors as a student representative. Her smiling face and eagerness to help were much appreciated at events such as our 40th anniversary and CanWest. In between her first and second year, Brittany was a summer student at OceanWise’s Marine Mammal Rescue Center (MMRC) in Vancouver, BC. During her schooling at NAIT, she also developed a passion and curiosity for emergency medicine. Upon completion of her diploma, Brittany accepted a contract position as an RVT at MMRC, but Edmonton was calling her name.

Brittany is currently employed as an ER Tech at VCA Guardian Veterinary Center, where she is either triaging patients or monitoring post-op patients. She recently began training for “3rd Board” patients, which are slightly more critical cases. Although Brittany will always have a passion and curiosity for marine mammal rescue and care, she is constantly inspired by her fellow amazing ER techs and the world of emergency veterinary medicine.

There is no hesitation that Brittany Baldock is a rising star. Please join me in congratulating Brittany as she receives the 2019 Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award.

Before her graduation from the NAIT AHT program, Heather was actively involved in leadership of her profession through her position as Student Representative. Being an active member of the Board is a great responsibility; however, Heather surpassed these expectations while maintaining her studies and performance in school. After graduation, she was elected back onto the Board of Directors as a Director at Large, but quickly accepted the added responsibility and time commitment to act as the liaison for the PR Committee.

Her passion for veterinary medicine is rich, and her efforts to contribute to the ABVTA are clear. Heather has demonstrated both leadership and initiative during her involvement with the ABVTA, and it is my belief she will continue to engage with and support our membership wherever possible.

The Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award is presented to a new member of the ABVTA who makes outstanding contributions to the association and our professional veterinary community. I am honored and privileged to be invited by the ABVTA to present the inaugural Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award on their behalf to the 2017 recipient: Ms. Penny Isaak.

After 11 years of teaching junior and senior high math and science, Penny followed her love of animals and was inspired to return to school to pursue a career as an RVT. Graduating from NAIT in the spring of 2014, Penny quickly took a position on the ABVTA Communications Committee that fall. She has served on this committee since then and, during her second term, took on the role of Chair of the committee.

She is always eager to help out with whatever is needed and provides leadership, guidance, and great discussion at each meeting. Penny takes joy in speaking about her profession and association at public events. She is an incredibly passionate and dedicated individual, and we’ve just begun to see what she is capable of.

Congratulations to Penny Isaak on being the recipient of the 2017 Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award.

Jessica’s contributions to animal welfare and the veterinary profession can best be described as enhancing the standards of practice. After eight years as a full-time Registered Veterinary Technologist, she continues to uphold the community’s confidence and trust in the profession by acting with honesty and integrity.

Jessica consistently works to protect the public from unethical or unprofessional conduct while also advocating for change that promotes animal welfare. She demonstrates the kind of work ethic and professionalism that every veterinary technologist strives for. Her ongoing dedication to improvement in such a demanding field, often without recognition or reward, is truly admirable. It is time to formally acknowledge Jessica’s significant contributions to Alberta’s veterinary industry.

One notable example of her impact is her commitment to elevating the industry’s value and recognition through client education. Jessica promotes public health and safety by sharing information on important topics such as zoonotic diseases and how the public can protect themselves and their animals. She consistently acts in the best interest of her patients while strengthening the bond between animals and their families. Her enthusiasm for continual learning and teaching enhances professional practice standards across the field.

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Jessica at the Central Alberta Humane Society veterinary clinic over the past year and have witnessed her tireless dedication firsthand. Her leadership and hard work have been evident in countless ways, including managing the workload of two RVTs for several months while training a new graduate to fill the position. She successfully manages scheduling and administration for the CA Humane clinic’s health checks and procedures while the clinic transitions to a hybrid model of onsite locum and offsite veterinary services.

Jessica also fosters a unified, supportive team environment through daily meetings across multiple departments at the shelter. She helps set and maintain high standards for animal care by creating and regularly updating shelter protocols, ensuring that the welfare of every animal remains the top priority.

For these reasons, Jessica Beech has not only earned this nomination but also the respect and gratitude of all those she serves and works alongside.

I came across a quote the other day that really struck me. It stated, “Just because life gives you a cactus, doesn’t mean you have to sit on it.” Veterinary medicine has been handing out cactuses left, right, and center lately, and there are some who seem to continually sit, and those leaders among us who grab that cactus, place it on a shelf to admire, and learn to work around it.

Leilani Mustillo is one of those leaders.

After graduating from Olds College in 2009, Leilani’s resume is as impressive as they come. She quickly worked her way up the ladder at the CARE Centre, starting in the ER and ICU, becoming the RVT Supervisor, and eventually the Medical Care Manager. It was in this role that Leilani began to notice systemic problems in veterinary medicine. As a manager, she faced ongoing challenges with recruitment and staffing. Using her natural curiosity and ability to connect with people, she began asking RVTs why so many were leaving the industry.

Over the years, much attention has been given to understanding the high attrition rate among RVTs, but few real solutions have emerged. Many are willing to ask the question, but few truly listen to the answers. Leilani is an exception.

She didn’t just listen, she acted. Her solution was Animal Health Link — a company that has done more for RVTs in a single year than most initiatives combined. AHL is a game changer, providing meaningful employment for countless professionals who might have otherwise left veterinary medicine.

Animal Health Link would not be what it is without Leilani at the helm. This is why myself and approximately fifteen other RVTs nominated her for this award. Her leadership, determination to improve, and compassion for employees, coworkers, students, clients, and patients are unmatched. She is endlessly curious and humble, never assuming she knows more than others, always giving the benefit of the doubt without judgment. Her dedication to patient care and client education is unwavering, her diligence unmatched, and she is never satisfied with “good enough.”

As an association, we could not have a better representative for our profession. Leilani is an innovator, a leader, and a mentor. Please join me in congratulating the 2022 recipient of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association RVT of the Year, Leilani Mustillo.