Leading Through Practice Ownership - A Panel Discussion

As part of our “RVTs Blazing the Trail” learning track, this panel discussion brings together inspiring RVTs who have stepped beyond traditional roles to become practice owners and leaders in RVT-focused care.

Featuring RVTs who have built and continue to lead their own RVT-driven practices, alongside representatives from the ABVMA, this panel will explore both the pathways into ownership and the regulatory landscape that supports these evolving roles. Panelists will share their journeys into ownership, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the impact they’ve made by building practices that reflect the full scope of RVT skills. 

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how practice ownership can be an option for RVTs, hear stories of growth and leadership, and deepen their knowledge of the policies that shape RVT involvement in practice ownership. 

This session is approved for 1 hour of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit for RVTs by the ABVMA.

This webinar will be recorded.

Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MST

Registration Closes: May 11, 2026

Members: Free
Non-Members: $10.00

Meet your Panelists:

Terri Johnson, BSc, RVT 

Terri earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta in 2001 before working with exotic animals for two years. She graduated from NAIT’s Animal Health Technology program in 2005 and spent her RVT career in companion animal practices in Edmonton. In 2019, she completed the Veterinary Practice Management Certificate through Olds College and served three years on the ABVMA Complaints Review Committee. In 2021, Terri joined the ABVMA as part of the practice inspection and practice standards (PIPS) team, where she enjoys connecting with colleagues and answering questions relating to practice standards, and now divides her time between PIPS and working with the Deputy Registrar on projects involving governance, legislation, and policies as well as committee and task force work.

Tina Skare, RVT, Administrator - PIPS & Permits

Tina Skare graduated from the NAIT AHT program in 1993 and brings many years of experience in small animal practice. She joined the ABVMA in 2021 and currently serves as an administrator in the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards (PIPS) department. In her role, Tina assists with the administration of practice inspections, veterinary practice entity and permit renewals, and practice ownership changes. She also oversees the ABVMA permit application process and corporate shareholder changes related to practice ownership.

Kate Simon RVT, VTS (ECC)

Kate Simon graduated from NAIT in 2001. She has worked in emergency and critical care for over 20 years and obtained her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care in 2017. She is a certified RECOVER instructor and provides in clinic Hands on CPR training to veterinary teams. Kate is one of the founding partners at Boreal Veterinary Centre, an emergency and referral centre in Edmonton, Alberta. Kate has a passion to elevate and promote the RVT profession by supporting and instilling confidence in new graduates and people returning to the field with a hope that she can increase career longevity and job satisfaction for others. She has spent the last 6 years volunteering with the ABVTA, ABVMA and RVTTC. When she isn’t at work, she is home with her husband, 2 kids, collection of cats, and perfect pup, Ralphie.

Tracey Ruzick, RVT

Tracey Ruzicka is an RVT, Mosaic PetCare’s Regional Operations Director, as well as a Partner in Mosaic PetCare. She proudly co-owns Bridgeland Veterinary Clinic and supports the amazing teams at Bridgeland Vet Clinic, Royal Loop Vet Clinic, and University District Vet Clinic and Cochrane Companion Vet (opened in Feb 2026). She has been an RVT for nearly 30 years with 19 years in Veterinary Clinic Management.  Tracey has worked across mixed animal, dairy, and feedlot medicine, though most of her career has been spent in small animal practice caring for dogs and cats. Originally from a beef and cattle farm in Saskatchewan, she’s called the Calgary area home for over 25 years. At home, Tracey is kept in line by her two Siamese-cross cats: Frankie, the devoted snuggler, and Lucille, the fiery redhead with a mind of her own. She loves live music, traveling, and finding joy in the little moments that make vet med (and life) so meaningful.

The"RVTs Blazing the Trail" learning track is proudly supported by WDDC, our Professional Development Partner