Thankful Thursday: Simply Grateful

July 17, 2025

In this month's edition of Thankful Thursday, colleagues share genuine notes of appreciation with one another, celebrating small wins and everyday kindness. Take a moment to read through these thoughtful messages and feel the gratitude that emanates from our community of practices. 

Kelly McNeely from Heartland Niagara Animal Hospital, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Laura Preece (RVT), and Mackenzie Vanderlaan, Tech Student: "Laura and Mackenzie are brand new to the Heartland team, and we're so glad they've joined us! There can be a steep learning curve when moving to a new hospital, and both Mackenzie and Laura have picked things up very quickly. Their hard work is greatly appreciated, and they're such a great fit for our team! Thank you both for all you do :)" 

Nicole Desrosiers from Lincoln Animal Hospital, Lincoln, Rhode Island, wants to recognize Daisy Rodriguez, Room Assistant: "Daisy is committed to providing compassionate, kind, and gentle care. She works with a mindful and respectful approach to each patient's needs. She is always positive, and compassionate with her client communications to give clients the best experience. She has also grown with her technical skills and continues to maintain a positive attitude to learning and growing! We love you Daisy, keep smiling, keep reaching!!" 

Margie Giles from All Animals Veterinary Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Hilary Kelly, Veterinary Assistant: "Huge shout out to Hilary, our amazing Veterinary Assistant!  Your compassion, dedication and hard work make a world of difference to our furry patients (and their humans too).  Thank you for all you do, Hilary! We’re lucky to have you!" 

Destiny Rodriguez from Medina Veterinary Clinic, Medina, Ohio, wants to recognize the whole team: "The whole team at Medina Veterinary Clinic have been amazing. We have found our groove and we're rocking it!" 

Britni Rosala from Roberts and Wendt Animal Hospital, Lakewood, Ohio, wants to recognize Larry Willet, PIMS Implementation Specialist: "I want to thank Larry for going above and beyond to make sure that the roll out of Ezyvet in our hospital went as smooth as possible. Larry helped me trouble shoot and fix many issues that came up both before and after we went live. Larry is always so kind and can always find a resolution of us!" 

Amanda Chattin from Franklin County Animal Hospital, Rocky Mount, Virginia, wants to recognize Mandy Masching, LVT: "I want to take a moment to recognize Mandy Masching for her incredible dedication and support. Mandy is a hardworking team member who brings calm, kindness, and precision to everything she does. She treats every person and animal with genuine compassion, and her attention to detail is second to none. Lately, she's gone above and beyond - spending extra time helping us prepare for our upcoming AAHA inspection and supporting the launch of our new feline-only space. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. Thank you, Mandy!" 

Jessica Daniels from Mother Lode Veterinary Hospital, Grass Valley, California, wants to recognize Tavish Mathiasen, Hospital Manager: "I want to give a big shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Tavish for all his hard work and dedication. He’s done an outstanding job supporting the onboarding of two new DVMs, managing a hospital refresh project, and handling the many challenges that come with being an HM. His efforts have truly paid off—it's fantastic to see the hospital thriving. Thank you, Tavish, for everything you do!" 

Kailee Coll from Creature Comforts, Las Vegas, Nevada, wants to recognize the Client Service Team at Creature Comforts: "I would like to thank each member of our client service team for the exceptional work they do every single day. Their dedication to our clients and patients is clear in every interaction, and it’s one of the biggest reasons our practice continues to thrive.  Their commitment to open communication, teamwork, and genuine care does not go unnoticed. The way they support one another and consistently prioritize the experience of those we serve is something truly special.  I also deeply appreciate their honesty and openness when it comes to offering feedback and ideas. Their voices help us grow, improve, and become more efficient, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.  Please know every effort made is seen, valued, and appreciated." 

Jennifer Bridgers from Coastal Animal Hospital, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, wants to recognize Mary Corbell, Lead CSR: "We appreciate Mary for always going the extra mile and her dedication to our hospital and team. She has taken on more responsibilities in leading the front and her infectious smile and positive attitude in all situations makes her a great asset to our team." 

Jennifer also wants to recognize Christina Messer, CSR: "We want to recognize Christina's hard work. She does an excellent job at additional responsibilities I have given her, such as entering daily totals and doing the counts for monthly inventory. She takes initiative jumping in as an assistant when someone is out and runs the front counter like a champ." 

Alannah Labesky from the OPS team wants to recognize Dr. Addis, COS, Dr. Elizeus, Lindsey, Hospital Manager and the team at St Francis Animal Hospital: "This team has gone through quite a bit of change in the last few months and also have dealt with some flooding/water issues in their building- but they’ve been continuing to care for so many pets and clients in the community. Super proud of this whole team!!" 

Amy Klotz from the OPS team wants to recognize Marisha Shevenell, Hospital Manager at Northeast Animal Hospital: "Marisha has done an amazing job with handling the re-opening of a sister clinic that had been closed for nearly a year! There have been some hiccups along the way with some projects, but Marisha has handled the situation with kindness and helped work towards a solution. Marisha has helped with this re-opening while also continuing to support her team at her main location as well. Great job Marisha!!!" 

Marisa Tardiani from Weymouth Landing Cat Clinic, Weymouth, Massachusetts, wants to recognize Jenny Driscoll and the PMO Team: "We appreciate that Vetcor is so focused on inclusivity and making everyone feel welcome and comfortable.  Jenny and the PMO team put on such an AMAZING party every year for Pride.  Our team looks forward to it every year.  Such a great opportunity to have fun, meet some new people and let off some steam. The Pride organizers put so much time and energy into making the event memorable and we at WLCC want to recognize and appreciate all of their hard work.  Hope to meet some more teams next year!" 

Nicole Curler from the OPS team wants to recognize the following team members: 

Kelly Buckley, Technician Recruiting Program Manager: "Kelly consistently goes above and beyond in supporting our hospitals with technician recruiting. She has been a key asset to regional managers, always stepping up to help wherever needed.  Her passion for support staff recruiting is admirable, and I’m incredibly thankful she’s part of the Vetcor family!" 

Kristy Gartelman, Veterinary Assistant at Solomons Veterinary Medical Center: "Kristy is incredibly passionate about veterinary medicine and excels at teaching best practices for room flow. She has collaborated closely with other Hospital Managers at sister hospitals to help develop room flow protocols and offer support where needed.  Kristy is a strong leader, and I’m truly thankful for all the support she has provided to my region." 

Mindy Martz, Hospital Manager at Ashburn Veterinary Hospital: "Mindy walks into every situation assuming positive intent. She’s always smiling and consistently offers uplifting, encouraging feedback to her team. Her energy lights up any room she walks into.  Mindy has truly grown into a strong and confident leader, and I’m proud of the leadership she’s shown." 

Nick Lemanski, Hospital Manager at Ashburn Village Animal Hospital: "Over the past three months, Nick has navigated several big changes with grace and professionalism. His ability to stay calm under pressure and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset has had a positive impact on both the hospital and the team.  A big thank you to Nick for leading by example and showing how much you care about your team. We appreciate you!" 

Julie Shupe, Hospital Manager at Aylett Animal Hospital: "Julie is incredibly passionate about her team and has done an outstanding job keeping them stable, supported, and healthy during some very challenging times. She has led with professionalism, empathy, and encouragement every step of the way.  I’m very proud and thankful for Julie’s leadership over the past few months. Your dedication truly makes a difference!" 

Mackenzie Hayes from Epping Road Veterinary Hospital, Exeter, New Hampshire, wants to recognize Sam Anderson, CVT: "There are so many reasons to give Sam a shout out and a huge congratulations is in order for her recently passing the VTNE and becoming a certified veterinary technician! Your due diligence and hard work is seen by all of us. Thank you for everything you do each day and helping your peers as they also get ready to take the VTNE!" 

Jolene O'Brien from Berrien Veterinary Services, Baroda, Michigan, wants to recognize Carey Wells, LVT: "Carey is an excellent technician and provides excellent care for her patients. She is a super star in anesthesia and can place an IV catheter in anything. :). Thanks for your hard work!" 

Kattie Edson from Simsbury Veterinary Hospital, Simsbury, Connecticut, wants to recognize Dr. Hester, COS and his entire Animal Hospital of Berlin Team: "We want to thank you all for temporarily joining our team! We are enjoying your stay for however long it may last! Hopefully, you are all soon reunited with your hospital, or not, lol!."