Thankful Thursday: Gratitude Grows

June 19, 2025

Gratitude has a beautiful way of growing the more we share it, and we see that in action every day. This month, our team members took time to recognize the kindness, support, and positive impact of their colleagues through sincere notes of appreciation. We’re proud to share these messages as a celebration of the connections that make our team stronger. 

Tonya Wohler from Penny Paws, Arlington, Texas, wants to recognize Isis Segura, Receptionist: "Isis is such and amazing CSR, she works so hard at her job, and she is kind to all the staff members and clients." 

Tonya Wohler also wants to recognize Brandi Pone, LVT, Lead Tech: "Brandi is a team player always the first one to help out and come in if she is needed." 

Chad Harris, DVM, VP of Veterinary Leadership and Career Development wants to recognize Alexandra Prater, Senior Marketing & Event Specialist: "This Thankful Thursday, I want to give a huge shoutout to Alexandra Prater, our incredible Senior Marketing & Event Specialist. I’m so thankful for how hard she works behind the scenes and on the front lines, her dedication never goes unnoticed. Alexandra brings such a positive and engaging attitude to everything she does, and it’s truly contagious. I especially love working the booth with her at events, she makes every interaction fun, professional, and memorable. She’s a shining example of what it means to represent Vetcor with excellence and heart! She's pretty good at pickleball, too!" 

Matthew Campbell from the OPS team wants to recognize Sarah Stoppleworth, Hospital Manager at Cat Care Clinic: "I would like to recognize Sarah Stoppleworth, a new hospital manager who has shown exceptional leadership under difficult circumstances. After the departure of the clinic’s only veterinarian, Sarah has remained composed and proactive, ensuring the team stays supported and the clinic continues to operate smoothly. Her adaptability and professionalism are truly appreciated. Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication and commitment." 

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

Ashley Thumann, Hospital Manager at Calvert Animal Hospital: "I want to take a moment to recognize Ashley for her exceptional leadership. She is not only inspiring her teams through her dedication and vision but has also created a truly positive and supportive culture.  Ashley’s ability to lead with empathy, consistency, and enthusiasm is making a lasting impact. Her teams feel empowered, valued, and motivated—and that’s a direct reflection of the environment she’s built." 

 

Elita Emerson-McClain, Hospital Manager at Chesapeake Animal Clinic: "I’d like to recognize Elita for the positivity she consistently brings to both her team and  leadership. Her energy, optimism, and can-do attitude create a welcoming and motivating environment for everyone around her." 

Lisa Stephens, Hospital Manager at Solomons Veterinary Medical Center: "I want to take a moment to recognize Lisa for the incredible energy and positivity she brings to everything she does. She consistently leads with optimism, always looking for the positive intent in others and encouraging a supportive, growth-minded environment." 

Cindy Dobbins, Hospital Manager at Caroline Animal Hospital: "I want to take a moment to recognize Cindy for being an incredible support and mentor to other hospital managers. Her strong communication skills, reliability, and consistent follow-through make her an invaluable resource.  Cindy’s willingness to share her knowledge and lend a helping hand has made a real difference—and I’m especially grateful for the support she’s provided me." 

Vanessa Gieske, Brand Manager/Sr. Graphic Designer: "I'm incredibly thankful for Vanessa and all the support she’s provided for our training events. Her marketing expertise, creative content, and efficient execution have made a huge difference. I truly appreciate her partnership and dedication!” 

Kristen Spriggs, Hospital Manager at Salty Paws Veterinary Hospital: "Kristen joined the Vetcor family just two months ago, and in that short time, she has made such a meaningful impact. She’s embraced all the changes with grace and a consistently positive attitude.  Kristen’s warm, welcoming nature has helped create a culture where everyone feels like family. Her ability to lead with kindness and authenticity is truly appreciated.  I’m so thankful Kristen is part of the Vetcor family—we’re lucky to have her!" 

Lisa Tharp from Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic, Verona, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Jorge Oliva and Dawn Conklin and the entire IT team: "In the last week we have had a few problems with internet connectivity.  Jorge and Dawn were especially helpful during this rough period!  They were quick to act and very knowledgeable, not to mention very patient with someone like me who isn't very tech savvy!  I wanted to let them know that their dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed, nor unappreciated.  The IT Team rocks!!" 

Danielle Lopes from Tiogue Veterinary Clinic, Coventry, Rhode Island, wants to recognize Kandi Boulay, Surgical Technician: "Special thank you to Kandi for being such an amazing asset to the team! Not only is she reliable, but her knowledge is invaluable to everyone! I am so very proud to have her as a member of Team Tiogue! Kandi, you rock, and I can never truly thank you enough for all you do!" 

Beth Gordon from Willowood Acres Veterinary Clinic, Romulus, Michigan, wants to recognize John Graham, IT Superhero: "After 10 days with a severely limited network throughout the entire hospital (no phones, internet, printers, credit card processing, etc), John stepped up and saved us! He brought us back to functioning and has kept a close eye on our system since!  We appreciate his knowledge, expertise, and humor during a very difficult time. He is amazing and we are all so grateful for his help!" 

Julie Hogue from Sherlock Bones Animal Hospital, Carmel, Indiana, wants to recognize Dr. Carolyn Kacocha, Elizabeth Benich, Veterinary Assistant, Somer Harmon, Groomer: "These 3 ladies put together a wonderful teaching event for a bunch of Girl Scouts.  They even got to "adopt" stuffed dogs and cats and then see the vet!  Love our Sherlock Bones team!" 

Eric Detrick from Always Compassionate Veterinary Care, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Dr. Deanna Purvis: "Thank you to Dr. Deanna Purvis for being a true joy to work with. She is always pleasant and has a positive attitude. She has introduced some successful practices to the hospital like acupuncture and holistic approaches to veterinary medicine. Thank you for being you!" 

David Gagnon from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Nikki Birling, Receptionist: "Nikki comes to work with a great attitude, and is always very chipper and positive. She is kind and calm with clients, which they always appreciate. We're very glad to have her on our team!" 

Jolene O'Brien from Berrien Veterinary Services, Baroda, Michigan, wants to recognize Sara Lange, DVM: "I am so happy that I get to work with Dr Lange and appreciate her professionalism, attention to detail and her amazing growth over the last 4 years. She has a calming vibe for the stressed animals and is always advocating for their best interests." 

Margie Giles from All Animals Veterinary Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Yu Han Di Ilio, RVT: "We all want to give a big shout out to Yu Han! She is an amazing RVT and we depend on her for so many other things as well.  Yu Han is an integral part of our team and we would be lost without her.  Most of all, she is just a great person and always so positive!  Thank you, Yu Han, for everything you do!" 

Brittany Poulin from Main West Animal Hospital, Welland, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Erin Hamaba, DVM: "We want to give a huge THANK YOU to Dr. Erin Hamaba for her incredible dedication and hard work. Her positive attitude and willingness to take on anything that comes her way never go unnoticed. From juggling a full schedule to stepping up and working extra shifts at our sister clinic to help cover the doctor shortage—Dr. Hamaba does it all with compassion and grace.  Your efforts mean so much to all of us at Main West Animal Hospital, and we truly appreciate everything you do for the team and our clients. You're a rockstar!!" 

Erin Holter from The Animal Hospital of Celina and Cold Springs Animal Hospital, Celina, TX and Anna, TX, Texas, wants to recognize Miranda Stevens, Regional Manager: "Thank you for being such a supportive mentor and manager during my job transition. Your guidance, encouragement, and steady leadership made a world of difference, and I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done to help me grow and move forward with confidence." 

Kayla Donovan from the OPS teamwants to recognize Mazin Ahmed, Information Tech Support Team Lead: "I want to give a huge shoutout to Mazin—my IT superhero! No matter the issue, big or small, he always shows up with patience, expertise, and a solution. Whether it's a stubborn printer, a mystery outage, or just user error (usually me!), Mazin is consistently calm, kind, and incredibly helpful. I’m so grateful for his support to me and my practices, he truly saves the day, time and time again!" 

Liz Hall from the OPS team wants to recognize Emmy Gomez, Hospital Manager at Somerset Animal Hospital: "Emmy is fairly new to the role, but is doing great!  She's a quick learner and eager to help. She's done a lot to support her COS (who is the sole DVM at her practice), which has allowed her to focus more on her patients.  Emmy always has a positive attitude and is a pleasure to work with! Great work Emmy!" 

Liz also wants to recognize Haley Woolridge, Hospital Manager at Pet Center Ltd: "Haley has been with her practice a little over a year and has been such a huge help. She's insightful, knowledgeable, and just so wonderful to work with!  She works great with her COS and always strives to do what is fair and equitable for her staff. Pet Center is lucky to have her!" 

Jessica Daniels from the OPS team wants to recognize Dr. Foster, COS and Rachel McKinley, Hospital Manager at Doublas Blvd Veterinary Clinic: "I wanted to give a shout out to Dr. Foster and Rachel. They have been working together to find ways to say "yes", and help as many pets as possible per day. A big thanks to you and your team for all the hard work!" 

Laura Andino from Cross Timbers Animal Medical Center, Flower Mound, Texas, wants to recognize Mandy Talley, Lead Veterinary Technician: "Big shoutout to my awesome friend and coworker, Mandy! Seriously, this girl is the real MVP around the hospital. She’s always stepping up to handle the tough stuff. Whether it’s jumping into the chaos or just lending a hand wherever it’s needed, Mandy is there. And on top of that, she’s been a total lifesaver, helping me hold down the fort with hospital manager duties when I’ve been out. Couldn’t do it without her! You’re amazing, Mandy - we appreciate you more than you know!" 

Mandy Tinker from Aspen Springs Animal Hospital, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, Province of Ontario, wants to recognize all the DVMs on the team: "Dr. Gabrielle brings lots of laughter and helps keep the mood light! Dr. Jennifer is very thorough and makes our jobs easier by always having her notes entered! Dr Sarah is a kind and compassionate and we all love working with her! Thank you all for making Aspen Springs AH a better place!" 

Ellen Sanders from Duval Animal Hospital, Green Valley, Arizona, wants to recognize Amanda Larson, Assistant/Surgical Technician: "I want to recognize Amanda for all her hard work. I was off for 6 weeks for maternity leave and she did an amazing job keeping everything in line while I was away. She’s always positive and tries to keep everyone laughing all day long. I’m very thankful to have her on my team and as my right-hand man."