Thankful Thursday: Kindness, Laughter & Teamwork

October 23, 2025

We’re celebrating the incredible people who bring heart, humor, and dedication to their teams every single day. From career milestones to everyday acts of kindness and teamwork, these shoutouts remind us why our veterinary community is so special. Let’s give a big round of applause to this month’s shoutouts! 

Diana Garrison from Independence Equine and Small Animal Clinic, Gainesville, Texas, wants to recognize Lyndsey Bailey Smith, LVT and Co Team Leader: "She is now a LVT in the state of Texas." 

Heather Hardman from Macon County Veterinary Hopsital, Lafayette, Tennessee, wants to recognize Taylor Keller, Vet Assistant: "Exceptional hardworking, commitment to making sure patients are always taken care of and always staying on top of getting tasks done throughout the clinic." 

Heather also wants to recognize Kiowa Vetetoe, Lead Receptionist: "Consistently delivering high-quality work with a positive attitude and a team player." 

Lynsey Mohr from Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, wants to recognize Mike Koehler, Chief People Officer: "While presenting on a call I casually joked about missing lunch, and the next thing I knew a pizza showed up at my door right in the middle of my presentation courtesy of Mike Kohler. It was hilarious timing and such a kind surprise, the kind of gesture that turns an ordinary day into one you’ll never forget. Mike’s thoughtfulness and quick sense of humor shine through moments like this and remind us how powerful even the simplest acts of kindness can be. Thank you, Mike, for feeding both my stomach and my spirit!" 

Lynsey also wants to recognize the entire team at Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital: "I want to thank my entire team at Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital! The way you adjust to challenges and changes, especially during emergency situations, is truly inspiring. Your teamwork, compassion, and calm under pressure remind me every day how lucky I am to work alongside such an incredible group. You don’t just care for pets; you care for people, for each other, and for our community. You show up with heart, even when the day feels long or unpredictable, lifting one another up, sharing laughter in the middle of chaos, and always putting your patients first. That kind of dedication and kindness can’t be taught....it’s just who you are. Thank you for being the heartbeat of RBAH. CSR team: Tammy, Cindy, Gunta, and Dixie. Seasonal students: Olivia, Aaliyah, Jetta, and Noah. Technician/Assistant team: Christine, Heidy, Jennifer, Carla, Rylie, Alyssa, Courtney, Ally, Megan, Cydney, Joyce, Jenna, Sarah, Reeya, Nick, Hannah, Victoria, Sam, Amy, and Kyle. Doctors: Dr. Hirsch, Dr. Prettyman, Dr. Ritter, Dr. Shultz and Dr. Lewis." 

Mackenzie Hayes from Epping Road Veterinary Hospital, Exeter, New Hampshire, wants to recognize the following team members: 

Arianna Wapelhorst, Technician: "Arianna is a well-rounded and exceptional technician who consistently demonstrates foresight and attentiveness to the needs of clients, patients, and team members, both physically and emotionally. Her determination, adaptability, and continuous growth make her an invaluable asset to our team, and we are truly grateful to have her with us." 

Andrea Collins, Technician: "There are so many amazing things to say about Andrea! She is a friendly face with a warm heart, dedicated, passionate and understanding. We are so grateful for her on our team!"

April Rasque, CSR: "April is at the front line of our hospital, being the person who greets with a smile and kind heart, handling difficult situations like a BOSS! She is always looking to grow and helps in any way needed! There are endless things I could say about how amazing April is. So grateful for you!" 

Carly Doyle, Technician: "Carly is such a pleasure to work alongside. Her love and passion for Fear Free, low stress care, is admirable and brings SO many amazing things to our practice. Her ability to soothe owners and their beloved pets in stressful situations is truly magical. Thank you Carly for all you do!" 

Elie Shapiro, CSR: "Elie is able to do one thousand things at a time! She is our person behind the scenes checking in on all of our patients, providing compassionate care to owners AND making us laugh every day! So grateful for you Elie!" 

Kelsey Ehlert, Technician: "Kelsey is a wonderful human being, technician, and friend to everyone! There isn't a day where Kelsey doesn't have a smile on her face. Her love for what she does is endless and so impressive! You are amazing Kelsey!" 

Sam Anderson, CVT: "Sam is extremely passionate about her patients and her education. She wants to give the best and is constantly looking for ways to improve things in hospital. Her ability to "stay cool" in stressful situations is impressive and inspiring. Thank you Sam!" 

Cat Machajewski (Almost Desjardin!!), Technician: "There isn't a day that Cat doesn't make us laugh! She is friendly and comforting to all humans and pets. She loves what she does and it shows every single day! A special shout out for Cat is well deserved - 10/19 she marries the love of her life! How amazing is it that our entire hospital will be attending and celebrating such a momentous day with her - you are truly amazing! Thank you Cat!" 

Liz McLaughlin, Lead CSR/Inventory Manager: "Oh Liz, my left hand man! The care and dedication you put into every piece of the hospital and your position is impressive. You bring the sun on rainy days and always offer a hand to others. You are amazing- Thank you for everything you do including the support you provide me." 

Madison Kiman, Veterinary Assistant: "Madison is amazing! She jumps in wherever she is needed, lending a helpful hand to our techs, CSRs, doctors and leadership! A master of cleanliness! Her want to learn, grow and try new things is impressive. Thank you for everything Madison!" 

Tiffany Coe, CSR: "Thank you for all the support you’ve been providing behind the scenes. Handling calls and helping out truly makes a difference and helps keep everything running smoothly. Your effort and dedication are appreciated more than you know. Thanks for being such an amazing part of the team!" 

Corynn Borelli, Technician: "Your sense of humor keeps us smiling. You're always ready to lend a helping hand with clerical duties, and it doesn't go unnoticed. Your love for our patients and desire to grow relationships is wonderful. We’re lucky to have you on the team!" 

HannahJo Watson, Veterinary Assistant: "HannahJo is such an important piece of our team. She jumps in wherever needed, loves a challenge and new experiences. By taking one step at a time, you’ve proven that nothing can get in your way! Thank you for everything you do and the amazing attitude you bring to the team." 

Brooke Brann, CSR: "Brooke is so caring towards all clients, patients and team mates. She will jump in at any moment to lend a hand to someone else in whatever capacity that looks like. She is a great listener and friend to all. We are so grateful for you Brooke!" 

Olivia Mersicano, Technician: "Olivia's ability to forward think, provide solutions and put them into place is amazing. She is a wonderful technician and gives compassion to every one of our patients. Every day, you are guaranteed to smile with Olivia near by! Thank you for everything." 

Margie Giles from All Animals Veterinary Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Morgan Santana, Receptionist: "We would like to take a moment to recognize Morgan, one of our outstanding veterinary receptionists here at All Animals Veterinary Hospital. Morgan consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service to our clients and their pets. Her professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail help create a welcoming and positive experience for everyone who visits or calls our hospital. She handles each interaction with patience, kindness, and genuine care — ensuring that every client feels heard and supported. And an added bonus..her handsome Husky, Gojo, is our clinic mascot! Thank you, Morgan, for representing All Animals Veterinary Hospital with such dedication and excellence. We truly appreciate your commitment to outstanding client service and teamwork!" 

Kristy Spratt from Laurelton Veterinary Hospital, Brick, New Jersey, wants to recognize MaryLou Ciccone, Veterinarian: "For always being strong and supportive in nearly every situation that arises. She has carried this practice through countless transitions, trials, and tribulations, always leading with steadiness and care." 

Brandi Starr from Liberty Lake Veterinary Center, Liberty Lake, Washington, wants to recognize Karla Wieber, LVT: "I want to show Karla some recognition because this last year she had been working so incredibly hard to get her tech license. Not only does she work hard on clinic but after long days, she goes home to so school work. I can now say she passed her VTNE test on Monday, Oct 6! We are so so proud of her" 

Carrie Harviel from Crossroads Animal Hospital, Strongsville, Ohio, wants to recognize Heather Zahm, Hospital Manager: "Heather doesn't hesitate to help when I ask her a question. She has gone through SO much this year and still helps and is just so kind! Thank you so much, Heather!" 

Carrie also wants to recognize Marge Solar, Hospital Manager: "Marge is such a wealth of knowledge! Marge is also endlessly patient and kind. She never hesitates to help when I ask." 

Kristen Spriggs from Salty Paws Veterinary Hospital, Yorktown, Virginia, wants to recognize Halie Arnett, LVT: "Halie - your skill, heart, and dedication shine through in every patient you care for. We’re beyond lucky to have you on our team—and so are the pets whose lives you touch every day. Thank you for being simply amazing! Happy LVT week!!" 

Kristen also wants to recognize Katie Willson, LVT: "Katie - Your kindness, skill, and unwavering dedication make every tail wag and every heart feel at ease. We’re so lucky to have you on our team! Happy LVT week!" 

Lastly, Kristen wants to recognize Tatum Strickland, LVT: "Tatum, You’re One of a Kind! From keeping our shelves stocked to championing every whiskered patient, you shine in every role. Thank you for being an inventory superstar and a true feline advocate—we’re so lucky to have you on our team! Happy LVT week!"