Thankful Thursday: All the Applause (and Then Some!)

March 26, 2026

Scroll through some quick notes, loud applause, and everything in between! This collection highlights the kind of appreciation, teamwork, and encouragement that define our Vetcor network. 

Mandy Tinker from Aspen Springs Animal Hospital, Bowmanville, Alabama, wants to recognize Nikki Hinz, CSR: "Nikki courageously took on the task of catching us up on all outstanding Tail-O-Phone calls, while some were delegated, Nikki ensured they were worked on through completion. I am so grateful for you Nikki, thanks for being a part of our team!" 

David Gagnon from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Joy Roberts, Receptionist: "Joy is one of our newest employees and she has been great. She always shows up with a smile and a great attitude. She treats clients and coworkers with kindness and respect. Joy's previous career was a pharmacist, so she brings a whole other level of knowledge and wisdom to our clinic. She has been a great addition to our team!” 

Jacqueneise Davis from The Cat Hospital of Orlando, Casselberry, Florida, wants to recognize Amy Klotz, Regional Manager: "I just wanted to sincerely thank Amy Klotz (regional manager) for her leadership and support. Mrs. Amy’s guidance and encouragement make a real difference, and I truly appreciate the time and effort she invest in our team.  I’m grateful to work under her leadership and look forward to continuing to grow and contribute.” 

Joleen Rollinson from Always Compassionate Veterinary Care, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Bridget Benkelman, Assistant HM: "Bridget has really stepped up while we are looking for a new HM. She has taken on new responsibilities and while some things are challenging and overwhelming, she still comes to work with a positive attitude and a smile. I truly appreciate her work ethic and adaptability.” 

Amy Klotz from Regional Manager, Casselberry, Florida, wants to recognize Jacqui Davis, HM: "The hospital recently moved to a new location and unfortunately it hasn't been a smooth process and they have been unable to open yet. Jacqui has done a fantastic job working to make sure that her team has Lend a Hand opportunities and also trying to help find solutions for the clients and their pets.” 

Danielle Mercado from OPS wants to recognize Betsy Lawson, HM: "Betsy has taken on her new role as the Hospital Manager at the Affordable Vet Center and has thrived. She is doing a phenomenal job engaging with her team and ensuring that they all feel supported and motivated to do their best for their clients and patients. She has reorganized and decluttered and we are all so lucky to have her join the team!” 

Danielle also wants to recognize Alexsys Munoz, Area Manager: "I am truly grateful for the support that Alexsys has already begun providing to me and several of my locations. She has a remarkable ability to inspire both leaders and their teams, and her presence creates an immediate sense of momentum and possibility. I am learning so much from her, especially in the areas of Home Delivery and how we can better utilize our online pharmacies to expand access for all of our clients and patients. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to partner with her. Watching her growth as a leader has been an honor, and I am thankful every day for the knowledge, perspective, and positive energy she brings to our work together.” 

Margie Giles from All Animals Veterinary Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Sara Maloney, Veterinary Assistant: "A big Thankful Thursday shout-out to one of our wonderful Veterinary Assistants, Sara.  We are so grateful to have her on our team!  Sara brings compassion and dedication to the clinic each day, and she has the best heart.  She works hard to make sure our patients are comfortable and cared for.  We are excited to be a part of her journey and look forward to watching her grow with our team. Thank you, Sara, for everything you do!” 

Jessica Daniels from OPS wants to recognize Kasel-Raewen Damian, Hospital Manager at Redwood Animal Hospital: "I wanted to give a shout out to Kasel at Redwood Animal Hospital. She started as the Hospital Manager with the team in December 2025. Since her start I have received overwhelmingly high feedback. She embraces new challenges, jumps-in when needed, and leads her team. I can't wait to see the success at Redwood this year!” 

Connie Lovello from Fairfield Veterinary Hospital, Fairfield, Connecticut, wants to recognize Emily Jepsen, Veterinary Technician: "We're thankful for her consistent reliability, and strong work ethic. Her commitment to learning and growing in her role reflects the kind of dedication the strengthens our entire team.” 

Mandy Tinker from Aspen Springs Animal Hospital, Bowmanville, Ontario, wants to recognize Jamie Hessner, Lead Receptionist: "We would like to thank Jamie for the last 4 & 1/2 years of working with us. Although she is leaving us and moving a few hundred kilometers away, we would welcome her back anytime! Jamie has been a beautiful blessing to our staff and clients, and she will be greatly missed! Thanks, Jamie, for brightening our world for the time we had with you!” 

Danielle Lopes from Tiogue Veterinary Clinic, Coventry, Rhode Island, wants to recognize the entire team at Tiogue Veterinary Clinic: "I want to send a huge shout out and Thank you to the entire Team at Tiogue Veterinary clinic. As I move on to the next endeavor in my career, I want to thank the team for being so wonderful and amazing. Each and every one of them is special and I know they will do amazing things! Keep smiling and putting patient care first! I will miss them all so very much!” 

Kayla Donovan from the OPS team wants to recognize Mike Koehler, Chief People Officer: "Huge thank you to Mike Koehler for jumping in to help support a large team meeting for one of my hospitals. I’m incredibly grateful that he took the time to ensure our front-line team members felt heard and supported, especially during such a busy time for HR. His willingness to step in and help made a meaningful difference, and I truly appreciate his partnership and dedication.” 

Alison Ladman from Wilmington Animal Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, wants to recognize Violet Murray, Technician: "We just switched to EzyVet this week and Violet went above and beyond in learning the system and supporting the team.  She devoted countless hours of her personal time as well as her professional time to make our transition a success.” 

Meghan Warren from Deep Creek Veterinary Hospital, Chesapeake, Virginia, wants to recognize Hope Shaffer, Lead Receptionist: "Hope has played an integral part in our practices transition to paper lite. Her positive attitude, proactiveness and assistance with training staff has made our transition extremely smooth! I'm truly thankful for all she does daily for our practice and team!  Hope is a ROCKSTAR, and I am so grateful to have her here!” 

Melanie Meyer from Service Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Melissa Chere, HM: "I want to give a Thankful Thursday Shout-Out to Melissa Chere Hospital Manager at Pet Partners Animal Clinic in Sussex, WI for the incredible dedication she brings to her practice every single day. She consistently handles a wide range of challenges, often stepping in as the only CVT and at times the only tech on site. With all that is on her plate and no COS she still finds a way to keep the team supported and the days filled with fun. Her DVMs shared in her recent review feedback that she is a pleasure to work with and cares deeply about the practice  "The BEST Hospital Manager I have every worked with and is a phenomenal technician" That kind of feedback speaks volumes about her character, her work ethic, and the heart she brings to her role. Thank you Melissa for showing up with strength, compassion, and commitment. We’re grateful for everything you do.” 

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

Ashley Thumann, HM: "Ashley has shown strong dedication to her team, the hospital, clients and Vetcor. I am thankful for continued support and commitment.” 

Elita Emerson-McClain, HM: "I am truly thankful for the impact Elita has made as a hospital manager. Her leadership, dedication, and support for the team and our clients make a meaningful difference every day.” 

Lisa Stephans, HM: "I am thankful for Lisa’s drive to make positive change and her motivation to grow and coach others. It has been amazing to watch how much she has positively impacted her team and other HMs.” 

Hillary Robinson-Terrazas, HM: "Hillary has handled obstacles with grace, consistently supported her team, and invested in their growth as well as in Vetcor. I am truly thankful for everything she has done and incredibly proud of her accomplishments.” 

Joan McCue from Veterinary Services of Aiken, Aiken, South Carolina, wants to recognize Lynn Nelson, Lisa Ward, and Bri Parks-Jett, Team Leads: "I am thanking my team leads for making my job run so much more efficiently.  Lynn is my lead technician, Lisa is my lead receptionist, and even though we no longer offer boarding, Bri was my kennel lead, and has recently transitioned into hospital as a Veterinary Assistant.  These ladies handle scheduling for their teams, create area protocols, conduct team training and each is responsible for other areas of the hospital ranging from inventory to IT to patient care.  They have been instrumental in helping me prepare for our upcoming AAHA inspection.  Thank you ladies!! You rock!!!” 

Lindsey Jones from Devonshire Veterinary Clinic, Anderson, Indiana, wants to recognize Aaron Smiley, DVM, COSA: "Aaron, Thank you for trusting me to help lead Devonshire Vet and for always encouraging big ideas. Working alongside you has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I’m incredibly proud of what we built together and excited to keep cheering Devonshire Vet on from my new role.” 

Alannah Labesky from OPS, wants to recognize Amy Milby-Balla, Hospital Manager: "Amy recently joined Vetcor and manages 2 clinics. She has done a fantastic job with partnering with her Chief of Staff, Dr. Dinger. She has been implementing best practices, protocols and finding some big cost saving opportunities for the practices. I truly know Amy is here for the people, pets and the hospital! Thank you for all you've done so far in such a short time.” 

Jennifer Duffy from Bradford Hills Veterinary Hospital, Wexford, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Rebecca Malloy, CVT, HM: "Bradford Hills is so incredibly lucky and thankful to have such an amazing practice manager join our team. Thank you for everything you do, Rebecca!” 

Britni Rosala from Roberts and Wendt Animal Hospital, Lakewood, Ohio, wants to recognize Dr. Jacky Daleccio, DVM: "Dr. Daleccio has gone above and beyond to help support myself and the whole team. She can remain calm and keep a neutral attitude as we work through different situations that come up. Dr. Daleccio is always willing help out and is constantly looking for the positive in each situation. I'm so lucky to know her and have her on our team!” 

Courtney Brooks from Valrico Animal Clinic, Valrico, Florida, wants to recognize Lauren Coleman, Assistant Manager: "Always the first to jump in & help not just myself but our entire team! Even on the rough days this power queen is there to provide support & positivity that help get us through the day! You ROCK Lauren!” 

Julie Hogue from Sherlock Bones Animal Hospital, Carmel, Indiana, wants to recognize the following team members: 

Elizabeth Benich, Lead Vet Tech: "We were in need of help with filling shifts for our boarding department on a weekend and lizzie came to our rescue!” 

Caitlyn Claspell, Veterinary Assistant, Windermere Animal Hospital: "We were needing shifts covered in our boarding department and she helped us out and I appreciate it!” 

Grace Ayers, RVT, Windermere Animal Hospital: "We needed some shifts filled in our boarding department and she helped us out, I appreciate it!” 

Wendy Kovac from Millcreek Animal Hospital, Shawnee, Kansas, wants to recognize Dawn Conklin, IT: "We had some printer problems and Dawn was on it. She called the company and got us a replace fast. She is so helpful and knows her job. Thank you.” 

Hunter Reed from Animal Medical Center of Ontario, Ontario, Ohio, wants to recognize Dorian Downey, CSR: "I continue to be incredibly impressed with your performance—especially your outstanding effort with Tail-O-Phone, sending an amazing 161 in just one day! This is a perfect example of the way you consistently go above and beyond in your role. You’re always willing to step in wherever help is needed in the clinic, and you do it with a positive attitude that lifts the entire team. Your reliability, dedication, and enthusiasm do not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do.” 

Megan White from Lake Parkway Animal Hospital, Humble, Texas, wants to recognize the following team members: 

Maddie Rollyson, CSR: "Maddie is always so helpful in offering new ideas or better ways to do things. She is great in helping with marketing and such a good team player. We appreciate all your hard work Maddie!” 

Mayte Ruiz, CSR/Tech Assistant: "Mayte you are such a hard worker. Thank you so much for being a team player and cross training between reception and technician assistant. You are always in such a great mood and it really shows that you love what you do. We appreciate you!” 

Claire Sacco, Technician: "Claire thank you for always being so kind and doing things before even being asked. Thank you for always staying on task and being a team player. We appreciate everything you do for our clinic.” 

Tiffany Haines, Technician: "Tiffany you are an amazing technician. Your compassion toward owners and their pets does not go unnoticed. You go above and beyond with our services. We appreciate you!” 

Sherry Swindle, Technician: "Sherry you are an amazing surgical tech. Thank you for always being detail oriented and making sure our patients are taken care of and their owners have trust in us to do so. We appreciate all the hard work you put in!” 

Jaime Rodriguez, Technician: "Jaime thank you for always being a team player. Always making sure our pets in exam rooms are taken care of and answering any questions our clients might have. We appreciate your hard work!”