BRCC Vet Tech Alumni

Alumni Postings

Name: Kris Keane
NameWhileStudent: Kriste Matthews
GradYr: 1975
Address: 3050 Mt. Clinton  Pike
City: Harrisonburg
State: VA
Zip: 22802
Email: brkeank@brcc.edu
Employer: Blue Ridge Community College
EmployerAddress: Box 80 Weyers Cave VA  24486
Position: Education
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Blue Ridge
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend: Sarah Tunis, Kathy Svirsky, Debbie Wingate

WhatDoing

Since graduation I have worked in a zoo, in small and large animal practice & in a micro lab. I was in small animal practice management prior to joining the staff at BRCC in Aug 2001.

EdExperience

My education at BRCC laid a very solid foundation on which I have built over the years.

Name: Aimee S Miller
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2000
Address: 117 Ivy Dr Apt 11
City: Charlottesville
State: VA
Zip: 22903
Email: aimeesmill@aol.com
Employer: Albemarle Vet Hosp
EmployerAddress: 445 Westfield Dr, Charlottesville, VA
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Aimee S Miller
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2000
Address: 117 Ivy Dr Apt 11
City: Charlottesville
State: VA
Zip: 22903
Email: aimeesmill@aol.com
Employer: Albemarle Vet Hosp
EmployerAddress: 445 Westfield Dr, Charlottesville, VA
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Jefferson
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Ronnie Serrett
NameWhileStudent: Ronnie Dyke
GradYr: 1988
Address: Rt. 7 Box 1613
City: Palmyra
State: VA
Zip: 22963
Email: jayron@firstva.com
Employer: Albemarle Veterinay Hosp.
EmployerAddress: 445 Westfield Rd.  Charllotesville
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Jefferson
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: Chris Lantz, Janine Dursey (spelling?), Lisa Nonchuck (spelling?)

WhatDoing

currently working in small animal practice in Charlottesville. Have moved around a lot since graduation between Staunton, Williamsburg and Charlottesvilee. Have been in Charlottesville for 6 years now.

EdExperience

Would love to do it all again with the same class

Name: Lara Carman West, LVT
NameWhileStudent: Lara A. Carman
GradYr: 1989
Address: 414 Mobile Lane
City: Charlottesville
State: Virginia 
Zip: 22903
Email: SCTR13@aol.com
Employer: Piedmont Veterinary Service
EmployerAddress: P.O. Box 5, Keene, Virginia  22946
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Jefferson
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: Jill Sayre Cummins 1989,

WhatDoing

Married since 1996, 1 part time step daughter (12), been working past 7 years at PVS LOVE IT!!, still hanging out with Ronnie(Dyke) Serrett also class 89, sent Vet Asst to BRCC this Fall ( keeping my fingers crossed), saw Tina Dove this year finally!! at CE-- she sat right next to me in Lab in school!!!!

EdExperience

Very crazy time-- isn't college always?-- met some great people here at BRCC and still think being a Vet Tech is fun! I don't think that we had enough surgery training or anesthesia training while at BRCC , but it was great!!

Name: Christina Barnett
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2001
Address: 207 Greentree Park
City: Charlottesville
State: VA
Zip: 22901
Email: barnetc@cstone.net
Employer: Charlottesville Cat Care
EmployerAddress: 1901 Seminole Trail Charlottesville, VA 22901
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I am now working at Charlottesville Cat Care as one of 2 LVT's. I enjoy working for a cats only practice, who practices only the highest level medicine.

EdExperience

Transfering to Blue Ridge from another Vet Tech program was challenging but well worth it. I feel that my education at Blue Ridge was of the highest standards. I don't feel that I could have gotten a better education at any other Vet Tech Program. I would recommend Blue Ridge to anyone who is serious about becoming a Veterinary Techician. If you are not serious about your education and not willing to work hard, Blue Ridge is not the place for you.

Name: Gail Foley
NameWhileStudent: Gail Davenport
GradYr: 1986
Address: 677 Burke's Mill Rd.
City: Mt. Sidney
State: Virginia
Zip: 24467
Email:
Employer: BRCC
EmployerAddress: Box 80  Weyers Cave, VA  24486-0080
Position: Education
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Victoria Bernhard
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2001
Address: 3823 SE 64th Ave
City: Portland
State: OR
Zip: 97206
Email: vlb1977@hotmail.com
Employer: Animal Medical Clinic
EmployerAddress: 1411 SW 14th Portland, OR 97201
Position: Management
OtherPosition:
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend: everyone

WhatDoing

I drove out to Oregon with my three cats a few weeks after graduation and am working in a small animal daytime practice in downtown Portland. If you ever get a chance to visit Oregon, which you should, please get in touch with me. I hope everyone is doing well. Keep in touch!

EdExperience

Name: Sandy Martin
NameWhileStudent: Sandy Sipe
GradYr: 1975
Address: 6619 Faughts Rd.
City: Mt. Crawford
State: VA
Zip: 22841
Email: sgsm@vaix.net
Employer: Blue Ridge Community College
EmployerAddress: P.O. Box 80   Weyers Cave, VA  24486
Position: Education
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Blue Ridge
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: Mary Bryce, Mary Jordan, Linda Worsley

WhatDoing

I've been here at BRCC since 10/78. The program continues to get better and better! I'm still a cat person (owned by 2 Siamese and 1 torti), and also share my home with a doberman and amazon parrot. Life has been and continutes to be good!!!

EdExperience

BRCC is still the best kept secret in the Valley!

Name: Melanie S. Yurczak
NameWhileStudent: Melanie S. Miller
GradYr: 1993
Address: 4916 Cliffony Drive
City: Virginia Beach
State: VA
Zip: 23464
Email: MSYLVT@aol.com
Employer: Self (Relief)
EmployerAddress:
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: All classmates

WhatDoing

I have worked in private and specialty practices since graduation. I grew tired of working for other people. I am currently working with another LVT on our own business plans. Currently providing relief work to area hospitals. I can work my own schedule and terms. It provides a change of scenery, more freedom, less stress, and a chance to get to know professional team members better.

EdExperience

It was okay, Dr. Porter got on my case a lot. I wish I had chose a different career path, but I have invested a lot of time and money so I make the best of it.

Name: Taryn Singleton
NameWhileStudent: Taryn Cole
GradYr: 1988
Address: 11413 Glenmont Rd.
City: Richmond
State: Va.
Zip: 23236
Email: tlsgoboys@aol.com (Go Cowboys)
Employer: Sycamore Veterinary Hosptial
EmployerAddress: 13137 Midlothian Tpke Midlothian Va. 23113
Position: LVT
OtherPosition: Managment, Central Reg. Director VALVT
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Central
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend: Anne Hudson, Kim Snead, Chris and David

WhatDoing

I have been working at Sycamore Veterinary Hospital since graduation. I have watched the practice grow from 1 doctor to 4 doctors. Whew!! Along the way I have worked with great team members including some wonderful LVT's. We have had 3 student LVT's come through, and will have another this summer. I also worked for 5 years at the Veterinary Emergency Hospital and helped out a local Spay/neuter clinic in my spare time. I have recently become envolved with the VALVT assoc. and it has been very rewarding. I love what I do and wouldn't change it for the world.

EdExperience

Hard times- Medical Terminology, and practicals. Good times- Playing Ping Pong in lunch room, softball in the summer, and getting together with classmates for game night (pictionary at Davids House)

Name: Betty Jo Speas
NameWhileStudent: Betty Jo Vaughan
GradYr: 1996
Address: 6196 Dijon Dr.
City: Mechanicsville
State: VA
Zip: 23111
Email: n2trouble@mediaone.net
Employer: several
EmployerAddress:
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Central
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: Kara, Brit, and rest of the Class

WhatDoing

Worked at Sycamore Veterinary Hospital for a little over 5 years. Which was a wonderful experience to work with fellow BRCC graduates, Taryn Singleton, then Suzanne Hainer joined us also. In that time, I also helped the Veterinary Emergency Center and Prevent A Litter. I have now gone "part-time" helping Animal Eye Care and continuing to do emergency work and the spay/neuter clinic. Sounds like "part-time" huh? As you can see, we finally moved out of Farmville into the big city of Richmond. Our "family" has grown from just "Sydney" to 1 additional cat "Hailey, 1 mix breed "Naya", a pekingese "Bandit", a ROTTENweiler "Autumn" who is trying to get her CD in obedience and just needs 2 more legs! and a new addition will be coming in a few weeks--a true brother to Autumn named "Ryker" (we think!) Other than trying to send assistants through BRCC and helping Taryn some with the Central region on CE meetings, I now try to take life one step at a time.

EdExperience

Some classes could have been longer, NOT in length of the class!, but more semesters, like anesthesia. And some of the parties could have been shorter! No comments are needed on that one guys! I now know Porter is a true human being unlike we thought while in class. I have grown to respect his hard-nose attutide. It actually has helped me in the work force! My fellow co-workers my not like the "smartassing" I may have picked up from him though!!:0) Just kidding Dr. Porter, I was already one!!:)

Name: Patt Dolan
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1980
Address: P O Box 442
City: White Marsh
State: VA
Zip: 23183
Email: PDolan@prodigy.net
Employer: Gloucester Veterinary Hospital
EmployerAddress: 6666 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hy., Gloucester,Va. 23061
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I have worked at 5 different small animal practices in the Tidewater region since graduation but am currently at Gloucester Vet. Hospital in Gloucester, VA. I have worked there for the past 17 years, however I did take a few breaks from there and lived in Egypt for 8 months with a boyfriend who was an engineer. Wonderful experiences, from cruising up the Nile to riding Arabian horses around the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza (at full moon). Also, rode the ocassional camels! I have also traveled to France (several times), England, Mexico and Canada. No animal work involved tho'! In addition, I have also been pursuing a 4 year degree in Biology which I've almost completed but have put on hold for now.

EdExperience

Dr. Porter was a great teacher! Since I have worked almost non-stop since graduation, my retention of my education has really "stuck" with me. At the time, I enjoyed not having to take electives which seemed to have nothing to do with the Animal Technology program, however; at this stage in my life, I feel a more rounded education is very important as well.

Name: Kathy Brereton
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1998
Address: 36 Teaberry Place
City: Fishersville
State: Va.
Zip: 22939
Email:
Employer:
EmployerAddress:
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Nancy L. Smith
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1986
Address: 11410 Hanover Courthouse Road
City: Hanover
State: VA
Zip: 23069
Email: nlsmith1@prodigy.net
Employer: McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center
EmployerAddress: 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, VA
Position: Research
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: central
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I am working in human research studying the correlation between blood pressure, kidney function and salt. It's very interesting work, but I sure miss working with animals. Previous to this position, I was involved in cartilage regeneration on the canine patella. Before that, I was involved in veterinary care of research animals at MCV-VCU.

EdExperience

Dr. Porter was wonderful!! I really enjoyed working with the large animals and the wildlife.

Name: Jennifer Kinzer Packard
NameWhileStudent: Jennifer Kinzer
GradYr: May, 1990
Address: 3223 Countryside West Dr.
City: Gum Spring
State: Va.
Zip: 23065
Email: fourpackjr@peoplepc.com
Employer: Veterinary Referral & Critical Care
EmployerAddress: Manakin-Sabot, Virginia
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Central
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

After graduation I was employed at Gayton Animal Hospital. I worked there for 6 & 1/2 years as a LVT. I was exposed to all aspects of veterinary medicine and was utilized as a LVT. I gained much experience dealing with the public in a very positive manner. As a LVT I grew very much the 6 & 1/2 years I was there. I am now employed at Veterinary Referral & Critical Care located outside of Richmond Virginia. There I work mainly as a emergency LVT. I have also been exposed to endoscopy, echocardography, myelograms, ICU nursing, and many other areas of a referral veterinary hospital. I enjoy this environment very much.

EdExperience

BRCC was an interesting experience. I was greatly challenged by the Vet Tech program as well as everyday life. This was the real world.

Name: ANGIE BAILEY
NameWhileStudent: ANGIE CROSSWHITE
GradYr: 1994
Address: 1254 ROSS ROAD
City: VINTON
State: VA
Zip: 24179
Email: PABA101@AOL.COM
Employer: VETERINARIANS TO CATS
EmployerAddress: 2750 ELECTRIC ROAD  ROANOKE
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

WORKING, WORKING, WORKING,...YOU HAVE TO LOVE THOSE FERAL CATS....... WE JUST MOVED IN TO A BRAND NEW FACILITY IN APRIL AND IT IS WONDERFUL. HOWEVER THERE IS STILL NOT ENOUGH ROOM TO HIDE FROM THE DOCTORS WHEN THEY START CALLING YOUR NAME.....

EdExperience

I LOVED MY EXPERIENCE AT BLUE RIDGE. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE...I MISS SCHOOL SOMETIMES, I EVEN MISS DR. PORTER'S CLASSES THAT NEVER SEEM TO END.....

Name:
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Email:
Employer:
EmployerAddress:
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT:
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married:
Children:
AlumniFriend:

Name: Elizabeth Johnson
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1990
Address: 5 Charles St.
City: Hampton
State: VA
Zip: 23669
Email: aejohnson@pethomehealth.net
Employer: Peninsula Emergency Vet Clinic/Home Health Care for Pets
EmployerAddress: Yorktown, VA
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I went back to school after working in day practice for 7 years and received my BA in English. I left day practice in 1999 and now work nights at the Emergency clinic while managing my business Home Health Care for Pets during the day. I pet sit and provide day care for both healthy and special needs pets.

EdExperience

Name: Dino O. Gregorich
NameWhileStudent: Dino O. Gregorich
GradYr: 1981
Address: 8033 Stillbrooke Road
City: Manassas
State: VA
Zip: 20112
Email: dinogregorich@hotmail.com
Employer: Eagan McAllister Associates
EmployerAddress:
Position: Other
OtherPosition: Automatic Identification for USMC
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend: All 1981 Grads from BRCC

WhatDoing

In 1982, I married a VetTech I met at BRCC, Ellen Grems. We are going on 20 years together. We have two kids, Tony 15, and Danielle 11. We both worked for a research lab, Ellen for 12 years, me for 14 years. Part of that time, I got trained and certified as a Histology Technician. Later I got into management and then I got in to computer programming and animal Radio Identification. I left the field to develop software (sorry, more money), now I work for the USMC at Quantico Virginia developing applications utilizing Barcodes, Biometrics, RF ID, etc. Happy with my career so far!

EdExperience

The best thing that ever happened to me. I thank Dr. Porter for giving me a chance even though I started out looking like some throw-back from the sixty's. I got an education, good friends and a great wife.

Name: Lisa C. Price
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1987
Address: 3537 Grove Ave #1
City: Richmond
State: VA
Zip: 23221
Email: lcplvt87@yahoo.com
Employer: Pocoshock Animal Hospital
EmployerAddress: 2801 Turner Road
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Richmond
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Since I have graduated, I have held numerous positions. I worked at the University of Va after graduation as an EMG technician doing nerve conduction studies on people and did this for 2 years. I worked at a local practice in Staunton for 3 years after this and left that practice to work as a laboratory technician at Western state Hopsital. This job really honed my laboratory and phlebotomy skills. I worked in hematology for 5 years and learned so much in these positions. I left this position when they opended the Verona Emergency clinic. I loved this position and worked there for a year and a half. I left this position to work at an Emergency hospital in Charlottesville. I stayed at this position for a year and then moved to Northern Va to work at Southpaws animal referral center in Oncology and internal medicine. I have been at my current position for one year and love it here and plan staying put. I get to use all of my technical skills more than ever and feel very confident of my skills. I recently won my greatest honor in being elected as the President Elect of the VALVT. If someone would have told me that this job wuld turn into a life passion, I would have never believed them.

EdExperience

It was a very rushed experience and it really is a blur. It was a long time ago and I have learned so much there but so much more working with wonderul technicians and doctors. It is a job that you never quit learning or loving. The respect and the skills that a lvt gets now has grown so much over the past 10 years also. When I was a new graduate, i was making minimum wage and now that I have the experience that I have, I can honestly say you CAN make a living at this job and with the involvement of other techs in the field, we will continue to grow by specializing in our field.

Name: Wendy Perry
NameWhileStudent: Wendy McCarty
GradYr: May 1991
Address: 159 Sheppard Drive
City: Williamsburg
State: Va
Zip: 23185
Email: luvabullmastiff@aol.com
Employer: Animal Clinic of Williamsburg
EmployerAddress: 7316 Merrimac Tr Williamsburg Va
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I married classmate Dan Perry in 1993. We have a 5 yr old daughter and a house full of animals. Dan left the field after a few years in practice, and now plays music professionally @ the Music Theatre of Williamsburg. We lived in Richmond until our daughter was born in '96, where I "lived" @ Broad St Veterinary Hosp. Family took us east where I found the Animal Clinic of Williamsburg and a wonderful small town community. I have been doing personnel management for the past year and a half. It can be very trying, but the all expense paid trips to management seminars had led me on some great adventures across the U.S. I am looking forward to buying a piece of country soon and starting my own business. Until then, I keep plugging away doing 2 jobs on 1/2 the hours, so I can be a mommy when the school bus rolls around.

EdExperience

I had a great time @ BRCC. I always tell people that Dr. Porter breaks you down, then rebuilds you into the best technician around! (Kinda like the marines, don't you think?) The area is just so beautiful and the education is excellent.

Name: Carol Heizer Wojciechowski
NameWhileStudent: Carol Heizer
GradYr: 1988
Address: 20331 Kelly's Lane
City: Hagerstown
State: MD
Zip: 21742
Email: CHeizer@msn.com
Employer: Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians
EmployerAddress: 11347 Robinwood Dr. Hagerstown, MD
Position: LVT
OtherPosition: Management
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: all my classmates

WhatDoing

Since Graduation worked at several clinics, even 1 all small animal for 1.5 years(that's a surprise to anyone that knows me) then 5 years doing embryos transfer work with Ashby Herd Health, got burnt out so free-lance for a year with show cattle seeing the country. Then 2 years ago moved to Hagerstown and started to work at Mid-Maryland. Just got married on Dec.15, 2001.

EdExperience

Name: Marsha Graham
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1990
Address: 89 Holly Lane Apt 201
City: Verona
State: VA
Zip: 24482
Email: meanmarsha@hotmail.com
Employer: Shenandoah Valley Regional Veterinary Emergency Services
EmployerAddress: P O Box 557 Verona VA 24482
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Blue Ridge
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Sarah Boster
NameWhileStudent: Sarah Tunis
GradYr: 1975
Address: 211 Segar Street
City: Hampton
State: VA
Zip: 23663
Email: psst12345@aol.com
Employer: Peninsula Health Care, Inc.
EmployerAddress: 606 Denbigh Boulevard, Suite 500`
Position: Other
OtherPosition: Sr. Executive Sec. Marketing
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: yes
AlumniFriend: Kristi, Debbie

WhatDoing

I have 3 children, twin girls who are now freshmen in college, one in criminal justice and the other majoring in dance (ballet and modern). I also have a 12 yr old son who is in 6th grade. I worked witha small animal practice directly from school for about 3 years, then work at a hospital in Richmond in the Tumor Registry for about 2 years. I married and move to the Hampton area. I am currently divorced, but still living in Hampton. I would love to hear from anyone from the class of 1975. I know that Debbie Wingate is still living in Front Royal.

EdExperience

Name: Amanda H. Daum
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2000
Address: 15 Lynn Lane
City: Staunton
State: VA
Zip: 24401
Email: orca@cstone.net
Employer: Albemarle Vet Hospital
EmployerAddress: 445 Westfield Rd. , Charlottesville
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Jefferson & Blue Ridge
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I work full-time at a high-class small animal practice in Charlottesville. I miss working with wildlife and would eventually like to try something new if the opportunity presents itself. I currently specialize in belligerent cats, and have been nicknamed "the cat whisperer".

EdExperience

School is cool. I miss learning and have lost some brain cells since leaving school.

Name: Charlynn Turner
NameWhileStudent: Charlynn Wood
GradYr: 1974 and 1990
Address: 6826 N. Valley Pike
City: Harrisonburg
State: Va
Zip: 22802
Email: brturnc@brcc.edu
Employer: Blue Ridge Community College
EmployerAddress: Weyer's Cave, Va.
Position: Education
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Blue Ridge
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children:
AlumniFriend: Anyone from the class of 74, Anima l Technology/Husbandry

WhatDoing

I am writing here because on the other Vet Tech alumni profiles page there are several inaccuracies printed in my name (which were written by somone else)!. Anyway, I first graduated in 1974 when the program was Animal Technology, and before there was AVMA accreditation. We had a choice of two education tracks, Animal Husbandry or Technology. I chose Animal Husbandry because my focus was horses and sheep at the time. I worked in mixed veterinary practice from 1974-8, and then again from 1988-1998. From 1978-88 I worked in poultry regulation and research, owned and operated a dog grooming business, and have continued to operate a part time livestock farm with my husband for the past 26 years. I also worked the livestock show circuit as a fitter and handler for a couple of years. In 1988, I returned to Blue Ridge to update my skills and obtain licensure so I could return to private practice. After 10 years, in 1998, I left practice and obtained my Biotechnology certification from Blue Ridge, and have worked here ever since. I first worked in the Biology dept., and now work as Laboratory Specialist in Chemistry. I will complete my BS in Health Sciences from ODU in Aug. 2002.

EdExperience

As you can see, I have utilized my BRCC education in many ways, and have enjoyed every bit of it!. I probably will pursue a graduate degree, and BRCC has given me a solid foundation. It is also a great place to work. I am a BRCC and community college fan!.

Name: Christine Phillips
NameWhileStudent: Christine Barnes
GradYr: 1992
Address: 9693 Mountain Valley Road
City: Harrisonburg
State: Va
Zip: 22802
Email: spiritssoarin@aol.com
Employer: Massanutten Animal Clinic
EmployerAddress: 2702 Spotswood Trail
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Blue Ridge
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Iworked in practice for 5 years then "retired" to have my son for 2 years and now work part time in practice and we also have a farm.

EdExperience

Name: RACHEL
NameWhileStudent: GREENE
GradYr: 2001
Address: 9860 OSBORNE LANDING
City: RICHMOND
State: VIRGINIA
Zip: 23231
Email: greenera@unos.org
Employer: UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing)
EmployerAddress:
Position: Other
OtherPosition: Organ Placement Specialist (OPS)
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion: Central VA
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I have tried my hand at private practice and was discouraged for many reasons. I got my current position as an OPS with UNOS because of my degree from BRCC.

EdExperience

Name: Dawn Hunter
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1999
Address: 9 Via Squirrel Ln.
City: Mt. Sidney
State: VA
Zip: 24467
Email: dawnwormie@juno.com
Employer: Pilgrim's Pride
EmployerAddress: 590 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA  22802
Position: LVT
OtherPosition: asst. to company veterinarian/lab manager
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Blue Ridge
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Worked as a field service technician for Rocco until the Cargill buy-out. Then was offered my present job at Pigrim's Pride working in the lab and helping the company veterinarian. I process samples from 3 divisions of our company in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and WV/VA. My lab handles mainly Microbiology, Parasitology, and a little Serology. I also track disease and use GPS coordinates for detailed mapping of poultry farms and their location in relation to one another.

EdExperience

Name: Andrea Stefanac
NameWhileStudent: Andrea Field
GradYr: 1997
Address: 9323 Becton Rd
City: Richmond
State: VA
Zip: 23060
Email: VetTec4BMD@aol.com
Employer: Gayton Animal Hospital
EmployerAddress: Richmond, VA
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Central
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

After graduation I worked for 4 years at Lakeside Animal Hospital, a small animal and exotics practice. Unfortunately the hospital was sold in 2001 and I left there to join Gayton Animal Hospital. I've been at Gayton for a year now. In Nov. 2001, I married fellow LVT Chris Stefanac (BRCC 1994). We have 3 cats, a mixed breed dog (Dakota) and a Bernese Mountain Dog (Chance). I show Chance in obedience and carting and am working in agility with Dakota.

EdExperience

I loved BRCC. Hard work, but definitely worth it. And nothing compares to the camraderie of people you're with for 2 yrs.

Name: Pam Fuller
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1997
Address: 356 Lebanon Church Rd
City: Staunton
State: VA
Zip: 24401
Email: pkfuller@Rica.net
Employer: Happy At Home Pet Sitting
EmployerAddress:
Position: Management
OtherPosition: owner pet sitting business
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I started a pet sitting business in Augusta county right after graduation and it's going great. There is a real need for professional pet sitters. Clients are especially interested in someone who has a background and knowledge in veterinary care.

EdExperience

great experience. Wish I could be a professional student. Hi to everyone from the class of 1997.

Name: Leslie Sanford
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1998
Address: 808 Brantley Road
City: Richmond
State: Virginia
Zip: 23235
Email: SANFORDLJ@aol.com
Employer:
EmployerAddress:
Position: Other
OtherPosition:
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend: "Holt" Martin

WhatDoing

Have started my own (1 person) company that makes, among other items, catnip pillow toys. FAT CAT DESIGNS can be found at the 17th Street Market in Richmond most Thursdays & Saturdays. Also volunteering & temping in spay/neuter facility, which remains my #1 passion. Volunteering with Richmond HERO for telethons, etc. to raise $$ for animal rescue, spay/neuter & trap/neuter/release organizations. Currently looking for a PT or FT job as an LVT in a spay/neuter facility, shelter, or private practice that is concerned with animal welfare above all. Would love to hear of any job openings that might be right for me!

EdExperience

I only wish that everyone I have worked with (including some DVMs!) had been through the LVT program @ BRCC!

Name: Cindy Mawyer
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 1997
Address: 1007 B Forest Hills Ave.
City: Charlottesville
State: VA
Zip: 22903
Email: Balletlvr5@cs.com
Employer: Giant Foods
EmployerAddress:
Position: Sales
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Jefferson
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Have worked in LVT field and am looking to get back into it.

EdExperience

Name: Catherine Cafazza
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2002
Address: 9731 Coleman Drive
City: Amelia
State: VA
Zip: 23002
Email: catherinecafazza@hotmail.com
Employer: Animal Emergency Care
EmployerAddress: Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Central
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend: Elizabeth Sykes, Sarah Ellen Melvin, Dorinda Mason

WhatDoing

I am busy planning my wedding for October (Danielle Gayhart, Carey Jarvis, and Heather Duke are bridesmaids. I just recently bought a house in Amelia county, and I am back in emergency medicine where I wanted to be.

EdExperience

I learned so much, and made the best friends I have known.

Name: Karen S Walsh
NameWhileStudent: Karen S Wynn
GradYr: 1992
Address: 2916 Lily Pond Road
City: Woodstock
State: IL
Zip: 60098
Email: ksk@stans.net
Employer:
EmployerAddress:
Position: LVT
OtherPosition: Mother/Domestic Engineer
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: out of state now
NAVTA: no
VTAOther: VTAI (Illinois)
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend: Jennifer Crosse

WhatDoing

I worked in practice for a few years until a (non-animal) related injury made restraining animals very difficult. I ran an animal shelter for two years and then opened my own catering business. I went from catering to owning a restaurant in Orange Virginia. I sold the restaurant in 2002 to marry my husband and move to Illinois. He works for Anheuser Busch (budweiser) and was transferred here. I was offered a job in alocal practice here about two weeks after I found out I was pregnant! So at 39 (me) and 50 (him) we are new parents. My daughter, Lauren, now nine years old is thrilled. Our new son is now three months old and named Patrick. Our present pets are Ben, our corgi, Angus, our Black Lab, Kate, our border collie, Meanie, our barn cat, Bryndl,and Nickel our house cats, (some of you might remember Nickel as my first anesthesia patient at BRCC!) Shannon, my Macaw and Salem my African Grey. My daughter has a gerbil named Cookie and last but not least we have two horses....Thunder and Spree. So we're never short of mouths to feed or love.

EdExperience

I loved Blue Ridge and had a wonderful experience there. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering the field.

Name: Andrea Stefanac
NameWhileStudent: Andrea Field
GradYr: 1997
Address: 9323 Becton Rd
City: Glen Allen
State: VA
Zip: 23060
Email: VetTec4BMD@aol.com
Employer: Springfield Veterinary Center
EmployerAddress: Richmond, VA
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: Heather Freeman- 1997

WhatDoing

Husband, Chris Stefanac- class of '94, and I both work in private practice. Chris works at our local Emergency clinic and I work in daytime practice. We have gotten involved in the dog show world with our Bernese Mountain Dogs and I participate in conformation, obedience, and carting with them, as well as in agility with mixed breed Dakota. We have 3 cats now also.

EdExperience

Name:
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Email:
Employer:
EmployerAddress:
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT:
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married:
Children:
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Janet De La Oliva-Ripp
NameWhileStudent: Janet De La Oliva
GradYr: 1997
Address: 12078 Fernwood Drive West
City: Foley
State: Alabama
Zip: 36535
Email: cwrc@gulftel.com
Employer: Coastal Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
EmployerAddress: Foley,AL
Position: Other
OtherPosition: Director, CWRC
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend: Toni Daughtry, and whoever remembers me fondly

WhatDoing

First I returned to the lawless South and spend time at the Cove getting reacclimated to the "real world", Then I was hire as an ER vet-tech. After 4 months I decided domestic animals were not my bag, dealing with the owners after they lost pets just crushed me! So I started working at Maring Life in Mississippi. I taught "behaviors" for to parrots and performed bird shows 6x a day. My goal was always to get back to Alabama so when TJ, my oldest went to college, I started working at a Zoo in neighboring FL while living in AL. I was with the ED dept. there and worked with native species. I traved in a zoomobile and presented programs to schools, fairs, clubs, camps, and tv. I quit in Sept 2000 to focus on CWRC, the wildlife rehab. The group is gaining momentum, I am sure our efforts are going to result in a full- blown-fancy-smancy clinic by spring 2004. Anyway thats my goal, Oh by the way, I married Tom,..again, and My son Frank is married and the father oF a beautiful baby boy! Yep that's right, My mom is a Great-grandmother!!!!

EdExperience

I really learned so much. The best thing for me was the lab work. Many vets or "vet-techs" in this area are not willing to or able to run test on WL, so I step in. The entire experience has made me such a snob when it comes to VT's. If an employee at a clinic says they are a tech I ask, "Really, me too!, where did you graduate from?" I have not met another VT grad since I got here, so ain't I a big dog? I can't express how important being able to perform a manual CBC is. It is something that is not valued enough, and can save your bacon when machines go down or you need to confirm values. Anyone interested in this field should consider Dr. Porters program, and once your in don't ever underestimate him or his right hand man Sandy. In fact because of those two I rarely ever fail to follow instructions!

Name: Shirley P. Gillespie
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2000
Address: 504 Robin Ct
City: Chesapeake
State: VA
Zip: 23322
Email: spglvskatz@aol.com
Employer: Greenbrier Vet emergency clinic
EmployerAddress: 1100 N. Eden way
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Worked in small animal practice for a while now working in emergency, internal medicine and loving it.

EdExperience

As amember of the first long distance ed class out of Tidewater Community College I think I got a better education than regular college students as I had an opportunity each day to implement my education at work.

Name: Niki Brown
NameWhileStudent: Niki Grow
GradYr: 1998
Address: po box 1161
City: gloucester point
State: va
Zip: 23062
Email: nikib2b@aol.com
Employer: York Veterinary Hospital
EmployerAddress: 4628 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hwy
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: tidewater
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Catherine Mueller Carpenter,LVT
NameWhileStudent: Catherine Mueller
GradYr: 1993
Address: 12500 Richmond Street
City: Chester
State: Va
Zip: 23831
Email: ILANDFAM@aol.com
Employer: Animal Emergency Care
EmployerAddress: Midlothian Va
Position: LVT
OtherPosition: Head Technician
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Centrel
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I found a Love for specialty/emergency medicine a few years after graduation, and can not imagine doing anything else. ilove always learning new and exciting things. I also find that specialist and emergency vets really rely on thier LVTs.

EdExperience

It was great. It changed my life

Name: Catherine Hopkins
NameWhileStudent: Catherine Cafazza
GradYr: 2002
Address: 9731 Coleman Drive
City: Amelia
State: Virginia
Zip: 23002
Email: catherinehopkins@peoplepc.com
Employer: Fredericksburg Regional Veterinary Emergency Center
EmployerAddress: 2301 1/2 Jefferson Davis Highway
Position: LVT
OtherPosition: Head Veterinary Technician; Supervisor
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Central
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend: Would love to hear from any classmates!

WhatDoing

I married David Hopkins in 2003, bought a nice home in the country. I had a beautiful baby boy named Joshua in September of 2005 and recently took on a new position at an emergency and critical care hospital in Fredericksburg.

EdExperience

Name: Shirley Whitehurst
NameWhileStudent: Shirley Gillepie
GradYr: 2000
Address: 504 Robin Ct
City: Chesapeake
State: VA
Zip: 23322
Email: spglvskatz@aol.com
Employer: Mt. Pleasant Vet Hospital
EmployerAddress: 209 Mt Pleasant Vet Hospital
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Working full time at a small animal practice while still doing relief at local emergency clinic

EdExperience

Graduated from the first long distance learning class our of Tidewater community college Best education ever!

Name: Shirley Whitehurst
NameWhileStudent: Shirley Gillespie
GradYr: 2000
Address: 504 Robin Ct
City: Chesapeake
State: VA
Zip: 23322
Email: spglvskatz@aol.com
Employer: Mt. Pleasant Vet Hospital
EmployerAddress: 209 Mt Pleasant Vet Hospital
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Working full time at a small animal practice while still doing relief at local emergency clinic

EdExperience

Graduated from the first long distance learning class our of Tidewater community college Best education ever!

Name: Shirley Whitehurst
NameWhileStudent: Shirley Gillespie
GradYr: 2000
Address: 504 Robin Ct
City: Chesapeake
State: VA
Zip: 23322
Email: spglvskatz@aol.com
Employer: Mt. Pleasant Vet Clinic
EmployerAddress: 209 Mt Pleasant Rd
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Working full time at a small animal practice while still doing relief at local emergency clinic

EdExperience

Graduated from the first long distance learning class our of Tidewater community college Best education ever!

Name: Shirley Whitehurst
NameWhileStudent: Shirley Gillespie
GradYr: 2000
Address: 504 Robin Ct
City: Chesapeake
State: VA
Zip: 23322
Email: spglvskatz@aol.com
Employer: Mt. Pleasant Vet Clinic
EmployerAddress: 209 Mt Pleasant Rd
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: yes
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

Working full time at a small animal practice while still doing relief at local emergency clinic

EdExperience

Graduated from the first long distance learning class out of Tidewater community college Best education ever!

Name: Wendy L. Williams
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2004
Address: 8518 Westwood Ave.
City: Little Rock
State: Arkansas
Zip: 72204
Email: lrzoovettech@sbcglobal.net
Employer: Little Rock Zoo
EmployerAddress: # 1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
Position: LVT
OtherPosition: CVT in Arkansas
VALVT: no
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther: Arkansas
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

I have been the only vet tech at the Little Rock Zoo since graduation. We have a medium size collection. I love my job and continue to enjoy the zoo world.

EdExperience

BRCC was great, I learned so much and made so many great friends.

Name: Jessica R. Spangler
NameWhileStudent: Jessica R. Hartlove
GradYr: 2006
Address: 5810 Crispin St. Apt. 3B
City: Roanoke
State: VA
Zip: 24019
Email: petdoc84@hotmail.com
Employer: Veterinarians to Cats
EmployerAddress:
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend: How is everyone?

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Nicole Tougas
NameWhileStudent:
GradYr: 2004
Address: 9463 Atwood Ave.
City: Norfolk
State: VA
Zip: 23503
Email: animalrn@cox.net
Employer: Norfolk SPCA
EmployerAddress: 916 Ballentine Blvd.
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion: Tidewater
NAVTA: yes
VTAOther:
Married: no
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

After graduation I started working in a small animal practice in Norfolk (VCA)since then I have moved on to working and working and working at the Norfolk SPCA. I love it, we are the only NO-KILL in the area and we stay very busy. It is a change of pace from the average veterinary practice.

EdExperience

BRCC was a great experience and I loved everybody there. I think I left with the knowledge to do the job. Thanks to everybody there.

Name: Lori B. Palya, LVT
NameWhileStudent: Lori Brittle
GradYr: 1982
Address: 11101 Tally Ho Drive
City: Mechanicsville
State: VA
Zip: 23116
Email: sleeep@gawab.com
Employer: Ashcake Animal Clinic
EmployerAddress: Ashland,VA
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT:
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA:
VTAOther:
Married:
Children:
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience

Name: Misty Dellinger
NameWhileStudent: Sutherly
GradYr: 2007
Address: 1921 Ridge Hollow Rd
City: Edinburg
State: va
Zip: 22824
Email: mssutherly@yahoo.com
Employer: Seven Bends Vet Hospital
EmployerAddress: 1121 Hisey Ave, Woodstock
Position: LVT
OtherPosition:
VALVT: yes
VALVTRegion:
NAVTA: no
VTAOther:
Married: yes
Children: no
AlumniFriend:

WhatDoing

EdExperience