Class of 2020

Columbus, OH

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Mentor: Jill Medenwaldt

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Hi there, I’m Jill Bates. I’ve been working in specialty practice for the last 1.5 years, before then I worked in academia for 1.5 years and general practice for 6 years where my passion for dentistry all began! I live in Columbus, Ohio, and work for Ohio’s only boarded certified veterinary dentist! I love dentistry because every patient has their own story and each case is different! The difference dentistry makes in a patient’s life is phenomenal, and being able to be an advocate for each patient’s oral health is very special to me. We get to help the patients that are suffering silently with oral pain and discomfort!   So excited and proud to be a new member! Big thank you to my mentor, Jill.

Aurora, Colorado

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Mentor: Don Beebe DAVDC

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Jennifer Bohannan is a Colorado native. She currently lives with her husband Brian and their fur children; (dogs)Hercules,Yukon, (cats) Beaster, Jackson, and a horse named J.R.. Jennifer has been in veterinary medicine since 1997. She graduated in 2003 with an Associates of Applied Science degree from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She has practiced in emergency and critical care, general practice, and specialized dentistry. She started her journey in tracking and obtaining her VTS-Dentistry in 2015. Her official mentor was Dr. Don Beebe, also many wonderful people helped out along the way. 

New York, New York

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Mentor: Candace Jones.

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I have been a credentialed technician for over 16 years. I work in a small practice in the West Village,NYC. Aside from my VTS in dentistry, I am also a Certified Veterinary Cannabis Counselor. 

Houston, TX; Born and raised in El Paso, TX

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Mentor: Scott Steele

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Texas A&M University grad in Biomedical science, Lone Star College grad in Veterinary Technology . Worked in emergency medicine, then surgery OR tech, then dentistry tech. Have 2 cats-Thomas and Penelope.

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I love to work with angry cats. I like jaw fracture repairs and maxillo/mandibulectomy.

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

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Mentor: Kathy Istace

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My name is Becky Findley, RVT, VTS (Dentistry). I graduated from Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada’s Capital!) in 2009 and wrote my registration exam that same year. I work in small animal general practice, where I developed a special interest in high-quality dental care for our patients. This interest was catapulted after attending my first Veterinary Dental Forum in 2013 and meeting my soon to be a mentor and first VTS in dentistry in Canada, Kathy Istace. Shortly thereafter I started my journey to join the esteemed members of the VTS – Dentistry group. Through this process, I was lucky enough to be able to work alongside amazing Canadian veterinary dentists, including Dr. Fraser Hale and Dr. Lee Jane Huffman. I was credentialed in 2020, and look forward to sharing my passion for veterinary dentistry across the country and beyond.

Medway, Massachusetts

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Mentor: Amy Edwards

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Being a vet tech is a second career for Mandee and she has worked for a veterinary dental specialist the entire time, which she really enjoys. When not having fun at work, she enjoys creative writing, martial arts, and doing all sorts of projects with her boyfriend.

East Greenville, PA

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Mentor: Sara Sharp

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I work in a large general practice in Lansdale, PA and have been there for 15 years. In 2014 I graduated from Manor College with an associate degree in veterinary technology and sat for the VTNE the following spring. I live in East Greenville Pennsylvania with my husband, one dog, 2 cats, a skunk, and a snake. I am currently trying to remember what I like to do with my free time now that I am done studying.

North Brookfield, Massachusetts

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Mentor: Pat March

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Jenn has worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician since 1999. She graduated from Becker College with an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology. Jenn spent 18 years working at a veterinary practice in Worcester, Massachusetts. This is where she acquired a passion for dentistry. In 2017, she joined Veterinary Dental Services, LLC in Boxborough. This inspired her to pursue her specialty VTS in dentistry. She also works part-time at Hubbardston Veterinary Clinic which includes assisting in shelter spay and neuter clinics. This gives her the opportunity to stay in general practice while also sharing her dental knowledge with others. Jenn lives in Central Massachusetts with her girlfriend, Amy, who is also a Certified Veterinary Technician. Together they share their house with 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a bunch of chickens. Jenn enjoys spending time outside doing yard work, canoeing, and fishing.

Norfolk, VA

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Mentor- Scott Steele

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Hello everyone! My name is Imeldo Laurel. I was born and raised in Southern California. I’ve worked in veterinary medicine since 2004 and became a licensed veterinary technician in 2013. Dentistry always piqued my interest, but I realized that I was a true dental nerd when I always ended up in the dentistry lectures at conferences while working as an ER/ICU tech. I relocated to Northern Virginia in 2016 due to my spouse’s military transfer. Upon arrival, I was fortunate to be offered employment with Ballston Animal Hospital, general practice with a strong focus in dentistry. That is when I decided to officially pursue my VTS. In order to complete the requirements of the program, I was shadowing and eventually was employed at Animal Dental Center in Annapolis, Maryland. I am excited to share my love of veterinary dentistry with everyone and look forward to mentoring and teaching. I’m excited to see what new adventures await! My mentor and to whom I’m most thankful for is Scott Steele. I am currently working in general practice at Dog and Cat Hospital in Norfolk, VA (those military transfers again!). I share my home with a Yorkiepoo named Kaylani, a French Bulldog named Dante, and a cat named Kenzie. When not at work, I enjoy the beach, local wineries, and traveling. I am glad to be here!

Virginia Beach, VA

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Mentor- Neetza Drake

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Danielle Martin, LVT is the lead technician of the dentistry department at an emergency and referral center in Suffolk Virginia. She has been working towards her specialty certification since she graduated from Northern Virginia Community College in 2014. She is especially interested in endodontics and orthodontics and enjoys teaching veterinary dentistry in the local community. She and her fiancé have two dogs at home (a Yorkie-Poo and a Husky). 

Glendale, AZ

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Mentor: Benita Altier

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I’m Stefanie Perry, and I’m a CVT in Glendale, Arizona.  I’ve worked in general practice for 16 years, starting out of high school with a board-certified feline specialist back in Illinois before I moved out west in 2006. I worked at a general practice until 2015 when I accepted a position at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine at the Companion Animal Clinic.  I work full time in the dental suite with 4th-year veterinary students, teaching and supervising during procedures where they get hands-on experience in dentistry and oral surgery.  I also help with dental wet labs as they prepare to treat live patients.  It’s been my goal to obtain my VTS in dentistry for several years, and with the support of MWU and my amazing family and friends, I’m excited to finally achieve it!  I have been married for 16 years and we have a 12-year-old son. We share our home with a heeler mix, two terrier mixes, and a Redbone Coonhound.  

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San Diego, CA

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Mentor: Maria Nellessesn

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Beth Schneider started working in veterinary medicine in 2001. She lived in San Diego, CA during high school and college, then moved to Fargo, North Dakota in 2003. She eventually fell into heading the dental department at her general practice and quickly became a passionate dental nerd. The desire to advance her career in dentistry led her back to San Diego in 2017 when she accepted a position at Pacific Coast Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery. She is grateful for all the doctors and coworkers who have supported her along the way. Her mentor, Maria Nellessen, also contributed greatly to her success.  

Littleton, CO

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Mentor: Sara Sharp

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Nicole Striegl received her CVT in 2012 while working in a 3 doctor GP practice. Early on in her career, she knew she wanted to pursue the opportunity to advance as a technician and obtain a VTS. After three years in the field as a CVT, she began her journey down the VTS Dentistry path with Sara Sharp CVT, VTS (Dentistry) as her mentor. She had the opportunity to shadow some great veterinary dentists and, eventually, ended up working alongside Dr. John Huff where he helped develop her knowledge and skills in veterinary dentistry. After a long road, she obtained her VTS in 2020 and, currently, works in a hospital in Castle Rock. While being a CVT and VTS (Dentistry) is her passion, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Tyler, a ball python named Sher Khan, and her two pups: Hazelnut (cardigan corgi) and Furry One Kenobi (chihuahua). Currently, she is getting back into her favorite hobby of drawing and artistic outlets while also exploring a new hobby of gardening.

Brewerton, New York

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Mentor: Janyce Cooper

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Kara has been working in dental specialty for the last 7 years and has loved every minute. She is so excited to continue her career as a VTS in dentistry.

Liverpool, NY

Mentor: Kimberly Demars

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I've been working at a small animal/exotic full-service general practice for 11 years now in Liverpool, NY. We have 16 veterinarians, a staff of almost 90, and 2 locations (main hospital and a wellness clinic). Surgery (including dentistry!) is 5 days a week with appointments and emergencies all day long, too. We're a busy place!

I work with a variety of doctors, as each day of the week is scheduled to someone different. The variety is what keeps general practice interesting for me! Every case, every patient, and every day is a new adventure. I love that we can make such a huge difference in such a small space!

I'm still very proud to be a member of this group. Excited to see how our dentistry community can keep improving year after year. Never stop learning!

(bio updated Oct. 2024)