2025 Annual Conference - Pre-Courses & Derby Night Social

Thursday Pre-conference | Friday | Saturday | Sunday 
Conference Home

*Please note, Thursday events are not included in conference registration and have limited capacity. Lunch is not included in the pre-course registration fee. There will be a lunch break during the program with a number of options to enjoy on your own in and around the hotel.
To add on to an existing registration, contact [email protected].

Thursday, July 31st
1:00 to 4:00 PM

$100

Being Your Own "Well-Being Buddy" - An Interactive, Retreat-Style Lifestyle Medicine Workshop for Educators  

Melyssa Allen, MA, NBC-CHWC, DipACLM, Veterinary Well-Being Buddy

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

$100

Program Director Gathering

Learning Objectives:

  • Hear from thought leaders in areas of specific interest to program directors
  • Have ample opportunity to talk through your challenges with peers 
  • Explore ways this community can speak with one voice on topics of mutual interest and strengthen its ability to support each other year-around

Speakers & Topics to Include

  • The Supervisor’s Role in OSHA Compliance & Surviving an Inspection
    Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT, SafetyVet

  • Mentoring New Faculty
    Ann Wortinger, LVT, , RVT, BISVTS, Elite FFCP, Appalachian State University

  • CVTEA Questions and Answers with the AVMA

  • AAVSB Questions and Answers with Channing Benson

  • Economic Influences Shaping the Next Year
    Katelyn McCullock, M.S., American Veterinary Medical Association

  • From Interest to Enrollment: Engaging Outreach Tactics that Work
    Sarah Machniak, B.S., Michigan State University

  • From Crickets to Clicks: Maximizing Survey Returns
    Jennifer Wells, DVM, FVTE, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

$100

New Faculty Pre-Course

Speakers & Topics to Include

  • The Anatomy of a Lesson Plan
    Stephanie Ortel, MS (Ed), FVTE, LVT, Genesee Community College

  • Essentially Unessential
    Ramona Crane, LVT, CVT, Apex College of Veterinary Technology
    Lisa Kernaghan, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC), CCFP, Mission Veterinary Partners

  • Tailoring Veterinary Technician Training to Learning Styles: A Practical Approach
    Brandie Johnson, RVT, LVT, Dogs and Cats Emergency and Specialty, Lincoln Memorial University

  • Evolving Rubrics to Include Equitable Grading and Collaborative Teaching
    Kelly Vearil, M.Ed. RVT, FVTE, VTS  
    Amberly Lovitt, DVM, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash 
    Alana Dillon, BA, RVT, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash  

  • Engaging Classroom Platforms
    Whitney Thane, BS, LVT, Lone Star College

  • AI Tools: The Teaching Assistant You Always Wanted  
    Mary Beth McKee, BS, MS, Appalachian State University
    Jen Serling, MVEd, BVSc, AAS, RVT, CVT, VTES, FVTE, Appalachian State University

Thursday, July 31st - Evening Social

Buses depart the Omni Hotel at 5:30 PM


$65

Special Reception Sponsored by Platinum and Hill's Nutrition
Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs

*Agenda Subject to Change

Please note:
*All times listed in local (Louisville) time.

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