VVMAINFORMATION
VVMASTAFF
TalyaGeorge
Executive Director
talya@vvma.org
VictoriaStaples
Associate Director victoria@vvma.org
SamanthaTeunis
Association Coordinator admin@vvma org
vvma
SUBMISSIONDEADLINE
MEMBERASSISTANCEPROGRAM &WORK-LIFESERVICES
The VVMA partners with McLaughlin Young and offers a wonderful benefit for VVMA members. The Member Assistance Program & Work-Life Services are available to VVMA members and their immediate family.
Reasons to use the MAP include: financial planning, marital difficulties, parenting, stress, depression, work-related concerns, alcohol and drug use/abuse, grief and loss, or preventative.
or
OFFICERS
BrianNeumannDVM President
SherriGard,DVM
President-Elect
BretVanLear,DVM Vice President
CourtneyConroy,DVM
Secretary-Treasurer
NathanielBurke,DVM Immediate Past President
DIRECTORS
RebeccaBeamer,DVM Southwest VA & VASART OPENPOSITION
Fredericksburg
JaclynClement,DVM Piedmont
CarolineEckstrom,DVM Northern VA
EdwardFallin,DVM Central
BomHarris,DVM VAFAP
KielHausler,DVM
Prince William ChristopherHussion,DVM Loudoun OPENPOSITION
Southside VMA
ShellyMcDaniel,DVM VAEP
VirginiaNewman,‘25
Student Representative
NolanProck,DVM Coastal
AllisonSparks,DVM
Appalachian
JamieStewart,DVM
Blacksburg Area
A’ndreaVanSchoick,DVM
Shenandoah
AshleyNelson,DVM
Blue Ridge
CourtneyWiegard,DVM
Roanoke Valley
C.GarrettWood,DVM
Jefferson
AVMAREPRESENTATIVES
LaurenMaxey,DVM Delegate
TerrySwecker,DVM Alternate-Delegate
President’s Message BrianNeumann,DVM
Colleagues,
We are slowly moving through one of the hottest summers in recent memory. I hope that every one of you has managed to get away from the working world for a vacation, spend time with family and friends, and have had minimal visits from your local HVAC company. Summers can be incredibly busy times in the clinics and on farm calls, hopefully leading to growing businesses for all of you. Despite the crippling heat and humidity, the VVMA continues to advocate and support each and every member as we approach the cooler fall season.
I was thrilled at the end of May to be able to attend the 2025 Graduation Commencement at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine as the VVMA representative. This year, I had the honor of delivering the Veterinarian’s Oath to the graduates. I have not had so many chills since reading that very same Oath as a graduate myself 11 years ago, and it is something I will never forget Seeing all the faces of eager new colleagues has given me so much hope for the future of our profession. It reminded me of the promises that we have made to this profession that unite and bond all of us in our tight-knit community.
To add to the emotional evening, I witnessed the Class of 2025 honor Dr. Jacque Pelzer, who is now recently retired. As I am sure most of you know, Dr. Pelzer has graciously mentored and supported thousands of veterinary students over her years with the college. Many people reading this letter have had the fortune of working with Dr. Pelzer and are aware of her incredible passion for student education and success. There is a huge hole to fill in our veterinary community with her departure, but we wish her nothing but happiness going forward.
One of our biggest pieces of news from our association is regarding the potential merger with the VVMA and VALVT organizations Over the last 5 years, it has been a goal of both wonderful organizations to grow closer and maximize support and collaboration with each other. A formal merger was the potential avenue that was explored by our hard-working Merge Committee, comprised of members from both organizations.
(continued on next page)
President’s Message
BrianNeumann,DVM
Earlier this spring/summer, after some very passionate discussions, we made the decision to discontinue talks regarding a formal, legal merge. That being said, the goal is unwavering: maximize the support of both organizations and lift each other up. This involves moving forward with other forms of increased collaboration and working closely together.
After many wonderful discussions with VALVT President, Taryn Singleton, we are wasting no time acting on these initiatives, including but not limited to, the formation of a new Collaborative Committee, comprised of both VVMA and VALVT members and Executive Board members, as well as an annual joint VVMA and VALVT executive committee meeting. I most recently had the honor of attending the VALVT virtual town hall to discuss these plans moving forward, and both memberships are beaming with enthusiasm with these initiatives.
Despite the official legal merger not coming to fruition, I view the efforts of the Merge Committee to be a success. The two organizations have grown so much closer over the last 5 years and are aligned in numerous ways that we can advocate for each other. This decision-making process has only given me so much more pride in the state of our veterinary profession in Virginia.
Our relationship with the college, particularly with the students of VMCVM, is something that I am also proud of and hope to continue to strengthen going forward. One of the most powerful ways we can do that is through the mentorship of veterinary students as they prepare to become our future colleagues. I hope and encourage every one of you to consider mentorship and to attend the mentorship weekend on October 9th and 10th at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine A heartfelt thank you to those of you who have made a difference in the lives of so many that will guide the profession going forward.
I hope everyone stays cool, takes a break, and is gearing up for football season. Thank you for all you do for our profession!
Warm regards,
Brian Neumann, DVM 2025 VVMA President
VVMA Members Pictured: Dr Brian Neumann, Dr Courtney Conroy and Dr Dereka Alexander
Support the Veterinary Memorial Fund
Here'showitworks:
MeaningfulContributions: When a cherished pet is euthanized under your care, your clinic contributes a minimum of $15 per pet to our Veterinary Memorial Fund. Contributions can be made online using a credit card or a check.
HeartfeltRemembrance: Upon receiving your donation, we send a customized Certificate of Remembrance to the families who have been honored by your generous gift. This certificate acknowledges your kindness and compassion, providing comfort and heartfelt gratitude. It reassures families that your care extends beyond the final visit, often encouraging them to return to your clinic with future furry family members
AdvancingVeterinaryMedicine: Your contributions support our clinical research projects, driving progress and innovation in veterinary medicine. This research benefits the general practitioner by bringing gold-standard spectrum of care to local clinics. By making advanced medicine accessible, clinics can offer high-quality care to all clients, regardless of income, ensuring that more pets receive the best possible treatment.
GriefSupportResources: Participating clinics receive a 10-page PDF of grief support resources, ready for you to print and share with your clients. This packet includes self-care information, tips on comforting grieving pets, and advice on supporting children of any age, provided by our Veterinary Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Augusta O’Reilly. ComplimentaryGriefCounseling: Augusta has generously chosen to offer every euthanasia client two FREE virtual sessions with her or her intern for grief counseling, helping families navigate the difficult period without their beloved pet.
Joinourgrowingnetwork: Currently, we have over 300 clinics throughout Virginia and the surrounding areas that benefit from the reciprocal relationship formed by this fund. By broadening our reach, we aim to expand our research pool and make a meaningful impact on even more pet-loving families we support.
Join us in making a difference and providing lasting comfort to families during their time of need. Support the Veterinary Memorial Fund today!
Interestedinparticipatingorlearningmore?
Please contact KatherineHarshman,LVT at kharshman@vt.edu or call (540) 231-0465.
Powerof10LeadershipProgram
TheVVMAisexcitedtoannounce anotheryearofthePowerof10 LeadershipProgram!Thegoalofthis programistohelprecentgraduates (2019-2025):
Betteryourselfinyourpractice, community,andpersonallife
Connectwithpeerstodiscussand betterapproachcareerchallenges
Developfundamentalleadership skills,personalbranding,and emotionalintelligence
Learnfromindustryleadersand partners
Applicationswillbeaccepted throughAugust15th!Learnmoreand applybyclickingthebuttonbelow.
ApplyHere
2025 VVMA P10 participants at Goat Yoga in Amissville, VA
Costa VMA
Earn 8 CE credits
Registration includes all CE, meals and happy hour
Saturday, September 27, 2025
8:00am-6:00pm CE | 6:00-7:00pm Happy Hour
Pembroke
House
Register today!
ClassifiedAds
ReliefVeterinarians
KimDanoff,DVM (571) 212-5024 | kimdanoff@gmail.com
Serving: Northern VA, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties
JaclynErwin,DVM (408) 691-7192 | info@qualcareveterinaryrelief.com
Available in: Northern VA
KarolineFalcone,DVM (847) 902-1045 | karefalc@gmail.com | falconeveterinaryrelief.com
Available in: Northern VA
ToddHarrell,DVM (757) 932-7900 | harrellrelief@gmail.com
Serving: Williamsburg, Newport News and surrounding areas
MatthewKelcourse,DVM (941) 416-8992 | vvrs2020@yahoo.com
Available in: Southeastern VA/Hampton Roads area
ToshaStarke,DVM (540) 239-8714 | info@allfourpawsvetrelief.com | allfourpawsvetrelief.com
Available in: Northern VA
Mentor Program
October 9-10, 2025
Virginia-Maryland CVM
Blacksburg, VA
Learn More
Lookingformorewaystosupportandconnectwithveterinarystudents? Signuptobecomeamentorforourupcoming2025MentorProgram!
Program Information
Hosted by the VVMA, MDVMA, DVMA and WVVMA, this program provides mentorship opportunities between the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM students and practitioners across surrounding states.
It doesn’t matter where or when you graduated from veterinary school, your professional and personal experiences can, and will help guide current veterinary students.
Program Schedule
In-person events will be held in the student commons at the Virginia-Maryland CVM.
Thursday,October9th:
Welcome Dinner | 5:30pm-7:30pm
Social Event at Bull & Bones Brewhaus with MDVMA | All are welcome!
Friday,October10th:
Breakfast | 8:30am-9:30am
Meet & Greet and Table Swapping | 9:00am-11:00am
Breakout Sessions with Mentor/Mentee Q&A | 11:00am-Noon
Lunch | Noon-1:00pm | Program concludes after lunch
HOP IN!
February 19-21, 2026
