Board of Directors

Education: Applied Disaster and Emergency Management, Brandon University, Disaster and Emergency Management Masters Program, Royal Roads University

Work Experience:
Economic Development Officer, Town of Redvers & RM of Antler #61 from 2014-2016 
Economic Development Officer, Town of Carnduff & RM of Mount Pleasant #2 in 2013
Executive Assistant and TeleService Representative, Affinity Credit Union from 2009-2013
Loaned Representative, United Way of Saskatoon & Area in 2013

Previous Board/ Committee Experience:
Nutana Community Association, Vice-President
Nutana Community Association, Newsletter Editor
Affinity Credit Union, Delegate/District Chairperson
International Association of Emergency Managers, Treasurer, 2016-2017
Redvers Oil Show Committee, Secretary/Treasurer
Redvers Health Foundation Fundraising Committee, Secretary/Treasurer

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
Live in the Nutana community in Saskatoon with my partner (Jasmin) and Benny (Congo African Grey).  Enjoy travelling, reading, and my hobby is volunteering. 

Education: Diploma Biological Sciences (AHT option);
SIAST – Kelsey Campus 1981 - 1983
Workplace Training: TDG Certification, Biosafety, Laboratory Safety, Supervision,
Leadership and HR training, hoist operator training, alkaline hydrolysis Tissue Digester Operator training 

Work Experience:

• 2017 - Present Assistant Manager, Quality Assurance - PDS Inc
• 2011-2017 (on leave) Area Supervisor, Necropsy Facility - PDS Inc
• 1999-2011 Supervisor, Necropsy Facility & Diagnostic Services Office - PDS Inc
• 1991-1997 Supervisor, Becropsy Facility - Department of Veterinary Pathology
• 1983-1991 Tech I, II, & III - Department of Veterinary Pathology

Previous Board/ Committee Experience:
Positions Held: 

• WCVM Animal Health Technology (VT) Committee:  1988 - 2010
  • position held – Pathology Rotation Representative
• South Corman Park Community Association:  2001 – Present;
  • positions held – Board Member & Secretary
• PDS Statutory OH&S Committee:  2003 – Present;
  • Positions held – Member & Secretary
• WCVM OH&S Committee:  June 1995 to Present
• SAVT Board of Directors:  2001 – 2006 (dual appointment with CAAHTT)
  • Position held:  CAAHTT Representative
• CAAHTT Board of Directors:  2001 – 2008;
  • Positions held:  SAVT Representative (2001- 2006); Vice President (2002-2006); President (2006-2008)
• SAVT Advisory Council (2008-2015) 
• SAVT Board of Directors (2014-current)
• SAVT-SVMA Council Liaison (2018-present)
• Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc. Board of Directors: 2009 – 2012;
  • positions held – Board Member & Vice President
• Pathology Club, WCVM  – 2006 - Present
  • Executive Member

*CAAHTT is now know as RVTTC

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
Life and career experience, business, and organization governance knowledge, resilience, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, maintenance and repair skills, HR strategies, political savvy 

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
Rental property owner; travel; rural and acreage life - crop sharing alfalfa (and gophers); hobbies include sewing, crafts, gardening, painting, and small wood working projects

Other Information You Want to Share:
I grew up on a mixed farm near Meadow Lake, SK with my parents, three brothers, a herd of commercial beef cattle, hundreds of laying hens, geese and broilers, several pleasure horses, dogs and cats.  I was surrounded by an evolving rotation of farm machinery, trucks, cars, motorcycles, and ski-doos - a new toy every year! It was a great childhood where working the land was richly rewarded.  I grasped the mystery of veterinary medicine at age 3 when i could not figure out the dilemma created when our veterinarian determined that a Hereford steer (they are red and white) died from "Blackleg" - really?!  These were the days before vaccinations were common practice and certainly long before Dr. Google offered any medical advice.  I was curious and needed to pursue a deeper understanding of things veterinary related and from a career perpsective, I have pursued my passion in anatomic pathology.  I currently share my work with a husband, two grown sons, and three cats - Speaker, Miss Kitty, and Dancer (a rescue sweetheart who often expresses "Torbi-tude"). 

Education: Animal Health Technology, SIAST Kelsey Campus, 1994

Work Experience:
Worked in a mixed animal clinic after graduation, then a couple of “odd jobs” and was hired to collect samples for a research project (U of S) at Western Canadian Beef in Moose Jaw, which led me to being an Inspector with CFIA, and then onto Quality Control for Western Canadian Beef.  A huge role that I fulfilled while doing Quality Control, was the entire documentation, and implementation of the HACCP program for the boning and processing plant.

And then pregnancy happened!  I took a few years off and had 1, than 2, and then baby number 3!  I loved being a mom – and would have gladly stayed at home!  My husband and I had a very successful purebred Charolais Cattle operation, until BSE hit!  So in February of 2004 I headed back to work as a Swine Production Technician for Big Sky Farms – which led to my first managing the Nursery barn at Ogema, and then Managing the 6,000 sow farrowing barn, until July of 2012.  In July of 2012, I left Big Sky (long story there) – and decided that with the end of my marriage, it was time to start a new life elsewhere with my children.

In September of 2012, I stepped into the role of Unit Manager for one of the Fast Genetics hog barns near Spiritwood, SK.  I went from a commercial facility – to purebred.  What a change!  Record keeping, data, data, data!   Fast Genetics is a world known company, known for it’s optimal genetics, and superior health status.   I have been involved with several research projects here – most recently incorporations of Sexed Sorted Semen utilizing Deep uterine insemination.

Previous Board/ Committee  Experience:
I was on the board in the late 1990’s as president – what I remember most was assisting with many bylaw changes (as at that time it was the board that did everything), and helping to initiate create and initiate our mission statement.

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
As for what I will bring to the board – this is all so FAST!  What have I done – I am very detailed, analytical, organized – and have helped to create and implement numerous training programs at my current job.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I have 3 amazing children – with my baby graduating this year.  I have an senior black lab named Vega – who still likes to go for walks, but her energy is starting to slow down.  I have a senior Tabby cat named Shaggy (my children named him during a Scooby Do phase), I have a very temperamental Tuxedo (black and white) cat named Daisy, and a beautiful Calico cat named Paisley.

I love to garden, vegetables, flowers of all sorts (especially if they will attract hummingbirds), and roses!  I think last year my daughter and I counted I have 27 rose bushes – most of which I manage to baby and overwinter!  Part of my garden incorporates 2 ponds – so there are a plethora of pond plants that I grow, and winter in my basement, as well as the numerous goldfish and koi that live out there.

I love camping, and being outside! 

Photography, cooking, canning, reading, crocheting.

Education: Veterinary Technology SIAST Kelsey Campus 2011

Work Experience:
Head for the Hills Veterinary Health Services (Carlyle, SK) 2008-2019
Valleyflats Veterinary Services (Moosomin, SK) 2019-present 
Redvers & District Golf & Country Club 2015-present 

Previous Board/ Committee  Experience:
SAVT Member-at-Large: 2016-2017
SAVT President Elect: 2017-2018
SAVT President: 2018-2019
SAVT President Elect: 2019-Present 
RVTTC Director: 2019-Present 
Redvers Curling Club, Financial Officer: 2019-Present

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I hope to bring new ideas to the SAVT board in 2016, be more involved with educating people about our amazing profession and to make sure that RVTs are given more recognition, treated fairly and appreciated in their workplace.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I starting working at Head for the Hills Veterinary Health Services in 2008 as a assistant and came back each summer to work while I was attending SIAST for 2 years, then became a permanent fixture as a Veterinary Technologist in 2011. I have a keen interest in small animal dentistry, feline behaviour, small animal nutrition and large animal herd health. I grew up on a grain and cattle farm near Nottingham, SK.  I became interested in Veterinary Medicine at a young age, growing up with animals and always wanting to help them. I began volunteering at local Veterinary Clinics in high school and realized that my passion would soon become a reality when I graduated from SIAST in 2011. I spend most of my days working but in my spare time I love going to Rider games, playing slow pitch, going for walks with my dog Missy and snuggling up with my SPCA-Saskatoon rescue cat Simba while watching TV. I have many more cats that I have rescued or taken in over the years that live out their lives as very well fed barn cats. They are good company for the horse, donkey and few cows that live in the barn.  

Education: Animal Health Technology, Lakeland College, 2005

Work Experience:
Upon competition of the technology course I headed to Kelowna B.C and worked at a small animal/exotics general hospital for 5 years. I then headed to Calgary AB where I worked in a small animal Emergency/Specialty Animal Hospital for 3 years (I took maternity leave while working here). I then returned back to my roots in the Saskatoon area and have been back in small animal general practice for the last 5 years. I am currently the Clinic Manager to a great group at VCA Canada Frontier Animal Hospital and an instructor at Sask Polytech. 

Previous Board/ Committee  Experience:
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic Veterinary Technology Program Advisory Committee
- SAVT Member-at-Large: 2019

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I am extremely passionate about the veterinary profession as a whole. I have always been extremely proud to be a Veterinary Technologist and would love to contribute to the recognition and betterment our profession deserves.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I have a boisterous 6 year old daughter as well as an 11 year old cranky cat name Zephyr, a 1 year old spunky cat name Riley and a sweet 7 year old Boston terrier Cross. Together my little family keeps me pretty busy. My daughter is always involved in various activities that we run to and from. I am also currently on a ball hockey team. I love to play sports, craft, paint, read and garden.  

Work Experience:
Worked in vet clinics since I was 15. Spent some time in retail off and on through my schooling, organized and taught Vet Student Year 1-3 medicine, surgery, and therio labs at WCVM. Designed and general contracted our new clinic build and have managed the practice since inception in 2011.

Previous Board/ Committee Experience:
Member of the North East SPCA Board for 5 years, Chaired local for 3 years, Current Chair of the Vet Care Committee for the North East SPCA, Sat on the last SaskPolyTech Curriculum Review Board for the Vet Tech Program, Member of the SIAST Vet Tech Program Advisory Committee for 3 years, President of Beatty Beef 4-H Club for 5 years, Secretary for 3 years.

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I have a strong interest and experience in management, planning, business growth, HR, and have experience working within this industry for most of my life. My passion is in growing our industry to improve our workplaces and client education and service. I am a bit of a techy and like to help push programs/people into utilizing technology to improve efficiency in all aspects of practice. 

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
Pets: 2 cats (Tabitha and Manfred), 1 crazy Lab (Theo) - not of my choosing, horses, and a herd of cattle.
Hobbies: - HA! Who has time for those now?! Apparently, my hobbies are joining boards, taking masterclasses and signing up for additional trainings…

Other Information:
I am excited to be here! I enjoy leadership and working in the background to help push to better our community and industry. I do lead a bit of a crazy life right now, but I somehow manage to make things work out.

I have a great team supporting me (and keeping my practice rolling) to help me take the time to do my trainings and take time to work on side projects like this!

Education: Saskpolytech Vet Tech Program (2015)
Saskpolytech Phlebotomy Program (2020)

Work Experience:
RVT at Park Range Vet Services in Prince Albert (mixed)
RVT/Receptionist at Sherwood Animal Clinic in Regina (mixed)

Previous Board/ Committee Experience:
SAVT Student Liaison 2013-2015
SAVT Conference Student Liaison 2013-2015

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I am currently one of 18 Family Paws Parent Educators in Canada and the only one in SK. I hope to bring more knowledge and tools to the vet community, especially regarding bite prevention for babies and toddlers.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
In my spare time I enjoy doing Spartan Races, reading, and travelling to visit with family and friends. I have a silver lab, Tula, and a brown tabby named Rikku.

Other Information:
I became a member of the Long Riders’ Guild in 2017 for completing a horseback trip that was over 2500km. My dad, sister and I went from Pierson, MB to Princeton, BC in 4 months with the same 5 horses.

Education:

• BSc. Biology
• BA. Psychology
• CF Medical Admin. Officer
• CF Logistics Officer
• Adv Cert. in Human Resource Mgmt.
• RVT

Work Experience:

• A teaching and research assistant, a tutor
• A bartender, a retail manager, an office administrator
• A medical administrator, a supply officer, a transport officer, a soldier
• A security specialist, a training officer, a human resources clerk
• A pet-sitter, a house-sitter
• A proud veterinary professional

Previous Board/ Committee Experience:

• Castle Heights Condominium Association (President, P-Pres., Secretary)
• Regina Police Service Citizens’ Police Academy (Pres., P-Pres., Sec.)
• SaskPolytechnic Prgm Advisory Committee for VT (MAL, Chair)
• Financial Audit Committee, Royal Regina Rifles (MAL, Chair)
• Protocol and Public Affairs Committee, SK Militia District
• SAVT Committees: Conference, Bylaw and Policy, Recertification

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:

• I am a creative, outside-the-box thinker and a proponent for change, truly enjoying brainstorming and evaluating systems and methodologies.
• An insatiable learner, I occasionally get sucked down into the knowledge/research quagmire.   I am slowly learning how to harness my non-neurotypical brain so I am less likely to overwhelm myself and others.  Current topics I am researching include: adults with ADHD, non-profit governance, communication skills, making synthetic chemical-free cleaning agents and Alzheimer’s dz. 
• In addition to my BOD position, I chair the SAVT Bylaw and Policy Committee and am a mbr of the Recertification Committee.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:

• I enjoy reading, puzzles, old movies, learning about almost anything, and most new experiences.
• For the first time in 25 years, I am not owned by a cat. 
• I love to swim, the sound of a basketball and sneakers squeaking on a gym floor, eating home-made hamburgers at a minor league softball game

Interesting Fact About You:

• While I am very sociable, I don’t like crowds and hate to sit with my back to a door or a full room.  Don’t. Make. Me. Do. It.

Education: Sask Polytech Veterinary Technology Program (2021)

Work Experience:
Various jobs in the food industry prior to starting school.

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
Act as a student voice on the board and a bridge between students and the board/association.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
When school isn’t keeping me busy, I’m generally with friends, relaxing at home and gaming, or with my dogs. Have a Siberian Husky, Husky/Malamute cross, Border Collie, and Corgi/Collie cross.

Education: Animal Health Technology SIAST Kelsey Campus 1986

Work Experience:

• Animal Management services: 1986-1993
• Harding Swine: 1997-1999
• Animal Health Clinic of Humboldt: 2006-present

Previous Board/Committee Experience:
25th anniversary planning committee

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I can honestly say that I still love what I do, and it has been 25 years. I find that a lot of people still do not understand what a VT does or what we are capable of doing. I am looking forward to being involved with this amazing group of people that work so hard to educate about and improve this profession.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I live on a farm west of Humboldt with my husband Collin and 2 boys Harris and Simon. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, yoga, snowshoeing, yardwork, reading, knitting, felting, papermaking, pottery etc etc etc. Our family also includes a lab cross, named Megan, 5 cats: Drew Stomach, Oprah, Cheapy Cheapy, Khari and Phyllis. 2 rabbits: Kip and Bueno and an elderly fish named Debbie.

Education: Veterinary Technician Program - Seneca College

Work Experience:
Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, Vancouver 2009-2011
B.C. Cancer Research Agency, Vancouver 2009-2010
West King Edward Animal Clinic, Vancouver 2011-2013
Angell Animal Medical Centre, Boston 2014-2017
WCVM, Saskatoon 2018-present 

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I hope to bring an outside look/opinion to the board this year.  I’m hoping my work experience in a variety of locations will help bring a novel perspective when it comes to matters of the board.  This will be my first time taking part on a board of directors, so I also expect to learn and gain experience, while helping make positive change in the lives and careers of RVTs in Saskatchewan.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I live in Saskatoon with my husband, and our four beautiful fur babies - our O.G. cats (Pepi and Pancake) who we adopted in Vancouver, our sweet little mutt (Nellie) who we acquired in Boston, and our newest kitten addition (Pearl) who fell into our laps only recently here in Saskatoon. In my limited free time I enjoy volunteering, snowboarding, and pottery. 

Education: Business Administration Diploma, Lakeland College - 2008
Legal Assistant Diploma, Saskatoon Business College - 2009
Veterinary Technology, SaskPolytechnic - 2020

Work Experience:
Legal Assistant

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I hope to bring a student perspective to the Board and keep my fellow students updated and involved with SAVT activities.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I grew up on a farm near Delisle.  I currently live in Warman with my husband, Eric, and my dog, Brady.  I worked as a Legal Assistant for 9 years before I realized that working with animals was my passion and I decided to go back to school.  My favorite things include travelling, spending time with family and friends, going to the lake in the summer, gardening, music, and Disney. 

Education:
Veterinary Technology SK Polytechnic 2019
Thompson Rivers University, General Studies

Work Experience:
VCA Canada Central Animal Hospital - since 2018
Bar and Restaurant Management 

Previous Board/Committee Experience:
SAVT Student Liaison 2017-2019
SAVT Public Relations Committee 2018-present
Melfort Kinettes

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
I hope to bring more awareness to the amazing work that we, RVTs, are doing.  It's a great time to show people what RVTs really are! Compassionate, focused, inspiting, and much, much more!

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I have a beautiful mutt named Jasper.  Hobbies include telling Jasper he is cute, taking Jasper for walks at the dog park, taking pictures of Jasper, and drawing. 

Interesting Fact About You: 
I'm a Hufflepuff!

Member-at-Large Mabel Ng Home Province: British Columbia  Education:  BSc. in Animal Bio Science, University of Saskatchewan, 2012-2016 Veterinary Technology SK Polytechnic 2019

Work Experience: Moose Jaw Animal Clinic - present  Burnaby Mountain Mantas Swim Club, Competitive Swim Coach, 2008-2015 University of Saskatchewan Residence Department, Resident Assistant, 2014/-2016 PetSmart Grooming Salon, Professional Dog Bather, 2016-2017 Previous Board/Committee Experience: SAVT Student Liaison 2017-2019 What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing: Passion for mentoring and promoting and furthering the VT profession.  Personal life including pets and hobbies: Bailey a one year old Pitbull and Gus a 2 year old dwarf rabbit.  Being outside - swimming, hiking, skating, etc.  Other Information:  Despite being a new graduate with little industry knowledge, I believe I bring fresh insight and passion to the table.

Lakeland Advisory Committee
Vacant

Sk Polytechnic Advisory Committee
Breanne Barber, RVT
Home Province:  Saskatchewan