VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION | WINTER 2025
TOWN &COUNTRY CALL
2026 Day at the Capitol Beef Up the PAC Veterinary Technology Student Grants 2026 Virginia Veterinary Conference
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VVMA INFORMATION
Digital Newsletter | Winter 2025 | Official Publication
VVMA STAFF
VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Talya George
3801 Westerre Parkway, Suite D Henrico, VA 23233
Executive Director
(804) 346-2611
talya@vvma.org
(804) 346-2655
Victoria Staples
info@vvma.org
Associate Director
vvma.org
victoria@vvma.org
Samantha Teunis Association Coordinator admin@vvma.org
SUBMISSION DEADLINE The deadline for receipt of copy to be included in the next issue of Town & Country Call is:
March 16, 2026 MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & WORK-LIFE SERVICES 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.
FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE is available 24/7/365 at 800-633-3353
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE The Lifeline is a free, confidential, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you or someone you know is feeling desperate, alone, or hopeless, please call:
(800) 273-8255
STUDENTS
(540) 231-6557 If you are concerned about yourself or any Virginia Tech student being (or becoming) suicidal, please call the Cook Counseling Center. This number can be used during regular office hours or after-hours to speak with a counselor.
Publication of materials in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
OFFICERS Brian Neumann DVM President Sherri Gard, DVM President-Elect Bret VanLear, DVM Vice President Courtney Conroy, DVM Secretary-Treasurer Nathaniel Burke, DVM Immediate Past President
DIRECTORS Rebecca Beamer, DVM Southwest VA OPEN POSITION Fredericksburg Jaclyn Clement, DVM Piedmont Caroline Eckstrom, DVM Northern VA Edward Fallin, DVM Central Bom Harris, DVM VAFAP Kiel Hausler, DVM Prince William Christopher Hussion, DVM Loudoun OPEN POSITION Southside VMA Shelly McDaniel, DVM VAEP Nolan Prock, DVM Coastal Thomas Schudlich ‘28 Student Representative Allison Sparks, DVM Appalachian Jamie Stewart, DVM Blacksburg Area A’ndrea Van Schoick, DVM Shenandoah Ashley Nelson, DVM Blue Ridge Courtney Wiegard, DVM Roanoke Valley C. Garrett Wood, DVM Jefferson
AVMA REPRESENTATIVES Lauren Maxey, DVM Delegate Terry Swecker, DVM Alternate-Delegate
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President’s Message
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Season’s greetings to my fellow colleagues and friends, The cool weather has descended upon the commonwealth, football season is nearing its end, and friends and families hopefully had some time to join together to celebrate each other and the holiday season. I hope that each and everyone of you can take some time to take a deep breath, enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate (or whatever your preferred winter libation), and relax after another busy year for our profession. I was honored to travel down to VMCVM to represent the VVMA in supporting the students during such a stressful time of year—final exam week. We provided a hot chocolate and coffee bar, as well as a snack assortment for all students on their way in to take some of their finals. It was great to be a bright spot in their arduous week, allowing them to take 5 minutes to relax, have a warm drink, and connect with a colleague who could encourage and reassure them. As I am sure we can all relate, that time of year is filled with little sleep or social interaction, so I was pleased for our association to give back and provide a small amount of relief for the future of our profession. We have another big year coming up for our association, starting with the Day at the Capital on Thursday, January 15th at Maymont in Richmond. Our legislative chairs and our lobbyist, Susan Seward, work tirelessly to help review all proposed, pertinent legislation affecting our profession with our members. This group is so important in providing our voice to the State Senate, and without their diligence and persistence, we would not have the presence that we do with regards to animal-pertaining bills. It is heavily encouraged to schedule an appointment with your local legislator(s) in the afternoon to help the VVMA stance be heard on some of these issues!
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President’s Message
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A month later, our much-anticipated annual Virginia Veterinary Conference will take place at the Hotel Roanoke from February 19th-21st. Our planning committee has done a phenomenal job putting together a stout lineup of small animal, equine, food animal, veterinary technician, and public practice speakers for the weekend. This conference continues to be the highlight of my year where so many colleagues, friends, mentors and mentees can learn, mingle and expand networks together. I hope to see everyone in the president’s suite one night as well! I am so proud of everything this organization and profession have accomplished this year. It really is so rewarding to see a group of people who all work for the same goals and commitments, come together and pick each other up in so many ways. Our board of directors, executive board, VVMA staff and membership all play such incredible parts in what makes our profession the best one in the Commonwealth, and I am fortunate to be a small part of it. I have been so honored and privileged to serve as your president this year, and I look forward to what this group will be able to do in years to come. I am always here as a resource if any of you all need anything. I hope everyone can enjoy some time with their families and friends during such a special time of year. Happy New Year to the hardest working group of people I know. To a prosperous and peaceful 2026,
Brian Neumann, DVM 2025 VVMA President
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2026 Day at the Capitol All veterinarians, veterinary technicians and members are encouraged to join us for an informational session and legislative review—even if you have limited political experience or knowledge! This is a great opportunity to meet the VVMA executive committee, other members, and learn more about the bills that could potentially affect the way YOU practice veterinary medicine.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 10:00am-1:00pm | Legislation review & working lunch Maymont | Garden Hall 1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220 Please remember to contact your state legislators, also known as the General Assembly. They appreciate veterinarians experience and knowledge on animal-health issues! If you cannot get an in-person meeting, please try to connect virtually or by phone. To locate your legislator, please visit: Who’s My State Legislator?
Register Here
Make a PAC Contribution Here Wait.. what’s the “PAC”? A PAC or Political Action Committee is an organization that collects and then distributes contributions to political candidates, parties, or causes. Through a PAC, resources are pooled and voices amplified. VVMA has a wonderful lobbyist and legislative committee that are constantly monitoring legislation and the political climate, but we still need your help! How are PAC donations used? The Virginia Veterinary PAC donations are focused at the state level and distributed to a candidate's campaign committee. Donations are non-partisan. Recipients are chosen based on their advocacy for animal health and welfare, including agricultural animals, and who promote the interests of veterinary professionals and public health. Incumbents who sit on key committees may also receive donations. The Virginia Veterinary PAC adheres to all regulations for collection and distribution of donations. How does the Virginia Veterinary PAC evaluate recipients of our donations? The following is considered when making donations to a candidate: policy alignment; supporting legislation that advances animal health and welfare; advocates for public health; promotes legislation that would positively impact veterinary practice and business
Why should I contribute to the PAC? Your contributions to the PAC allows the VVMA to get a “foot in the door” with legislators, to help support or oppose legislation that impacts the profession and the animals we care for and treat.
NOVA Educational Foundation
Veterinary Technology Student Grants Each year, 4 to 8 students at Northern Virginia Community College receive assistance from the Dr. Tregel Cockburn (Professor Emerita) Veterinary Technology Student Grant Program. This grant helps support graduating veterinary technology students by aiding them with entry into their chosen profession as an LVT in Virginia. The goal of this fund is to help remove financial barriers to becoming licensed and encourage graduating students to take their national board exam as soon as they are eligible. This grant is administered via the NOVA Education Foundation, in Annandale, VA. The full-time faculty and LVTs select the recipients and the students are acknowledged publicly at the Veterinary Technology program’s annual pinning/graduation award ceremony in May. The costs of the various fees increase each year and so does the grant award. For 2026, the grant maximum will be $600 per awardee. The 4 fees it covers for the graduating vet tech students are: Veterinary Support Personnel Network online instructor-led Veterinary Technician National Exam preparatory course: $120.00 American Association of Veterinary State Boards and PSI testing services Veterinary Technician National Exam practice examination with diagnostic report: $50.00 American Association of Veterinary State Boards Veterinary Technician National Exam: $365.00 Application fee to the VA Board of Veterinary Medicine for Veterinary Technician licensure: $65.00
Here’s how you can make a tax deductible donation to the fund: Online Gifts: Click here to make an online donation Please click “Add a dedication” and select “In honor of” and dedicate to the “Dr. Tregel Cockburn Veterinary Technology Student Grant Fund” Check Donations: Payable to the “NVCC Educational Foundation”, and include your fund name on the memo line. Please mail to: 4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Suite 275, Annandale, VA 22003 Via Phone: Donors may call (703) 232-3023 during weekday business hours NOVA Employees: Donate via payroll by clicking here Estate Planning: Click here and review the link and/or contact NVCC by phone or email to discuss Qualified Charitable Distributions: Please direct the gift to the NOVA Foundation at the mailing address above. EIN number: 51-0249730 Additional Ways: Matching gifts through your employer (click here), gifts of stock or donor advised funds (please contact NVCC) Thank you for your consideration and support! Any additional questions about these grants or their purpose, please contact Dr. Tregel Cockburn at (571) 446-7701 or tmc2775@email.vccs.edu.
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2026 Virginia Veterinary Conference
REGISTER TODAY!
Earn up to 15 CE hours across 6 tracks: Small Animal Equine Food Animal Public Practice Technician Wellness
FEBRUARY
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center Roanoke, VA
Online Registration
Hotel Reservations
19-21
65+ Vendors Veterinary Awards Exhibit Hall Games
Registration Brochure
Session Descriptions
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Classified Ads As a VVMA member, you can post classified ads FREE of charge! Click the buttons below to view our current classified ad postings
Veterinarians
Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary Assistants
Staff & Administrators
Equipment for Sale
Practices for Sale/Lease
Want to advertise with us? More information can be found at vvma.org/advertising-opportunities
Relief Veterinarians Kim Danoff, DVM (571) 212-5024 | kimdanoff@gmail.com Serving: Northern VA, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier & Rappahannock counties Jaclyn Erwin, DVM (408) 691-7192 | info@qualcareveterinaryrelief.com Available in: Northern VA Karoline Falcone, DVM (847) 902-1045 | karefalc@gmail.com | falconeveterinaryrelief.com Available in: Northern VA Todd Harrell, DVM (757) 932-7900 | harrellrelief@gmail.com Serving: Williamsburg, Newport News and surrounding areas Matthew Kelcourse, DVM (941) 416-8992 | vvrs2020@yahoo.com Available in: Southeastern VA/Hampton Roads area Tosha Starke, DVM (540) 239-8714 | info@allfourpawsvetrelief.com | allfourpawsvetrelief.com Available in: Northern VA
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Take the time to take care of yourself.
Free, confidential help for personal, work-related, and family concerns. Call your Member Assistance Program today to find out more.
704.529.1428 | 800.633.3353 mygroup.com
VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION | WINTER 2025
TOWN &COUNTRY CALL