Authors

Noga Schiller, DVM, is a veterinary medical advisor for Biogal Labs.

Alves is a first year veterinary student at Rowan University Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine’s

Maya Burgess is a veterinary student at Tuskegee University (Class of 2028) with a focus on small animal and emergency medicine. An Auburn University alum with a degree in animal science, they are dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to animal well-being.

Amy Thomson, DVM, DAVDC, is a specialist in small animal dentistry and oral surgery. She began her career in small animal general practice, while gaining continuing education (CE) in dentistry. The more she learned the more her passion for dentistry grew as well as a desire to become a specialist. Although Thomson enjoys all aspects of clinical practice as a board certified veterinary dentist, she also very much enjoys providing CE for all veterinary professionals in small animal general practice. There is a huge demand for veterinary dentistry and oral care, and she wants to support general practice teams to provide the best care to their patients.

Erin Wondra is a Sales Representative with KLC Financial, where she partners with veterinary clinics and practice owners to help them secure financing solutions for equipment, technology, and practice growth initiatives. She works closely with veterinary professionals to navigate the financial side of upgrading equipment, expanding services, and investing in the long-term success of their practices. With insight into the evolving needs of modern veterinary medicine, Wondra brings a practical perspective on how smart financing strategies can support better patient care, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth for veterinary clinics.

Tam is a fourth-year pharmacy student at Touro College of Pharmacy with professional interests in dermatology/cosmetics, veterinary medicine, and emergency medicine. She hopes to pursue a career within these fields and combine her scientific expertise with patient-centered care to advance therapies and improve outcomes for diverse populations.

Angela Butler, DVM, is senior director of medical affairs for PetIQ, a pet health and wellness company based in Eagle, Idaho.

Maria Bravo, DVM, is the lead veterinarian at Chewy Vet Care.

Jenn Bench, RVT, VTS (ECC), T-CCFP, discovered her passion for veterinary emergency and critical care while completing her externship at a specialty emergency and critical care hospital during her time at the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Aurora, Colorado. After earning her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credentials, she pursued and achieved her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in emergency and critical care.

In her current role as the regional director of education and development for ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals, a Thrive Pet Healthcare facility, Bench is dedicated to mentoring and training support staff, veterinary technicians, and doctors. She finds great fulfillment in education, with a particular passion for training CPR. Jenn is also a certified compassion fatigue professional, advocating for mental wellness and resilience in veterinary medicine.

Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO, was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Irvine, with a major in Biology and Criminology in 2003. Sheahan discovered her interest in comparative ophthalmology after college when she worked as an ophthalmology nurse for four years. She attended Veterinary School at Oklahoma State University graduating in 2011. Following Veterinary School, she completed a one-year rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Ohio State University followed by a three-year residency in comparative ophthalmology at Animal Eye Care. She has a particular interest in ophthalmic pharmacology as well as dry eye disorders and retinal diseases. In her free time, she enjoys photography, running, traveling, and spending time with family.

Larissa Meurer da Cunha Veiga, DVM, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Brazil, in 2016. She has 10 years of experience in small animal preventive care, low-stress veterinary handling, and client-centered veterinary services. She completed professional training in preventive veterinary medicine in 2020.

Meurer has trained veterinary professionals and teams across multiple pet industry businesses in client experience, preventive care protocols, and low-stress veterinary handling techniques. She developed the Positive Preventive Veterinary Experience Protocol (PPVEP), an integrated multisensory preventive care framework focused on improving patient comfort, reducing stress during preventive procedures, strengthening long-term client retention, and enhancing preventive care adherence within veterinary practices.

Originally from Brazil, Meurer is currently based in Florida, United States, where she is expanding her professional work in the pet industry. In 2026, she was granted O-1 status, a US employment classification for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in her field.

Joe Persichetti is the head of healthcare business banking at U.S. Bank.

Caleb Frankel, VMD, is founder and CEO of Instinct Science. An internship-trained emergency veterinarian, he also serves as a board member, advisor, and author and speaker on the intersection of technology and veterinary medicine. Instinct’s mission is to improve the experience of modern veterinary teams through better technology. The company develops the practice management software Instinct EMR, AI scribing platform ScribbleVet, clinical decision support tools, and educational resource Clinician’s Brief.

Sara Bledsoe, DVM, CVA, CHPV, is the learning & development manager for Chewy Vet Care, leading content creation and professional development. Bledsoe brings years of small-animal practice experience and advanced certifications as a certified hospice and palliative care veterinarian and in veterinary acupuncture. Previously, she supported the development of Connect with a Vet, Chewy’s tele-triage platform, and has a special interest in effective communication and client experience. A 2012 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with a clinical year at Auburn University, Bledsoe earned the Gentle Doctor Award for outstanding patient care and client communication. She lives in Florida with her sweet cats, Ottley and Saba.

Gabrielle Acquaviva is a third-year veterinary student at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine with plans to specialize in dermatology. She enjoys tackling challenging cases and values empathetic, collaborative client communication. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her calico cat, Pumpkin.