Veterinary Technician of the Year
Every year, the WSAVT awards an LVT as "LVT of the Year."
The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor a Washington State Licensed Veterinary Technician and WSAVT member who promotes professionalism, ethical behavior, continuing education, and the humane treatment of animals. The nominee will have demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the veterinary technician profession. This may include involvement in the WSAVT, mentorship to fellow licensed veterinary technicians, or participation in other professional veterinary organizations. Nominations must be received in essay form from a fellow veterinary professional. The winner will be announced at the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference.
The Veterinary Technician of the Year will receive the following awards:
- A monetary gift and plaque.
- Complimentary registration to the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference
- Complimentary membership to WSAVT beginning on the winners’ renewal date.
2025
Shannan Hunter, LVT, VTS (SAIM)
I'm incredibly grateful to Eva not only for the nomination but for her continued support and belief in my work. This recognition truly means more to me than I can express. The irony is not lost on me that this award comes during a year where I spent the least amount of time on the floor working side by side with the team and patients I love so deeply. However, this honor affirms that the difficult and hopefully temporary sacrifice was the right choice. Over the past year, I've worked intentionally to establish myself as an LVT practice owner, to build a hospital that is a safe, supportive space where technicians can learn, grow, lead, and feel genuinely valued. It has been both a daunting and deeply meaningful challenge, and one I believe is essential for the future of our profession. My hope is that this work helps pave the way for veterinary technicians to see themselves not only as vital members of the team but as leaders, decision makers, and hospital owners, too. shaping workplaces that support longevity, growth, and respect within our field. Thank you for this incredible honor. and for believing in the direction our profession is headed
2024
Shayla Hogue, LVT
Shayla is a 2013 graduate of Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, CO. A dog mom, sports coach, and proud wife to her husband, who has served honorably in the U.S. Army for over 15 years. A Soldier's duty will always require many moves all over the world.
To support her family, Shayla has been awarded the fortunate opportunity to be a credentialed veterinary technician in Colorado, Germany, Georgia, and Washington. Because of these unique opportunities, she has supported many facets of veterinary medicine some of her favorites include: training new Veterinary Corps Officers in their many duties as Army Veterinarians, providing preventative and emergency care for Military Working Dogs, helping the community with low-cost spay and neuters, rendering aid to homeless animals in shelter medicine, and currently being apart of a specialty hospitals ophthalmology service.
She says there is nothing more heartwarming than watching an animal see their owners again for the first time after cataract surgery. Shayla has worked in a variety of clinics that have helped shape her to be the independent and empathetic technician she is today.
2023
Kate Harpel, LVT
Kate is such an amazing and wonderful technician and teacher. She goes above and beyond for every one of her patients and clients. She is vastly knowledgeable about anesthesia and treats every patient as an individual with the best care possible. As a vet technician student, she’s encouraged me to be and do better and strives to improve the industry as a whole.
2022
Jennifer Garcia
"Jennifer has been a Vet Tech since 2001. She has been with Ellensburg Animal Hospital for almost 7 years as a Lead Vet Tech. Even though I have only been here for 3 years, she by far sets the standard. Jennifer is great at training/mentoring, becoming more efficient, as well as taking the time to help meet the needs of each employee. Jen is always looking out for the best of others. Jennifer ensures that all the staff does the best they can to provide the best care."
2021
Ashley Singleterry, LVT
"Ashley is one people that brings brings light and kindness where ever she steps. She has been a mentor and a friend for me as I've worked alongside her. Her passion for the animals her hands work upon is something I think we can all thrive for. She is the LVT who will advocate for her patients with zero thought, second nature I believe. Her eyes will light up at opportunities to teach others, and she does so with grace and kindness."
"She is the LVT you would want to greet you on your first day in the field. She has been a model for patient advocacy, strength and the will to learn. She is someone I look to when I'm thinking about the kind of person and technician I want to be someday. She inspires me to work diligently with my hands and to always give the best care I can provide. She deserves so much recognition for the part she plays in our community, and shaping the fields next generation."
2020
Nicki Brentin, LVT
Nicki cares more than anyone about her students and the livelihood of veterinary medicine. Nicki is so passionate and does an amazing job thinking outside the box and presenting information in a way that is fund and leaves the students wanting more. Nicki is hilarious, spontaneous, and although a strong personality-she produces future veterinary professionals that will make a difference.
2019
Ashley Byrne, LVT
Ashley was nominated along with 8 other amazing Veterinary Technicians for WSAVT Vet Tech of the year. She was nominated because she is has a gentle and professional bedside manner which is hard to come by nowadays. She is a genuinely kind-hearted helpful person. Jessica says she has never met anyone who goes above and beyond like Ashley. She strives to maintain a personal bond with every client and their pet. Thank you, Miss Ashley, for being so selfless and caring. Every single time. No one deserves this more than her.
At the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference, she was voted to become the 2019 WSAVT Veterinary Technician of the Year on by her colleagues to be awarded this honor.
2018
Marlana Igl, LVT
Marlana is an exceptional technician. As the lead of the surgery department, she is knowledgeable, incredibly dependable and has a fantastic work ethic. Marlana does a great job of triaging the day’s tasks and keeping her team moving efficiently. She cares deeply for her patients and goes out of her way to treat clients with kindness and compassion. We are so impressed with her passion to push the team to be their best and her desire to always be learning and teaching herself. Marlana's anesthesia skills are strong. She is able to perform (and teach) many advanced skills such as arterial catheters, nerve blocks, epidurals, and sampling lines. She is able to do anything from running anesthesia for advanced surgical procedures to managing an ICU full of critical patients. Marlana does an excellent job of supporting her team and leading by example within the hospital. Marlana is currently working toward her VTS in anesthesia and we are excited to watch her continue to grow in her career.
2017
Kristen Goodman LVT, VTS (ECC)
Kristen is an amazing motivational leader. She sticks true to the lead by example idea. She is also an amazing teacher and the best advocate for her patient. She is always the most willing to take the most critical patients and absolutely rocks in every case. She is one of the smartest and most skilled technicians I have ever met. She is an amazing team player and working in a specialty hospital, she is helpful in every department. She deserves the highest of recognition for all of the amazing personal, and lifesaving things she does as a technician.
Sponsored by Zoetis
2016
Renee Neideigh, LVT, VTS (Oncology)
Renee Neideigh, LVT, VTS (Oncology), for receiving Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians Veterinary Technician of the Year. When we asked Teresa Casson why she nominated Renee, she said, “the saying which goes something like ‘leave the world not with what you did, but how you made others feel’ and that is exactly what Renee does.” This is the way she handles clients, patients, as well as her co-workers. She brightens my daily routine with humor and quips as she interacts with staff and clients. She is a smart lil’ cookie too, who is always willing to share her knowledge on any topic related to the Ugly Big C. Her nature is open and approachable and makes working with her a learning experience. The surgeons I work with also have noted her good nature and ability to interact with clients as well as serve her Doctor to the highest level, which in turns makes their life much easier in clinic. On more than one occasion I have heard them say “I need a Renee to make my life easier.” That just makes me aspire to watch and learn from her!