The OAVT Board is made up of nine directors, including the president and vice-president.
The directors must be voting members of the OAVT (RVT members or Retired members), and they are elected into their position by the voting members of the association.
An election is held by the OAVT every February to fill open positions on the Board. A director's term of office is two years.
According to OAVT Board Policy, on behalf of the members, the Board will govern with one voice through written policies with an emphasis on long-term goals.
Learn more about our current Board of Directors!
Stacey Huneke, RVT - OAVT President
Alma Mater: Seneca College
First job as an RVT: Woodbine Racetrack
Favourite OAVT Conference memory: Emceeing the 2014 awards ceremony, I started out by doing an RVT version of Joe Canada. I gave no introduction, people were still getting settled and lost in conversation. The music just started and I started yelling. It caught a lot of people off guard but I got the effect I was after. People still talk to me about it now.
Best career advice someone gave you: "Lift with your knees" and "You should have asked for help".
Goals for the RVT profession: To be recognized as a distinct profession.
Cally Merritt, RVT, CEMT - OAVT Vice President
Alma Mater: University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
First job as an RVT: Village Centre Animal Hospital in Binbrook, Ontario
Favourite OAVT Conference memory: Catching up with old friends and classmates that I haven't seen in a while.
Best career advice someone gave you: Never be afraid to take a journey. Go in search of life's possibilities as they are endless.
Goals for the RVT profession: To see RVTs get the recognition they deserve and to be used to their full potential. For the public to see how highly trained and skilled we are so they better understand our role in their pet's health.
Taryn Ghazarian, RVT, KPA-CTP
Alma Mater: Seneca College
First job as an RVT: Malvern Veterinary Hospital
Favourite OAVT Conference memory: The after party of my first OAVT Conference
Best career advice someone gave you: Marry rich
Goals for the RVT profession: To continue to educate the public as well as the veterinary community about the important and versatile role RVTs play within the field, in order to ensure our value is recognized and appreciated.
Julie Jones, RVT
Alma Mater: St. Lawrence College
First job as an RVT: Mixed animal practice in Barrie
Favourite OAVT Conference memory: The "buzz" in the trade fair, laughter and chit chat, plus all the hugging.
Best career advice someone gave you: Keep your mouth closed when you are squeezing that.
Goals for the RVT profession: RVT's are the "CATALYST" in animal care.
Nancy MacFarlane, RVT, BA
Alma Mater: St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology
First job as an RVT: Northdale Animal Clinic in London, Ontario
Favourite OAVT Conference memory: Winning the Award of Merit (2006).
Best career advice someone gave you: Treat every patient as if they were your own pets.
Goals for the RVT profession: Recognition for the great profession that we are. We are credentialed professionals and are an integral part of the veterinary team and as such we are deserving of the recognition that we are seeking.
Phil Nichols, RVT, CAWA
Alma Mater:
First job as an RVT:
Favourite OAVT Conference memory:
Best career advice someone gave you:
Goals for the RVT profession:
Lisa Skentelbery, RVT
Alma Mater: Centralia College of Agricultural Technology
First job as an RVT: Worked at Kanata Animal Hospital in Ottawa and went on to manage it for many years.
Favourite OAVT Conference memory: Seeing classmates I don't get to see enough of! Visiting with friends old and new in the Exhibit Hall.
Best career advice someone gave you: Take time every day for some fun!
Goals for the RVT profession: Look forward to the day that RVTs are recognized as the professionals that they are with the salaries and responsibilities that go with that!
Andrea Steele, MSc, RVT, VTS(ECC)
Alma Mater:
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Favourite OAVT Conference memory:
Best career advice someone gave you: .
Goals for the RVT profession:
Damon Thompson, RVT (OAVT Past President)
Alma Mater: Seneca College, King Campus
According to OAVT by-laws, as the most recent past president of the board Damon will remain a member of the board for the next calendar year.