An efficient veterinary technician team is critical to the success of the entire practice. Technicians enable veterinarians to attend to more patients, ensure the safety of patients and staff, and foster an enriching work environment.
At Rarebreed, we’re proud to have a dedicated team of tech trainers who work with our practices to improve workflow and team safety, help develop low-stress handling techniques, and even teach CPR. These superstars rotate through our practices to provide hands-on training as well as remote training when needed. They are a small but mighty team making great contributions to our practices and the industry as a whole.
In celebration of Veterinary Technician’s Week, we took the opportunity to get to know them a little better. So, without further ado, let’s introduce you to some of our incredible technician trainers!
Linda Elliot, LVT
Director of Clinical Training
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
A cat, but I would have to live with my brother, John. This way, I could live my life as I prefer, never wanting for a thing and being taken care of in the best way possible.
What do you like most about being a tech?
Knowing that I can help animals in tangible, vital ways that make a big difference in the level of care they receive.
What is your hidden tech talent?
It isn’t really hidden, but one of the things I excel at is explaining procedures to clients and helping them understand the plan, procedure, and nursing care involved in a case based on the veterinarian’s plan.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
I probably would not survive without chocolate.
What TV show would you want to be on and why?
Schitt’s Creek. I would love to be in an episode to see the actors in action. I would love to see Catherine O’Hara, who plays Moira Rose, and the outfits she wears!
When this song comes on the radio, I can’t help but sing along
John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
Belle Stewart, LVT
Regional Clinical Trainer
What do you like most about being a tech?
The clinical skills that we perform and learning the most up-to-date skills. The field of medicine is a place where nonstop learning is a way of life. I love animals, practicing medicine, and helping others learn.
What is your hidden tech talent?
I was labeled the jugular queen by many of my peers. I love a difficult jugular stick. When a vein is difficult to obtain access, whether it be an IV catheter or simply routine phlebotomy, I will swoop in to assist.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My cats.
What is your favorite random fact?
Baby rabbits are called kits.
If you were a car, what kind would you be?
A Jeep. They always have fun outside and in the woods.
When this song comes on the radio, I can’t help but sing along.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel.
Who is your celebrity doppelgänger?
Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones.
Millie Bogue, LVT
Regional Clinical Trainer
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
A dog cared for by my husband. He covers our dogs with blankets when it’s cold at night and greets them in the morning with loving attention and excitement for the new day. He lets them have endless playtime and gives them cookies every time they come inside. The morning greetings to each dog have them so excited to wake up, ready to conquer the world, running, playing, barking, and having a grand time.
What do you like most about being a tech?
I genuinely enjoy talking to owners and helping them make informed decisions on the best care for their beloved pets.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Coffee. I would be lost if I couldn’t have coffee in the morning.
What TV show would you want to be on and why?
Hell’s Kitchen so I could show off my cooking talents. I just don’t want to be called a donkey.
If you were a car, what kind would you be?
The DeLorean from Back to the Future so I could travel in style, go fast, and time travel.
Danielle Mauri, CVT, LVT
Regional Clinical Trainer
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
I would love to be a lioness because they are one of the most fascinating large cats. While they aren’t ‘king,’ they are queens, and, in my opinion, hold down the pride. I can relate to that.
What do you like most about being a tech?
I have loved so many aspects of being a technician throughout my career. My current and longest-standing favorite is being in a position where I can share my knowledge, skills, and attitude to help others in the field be the best they can be. I love helping techs identify opportunities for their own personal development that keep their minds and souls happy in the field.
What is your hidden tech talent?
I’m good at handling, drawing blood, and placing IVCs in a large variety of species — cats, dogs, small mammals, reptiles, birds, and even rodents!
What TV show would you want to be on and why?
Supernatural! Because weird paranormal randomness and Jenson Ackles.
What is your favorite random fact?
Lethologica is the inability to remember the correct word —- I experience this often!
