Rhode Island Veterinary Technician of the Year!

We all know that our veterinarians rely heavily on the expertise and compassionate care shown by technicians and support staff.  Technicians are the unsung heroes in veterinary medicine, often coming to know their patients so well that they pick up on subtle changes in patient conditions that avert problems and save lives. 

In an effort to show appreciation to these valued colleagues, the RIVTA Executive Board members are pleased to announce the Veterinary Technician of the Year Award.  Please take a moment to nominate a veterinary technician whose exemplary efforts should be recognized with this award. 

Nominations will be accepted from October 1st through November 1^st and announced in the Newsletter and at the RIVMA Annual Meeting in Newport.

The Vet Tech of the Year will receive one year of membership at no cost and also complimentary registration to the RIVTA Symposium in March!

 NEW Nomination Guidelines for Vet Tech of the Year

Updated September 2025

This annual honor recognizes a credentialed veterinary technician who exemplifies excellence in veterinary nursing, animal care, and professional leadership within the state of Rhode Island.

Please carefully review the following guidelines before submitting your nomination.

Eligibility Criteria

• The nominee must be a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in good standing with the Rhode Island Veterinary Technician Association (RIVTA).
  

• The nominee must currently be employed in the veterinary field within the state of Rhode Island.
  

• Self-nominations are not accepted.
  

Who Can Nominate

• Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, educators, and other veterinary professionals are welcome to submit nominations.
  

• Each individual may submit one nomination per award cycle.
  

Nomination Requirements

Please include the following materials in your submission:

1. Completed Nomination Form
   Provide the full name, certification status, current place of employment, and contact information of the nominee.
   
   

2. Nomination Letter (500–1000 words), uploaded to the Nomination Form
   Describe how the nominee demonstrates excellence in areas such as:
   

• Clinical Excellence:
  Describe the nominee’s technical skills and attention to detail in patient care. Provide specific examples of their role in surgeries, diagnostics, anesthesia, emergency care, and/or client services if applicable.
  

• Dedication to Animal Welfare:
  Explain how the nominee goes above and beyond to advocate for animal health, comfort, and wellbeing. This might include behavior support, low-stress handling, or end-of-life care.
  

• Teamwork and Mentorship:
  Highlight how the nominee contributes to a positive work environment. Share examples of how they mentor newer technicians, support their colleagues, or take initiative in team settings.
  

• Leadership and Professional Growth:
  Describe how the nominee pursues continued education, certifications, or leads initiatives within their clinic or community. Mention any leadership roles they’ve taken within their practice or professional associations.
  

• Community Engagement or Outreach:
  Share any volunteer work, educational presentations, shelter partnerships, or public engagement efforts the nominee has participated in.
  

• Personal Qualities and Work Ethic:
  Include any standout character traits such as compassion, resilience, professionalism, or a commitment to growth—that make this individual exceptional.

• Optional Supporting Materials (Recommended but not required)
    Letters of support from colleagues or supervisors
  

Submission Instructions

• All materials must be submitted electronically via RIVTA’s online form, linked below after October 1st.

• Deadline for nominations: November 1st

• Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
  

Selection Process

Nominations will be reviewed by the Rhode Island Veterinary Technician Association Executive Board. The award recipient will be notified in advance and honored at the annual Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association Conference.

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected] for any clarification or additional information.

We look forward to celebrating the dedication and impact of veterinary technicians across Rhode Island!

Nominations for Tech of the Year are OPEN and will close on November 1st, 2025.

2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year Nomination Form

Know someone who needs some recognition? RIVTA has added TECH OF THE SEASON!!

Tech of the Season Guidelines and Application

Past Recipients of the RI Vet Tech of the Year Award

2025- ????????????

2024- Jennifer Morris, CVT

2023- Tracy Olivieri, CVT

2022- Kerry Walsh, CVT

2021- Kristin Rosa, CVT

2020- Kim Titus, CVT

2019- Nicholas Raimondi, CVT

2018- Sydni Martin, CVT

2017 - Ricky Fernandez, CVT

2016- Janette Cole, CVT

2015- Kris Desouto, CVT

2014 - Melanie Reilly, CVT