Veterinary Technician Advancements
Julie graduated from the University of Minnesota – Waseca in June, 1985 with an Associates in Applied Science in Animal Health Technology. That same month passed both the Minnesota State and Veterinary Technician National Exam and earned the credentials of Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT).
She has worked in many areas of veterinary technology including small animal and exotic practices, research, education (instructor and program director), swine medicine and genetics, corporate medicine, leadership, management and consulting. She currently holds the position of Executive Director of Winn Feline Foundation and just previous to that was the Executive Director of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Julie has been very active in the past with the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians for over 18 years including roles in board positions, chairperson of membership, convention and sponsorship, and has served on the practice act and veterinary technician committees. Julie has served on the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America as Members at Large, and President (2008 and 2011). She was on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technicians Education and Activities (CVTEA) from 2005 to 2013. Julie also served on the AVMA’s Convention Management and Planning Committee from 2007 – 2013 and was on their Task Force for Continuing Education and Model Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. She was the veterinary technician to be on the board for the Companion Animal Parasite Council from 2009 to 2015. She is also serving on the Fear Free Veterinary Visits Advisory Board and is the first veterinary technician to participate as a board member of the Human Animal Bond Association.
Julie speaks on topics such as parasitology, leadership, career opportunities within veterinary technology and more, and has also authored articles on such topics. She has fun talking to kids of all ages about animal health care, dog bite prevention and veterinary career paths. Julie was awarded the Minnesota Veterinary Technician of the Year in 2005 and 2007.
Julie started a consulting business of her own in 2012 called Veterinary Technician Advancements and has now teamed with another credentialed veterinary technician to create Veterinary Advancements in which they provide consulting and services to start ups, non-profit veterinary associations, team training and individual career consulting. Just recently, she partnered with 3 other credentialed veterinary technicians in creating an online virtual international conference called Vet Team Global Stream in response to the CE needs of veterinary teams around the world due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Julie is also a hockey, baseball, and football mom, as she has 4 boys and a husband that is very active in the coaching of some of these teams. Her furry family members are Remi (Golden Retriever), Andee (mini doxie), Louie (bulldog), and Pickle (DSH).
