Registered Veterinary Technologists are the backbone of veterinary medicine. But so many people (including pet owners) don’t fully understand what RVTs do, what they’re trained for, or how much they carry.

In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we sit down with Shea Lee, RVT, President (Vice-President at the time of recording) of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA), to talk about the real work happening behind the scenes. We focus especially on shelter medicine, where patients often arrive with no owner, no history, and no one to advocate for them.

We get into:

• How Shea found her way from NAIT’s VMA program into RVT life (and why shelter medicine became her calling)
• Why the “pound” stereotype is outdated and what shelter medicine actually looks like
• Microchips, identification, and hold periods 
• ABVTA’s current priorities: member engagement, wage insights, governance focus, and sustainable funding
• The big conversation: scope of practice, confidence, delegation, and what “top of license” really means
• Burnout, boundaries, and Shea’s honest take on mental health leave and building longevity in vet med

Plus: we end with Shea’s walk-in song, funeral song, and win song—because of course we do.

Learn more about ABVTA: https://www.abvta.com/
Questions for the ABVTA team? [email protected]

About Shea Lee, RVT:

Shea Lee graduated from the NAIT VMA program in 2013 and the NAIT AHT program in 2015. Since graduation, she has worked full time in shelter medicine while maintaining a part-time position in small animal practice. Shea is passionate about advocating for homeless and neglected animals and takes a special interest in creating fear free environments for them. When not working one of her various jobs, she spends time fostering for local rescue groups and volunteering on the ABVTA Board of Directors. She and her husband share their home with an Australian Cattle Dog named Riggins, a Domestic Short Hair cat named Dill.

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Leilani and Jillian sit down with Ashley Nicholls of Reach Ag for a wide-ranging conversation that blends leadership, culture, and real-world agriculture experience with plenty of laughs along the way.

Ashley shares his journey from Australia to Canada, including stories from Australian cowboy culture and what it was like entering the agriculture industry later in life. Together, they explore the unique challenges that arise when business, family, and tradition intersect: a reality familiar to anyone working alongside farm families and multi-generational operations.

The conversation digs into generational differences across Millennial, Gen-Z, and senior team members, how tools like the DiSC personality framework can improve communication, and why prioritizing people and culture isn’t “soft” work; it’s foundational to sustainable ag operations. These themes will resonate deeply with veterinary professionals who navigate complex relationships with producers, staff, and families while balancing care, business pressures, and expectations in the field.

And because agriculture doesn’t stop after hours, Ashley also shares a memorable midnight story involving a heifer with a uterine prolapse, coyotes, and a couple of sticks... a moment that perfectly captures the unpredictability, responsibility, and grit that large-animal vets know all too well.

This episode is a thoughtful, funny, and relatable look at the human side of agriculture, and why strong communication and culture matter just as much as technical expertise.

About Ashley:

Originally from a small farming community in New South Wales, Australia, Ashley Nicholls now resides in Foothills County, Alberta. Although not raised in an agricultural family, Ashley had the opportunity to work alongside several mixed farming operations, sparking a deep appreciation for the industry. 

As the founder of REACH Agriculture Strategies, Ashley is a passionate advocate for Canadian agriculture. He is dedicated to strengthening workplace cultures, improving staff retention and enhancing hiring practices across the sector. Through a progressive approach to leadership and a focus on effective communication, REACH delivers customized programs that help producers not only get boots on the ground but keep them there - ensuring the long-term sustainability of operations and the industry as a whole. 

In 2026, Ashley was named as a Contemporary Nuffield Scholar, through this project he will be traveling the globe uncovering the unique methods that businesses use to influence the attraction, retention and effectiveness of their employees.

REACH Agriculture Strategies: https://reachag.ca/

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Complaints are one of the most anxiety-provoking experiences in veterinary medicine. However, they don’t have to be a mystery, and they don’t have to define you.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Phil Buote, DVM, Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director at the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA), for an open, human conversation about what really happens when a complaint is filed.

Phil walks us through the complaints process from start to finish, sharing why most complaints are dismissed, how peer review actually works, and why the regulator’s role is not about punishment, but rather professionalism, fairness, and learning. Drawing on his own years in clinical practice, Phil explains how empathy, clear communication, and perspective guide his approach when calling colleagues on what may be one of the hardest days of their careers.

This episode is for veterinarians and veterinary professionals who want clarity instead of fear, facts instead of assumptions, and reassurance that being human in medicine does not mean you’ve failed.

If complaints have ever kept you up at night, or you just want to better understand the system that governs our profession, this conversation is worth your time.

About Dr. Phil Buote

Dr. Phil Buote is the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director. He grew up in rural Prince Edward Island, completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Prince Edward Island and graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1995. Phil completed a rotating internship in large animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University in 1996.

Dr. Buote began clinical practice in Alberta as a rural mixed animal practitioner in the Peace River region. He did two years of mainly beef cow-calf practice before moving to Sherwood Park where he joined a practice limited to horses. Three years into equine practice he found himself wanting to return to mixed practice and explore practice ownership. He moved to Cochrane where he eventually purchased the Cochrane Animal Clinic, which he owned and operated from 2002 through 2010.

Dr. Buote was a member of the ABVMA Food Animal Committee from 2002 through 2004 when he was elected as a member of Council. Following his term on Council he was appointed to the Complaint Review Committee and took on the role of Chair in 2010. Looking for a change of career, and given his satisfaction with his volunteer work with the ABVMA, he applied for the position of Complaints Director and joined the ABVMA staff in July of 2010, and added the role of Deputy Registrar in 2013. He has been in both roles since then.

Phil lives in Parkland county with his wife Carmen and their two boys Ethan and Nolan and cats Simon and Ceasar. He likes to stay active and his spare time is mostly spent outdoors fishing and in the mountains.

Get in Touch

ABMVA

[email protected]

Dr. Buote Direct Phone: 780-784- 5223

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We sit down with Jerry Locati, an RVT whose full-time job is talking to pet owners when they’re worried, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next.

Jerry shares his path into veterinary medicine, what led him to become an RVT, and who he is outside of the profession (including his life as a bass guitarist while off the clock). We talk about his role at Animal HealthLink, where he’s often the voice on the phone when a pet owner is facing a potential crisis and needs calm, experienced guidance.

The conversation explores what it’s really like to specialize in communication as a clinical skill, while supporting pet owners across a wide variety of cases, many far outside his own geographic region. Jerry reflects on the rewards of being an RVT, the cases that stick with him long after the call ends, and why he’s become known for his steady, reassuring presence in high-stress moments.

We also pull back the curtain on how Animal HealthLink calls typically unfold: what happens behind the scenes, how decisions are made, and what most people never get to see about this kind of work.

This episode is about the power of calm, the weight of responsibility, and what it means to care for animals by caring for the people who love them, one conversation at a time.

About Jerry

Thierry graduated the Olds College AHT program with honours in 1997. He began his career at The Calgary North Emergency Hospital in the summer of 1997 in the emergency department. In 2002 Thierry started in the Internal Medicine department until September of 2008. In 2008 Thierry played an instrumental role in helping to setup the first Antech Laboratory Stat Lab in western Canada located in the Care centre building in Calgary Alberta. Thierry worked at Antech Laboratories as a lab tech and supervisor until his departure in the fall of 2015, when he moved to Vancouver Island. 

Since then he has worked in practice at local ER's and primary care veterinary clinics on the south Island. He began working for AHL as a triage operator in September of 2023. Thierry has a dog, Lola and a cat, Stella. Thierry's special interests are lab work, internal medicine and triage.

Learn More about Animal HealthLink: ahl.vet

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In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we sit down with Dr. Jeannet Kessels, DVM, founder of Vets For Climate Action, to trace how one moment of concern turned into a worldwide effort to unite veterinary voices for the planet. From the frontlines of climate-driven animal welfare crises to conversations with veterinary organizations across continents, Dr. Kessels shares what it takes to build momentum in a profession rooted in science, trust, and community connection.

We talk about why veterinarians may be some of the most powerful and credible messengers in the climate conversation, how grassroots advocacy becomes global leadership, and what the emerging World Veterinary Environmental Alliance could mean for the future of animal health, public trust, and building the guardrails to ensure we’re not just responding to climate-driven crises, but helping prevent them. 

This is a conversation about courage, credibility, and what happens when care for patients expands into care for the world they live in.

Tune in for a grounded, honest look at how veterinary medicine is stepping into a much bigger role and why it matters now more than ever.

About Dr. Jeannet:

Dr Jeannet Kessels established her tiny veterinary practice when her children were small, which grew into the multi-site Greater Springfield Vets, known for its strong culture and values. Her motto ‘Excellence with Heart’ is reflected across both life and work. As a creative entrepreneur, she is driven by kindness and surrounding herself with brilliant minds. 

Since Jeannet was 5 years old, the world has lost over 70% of its wildlife. It is time for our profession to powerfully and cohesively respond! Jeannet is single-minded in advocating for animals in the triple planetary crisis. She founded Vets for Climate Action Australia (VfCA), which has now scaled to the innovative and profoundly important World Veterinary Environmental Alliance (WVEA). With a focus on climate, sustainability, and biodiversity, the alliance strengthens and leverages the positive work of like-minded vets and veterinary organisations all around the world. 

Jeannet models environmental philanthropy, applying practical steps towards sustainability and emissions reduction across her own veterinary hospitals.

Get Involved: 

World Veterinary Environmental Alliance

WVEA is growing fast; almost every veterinary sustainability and climate organisation globally is now a member, alongside the World Veterinary Association, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and numerous national associations. Join here: https://worldvetalliance.org/join/

(UPDATED since time of recording) Email: [email protected]

WVEA is pronounced "Wee-Veee-A" 

Vets for Climate Action (Australia)

https://www.vfca.org.au/ 

Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (Canada and USA) 

https://www.veterinarysustainabilityalliance.org/

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In this episode, we talk with Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith: Métis veterinarian, former star of Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, and Lead Veterinarian with the Canadian Animal Task Force. We discuss her journey from mixed animal practice to small animal care, how she found herself on television, and why community-centred care matters in Indigenous communities across Canada. Join us for stories from the clinic, insights into effective allyship to Indigenous communities, and how Dr. Savannah continues to make an impact beyond the camera.

Canadian Animal Task Force: https://cataskforce.org/

Volunteers Wanted - Canadian Animal Task Force: https://cataskforce.org/volunteer/

Learn About Native Land: https://native-land.ca/

Alberta Helping Animals Society: https://www.ahas.ca/

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Heather James, DVM for a candid conversation about finding your calling, surviving the messy middle, giving back through mentorship, and noticing the impact of your work.

Heather shares her non-linear path to vet med, from an early background in art, to quitting programs that weren’t the right fit, to selling Girl Guide cookies at 2 a.m. outside a bar because opportunity doesn’t always show up during business hours. We talk about grit in its many forms: working rural mixed animal practice with relentless on-call schedules, sleeping in an SUV while doing summer research, leading a rescue operation for an 1800 pound Clydesdale, and carrying the weight of six-figure student debt while finding creative ways to move forward.

But this episode isn’t about glorifying struggle. It’s about what comes beyond survival mode: learning how to make empowering financial decisions despite fear, knowing when to reward yourself, investing in the right people, and realizing that burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Heather speaks openly about leadership, mentorship, and why a mentor’s success should always be measured by the success of their mentees.

We also explore the deeply human side of veterinary medicine, the intimacy of caring for animals who are family members, the trust placed in vets during some of life’s hardest decisions, and the emotional weight that stays with you long after the appointment ends.

This conversation is powerful, practical, and refreshingly honest. It’s a reminder that you’re allowed to do things differently, take up space, and build a career (and life) that actually works for you.

About Dr. Heather:

Heather James, DVM, is a co-owner of Ospika Animal Hospital, a DVM- and RVT-owned small animal practice in Prince George, BC. A 2007 graduate of the WCVM, Dr. James also has a background in contract research, shelter medicine, and mixed animal practice, as well as working as a general practice and emergency locum. She has a strong passion for teaching and trauma-aware mentorship, which grew during her leadership roles as medical director and area medical director at multiple hospitals prior to ownership. A perpetual student at heart, Dr. James loves trying new technology, hearing new perspectives, and is most proud of her certifications in the Human Animal Bond, Trauma of Money, and Master Gardener. She shares her home life on Vancouver Island with her “Tiger Collie” (read “mutt”) called Rhubarb and her husband, who is also an entrepreneur.

Ospika Animal Hospital: https://ospikavet.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-james-dvm/ 

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We're thrilled to introduce you to Syd Vaughan, Registered Massage Therapist, breathwork coach, and founder of 3 Well by Syd.

Syd shares her personal journey into breathwork and how regulating the nervous system can be a practical, effective tool for managing stress, especially in high-pressure professions like veterinary medicine. The conversation reflects on the speakers’ experience at CVMA 2025, where Syd guided a group of veterinary professionals through a breathwork session that challenged skepticism and reframed breathwork as a grounded, accessible stress-regulation practice.

Together, they explore the role of vulnerability, authenticity, and music in mental health and performance, and why sustainable well-being isn’t about doing more, but about learning how to pause, reset, and give yourself some grace.

Syd Vaughan

Syd Vaughan is a Registered Massage Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, Dynamic Speaker, and the Visionary Founder of 3 Well by Syd. With over a decade of experience, Syd masterfully bridges the science of the body with the art of self-discovery creating profound, lasting change in the lives of her clients.

Syd launched her personal training business at just 20 years old. Since then, she has built a multidimensional career rooted in helping individuals reconnect with themselves physically, emotionally, and energetically. Syd empowers people to radically transform their relationship with their bodies, beliefs, and breath. With technical expertise she helps clients cultivate self-love, break through limitations, and build sustainable lifestyles.

Her unique skill set guides clients to take deliberate, transformative steps to evolve all elements of mind, body, and breath. From one on one training, facilitating transformational retreats, or captivating audiences from the stage, Syd brings a powerful grounded presence. Her signature approach helps individuals reconnect to themselves, unlocking deep, lasting transformation.

Instagram: @sydvaughan

Website: www.3wellbysyd.com

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gerard O'Leary, the CEO and founder of NxVet. Gerard discusses his unconventional journey from engineering to veterinary medicine, including his work with the European Space Agency and on smartphone technology before moving to medical devices. He elaborates on his commitment to humanizing the veterinary field and breaking down barriers. Gerard provides an in-depth look at NxVet's innovative stethoscope attachment, which combines AI technology for scribing and vital sign measurements. The conversation highlights the importance of persistence, the support from key individuals such as his wife and colleagues, and the challenges faced in entrepreneurship. The episode ends with Gerard’s vision for the future of NxVet and how interested parties can get involved.

About Gerard:

Dr. Gerard O’Leary has led the technology and business development behind NXVET since co-founding NerveX in 2021. He’s passionate about demonstrating the benefits of NXVET in veterinary clinics and thrives when developing new technologies with the engineering team at the NerveX lab. He received his B.Eng. degree from the University of Galway, and his M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Toronto. Gerard has held engineering positions at Analog Devices, the European Space Agency, and ARM.

He is the recipient of the RBC Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the IEEE Predoctoral Achievement Award. His Ph.D. research was in neuroelectronics, and ranged from in-vitro devices for fundamental neuroscience to developing integrated circuits and systems with integrated machine learning accelerators for implantable neural interfaces. Since graduating, Gerard has broadened his research to bioelectronic sensing for solving in-clinic and at-home healthcare challenges. As Chief Executive Officer at NerveX, his goal is to build a sustainable company that supports a world-leading engineering and clinical deployment team. So far, so great!

For more on NxVet: https://nx.vet/

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In the inaugural episode of 'Don't Call Me Catty,' co-hosts Jillian and Leilani introduce their mission of offering a no-nonsense look into the veterinary industry. The special guest, Jonathan Leicht, CEO of Mosaic Vet Partners, shares career insights, including hiring practices, mentorship, and handling workplace challenges. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining team culture and being adaptable in a fast-evolving field. Jonathan also opens up about personal stories, including memorable family experiences and the impact of firing a high-performing but toxic team member. This episode highlights the human side of veterinary medicine, aiming to foster better understanding and empathy within the community.

About Jonathan:

Dr. Jonathan Leicht received his BSc. in Agriculture, Animal Sciences with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan before completing his DVM degree at WCVM in 2009. Over the past 10 + years, Jonathan has worked in clinical practice as well as in a wide range of progressive leadership positions including veterinary sales and operations in general practice, emergency as well as specialty settings. In 2021, Jonathan joined as a partner with Mosaic Veterinary Partners, becoming its CEO in October 2022. Jonathan is passionate about helping guide and grow veterinary businesses, as well as helping team members to achieve greater success in their own careers. When he’s not working, you will find him outside with his wife and two kids skating, skiing, and exploring the world together.

For more on Mosaic: https://mosaicvet.com/ 

About Leilani
Leilani Mustillo, RVT, has spent 15 years in specialty and emergency medicine, holding both nursing and management roles. Her passion for mentoring led to nine years as a college instructor in Animal Health programs. Dedicated to the sustainability of the veterinary profession and the advancement of RVTs, she co-founded Animal HealthLink in 2020: a teletriage company designed to ease pressure on veterinary teams, support clinic sustainability, and improve patient access to care. Leilani also serves on the boards of the Canadian Veterinary Virtual Care Association and the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, where she advocates for high standards, innovation, and animal welfare.

About Jillian
A lifelong equestrian, Jillian Carr began working with veterinarians after a speaking invitation to a vet college revealed her unique niche: combining her animal background with financial planning. Today, she works with DVMs, RVTs, and veterinary specialists to create personalized financial strategies as unique as a dog’s nose print. Jillian provides well-rounded, tailored advice to help veterinary professionals navigate career transitions and achieve lasting financial confidence.

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