2024 Speakers
Dr. Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), brings over two decades of veterinary oncology experience to her role as a trusted authority in the field. As the head of the oncology service at Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster, New York, she is one of only 450 board-certified specialists in medical oncology in North America. Dr. Ettinger's expertise is rooted in her residency at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Sue is recognized for her educational contributions and was awarded the 2019 Western Veterinary Conference Small Animal Continuing Educator of the Year. She is a sought-after international speaker, an accomplished book author, and a valuable resource for pet owners and veterinary professionals. Her "See Something, Do Something, Why Wait? Aspirate.®" campaign is dedicated to raising cancer awareness and promoting early detection.
With a significant online presence, Dr. Ettinger shares valuable insights and support with her engaged community of 45,000 Facebook followers and 26,000 Instagram followers. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she finds joy in her role as a proud mother to two teenage boys and shares her home with two cherished Labradors, Penelope and Matilda. In her leisure time, she indulges in pursuits like running, travel, and the simple pleasures of tropical beach destinations.
Dr. Liz Ruelle BSc, DVM, Dip. ABVP in Feline Practice
A native Calgarian, Dr. Liz’s academic career began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary. Combining her love of travel and determination to be a veterinarian, Dr. Liz studied at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Kosice, Slovakia. She graduated, with great distinction, in 2005 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After returning home, Dr. Liz has spent her veterinary career working exclusively with cats (18 years and counting!). In 2009 she became owner of Wild Rose Cat Clinic. In December 2012 Dr Liz succeeded in her pursuit of board certification by becoming a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in feline practice. In addition to private practice, Dr. Liz loves to teach and has lectured on topics including cat health, weight management, and communication. When not focusing on the kitties, she is a busy mom to both her human and fur children (Husband Jeff, Abby and Greyson; cats Utinni and Zeb) and likes to dabble in home renovation projects.
Dr. Charlie Pye grew up outside of London, England and moved to Prince Edward Island, which she now calls home, at the age of eighteen. There she attended the University of Prince Edward Island where she completed a three-year bachelor of science undergraduate degree majoring in Biology. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Atlantic Veterinary College, PEI. She then moved to Saskatoon to complete a one-year rotating internship at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Following her internship, she travelled back across the country for a Dermatology Residency at the Ontario Veterinary College. While at OVC, she also completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Science degree specializing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial biofilms. After completing her residency she began working at Guelph Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Guelph, Ontario. During her time in Guelph she continued to travel back to PEI to teach the veterinary students at the Atlantic Veterinary College a few times a year. As of May 2018 she joined the team at the Atlantic Veterinary College as an assistant professor, and established the first ever Dermatology service at AVC. She has lectured all over North America and has contributed to multiple journals and textbooks. She is also currently the treasurer for the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology. In her spare time she enjoys camping, crafting and spending time with her family. She is “owned” by one cat and one terrier (both of which have allergies!).
Charlie Pye BSc, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate ACVD
Assistant Professor Atlantic Veterinary College
Charlottetown, PEI
Kelly Foltz is a 1999 graduate of Mercer University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a 2006 graduate of Athens Technical College with an associate of applied technology degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses in 2012 with successful recertifications in 2017 and 2022.
From 2012-2020, Kelly was employed by Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as an inpatient/urgent care technician and supervisor. In August of 2020, she relocated to Gainesville, FL to accept a position as an ICU shift lead at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2022, Kelly joined BluePearl as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Nursing Partner, where she serves as a technician advocate and administrator for hospitals in MD, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, and GA.
In addition to her clinical work, Kelly is an author, educator, and volunteer. She served on the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities from 2017-23, serving as Vice Chair in 2021-2022 and as Chair in 2022-2023 and has represented technicians on the AVMA Task Force on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2019 and the Working Group on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2020-21. She is currently serving on the VECCS Task Force on Veterinary Technicians.
Her professional interests include technician engagement and education, feline medicine, neonatal and pediatric nursing, medically futile care and its impact on caregivers, trauma, and vascular access. Kelly maintains active credentials in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. In an alternate universe, she is a flower farmer, pickle entrepreneur, and full-time beekeeper who gets paid to read. In this universe, she enjoys renovating her vintage farmhouse in rural Alabama and spending time with her 3 pit bull terriers, leopard tortoise, and senior Quarter Horse gelding.
Dr. Liz Ruelle BSc, DVM, Dip. ABVP in Feline Practice
A native Calgarian, Dr. Liz’s academic career began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary. Combining her love of travel and determination to be a veterinarian, Dr. Liz studied at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Kosice, Slovakia. She graduated, with great distinction, in 2005 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After returning home, Dr. Liz has spent her veterinary career working exclusively with cats (18 years and counting!). In 2009 she became owner of Wild Rose Cat Clinic. In December 2012 Dr Liz succeeded in her pursuit of board certification by becoming a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in feline practice. In addition to private practice, Dr. Liz loves to teach and has lectured on topics including cat health, weight management, and communication. When not focusing on the kitties, she is a busy mom to both her human and fur children (Husband Jeff, Abby and Greyson; cats Utinni and Zeb) and likes to dabble in home renovation projects.
Kelly Foltz is a 1999 graduate of Mercer University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a 2006 graduate of Athens Technical College with an associate of applied technology degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses in 2012 with successful recertifications in 2017 and 2022.
From 2012-2020, Kelly was employed by Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as an inpatient/urgent care technician and supervisor. In August of 2020, she relocated to Gainesville, FL to accept a position as an ICU shift lead at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2022, Kelly joined BluePearl as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Nursing Partner, where she serves as a technician advocate and administrator for hospitals in MD, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, and GA.
In addition to her clinical work, Kelly is an author, educator, and volunteer. She served on the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities from 2017-23, serving as Vice Chair in 2021-2022 and as Chair in 2022-2023 and has represented technicians on the AVMA Task Force on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2019 and the Working Group on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2020-21. She is currently serving on the VECCS Task Force on Veterinary Technicians.
Her professional interests include technician engagement and education, feline medicine, neonatal and pediatric nursing, medically futile care and its impact on caregivers, trauma, and vascular access. Kelly maintains active credentials in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. In an alternate universe, she is a flower farmer, pickle entrepreneur, and full-time beekeeper who gets paid to read. In this universe, she enjoys renovating her vintage farmhouse in rural Alabama and spending time with her 3 pit bull terriers, leopard tortoise, and senior Quarter Horse gelding.

Last update: December 2, 2023