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. Menard is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. She graduated from the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D’Alfort (Paris, France). After completion of a rotating internship in small animal medicine at the Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire de l’Université de Montreal in Quebec, Canada, she completed an ECC internship and residency at Cornell University. She worked as a faculty at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and Cornell University and is currently an assistant Professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. Dr. Menard also worked for international pharmaceutical company Vetoquinol doing clinical research and technical support for 2 years. Her research interests are in antibiotic stewardship and the GIT microbiome.

Christoph Mans is a native of Germany and completed his studies in veterinary medicine at the University of Leipzig (Germany) and Berne (Switzerland). This was followed by an internship in Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (Canada) and employment in private practice in Hong Kong. He completed his residency in zoological medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Milwaukee County Zoo. He is currently a clinical professor of zoological medicine at the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine.

Bio. to come. Please check back again.

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

Christoph Mans is a native of Germany and completed his studies in veterinary medicine at the University of Leipzig (Germany) and Berne (Switzerland). This was followed by an internship in Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (Canada) and employment in private practice in Hong Kong. He completed his residency in zoological medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Milwaukee County Zoo. He is currently a clinical professor of zoological medicine at the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine.

Stephen is a Registered Veterinary (RVT) in the California Bay Area. He maintains multiple credentials with certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) through the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, specialized in anesthesia and pain management by qualifying and passing the certification exams as a Surgical Research Anesthetist (SRA) through the Academy of Surgical Research, and a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioners (CVPP) through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, where he was also a board member. He also became a member of the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) community with a focus in Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM) in research anesthesia from the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, where he also serves as the Executive Director. He is employed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Neurobiology. In addition to conducting research, Stephen is an award-winning international lecturer on anesthesia, pain management, cannabis, and best practices. He served 3 years on the DVM360 Editorial Advisory Board, has contributed to numerous textbooks/articles, and was also a column coordinator for one of Nature's journals. Stephen serves on multiple boards/committees, is a key opinion leader for pharmaceutical/device companies, COO for the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, and Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy. Most recently he became a partner and Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer for Remedy Veterinary Specialist in San Francisco. He believes strongly in promoting diversity and veterinary technician elevation within the industry.

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.

Liza Wysong has been working in veterinary medicine for over 20 years and is a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Canine/Feline Clinical Practice and in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Liza is the Program Director for the Veterinary Technology Program at Rowan College of South Jersey and provides education and training to veterinary technicians by traditional lecturing and online continuing education opportunities. When not teaching, Liza is an active member of multiple veterinary organizations and practices as a relief veterinary technician, spending most of her clinical time in specialty practices in both the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.

David Liss is a distinguished veterinary business leader holding an MBA, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and Professional in Human Resources certifications. David has served as the hospital manager of two different 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary practices. In a past life, David was a veterinary technician specialist working on the floor as an ER-ICU Technician for more than 10 years. Winner of the Speaker of the Year award at WVC and the RVT of the Year Award from the Southern California Vet Medical Association, David enjoys presenting to veterinary teams and has done so internationally since 2009. David currently is the Director of West Coast Operations for VEG and resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Adam Little is a veterinarian and entrepreneur known for his innovative approaches to animal and human health. Educated at the University of Guelph with a BSc and DVM, he further distinguished himself as the first veterinarian to attend Singularity University, focusing on the intersection of technology and healthcare. His professional journey includes serving as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. He co-founded GoFetch, which has delivered significant cost savings in pet care through its loyalty and subscription services. Dr. Little has also contributed to the veterinary field through his board memberships with Veterinarians Without Borders, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, and the Catalyst Council.

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.

David Liss is a distinguished veterinary business leader holding an MBA, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and Professional in Human Resources certifications. David has served as the hospital manager of two different 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary practices. In a past life, David was a veterinary technician specialist working on the floor as an ER-ICU Technician for more than 10 years. Winner of the Speaker of the Year award at WVC and the RVT of the Year Award from the Southern California Vet Medical Association, David enjoys presenting to veterinary teams and has done so internationally since 2009. David currently is the Director of West Coast Operations for VEG and resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Stephen is a Registered Veterinary (RVT) in the California Bay Area. He maintains multiple credentials with certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) through the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, specialized in anesthesia and pain management by qualifying and passing the certification exams as a Surgical Research Anesthetist (SRA) through the Academy of Surgical Research, and a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioners (CVPP) through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, where he was also a board member. He also became a member of the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) community with a focus in Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM) in research anesthesia from the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, where he also serves as the Executive Director. He is employed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Neurobiology. In addition to conducting research, Stephen is an award-winning international lecturer on anesthesia, pain management, cannabis, and best practices. He served 3 years on the DVM360 Editorial Advisory Board, has contributed to numerous textbooks/articles, and was also a column coordinator for one of Nature's journals. Stephen serves on multiple boards/committees, is a key opinion leader for pharmaceutical/device companies, COO for the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, and Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy. Most recently he became a partner and Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer for Remedy Veterinary Specialist in San Francisco. He believes strongly in promoting diversity and veterinary technician elevation within the industry.

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.

Liza Wysong has been working in veterinary medicine for over 20 years and is a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Canine/Feline Clinical Practice and in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Liza is the Program Director for the Veterinary Technology Program at Rowan College of South Jersey and provides education and training to veterinary technicians by traditional lecturing and online continuing education opportunities. When not teaching, Liza is an active member of multiple veterinary organizations and practices as a relief veterinary technician, spending most of her clinical time in specialty practices in both the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.