This week we honor the School’s veterinary technicians whose expertise, teamwork and dedication play a vital role in making our mission possible.
Happy National Veterinary Technician Week! This week we are thrilled to honor and celebrate our veterinary technicians, the skilled professionals who keep our program running smoothly, support our faculty and play a vital role in shaping the next generation of rural and regional veterinarians.
“The technicians play a major role in educating our students,” shared Dr. Pippa Gibbons, associate professor of food animal medicine and surgery. “They lead the majority of our handling, behavior and basic skill labs like blood collection, anesthesia, IV catheters and medication administration.”
From supporting clinical procedures to mentoring students in labs, our veterinary technicians are teachers, caregivers, problem-solvers and teammates all rolled into one. They help enrich the learning environment while ensuring the well-being of the animals in our care.
Let’s take a look at our talented Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) who make a huge difference here at Texas Tech’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
Cheri Moore
Even though Cheri has been with our team for three years, she is our newest LVT who helps at our large animal facility also known as Mariposa Station.
Cheri started her career working in small animal clinics, where she worked her way up from kennel attendant to receptionist, assistant and eventually lead technician. After several years, Cheri ultimately made the decision to join the large animal team at the School of Veterinary Medicine. Being at the School inspired her to return to college and become a LVT. Since then, Cheri has graduated with a degree in veterinary technology and recently passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
Cheri now tackles tasks such as caring for sick or injured teaching animals that live at the school, assisting our faculty members with procedures, medical charting and taking notes, setting up and tearing down labs and models as well as assisting with and instructing in labs.
Cheri shared that she loves many things about working at the School, including her team at Mariposa and getting to learn and practice new skills.
“My technician ‘tool bag’ is always growing,” Cheri said with a smile.
But aside from the work, the community might be her favorite part of her job.
“Texas Tech’s School of Veterinary Medicine is so special because of the people,” Cheri said. “I am privileged to work with a very tight-knit crew. The large animal team at the School is very special. Veterinarian, veterinary technician or caretaker, we all have each other’s back!”
The academic environment gives her the chance to help teach and guide veterinary students all while providing endless opportunities to refine her own skills and grow as a veterinary technician professional.
“I’ve seen firsthand how hard work pays off, and how you’re never too old to learn something new,” Cheri said.
Cassandra Featherston
Cassandra is a LVT who serves as the unit manager and inventory manager for the west wing of our Amarillo Campus.
She comes from a background in veterinary support and operations, with experience in both animal care and the logistical side of veterinary medicine. Over time, she realized one of her true passions is making sure teams have what they need to succeed. That combination of animal care knowledge and organizational talent makes her an invaluable part of our school.
“Supporting animal health doesn’t just happen in the exam room, it also comes from ensuring that teams have the right tools, supplies, and systems in place,” Cassandra said. “Becoming a veterinary technician gave me the foundation to understand patient care, while my current role allows me to support that care on a larger scale.”
Since joining the School of Veterinary Medicine, Cassandra has helped build systems, policies, and processes from the ground up.
“It has been a challenge, but I enjoy seeing how my part has made such a big impact for our team, animals, and the students,” she said. “I also love working with such a collaborative team and being part of an environment where every role, whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, contributes to something bigger.”
For Cassandra, what makes the School special to her is the community and the mission.
“Texas Tech’s School of Veterinary Medicine is special to me because it’s more than just a workplace, it’s a community working toward a bigger mission,” she said. “We’re building something unique in veterinary medical education, and being able to contribute to that growth is incredibly meaningful.”
Hannah Manning
Next up, Hannah Manning. Hannah has been a LVT for almost nine years, spending most of her career working with small animals in general practice. She’s been at the School for nearly a year and has already been instrumental to the team.
Her journey to veterinary medicine is a little different than most. Hannah always loved animals, but didn’t know she wanted to work with them until she departed from the Marine Corps. At the time, she had a dog, Sydney, who helped her transition back to everyday life.
“Sydney helped me the most as I transitioned back into the real world, and it made me realize just how important the human-animal bond is,” Hannah smiled.
That experience inspired Hannah to pursue veterinary technology. She saw it as a way to help people by caring for the animals they love most.
Here at the School, Hannah plays a key role in student learning. She’s primarily responsible for maintaining the surgical suite located in the School’s west wing and making sure students have everything they need to succeed. She also helps with labs focused on surgery, handling, venipuncture and radiology.
Hannah says what makes the School special to her is the purpose itself. She’s proud to be a part of a program that trains future veterinarians who want to serve rural and regional communities.
“I love the purpose of Texas Tech’s School of Veterinary Medicine,” Hannah said. “I also love that we are equipping the next generation of veterinarians to go serve rural areas.”
For Hannah, that purpose gives deeper meaning to her day-to-day work. Her favorite part of her job is watching students grow and helping students apply new skills.
“It’s really rewarding to watch them go from nervous beginners to capable, confident veterinarians-in-training” Hannah said.
Stephanie Wertman
Last but certainly not least, meet Stephanie Wertman. Stephanie is a LVT with a veterinary technician specialty in equine nursing.
With 36 years of clinical experience, including 25 years almost exclusively in equine medicine, Stephanie has a wealth of expertise. Before transitioning into academia in 2011, she worked at several equine referral and mixed animal practices.
In addition, she and her husband both served in the U.S. Army where she completed the Army Animal Care Specialist Program and graduated as the Distinguished Honor Student. Military service and relocations gave her opportunities to work with a wide variety of animals such as companion animals, livestock and exotics.
“Real-life experience is invaluable, and I try to implement some of that knowledge to the veterinary students that pass through my labs,” Stephanie said.
At the School, Stephanie serves as the manager of Mariposa Station, the School’s large animal facility. Together with her seven team members, she oversees the daily operations of this 11-acre facility. This includes feeding and caring for the animals, managing inventory, coordinating veterinary care and maintaining the facilities. She ensures that every lab is properly prepared, supplies are ready, animals are set and team members are on hand to assist students to get the most out of each learning experience.
“Texas Tech’s School of Veterinary Medicine has allowed me the opportunity to use the skills that I have obtained over the many years of being a veterinary technician in new and different ways,” Stephanie said. “Even though I am not working as a technician in a hospital, I am still contributing to veterinary medicine.”
As we celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week, we recognize the vital role our veterinary technicians play in the success of our School. Their expertise, teamwork and dedication support our faculty and students, ensure the highest standard of care for our animals and make our mission possible.
Thank you, veterinary technicians, for all that you do!