Who we are

Immediate Past-President

Bella is a Massachusetts native who grew up riding horses and wanting to be an equine vet. She went to Becker College where she earned both her A.Sc. in Veterinary Technology and B.Sc. in Animal Science with Pre-Vet concentration, graduating in 2017. Mid-way through school she decided the technician track was the better path for her. She worked in equine lameness in Kentucky for a short period before moving home and passing the VTNE in 2019. She worked at Angell in Boston before moving to Maine in 2021 to work in another specialty hospital.

Bella's professional interests include all things internal medicine - specifically liver and kidney diseases and immune mediated disease. She feels rigorous CE requirements for technicians are important and hopes to have an impact on this in Maine. She is passionate about fostering a goal oriented environment for technicians of all skill levels. Bella's personal interests include riding horses, hiking with her husband and dogs, gardening, and traveling. She loves Portland for its abundance of food and beach!

President

Amber has been animal-obsessed since she can remember. Her love for horses was her primary passion in childhood, and onward. That passion and work in that field eventually led to her involvement in veterinary medicine first as an assistant, and then took her through the veterinary technology program at the University of Maine at Augusta. Amber graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science and passed the VTNE to become licensed.

Amber loves emergency and intensive care veterinary medicine, and after several years working in general practice, started working for the state’s largest Specialty/ER in Emergency and Critical Care, where she has been for four years.

Amber feels strongly about mental health in veterinary medicine, title protection and CE requirements for LVTs. Her goals as a member of the MeVTA BOD is to focus on these items.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Amber works with people and their horses, has a small dairy goat herd used for breeding and milking, and is working on her yoga teacher and reiki certifications. She lives with her three horses, nine goats, two dogs, and cat.

Vice President

Emily has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember, always knowing veterinary medicine was the path for her. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Ida College and dove headfirst into emergency and critical care, which quickly became her true calling.

While ECC nursing is her current specialty, Emily brings a wide range of experience to the table—from general practice and teaching in a veterinary technician program to working in pet rehabilitation and recovery. She is also deeply committed to supporting mental health in the profession and lives by the belief: “Be the change you want to see in vet med.”

Emily is excited to bring her energy and experience to her new role with the MeVTA and looks forward to helping shape the future of the field. When she’s not at work, you can find her reading, gardening, or enjoying time at her and her husband’s family camps in northern Maine.

Secretary

Amanda graduated from Great Bay Community College in 2008, earning her A.A.S degree in veterinary technology, and became licensed through the state of Maine, after passing the VTNE that same year. She achieved her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care in 2018.

She is the NAVTA District 1 Representative, AVECCTN Credentials Committee Chair, and currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology.

Amanda is a contributing author for the second edition of Small Animal Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, edited by Linda Merril, LVT, VTS (SAIM), soon to be released!

She is passionate about veterinary technician utilization and promoting longevity in the field of veterinary medicine. She encourages collaboration and respect amongst veterinary teams, including client care representatives, doctors, assistants, and technicians, as she believes teams working together, provide the best care and medicine for their patients.

Treasurer

Peg has taught in animal science and veterinary technology for over 25 years and is currently the Student Recruitment Liaison for Rarebreed Veterinary Partners and an adjunct professor at the University of Maine Augusta.

Previously, Peg developed and served as Department Chair for a Veterinary Technology program and an Animal Care and Management program at York Community College in Wells, Maine. Prior to that, Peg owned and operated a pet services/farm feed and supply/municipal animal shelter business for over 20 years.

Peg has an AAS in Veterinary Technology, BS in Animal Science, BS in Environmental Conservation, an MS in Adult and Higher Education, a Master's level Professional Certificate in Career Coaching, and recently became a Veterinary Technician Education Specialist.

Peg resurrected the MeVTA several years ago with the help of several dedicated LVTs, and has held several positions within the MeVTA board of directors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals and on the Advisory Committees for Tufts at Tech program in Worcester, MA and Penn Foster animal care programs. Peg also volunteers for the York County Animal Rescue Team.

Peg has written for the Journal for AVTE and a VTNE Test Prep product for Cengage Learning. She co-created with Garnetta Santiago of Zoetis a DEIB initiative for veterinary technology programs, VTIDESb, that will be hosted by AVTE.

Peg lives in southern Maine and enjoys time with her husband, three kids and three grandkids, and many animals including cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, goats, and various species of poultry.

Member at Large

Elspeth's journey in the veterinary world spans over a decade, beginning with her studies at the University of Vermont, where she explored the impact of agriculture on communities. However, her true calling emerged in animal care, leading her to become a LVT. She started her career in shelter medicine before venturing into mobile practice, teaching, and emergency medicine.

In her current role as a referral coordinator for the Maine Veterinary Medical Center, Elspeth serves as a linchpin in the New England veterinary community, facilitating support and networking among professionals. When not immersed in her work, she finds solace in nature, whether in her garden, on the water, or in the mountains, you’ll always find her furry companions by her side.

She is excited to join the board of directors for MVTA, furthering her commitment to advancing the profession and supporting her fellow veterinary technicians.

Member at Large

Maria is a Maine native who grew up obsessed with animals. She attended St. Lawrence University where she earned her BS in Conservation Biology. After spending years moving around the United States at various wildlife positions, Maria returned to Maine. Inspired by the veterinary professionals that took care of her animals, she went back to school to become a licensed veterinary technician. Maria passed her VTNE in 2019. 

Maria's professional interests include nutrition and behavior. Continuing education and mental health advocacy for technicians are topics Maria feels passionate about as well. Maria has a dog, a cat, and a horse, and they keep her very busy outside of work! She also enjoys reading, writing and spending time outdoors.