Dr. Ratliff is a native of Rickmansworth, England and earned her Veterinary degree from the University of Nottingham. She completed an equine medicine and surgery internship at Rood and Riddle in Wellington, Florida and a large animal surgery internship at the University of Florida. Dr. Ratliff completed her equine surgery residency at the University of California, Davis in 2025 and is currently working at Comstock equine hospital. Her professional interests include care of the equine athlete.

Rex Salzsieder, CVPM, CVA, brings more than 16 years of experience in veterinary practice management, ownership, and brokerage. As part of Total Practice Solutions Group, he works with veterinary practice owners across the western United States, providing guidance on valuations, acquisitions, transition planning, and strategic growth initiatives. Rex was a minority owner and practice manager of two multi-doctor small animal practice for six years, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by practice owners. He earned his Certified Valuation Analyst designation in 2017 and became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager in 2024.

Ahmad "AJ" Butt is a growth strategist and digital transformation leader who has helped over 1,000 businesses, hospitals, and veterinary practices drive measurable growth through technology, marketing, and operational excellence. As CEO of Napollo Software Design and a founder of multiple successful ventures, AJ specializes in helping practices attract more clients, improve retention, streamline operations, and increase revenue. With executive education from Harvard University in Strategic Growth Management, he combines strategic insight with real-world execution. AJ is a sought-after speaker known for delivering practical, actionable strategies that help practices achieve sustainable, scalable growth.

As a Scientific Services Veterinarian with Royal Canin, Dr. Bree Loughridge is committed to advancing veterinary medicine through evidence-based nutrition. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University and holds a Master of Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Before joining Royal Canin, Dr. Loughridge practiced small animal medicine in the Denver area, building a strong foundation in preventative care and client communication. Her professional interests are centered on veterinary education and mentorship. She is passionate about empowering veterinary professionals with practical, science-driven insights on targeted nutritional strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Pam Kirby, RVT, VTS (Ophthalmology), graduated from Purdue University’s veterinary technology program in 1997 and was employed by the university until she left on July 1, 2025. She dedicated 23 of those years to working in the ophthalmology department. Pam has special interests in large animal ophthalmology and surgery. Pam most recently joined the Aventix Animal Health team as an ophthalmology consultant. Throughout her career, she has taught veterinary and veterinary nursing students in various settings, including the clinic floor, classroom, labs, and online formats. Additionally, Pam has presented at local, regional, and national conferences. She has also contributed articles to publications such as Today’s Veterinary Nurse and Veterinary Team Brief and co-authored the ophthalmology chapter of *Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care for Veterinary Technicians*. In 2025, Pam was honored as one of three recipients of the Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship. She has served on the executive board of the Veterinary Ophthalmic Technician Society and is currently a charter member and immediate past president of the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians.

Julie Antonellis received her bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Quinnipiac University. Since then she has been working in the field of emergency and critical care and pursuing her love of teaching. She became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in emergency and critical care in 2001. Julie is grateful to be able to give back to the veterinary community through teaching, training and lecturing. She is devoted to helping veterinary technicians recognize their potential and elevate the level of nursing care they provide. Julie is currently the Program Director for the VCA Vet Tech Academy.