Natalie Herring LVT, VTS (Ophthalmology)
Past President
iCare TONOVET, Icare Finland Oy
Delaware
Photo Courtesy of VSCD
Natalie Herring attended Delaware Technical and Community College where she earned her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2002. After working at other veterinary practices through college she began working at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware in May 2002. She had worked in several different specialties departments but quickly found her passion for ophthalmology. She started in the in the ophthalmology department in October of 2002. In 2018, the Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware was acquired by BluePearl Veterinary Partners and became BluePearl Christiana. Natalie was the Specialty Veterinary Technician Manager for BluePearl Christiana until 2023. She now works for iCare Tonovet. She is the Veterinary Area Manager, North America.
Natalie has been a member of the previously titled Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians Society (VOTS), now known as the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians, since 2003. She started her first of two years as President in October 2011 and has continued to be president up until this year where she has taken the seat of Past President. Natalie lead a wonderful team of 4 other ophthalmic technicians in gaining Academy recognition from NAVTA in 2016. She along with the 4 other organizing committee members became the first VTS technicians in the field of Veterinary Ophthalmology. Natalie received the Alumni of the Year Award from Delaware Technical and Community College for her accomplishments in veterinary medicine in 2016. Natalie has been featured in demonstrational videos used for ophthalmic teaching material and veterinary ophthalmic equipment companies such as iCare Tonovet. She has also published articles and "how to" videos for various veterinary ophthalmic publications. Natalie is also a member of NAVTA and the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association.
Natalie is married and has one daughter. She enjoys spending her free time with her close-knit family, playing games with her daughter, and relaxing on the couch watching her favorite shows.
Pam Kirby RVT, VTS (Ophthalmology)
President
Purdue University, Indiana
Born and raised in Indiana, Pam Kirby began her career as a registered veterinary technician in 1998. Since graduation from Purdue University’s veterinary technology program, she has been employed at Purdue University. She spent the first three years working in the small animal intensive care unit. In 2001, she began working in the veterinary ophthalmology department and found her niche.
At work, Pam’s special interests include large animal ophthalmology, ocular imaging, and surgery. She also enjoys teaching veterinary and veterinary technician students on the clinic floor, in the classroom, in labs, and on-line.
Pam has served on the executive board of the Veterinary Ophthalmic Technician Society as vice president and unseated board member. She is a charter member of AVOT and is currently the holding the position of secretary. She enjoys continuing to learn as much as she can about veterinary ophthalmic nursing and reads, writes, and edits as many CE articles as possible.
Pam lives north of West Lafayette, IN with her husband, Andy, and teenage children, Chase and Alyssa. They also share their home with 3 dogs and a cat. Outside of work, she enjoys watching sports, running with her husband’s Great Dane, and cuddling with her English bulldog.
Krystina Phillips RVT, VTS (Ophthalmology)
Vice President
Animal Eye Care, North Carolina
Krystina graduated with her Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology from Central Carolina Community College in 2012 and became an RVT that same year. After 2 years in general practice, she moved to Animal Eye Care, where she found her love for veterinary ophthalmology. In 2022, she obtained her VTS in Ophthalmology and now works as Lead RVT. She is also the Public Relations Coordinator for the North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians and a certified RECOVER Rescuer. Her special ophthalmology interests include retinal disease, neuro-ophthalmic disease, ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and ocular pathology. Outside of ophthalmology, she also enjoys learning about clinical pathology, anesthesia, dentistry, and emergency medicine, as well as teaching and training others. She is currently in school at Appalachian State University for her bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology and expects to graduate in 2024.
In her free time, Krystina enjoys working and relaxing on her farm with her many animals, including 4 dogs (Puddles, Pickles, Chloe, and Penelope), 2 cats (Purrito and Nacho), 5 goats (Duncan, Delilah, Gizmo, Dani and Daphne), and a very special sheep (Rudy). She is also known as the chicken lady and has too many chickens to possibly name them all here. Krystina also enjoys gardening, crafting, snowboarding, and trips to the beach.
Christine Jones LVT, VTS (Ophthalmology)
Treasurer
BluePearl Christiana
Newark, Delaware
Photo and Bio Coming Soon
Katie Cranston LVT, VTS (Ophthalmology)
Secretary
Bluegrass Veterinary Vision, Kentucky
Katie Cranston is a veterinary technician with 12 years of experience in the field of ophthalmology. Currently serving as the Secretary of the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmology Technicians, she plays a vital role in supporting the organization's mission to promote excellence in ophthalmic care for animals. Through her ongoing commitment to education and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary ophthalmology.
Katie has a particular interest in the ocular manifestation of systemic diseases. Through her work, she strives to deepen her understanding of the complex relationship between eye health and overall well-being in animals. And with a love for senior small breed dogs, Katie has developed a special dedication to providing specialized care for these aging companions. Her empathy and understanding enable her to address their unique needs and ensure their comfort and well-being.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Katie enjoys art, hiking, and reading in her free time. She is a proud mother of two boys and values the joys and responsibilities that come with motherhood. She brings her passion for veterinary medicine and her commitment to her family into her daily life.
Benita Hwang, RVT, VTS (Ophthalmology)
Member at Large
Bio coming soon
Sara Grabiel-Duncan, LVT, VTS (Ophthalmology)
Member at Large
Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine , Michigan
Sara's career in veterinary medicine began in 2008 as a veterinary assistant at a private small animal ophthalmology practice. During this time, Sara attended school and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Veterinary Technology in 2010. Sara worked for a brief time in general medicine, however she quickly realized that her heart belonged in Ophthalmology, and has worked in the field ever since. In 2022, she left private practice and returned to her alma mater to pursue her love of teaching and explore large animal and exotic ophthalmology. Sara currently works as one of two VTS (ophthalmology) technicians at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in the Comparative Ophthalmology department, where in addition to her clinical duties, she teaches and shares her love for ophthalmology with future DVM and veterinary technician students.
Sara was a member of the previous Veterinary Ophthalmic Technician Society (VOTS) and in 2018 earned her VTS certificate in Ophthalmology to became the 12th member of the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmology Technicians (AVOT). Sara continues to serve on the AVOT board as a member at large in addition to multiple AVOT committees. She is also a member of NAVTA and has written multiple articles published in the NAVTA technician magazine.
Sara is married and has two children along with a dog and three cats. Outside of work, Sara enjoys attending sporting events with her kids, hiking, camping and various crafts.