North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians
Meet the NCAVT Executive Board
The Executive Board oversees all activities of the Association and manages its business and financial affairs.
President: Nicolette McNeely, RVT
Nicolette McNeely graduated from Central Carolina Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology in 2001 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from NCSU.
She began her career as a RVT in exotic animal medicine, then worked for many years in small animal emergency and specialty medicine. This lead to a teaching opportunity in a veterinary technology program where she eventually became the program director. Currently, she is the Training and Operations Specialist for Emergency and Referral Services at Vets Pets.
Nicolette has been working with the NCAVT Board since 2018 and enjoys contributing to the advancement of the profession and to the growth of fellow veterinary technicians. Nicolette was born in Montreal, Canada and is married to a Raleigh native. She has 2 children, 1 beagle, 1 special needs Quaker Parrot, and 6 chickens. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family and pets.
Vice President: Lauren Poston, BS, RVT
Lauren Poston graduated from Central Carolina Community College in 2000 with her Associates Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology, and became a Registered Veterinary Technician that same year. She began her career in private practices and emergency medicine in Greensboro and Winston-Salem. After a few years as a stay at home mom, she returned to private practice in Salisbury and has been at the same practice for 12 years. During that time she has earned certification in her two favorite subjects, Abdominal Ultrasound and Cat Friendly. In 2022 she returned to the world of academia and began working on her Bachelor of Science degree at Appalachian State University.
She is looking forward to this next chapter, serving as a board member, for the future of credentialed technicians in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, and son. They love North Carolina and all it has to offer whether it is taking in the sun at the coast, venturing to the mountains for fresh mountain air, or exploring small towns and shopping local. They are also the private staff for 3 cats in the home, Skippyjon, Juju Bee and Jezebel.
Secretary: Kasey Henry, RVT
A lifelong animal lover, Kasey began pet sitting and dog walking in her neighborhood when she was just 12 years old. She began working as a kennel assistant during her senior year of high school, and continued to work in various roles as a kennel and veterinary assistant for several years. During college at NC State she continued pursuing her interest in animals by studying Zoology, as well as participating in various clubs, both as a member and in leadership roles. She is a lover of horses and was a competing member and secretary for the NC State Hunt Seat Equestrian team. After graduating in 2013, she decided to pursue becoming a veterinary technician. She graduated with high honors from Gaston College in 2015 and became an RVT the following year. She spent the first part of her career at a small animal GP in Charlotte before joining the Small Animal Primary Care department at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in October 2019. She enjoys working with veterinary students and modeling to them the importance of veterinary technicians in the field. She is also committed to furthering her own knowledge and education, being currently enrolled in App State's four year Veterinary Technology program and becoming a Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional, Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional, Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Professional, and RECOVER certified.
Kasey has a pit bull named Finnick (Finn), who loves people and also enjoys participating in labs for the vet students, as well as several fish. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring local greenways and trails. She would love to get back to riding horses again someday as well. Kasey previously served as the Newsletter Coordinator for the NCAVT and is excited to be back as part of the board!
.
Treasurer: Maureen Susi, RVT
Maureen earned her Associates Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from Central Carolina Community College in 2014. She is currently working a small animal practice in Greensboro. Prior to a career change in 2011, Maureen used her financial background to hold various positions within Volvo Financial Services. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, husband Chris and daughter Emma, while kayaking, golfing and hiking.
Her four-legged family members include; Sophie, an 15-year-old Malti-poo, Jiffy, an 6 year-old orange tabby, Qtip and Mel 4 year-old Siamese mixes, and finally the queen of the household, Casserole, a 2 year-old New Zealand White free roam rabbit.
Public Relations Coordinator: Krystina Phillips, BSVT, RVTg, VTS (Ophthalmology)
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. She completed her bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology at Appalachian State University in 2024. She is now pursuing her Masters degree in Veterinary Clinical Care at Lincoln Memorial University.
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 President for the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians and a certified RECOVER Rescuer. Outside of ophthalmology, she also enjoys learning about clinical pathology, anesthesia, dentistry, and emergency medicine, as well as teaching and training others.
In her free time, Krystina enjoys working and relaxing on her farm with her many animals, including 4 dogs (Pickles, Pretzel, 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.
NCVMB Representative: Robin Lazaro, RVT, VTS (ECC)
Robin is a 1987 graduate from SUNY Delhi, she then completed an externship at Cornell University where her love of ICU developed. She and her husband made the big jump to move south when she accepted a position at NCSU as an ICU Technician in 1990. She served over 20 years as a tech and then supervised the ICU for 10 years. She obtained her VTS in ECC in 2006 and retired from NCSU in 2019. She has been a board member of the NCVMB since 2016 and will finish her second term in 2026.
Education Coordinator: Carrie Fellows, MVCC, RVT
Carrie Fellows embarked on her journey in small animal veterinary medicine in 2001. Initially serving as a veterinary assistant, she pursued further education, earning her Veterinary Technology degree from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina, in December 2007, achieving a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology and Biology.
Post-graduation, Carrie joined a small animal emergency and specialty hospital in Raleigh, NC, where she acquired her RVT credentials in 2009. In 2011, she contributed to the establishment of a veterinary technology program, ultimately ascending to the role of Program Director. Joining Vets Pets in 2018, she has consistently honed her leadership skills within the organization and her profession.
In December 2023, Carrie achieved another milestone by graduating with a Master of Veterinary Clinical Care from Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Presently, she serves as the Director of Training and Development for Vets Pets, continuing to make significant contributions to her field.
Fundraising Coordinator: Katie Clark, RVT
Katie Clark graduated from Central Carolina Community College in 2018 with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology and became a Registered Veterinary Technician the same year. Since then, she has gained experience across multiple areas of veterinary medicine, ultimately finding her niche as a full-time relief veterinary technician with Action Vet Tech Services LLC, where she has worked exclusively for the past three years.
Katie has a special interest in emergency and critical care medicine and is a passionate RECOVER BLS, ALS, and Neonatal Trained Rescuer. She also enjoys continuing education in advanced anesthesia and pain management, as well as thoracic and abdominal ultrasound (POCUS) through hands-on training programs with North Carolina State University and SonoPath.
Katie is a strong advocate for exceptional patient care, technician utilization, and increasing awareness surrounding “moral injury” within the veterinary profession, emphasizing the importance of proactively caring for mental health to help prevent long-term emotional and professional burnout. Known by many colleagues for her enthusiasm for mentorship and teaching, she enjoys helping others build confidence, strengthen clinical skills, and continue growing within veterinary medicine.
Katie officially began her role as Fundraising Coordinator Chair for the North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians Executive Board in April 2026. In this role, she focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with sponsors while supporting the continued advancement of credentialed veterinary technicians across North Carolina. Beginning in August 2026, Katie will continue her education through Life Pacific University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with future plans to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor focused on supporting both individuals and professionals within the veterinary field.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Katie enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, and their four pets: Maggie, her “OG” Cairn Terrier; Odie, the “Ewok” velcro dog of unknown origin; Libby (also known as Lilith), a tiny but mighty 4-pound micro-kitty; and Ginger Cat, the household biscuit-maker and frequent troublemaker. In her free time, she enjoys continually learning about a variety of non-veterinary topics through books and podcasts on Audible, growing in her faith, nurturing meaningful personal relationships, and finding ways to support both pets and the people who care for them.
NAVTA Representative: Justin Blanton, B.S., RVTg
Justin Blanton earned his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Appalachian State University in 2024, after beginning his career in veterinary medicine in 2021 as a veterinary assistant at a local general practice. He currently works in the surgery and neurology departments at a specialty and emergency hospital in Wilmington, NC.
Justin’s professional interests center on anesthesia, particularly in patients with comorbidities. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his partner and their four pets, as well as scuba diving and kayaking.
Members At Large
The Members at Large serve as a liaison between the members and the Board of Directors. They are our eyes and ears throughout the state, keeping us informed on our member's overall issues, needs, and interests.
Member at Large Eastern Region: Brandi Rousseau, RVT
Brandi is an RVT with a deep passion for emergency and critical care. Her journey in veterinary medicine began in 2012 when she became a Certified Veterinary Technician Assistant. After years of hands-on experience in small animal general practice and emergency medicine, she earned her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology from Cape Fear Community College in 2023 and became an RVT in 2024.
Currently, Brandi works in the Critical Care Department at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral, where she thrives on the fast pace and complexity of emergency cases. She is equally passionate about mentoring and training, helping to shape the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Brandi moved to Wilmington, NC, in 2016 with her husband, Jeff. Together, they share their home with an eclectic animal family: Daisy May, a 14-year-old Coonhound; Stella, a 12-year-old Great Dane mix; Grady and Keys, their domestic shorthaired cats; Starlord, a Ball Python; geckos Randall and Temperance; two tarantulas; and a lively flock of chickens. Their dream is to one day have land and expand their animal family even more.
Outside of work, Brandi finds joy in the great outdoors—especially being on the water—caring for her plants, doing macrame, and working on cars with Jeff. As a proud member of the NCAVT, she is dedicated to promoting growth and positive change within the profession throughout the state.
Member at Large Western Region: Amanda R., BS, RVTg
Amanda was born and raised in central Mississippi, and now resides in Asheville. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Medical Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Amanda’s 15 years of veterinary experience includes small animal general practice, emergency and critical care, specialty medicine, laboratory animal medicine, exotic care, and academia. Her primary professional interests are anesthesiology, end-of-life care, and dentistry.
Outside of work, Amanda is passionate about flat track roller derby and has been involved with the sport for over a decade. When she’s not skating or hitting the gym, Amanda enjoys video games, DIY projects, film, and music.
Member at Large Western Region: Heather Henderson, RVT
Hello! My name is Heather Henderson. I am an Asheville native but moved to Wilmington in 2010. I started my career in veterinary medicine as a kennel technician in Wilmington and soon after was made assistant. I have worked at several clinics in Wilmington over the years. I graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College in 2023. In December of 2024 my husband and I moved to his family's property in Marshall, NC. After 15 years in GP I now work for Veterinary Emergency Group as an emergency RVT. I am in the Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology Bachelor's program and plan on graduating in summer of 2026. In the future of my career I hope to obtain a VTS in Emergency and Critical Care, and I am thinking of pursuing my Masters in Veterinary Medicine from Lincoln Memorial. In my spare time I enjoy hiking with my dachshund Sally and trail riding with my Tennessee Walking horse Stormy.