Thursday, September 17 | 4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER STATE VMAs
Southwest Veterinary Symposium is a partnership of the Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas VMAs, as well as the Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association, Arkansas Veterinary Technician Association, New Mexico Registered Veterinary Technician Association and the Veterinary Team Association of Texas. We provide continuing education for veterinary professionals in the Southwest region and the nation. Symposium profits are returned to the partner states. MISSION STATEMENT Southwest Veterinary Symposium represents innovative partnerships that focus on creating an unparalleled education experience, advancing the entire veterinary profession, and fostering a spirit of reciprocal investment amongst our partner VMAs, attendees and exhibitors. VISION STATEMENT To become, by the way of a thriving partnership between member state VMAs, exhibitors and speakers, the premier regional veterinary educational conference, providing a one-of-a-kind, friendly, welcoming experience to attendees and their families.
SWVS 2026 Opening Session with Walter “Skinni Go Live” Brown: THE KID IN THE BACK OF THE CLASSROOM
THANK YOU ALLIED PARTNERS
Did you know you can enhance your VMA member benefits and support your VMA? Net proceeds from the annual symposium are returned to each partner state VMA based on the number of attendees from their state. The state VMAs utilize these proceeds for member benefits.
BOARD OF MANAGERS
CE COMMITTEE
Walter Brown (BS, RVTg, VTS) once written off as the “problem kid,” this speaker shares a powerful, funny, and inspiring journey from the back of the classroom to leadership in
the veterinary technician profession. Through real stories and practical insight, attendees will learn the tactics, support systems, and mindset shifts that turned setbacks into strengths. This talk offers hope, motivation, and proof that feeling overlooked—
The Board of Managers is comprised of two representatives for each partner state VMA. The SWVS Board of Managers meeting is held during SWVS, where new officers are inducted each year for a term of one to three years. Back Row L-R: Melanie Talley; Mike Schoonover, DVM; Jessie Brandon, DVM; Mark Shackelford, DVM; Michael Joyner, DVM; Kevin Walter; Blake Hackler, DVM; Ben Buchanan, DVM; Gordon McDonald, DVM; Chris France, DVM Front Row L-R: Maggie Milligan; Taylor Buchanan; Daniel Levenson, DVM; Christie McHughes-Barr, DVM; Adena Robertson, DVM; Rosemarie Strong, DVM; Kelli Bohannon; Eric Ta, DVM Not Pictured: Stephanie Brantley, DVM; Greg Piehl; Lori Teller, DVM; Brittny Daubenheyer
The Continuing Education Committee is a standing committee of SWVS. It is composed of representatives from each partner state VMA. CE members are assigned to one specialty track and are responsible for planning the speakers and sessions in their track. Back Row: L-R: Kevin Washburn, DVM; Jodi Michaelson, CVPM; Alice Blue-McLendon, DVM; Debbie Reed, RVT; Julie Blossom, DVM; Jon Fletcher, DVM; Mike Beard, DVM; Anne Hale, DVM; Trisha Marullo, DVM; Stephen Pittenger, DVM; Chance Armstrong, DVM Front Row: L-R: Ann Chapman, DVM; Christen Puckett- Smith, RVT; Paula Plummer, LVT; Katie Tyler, DVM; Kellie Turnage, CVPM; Rachel Ramesar, DVM Not Pictured: Rosslyn Biggs, DVM; Brandon Louth, DVM; Pam Mitchell, DVM; Joe Pluhar, DVM; April Overton, DVM; Jerri Rubio, LVT
or ready to quit—doesn’t mean your story is over.
SWVS 2026 REGISTRATION GUIDE
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