Featured Speakers

Andrew Woolcock, DVM, DACVIM, is an associate professor of small animal internal medicine at Purdue University. His interests include immune-mediated diseases, endocrinology, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. He has published several articles and book chapters, given lectures throughout the US and internationally, and has received several awards for teaching and mentorship in the profession. His research program investigates the role of oxidative stress in inflammatory disease states of the dog and cat.

Dr. Thomas Bolten, DDS, MD, attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate and dental degrees, as well as Wayne State University for his medical degree. Dr. Bolten is the creator of The Open Reduction, a popular YouTube channel featuring some of his most intriguing oral surgery cases. During school he was an accomplished musician and composer, and has a number of original works featured on national radio, television and a Lifetime original movie.

Kate Cummings, DVM, DACVAA, received her DVM from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She completed an anesthesia and analgesia residency at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Following her residency, she worked at MedVet in Worthington, OH, before returning to the East Coast to work at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. She now works at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Michigan.

Michele James DVM, DACVIM, received her degree in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University in 2011 and completed a rotating internship at the University of Georgia in 2012 and a neurology internship at Canada West Veterinary Specialists in 2013. She completed a neurology residency at the University of Florida and now works at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. Dr. James has a special interest in neurosurgery, seizures, neuromuscular disease, and meningoencephomyelitis. 

Quincy Hawley, DVM graduated from NC State’s College of Veterinary medicine in 2013. He worked as an associate veterinarian for 5 years before resiging from his career as a practicing veterinarian to pursue his life mission, which is to provide wellness solutions for the veterinary community. He is the co-founder of Get MotiVETed University, an organization that provides solutions and fresh perspective to everyday challenges that individuals and leaders face in veterinary medicine.

Renee Machel holds her certification in MBSR (Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction), CYT 200 (Certified Yoga Teacher), and is a highly regarded CPC (Certified Professional Coach). Renee has experience coaching veterinary professionals, including veterinarians, practice managers, and various veterinary hospital support staff. Renee has spent over 20 years in the veterinary industry – as a team leader and veterinary assistant. She is a co-founder of Get MotiVETed University, which strives to inspire, equip, and empower veterinary professionals to enhance their quality of life.

Stephanie Goss is the CEO of VetMedLife and brings over 25 years of leadership experience helping veterinary teams navigate the messy middle of leadership, build strong cultures, and grow people—without losing sight of business results. Her background spans YMCA camps, sex education, harm reduction, and years leading transformative leadership education at the Uncharted Veterinary Community. Known for blending storytelling, strategy, and straight talk, Stephanie brings warmth, wit, and raw honesty to every session. She helps leaders and their teams feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead with more clarity, courage, and impact.

Jenn Galvin is a Veterinary Practice Owner, Practice Manager, Speaker, Business Coach, and Relentless Optimist. She has been a caregiver to the caregivers for over 20 years. As the owner and practice manager of Advanced Animal Care, a thriving private companion animal hospital in Arizona, Jenn’s passion lies at the intersection of people, purpose, and possibility. 

Outside the clinic, Jenn wears many hats: she's served as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club, volunteered for many years as a camp counselor for the Weis Ecology Center, and teaches and speaks for the Uncharted Veterinary Community. A trained QPR Pro Gatekeeper, she is fiercely dedicated to supporting mental wellness and helping people tap into their own unique magic.

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Mollie Mesman, DVM, DACVD is the dermatology consultant for all Southern Veterinary Partners and Mission Veterinary Partners practices and trains residents through Animal Dermatology Group. She earned her DVM from Louisiana State University and completed a small animal rotating internship at Auburn University and a dermatology residency with the Animal Dermatology Clinic in Marina del Rey, California. Her professional interests include allergies and treatment with immunotherapy, immune-mediated conditions, ear disease, and the many uses of topical therapy. Outside of work, Dr. Mesman stays active with her husband, Dr. Charley Aldridge, and their four children. She loves all things Boston Terrier, her backyard chickens, traveling, and cooking. 

Charley Aldridge, DVM, MS, DACVIM is a board-certified veterinary internist of over 10 years and owner of a mobile internal medicine service, Sojourn Vet, servicing the veterinarians and people of Western North and South Carolina. He obtained his veterinary degree from the University of Georgia. He then completed a rotating internship at LSU, followed by a dual residency and masters program at Auburn University. Areas of interest beyond imaging include respiratory disease and endocrine disease. He and his wife, Dr. Mollie Mesman, share four children, two dogs, two cats, and seven chickens. He is a true cat man, enjoys yoga, live music, hiking, gardening, and traveling. 

Kim Johnson, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) is an educator and author dedicated to compassionate, purpose driven medicine. Combining decades of oncology experience with a passion for mentoring and supporting the well-being of veterinary professionals. Dr. Johnson has delivered hundreds of hours of RACE-approved continuing education on cancer care, leadership, and resilience. Her book, Pawsitive Purrspectives: The heART of Healing, reflects her belief that veterinary medicine is not only about extending lives but enriching them, both for patients and ourselves. She currently provides oncology consultations for Mission Pet Health and other telemedicine platforms. Outside of work, she enjoys SEC football, traveling, and time with family and friends.