Susie Crockett is a 2006 graduate of Purdue University with a BS degree in organizational communication. She has managed general practice, emergency, low-cost, and specialty hospitals throughout her career. Currently, Susie is the Director of Practice Management for Noah’s Animal Hospital, overseeing eight practice managers and operations for nine locations. She is an active member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and earned her CVPM designation in 2009. She served on the CVPM Board for 10 years and currently serves as the secretary on the VHMA Board.
8:00 AM–9:15 AM
Lead Like No One’s Watching: Influence Without Authority
Leadership doesn’t require a title—it requires initiative, empathy, and the ability to move people forward. In this session, veterinary team members will learn how to lead from any position through relationship-building, communication, and everyday influence. Attendees will explore practical tools to speak up, solve problems collaboratively, and inspire change without formal authority. The session emphasizes how trust and credibility are earned through consistent action, not job titles. Whether you’re a technician, CSR, assistant, or aspiring manager, this session will help you strengthen your leadership presence and contribute to a culture of respect, accountability, and teamwork.
9:25 AM–10:25 AM
Leading from the Inside Out: What No One Tells You About Leadership
In veterinary medicine, we’re trained to diagnose, treat, and act decisively, but leadership demands a different skill set entirely. This session explores the internal landscape of leadership, focusing on mindset, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness as the foundation of effective veterinary leadership. Attendees will examine how subtle actions—like how we manage time, speak to others, and show up under pressure—carry more influence than our credentials alone. Through stories of real-world challenges and reflection, participants will learn what it means to lead from the inside out. This session is ideal for veterinary professionals at any level who want to lead with authenticity, build trust, and influence practice culture from a place of clarity and purpose.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Fetch Some Positivity: Choosing Optimism in Veterinary Medicine to Boost Wellness and Morale
Veterinary medicine is filled with purpose—but also pressure. Long hours, emotional labor, and constant decision-making can wear down even the most passionate professionals. This session offers a refreshingly practical approach to building optimism and resilience in the workplace. Drawing on evidence-based techniques, attendees will learn five core habits—gratitude, positive self-talk, mindfulness, boundaries, and clear communication—that can improve mental wellness, boost morale, and enhance team collaboration. Participants will leave equipped to bring more intention and positivity to their daily routines, fostering a more connected and emotionally healthy veterinary team.
1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Professionalism in Veterinary Medicine
We are veterinary professionals. But what exactly does that mean? In this presentation, we discuss the aspects of professionalism as seen in behavior, communication, and appearance. Attendees will learn how these aspects impact how clients view us as a professional resource, and how failing to be professional can have a direct impact on the value that we hold in the eye of the client.
2:40 PM–3:40 PM
Setting Boundaries to Ensure Success
Veterinary medicine is rife with burnout. Many times, our inability to set boundaries is a root cause. This session discusses the reasons boundaries are needed for a healthy work environment. We discuss the different types of boundaries, how they are most commonly set, and what threatens them. Attendees will be given the tools to create new or stronger boundaries so that they can be the best version of their professional self.
4:15 PM–5:30 PM
Paws and Plan: Mastering Time and Delegation in Veterinary Medicine
Few of us have extra time within our days. This session aims to help veterinary professionals enhance time management and delegation skills to improve efficiency and wellness. The session emphasizes key strategies like prioritization, scheduling, and using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and Pomodoro Technique. Delegation is addressed as a crucial part of time management, with a focus on choosing the right person, providing clear expectations, and fostering empowerment through shared responsibility. The importance of operational efficiency is highlighted, showing that streamlining processes can lead to higher productivity and revenue. The presentation encourages participants to reflect on their current practices, overcome resistance to delegation, and create systems to ensure long-term success.
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