Leadership/Staff Excellence Award Winner: Briana Ortiz (Animal Care Hospital Supervisor 1)
Briana has been an integral member of the hospital team for 13 years. She is known for being approachable by staff, clinicians, and students and is the go-to person for anything related to patient care in the wards. Briana mentors and trains new staff and works collaboratively with all involved on a case to ensure patients receive excellent care.

Small Animal Clinic Award Winner: Jasmine Lacey (Animal Health Technician 3)
Jasmine exemplifies the best patient care possible while contributing to advocate for more innovative ways to care for animals. She creates a positive work environment for her colleagues and is a great example of what the hospital should strive for in work culture.

Large Animal Clinic Award Winner: Monica Mason (Animal Health Technician 2)
Monica has been an integral part of the hospital team as a grave shift barn technician for many years. Her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of both treatments and ailments ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care, even during the quiet hours of the night. She is known for her ability to handle emergencies calmly and effectively, always prioritizing well-being while also encouraging the education and training of others given the nature of the teaching hospital.

Laboratories/Imaging/Central Service Award Winner: Brenda Lieng (Hospital Laboratory Technician 2)
Brenda is a ray of sunshine in the busy world of the hospital. She always goes the extra mile to help the busy clinical team, resulting in excellent patient care. Brenda is professional, hard-working, approachable, and considerate in her role in Central Laboratory Receiving. She knows the ins and outs of laboratory submissions, even with obscure or rare tests.

Supervisor Award Winner: Rodney Santos (Animal Care Hospital Supervisor 1)
Rodney’s dedication to the well-being of his colleagues is truly remarkable and inspiring. His positive attitude fosters a collaborative work environment where the entire team succeeds. Rodney’s leadership style and commitment to excellence makes it clear he is a true asset to the hospital.

Administrative/Client Services Award Winner: Zoe Robin (Administrative Officer 2)
Zoe is a consummate professional who can always be relied upon for help. She always projects the highest quality of professionalism and service. Zoe is always clear and consistent and explains things calmly, as many times as necessary. She always provides fantastic service to everyone who contacts Human Resources.

Unsung Hero – Small Animal Clinic Award Winner: Erika Juarez (Animal Technician)
Erika shows up daily with a smile and doesn’t stop moving until her shift is complete. She is responsible for many tasks the untrained eye would never see, such as housekeeping chores and helping distraught owners get their sick or injured animals from the parking lot into the hospital. Erika’s work can be seen throughout the hospital and filling her shift is never an easy task.

Unsung Hero – Large Animal Clinic Award Winner: Preacher Cleveland (Animal Technician)
Preacher makes a positive impact on everyone in the clinic and does not let anything negative affect his work environment. He is always there to help in any scenario, even if it is not part of his regular duties. Preacher has so much initiative and does his job to the fullest, always with a smile on his face.