
Heather Smith
CVM Communications, Senior Graphic Designer
Lauri Kramer
SMB, Administrative Manager

Tari McMullen
SMB, Lab Technician

Marla Francis
WADDL, Microbiologist
VTH Float Technicians
Since 1997 the Outstanding Staff Recognition Awards have recognized staff members who have excelled in the performance of their duties as well as promoted team work and inspired excellence in others. Staff are nominated by their department and selected by an advisory committee. Awards are presented at the annual College of Veterinary Medicine back-to-school picnic and BBQ.
Kristen Rosche
Scientific Assistant
Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology
Caitlin Estalilla
Academic Coordinator, Dean's Office
Jane Hommel
Veterinary Technician, Equine Services Group, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Krystina Karn
Veterinary Technician Small Animal Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Kasey Burton
Veterinary Technician Small Animal Oncology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Rachel Olson
Bree Peterson
Lethea Russel
VCS Veterinary Teaching Hospital Anesthesia Team
From left to right:
Janel Holden,
Dean Bryan Slinker,
Mary Albi,
and Shelley Ensign,
Shona Meyer
and (not pictured)
Nicole Valdez
Heather Smith
CVM Communications, Senior Graphic Designer
Lauri Kramer
SMB, Administrative Manager
Tari McMullen
SMB, Lab Technician
Marla Francis
WADDL, Microbiologist
VTH Float Technicians
Lisa Jones
Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health Laboratory Manager
Daniel Haley
Clinical Communication Program Simulated Client Coordinator
Kathleen Reed
Veterinary Clinical Sciences Animal Technician, Small Animal Care
Kay Glaser
Development & External Relations Associate Director of Development
Katy Heaton
Veterinary Medicine Extension & Continuing Veterinary Medical Education Extension Coordinator
Scott Bullers
Veterinary Information Systems Manager
James Meyer
Veterinary Teaching Hospital Pharmacy Manager
Ronald Munson
Veterinary Teaching Hospital Veterinary Technician-Radiology
Laura Kinslow
Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience Fiscal Specialist Supervisor
Lynette Kinzer
Veterinary Teaching Hospital Patient Services Coordinator
Mustapha Maaz
Veterinary Information Systems Application Systems Analyst/Developer
“Mustapha is the ultimate team player as he combines a sharp intellect with a keen listening ear to help others create ingenious solutions to problems. His always positive attitude is infectious as he can turn someone’s doldrum day into a day full of interest and opportunity.”
Cassie Leonard (accepted by Kevin Snekvik)
WADDL Manager
“Cassie willingly and creatively embraces the service ethic in supervising her unit. She anticipates needs, deploys personnel resources to complete tasks, and maintains high standards, while simultaneously enhancing morale of a diverse staff…”
Rebecca Wolking
WADDL Microbiologist
“Despite the fact we have an extremely demanding section in terms of high performance expectations and work load, her inspirational attitude and great sense of humor makes our section an inviting place to work. Becca never flinches in stressful situations where we are short-handed and very busy. She just pulls up her shirt sleeves and gets to work.”
Darrell Nelson
Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience Instructional Lab Supervisor
“Darrel takes initiative and goes above and beyond often. He never complains when he has to come in early or stay late.” “Darrel is an excellent supervisor. I believe he is one of the best supervisors in the CVM…”
Neal Burke
Veterinary Clinical Sciences Research Technologist Supervisor
“Neal is the most organized/neat laboratory supervisor I have worked with. He leads by example…” “He is able to accomplish all of this with a positive attitude. My laboratory has more workers now that ever but it runs more smoothly than it did prior to Neal taking over as a lab supervisor…”
Veterinary Teaching Hospital Animal Care Staff
“Over the past two years, the load in VTH has increased by more than 15%, challenging our capacity to maintain cleanliness and biosecurity throughout the hospital. Many of the changes have centered around biosecurity and cleanliness in the VTH. Every challenge was met by this team with enthusiasm and a “can do” attitude…”
Animal Resource Unit Large and Lab Animal Staff
“… Each staff member is cross trained to perform animal care or maintenance issues when there are absences. They work as a team and communicate between themselves and unit managers." "...All these people are experienced, think on their feet and work with each other to accomplish tasks…”
Kimberly Dudley
School of Molecular Biosciences Grants and Contracts Coordinator
"Kim is an outstanding, highly reliable and motivated employee... she exhibits great competence and timeliness in performance of her job. Kim not only executes her duties efficiently and with grace, but also she routinely takes initiative to research for the most appropriate methods to accomplish her tasks. Indeed, she is not afraid to tackle the most complex and arcane issues."
Rachel Halsey
College of Veterinary Medicine Academic Coordinator
"As I look around at all that's been accomplished or changed since Rachel came to work in the CVM, I am astounded." "Rachel is an extraordinary coordinator, herding faculty towards their goals without using the sharp prod." "In addition to her collegial nature, her collaborative spirit, and her simple ability to get things done, one of the attributes that most distinguishes Rachel is her quest for self-improvement and growth."
Jennifer McDonald
Veterinary Teaching Hospital Fiscal Specialist
"Jennifer accomplishes an amazing amount of work in her day... She has taken on additional duties, always with a 'how can I help' attitude and has been an integral part of our response..." "Jennifer's many roles are neither easy, nor are they set in stone. She is a very flexable employee who is always willing to take on additional tasks."
Lisa Orfe
Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health Research Supervisor
"She makes it possible for many other people to be successful (training and trouble-shooting) while at the same time she fully engages in the creative process (experimental design, execution and analysis)." "She brings a 'can-do' creative, positive and friendly attitude to work every day (without fail) and everyone in the lab cannot help but be swept along."
Stephen "Kip" Prahinski
WADDL Lab Technician
"Kip exceeds expectations in all ways possible" "Kip does so many behind the scenes tasks that most people will never have a clue how much they rely on him until he one day retires and those jobs no longer are 'magically' completeted. He arrives every morning before most people are awake." "He has eagle eyes when it comes to details and is proactive at maintaining our department's good reputation."
Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology Administrative Office
"Efforts are thorough and mistakes are rare. All go well beyond what is required of them and consistently offer additional help as needed..." "I cannot imagine my transition here as smooth as it was without their motivation and dedication."
The Dr. Gordon Keown Award is to "recognize outstanding performance and dedication by a staff member of the Equine Division in providing exemplary care to patients and in supporting the efforts of clinical faculty".
Lethea Russell
"Her knowledge and abilities are only overshadowed by her dedication to the equine surgery service." "She is an invaluable resource for the section as she helps train both students/residents as well as faculty on occasion." "The highest praise I can give her is that she is 'a good woman in a storm', meaning when things are going bad, you want her in the room."