Passionate about education, dedicated to supporting our local veterinary community.
Meet our education team leaders! Each of them had a different journey bringing them to emergency medicine but one thing is the same- they want to share their knowledge and support our local veterinary community. Want to learn more about educational programs @ AEH? Learn More >
Course Instructors
|
Caitlin Himmer began her Veterinary career in high school working in the kennels at local veterinary hospitals. She moved to Lexington, Kentucky where she graduated in 2006 from Transylvania University with a Bachelors in Studio Art, with a focus in metal sculpture and glass blowing.
|
While in Kentucky, she worked at two Veterinary hospitals where she learned on the job. Realizing her passion for veterinary medicine, she moved to Pittsburg, PA where she earned her Associates in Veterinary science from The Vet Tech Institute. As part of the tech program she interned at the Baltimore Aquarium. She worked at Honeygo Animal Hospital for 8 years while also teaching the Vet Tech Assistant program at Community College of Baltimore County. She then pursued new paths in the veterinary field through dentistry at the Animal Dental Center. During this time, Caitlin helped train doctors and technicians on dental radiographs and procedures at the Animal Dental Training Center. After starting a family in 2015, she moved to working night shifts at Animal Emergency Hospital where she became passionate about emergency medicine.
Caitlin is passionate about educating herself and her coworkers. She holds training classes at AEH and mentors technicians. She is currently working on becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care. The training program at AEH allows growth in the career of veterinary medicine. Caitlin trains on everything from newer technician topics such as restraint and radiographs, to more advanced topics such as ultrasound, surgery, critical care and suturing. She is continuously going to conferences and watching CE videos to stay current on new medicine and procedures to help bring them to the hospital.
While not working at the ER, Caitlin likes to spend time with her husband and two children. She also works part-time at the Harford County Humane Society where she helps with surgery and dentistry. She currently has her own small business on her farmette as a beekeeper. Her pets include two dogs, “Kufer” an American Eskimo, “Cecil” a Labradoodle, a foster standard poodle, “Woodstock” and a Flemish Giant rabbit named “Vincent Van Gogh”. She enjoys still working on her art, traveling, and playing in an adult field hockey league. Caitlin is one of a kind and we enjoy having her here at Animal Emergency Hospital.
Caitlin is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified
Caitlin is passionate about educating herself and her coworkers. She holds training classes at AEH and mentors technicians. She is currently working on becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care. The training program at AEH allows growth in the career of veterinary medicine. Caitlin trains on everything from newer technician topics such as restraint and radiographs, to more advanced topics such as ultrasound, surgery, critical care and suturing. She is continuously going to conferences and watching CE videos to stay current on new medicine and procedures to help bring them to the hospital.
While not working at the ER, Caitlin likes to spend time with her husband and two children. She also works part-time at the Harford County Humane Society where she helps with surgery and dentistry. She currently has her own small business on her farmette as a beekeeper. Her pets include two dogs, “Kufer” an American Eskimo, “Cecil” a Labradoodle, a foster standard poodle, “Woodstock” and a Flemish Giant rabbit named “Vincent Van Gogh”. She enjoys still working on her art, traveling, and playing in an adult field hockey league. Caitlin is one of a kind and we enjoy having her here at Animal Emergency Hospital.
Caitlin is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified
|
What is RECOVER? The Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative was spearheaded by a team of veterinary emergency and critical care specialists in 2010 with the goal of developing and disseminating the first true evidence-based veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines. RECOVER CPR is the only official veterinary CPR certification recognized by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) Learn More>
|
|
A little about me: I am a registered veterinary technician, and the hospital director. I knew I wanted to work in a veterinary hospital at a young age. In 2004, I began volunteering at local animal shelter as a veterinary surgical team volunteer. In the same year, I began my career as a veterinary assistant in an emergency and critical care facility. This is where I discovered my true passion for becoming an emergency and critical care veterinary technician. This is why I have continued in the emergency and critical care field for over 20 years.
|
In 2008, Animal Emergency Hospital was born, and I joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team. In 2010, I completed my Associates in Veterinary Technology and graduated cum laude from Delaware Technical and Community College. In 2011, I began my journey in education through becoming the training coordinator at Animal Emergency Hospital, creating training materials for staff. In 2012, I officially launched into my career in education by becoming an instructor for veterinary sciences programs at Harford Community College. Later that year, I became the veterinary sciences program specialist at Harford Community College where I worked to build new educational material for programs including the veterinary assistant program. A few years later, I brought this educational format to Animal Emergency Hospital, leading to structured training programs and lecture series. I have a special passion for teaching veterinary technician educational programs, and helping others reach success in the veterinary field. Ultimately, this desire to help others reach success lead me into hospital leadership.
When I am not working I enjoy various motorsports, the outdoors, kayaking, spending time with family, and volunteering in the community. My "furry" family includes four Labrador retrievers: Liberty, William, Waylon and Johnny Cash, as well as a yorkie named Bridget.
Christine is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified, and is also a NAVEMS Pre-hospital Veterinary First Responder (PVFR)- Basic Instructor
When I am not working I enjoy various motorsports, the outdoors, kayaking, spending time with family, and volunteering in the community. My "furry" family includes four Labrador retrievers: Liberty, William, Waylon and Johnny Cash, as well as a yorkie named Bridget.
Christine is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified, and is also a NAVEMS Pre-hospital Veterinary First Responder (PVFR)- Basic Instructor
|
|
What is NAVEMS? NAVEMS is dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary prehospital care by providing comprehensive educational programs and fostering a strong community of professionals. Learn More >
|
Technician / Assistant Mentorship Program Leaders
|
A little bit about me: I am a registered veterinary technician, and the practice manager. I started out as a volunteer at Animal Emergency Hospital almost ten years ago. Animal Emergency Hospital has helped me advance and grow into the vet tech I am today. Without the experiences and all the great teachers I've had over the years I would never of gotten into the program at CCBC and passed my boards to be a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
|
Animal Emergency Hospital is a very fast paced environment and we see a high level of critical patients. As a technician, you get many opportunities to help an animal in crisis and a great sense of accomplishment when that patient is treated. I have always been dedicated in providing the compassionate care we are known for to every patient and their families. I knew that I wanted to pass along my knowledge and help train other technicians that have the same goals and passion.
When I heard the idea of starting a mentorship program, I knew I wanted to be involved and help others like I had been helped in the past. This led me to join the educational team at AEH, where I assisted in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. The mentorship program helps new staff have guidance and sets them up for success in emergency medicine. It is organized in a way to help staff reach obtainable goals for their skill and experience level. It's also an opportunity to learn about myself, the way I do things and areas I may still need to develop and improve on. Most people think that mentees are the only ones who gain value from mentorship, but my biggest joy is seeing someone else grow in their career, develop leadership and communication skills, and gain confidence as a result of my support. I have created authentic relationships with all my past mentees and look forward to continuing to grow with them!
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my dogs Larry and Callie.
Stacie is RECOVER BLS & ALS Certified
When I heard the idea of starting a mentorship program, I knew I wanted to be involved and help others like I had been helped in the past. This led me to join the educational team at AEH, where I assisted in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. The mentorship program helps new staff have guidance and sets them up for success in emergency medicine. It is organized in a way to help staff reach obtainable goals for their skill and experience level. It's also an opportunity to learn about myself, the way I do things and areas I may still need to develop and improve on. Most people think that mentees are the only ones who gain value from mentorship, but my biggest joy is seeing someone else grow in their career, develop leadership and communication skills, and gain confidence as a result of my support. I have created authentic relationships with all my past mentees and look forward to continuing to grow with them!
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my dogs Larry and Callie.
Stacie is RECOVER BLS & ALS Certified
|
What is RECOVER? The Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative was spearheaded by a team of veterinary emergency and critical care specialists in 2010 with the goal of developing and disseminating the first true evidence-based veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines. RECOVER CPR is the only official veterinary CPR certification recognized by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) Learn More>
|
|
I began my veterinary career in 2007 at a local primary care veterinary hospital. In 2009, I joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team. Even at a young age, I always knew my passion in life was Emergency Medicine. I applied to AEH with no emergency experience and was given the chance to grow and become a Lead Technician that eventually led to a Technician Manager. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity that I received.
|
Animal Emergency Hospital is a very fast paced environment and we see a high level of critical patients. As a technician, you get many opportunities to help an animal in crisis and a great sense of accomplishment when that patient is treated. I have always been dedicated in providing the compassionate care we are known for to every patient and their families. Personally, this job has been very fulfilling and after each day I really feel like I’ve made a difference.
During my journey I knew that I wanted to pass along my knowledge and help train other technicians that have the same goals and passion. This passion lead me to join the educational team at AEH, and assist in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. What I love most about this program is that everyone has different learning styles and the program can be tailored to each person's individual needs.
What I love most about our team is that we work together as a family and provide the best care for critically sick animals. I also have a special passion for emergency surgical care.
I am not working I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. My furry friends include a viszla named "Sage," a boston terrier named "Banner," and a chocolate lab named "Goose." I also have a small farm with goats and chickens.
Kristina is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified.
During my journey I knew that I wanted to pass along my knowledge and help train other technicians that have the same goals and passion. This passion lead me to join the educational team at AEH, and assist in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. What I love most about this program is that everyone has different learning styles and the program can be tailored to each person's individual needs.
What I love most about our team is that we work together as a family and provide the best care for critically sick animals. I also have a special passion for emergency surgical care.
I am not working I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. My furry friends include a viszla named "Sage," a boston terrier named "Banner," and a chocolate lab named "Goose." I also have a small farm with goats and chickens.
Kristina is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified.
|
What is RECOVER? The Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative was spearheaded by a team of veterinary emergency and critical care specialists in 2010 with the goal of developing and disseminating the first true evidence-based veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines. RECOVER CPR is the only official veterinary CPR certification recognized by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) Learn More>
|
DVM Mentorship Program Leader
|
A little bit about me: I am the DVM mentorship coordinator and medical director for the hospital. When I first graduated veterinary school, I had plans to pursue a career in equine medicine. Those plans didn’t work as I had hoped, and I found myself in an associate position at a small animal hospital with no clue what I was doing! Luckily, my first boss was an excellent teacher and in my first week of practice, he had me assisting him on various surgeries including GDV and cystotomy.
|
I made the transition to working as a full-time ER doctor over 8 years ago and, once again, I found myself surrounded by brilliant doctors ready to help me and teach me how to manage these more critical emergency cases. I will never forget how this coaching made things seem so much less daunting and those memories were the catalyst behind starting this mentorship program. If you choose to apply for one of the mentorship positions at our hospital, I consider it my privilege to spend the next 6-9 months helping you build the tools you need to approach any problem in practice as well as the foundations for how to take care of yourself in a profession that is growing more challenging by the week. In the following pages you will find our mentorship program outline, which will help give you an idea of what you would be learning at AEH throughout your mentorship. After you have been in the ER field for 3 years, we can also mentor you for ABVP Certification. This program is a great option for those who aren’t ready to pick a specialty right after vet school or for those who develop their passion for emergency medicine after practicing for several years. This is also a great option for those who want to become board certified but are not interested in pursuing an internship! I would love the chance to speak with you via email or zoom to answer any questions you may have, and we are always welcome to in person visits as well. If after reading through this you interested in learning more, please reach out!
Dr. Goessling is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified, and CAETA certified
Dr. Goessling is RECOVER CPR BLS & ALS certified, and CAETA certified
|
|
What is CAETA? The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy provides outstanding education in companion animal euthanasia to enhance the overall experience for pet, caregiver, and veterinary team. Learn More>
|