As part of our “RVTs Blazing the Trail” learning track, this panel discussion brings together inspiring  RVTs who are redefining what a career in veterinary technology can look like. 

Focused on entrepreneurial pathways and innovative career development, this session will highlight RVTs who have stepped beyond traditional roles to create meaningful and impactful changes within the profession. Panelists will share their journeys, challenges, and successes, offering both practical insights and real life perspectives. 

This interactive session creates an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with panelists, encouraging conversation and collaboration.  

Attendees will gain valuable guidance, hear stories of ingenuity and growth, and explore how RVTs are building careers that reflect their skills, passions, and vision for the future. 

This session is pending approval for 1.5 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit for RVTs by the ABVMA.

This webinar will be recorded.

Date: April 27, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MST

Registration Closes: April 26, 2026

Members: Free
Non-Members: $20.00

Meet your Panelists!

Lelani Mustillo, RVT - Animal Health Link

With 19 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Leilani has transitioned from hands-on clinical work to focusing on virtual care solutions that address the challenges faced by the veterinary industry. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Animal HealthLink, a veterinary teletriage company created to promote sustainability of veterinary practices and improve patient access to care. Since launching Animal HealthLink, Leilani continues to make significant contributions to the veterinary community by driving innovation and positively impacting the veterinary profession as a whole. Leilani is Board Member of the Canadian Veterinary Virtual Care Association (CVVCA), a non-profit organization which supports the advancement of virtual care through the creation of standards of care & best practices and education of the veterinary community and the public. In addition, Leilani is the ABVTA Representative to the ABVMA, Board Member for Tails of Help, and Co-Host of the Don't Call Me Catty Podcast. Through her involvement in these organizations, she has demonstrated her dedication to staying informed about industry trends, advocating for animal welfare, and promoting the highest standards of veterinary care.

Connie Varnhagen, RVT, PhD - Alberta Helping Animals Society

Connie is a professor emerita from the University of Alberta who took early retirement to become an RVT and support the human-animal bond. She is President of Alberta Helping Animals Society (AHAS), a charity devoted to supporting vulnerable people living in Edmonton and their companion animals.  AHAS provides advice, advocacy, and education, and operates a charity veterinary service.  Connie works with students from various post-secondary institutions to promote community based veterinary medicine and encourage volunteerism. 

Allie Lait, RVT, EqD - Lait Equine Services

Allie is a life-long horsewoman with an expertise in equine oral health and dentistry.  She was raised in a ranching/rodeo family in southern Alberta and currently resides just outside of Longview Ab with her husband and son.  She completed her equine dental training in 2010 at the Texas Institute of Equine Dentistry in Weatherford TX and went on to graduate from the Animal Health Technology program at Olds College in 2012.  Over the past 15 years she built her equine dentistry business working alongside veterinarians with a focus on the importance of dental equilibration in the performance horse industry.

Becky Taylor, RVT, MA (Professional Communication) - BS Communication Strategies

Becky refers to herself  in 3 ways: Vintage RVT, Communication Nerd and Avid Horsewoman! She has been active in the veterinary profession as a Registered Veterinary Technologist for over 32 years working in mixed animal practice, in post secondary education and in corporate business. Becky has participated in leading the profession through roles within provincial, national and international veterinary associations and is a strong advocate for RVTs and team centered veterinary care. She is a lifelong learner having attended hundreds of professional development events and proudly accomplished a MA in Professional Communication in 2016 (while working full time and raising 2 kids!). This propelled her to unleash her entrepreneurial spirit and start BS Communication Strategies in 2020 and incorporate in 2021. Her business mantra remains steadfast, “Coaching people to communicate better.” with an evidence and skills based, interactive approach. She is the founder of Mobilizing RVTs® and is often referred to as a “disrupter” for her innovative approaches to leading change.
With confidence, Becky believes the best investment any business can make is in the development of their people and its culture through skilled communication.
Through her business, she has developed Signature Programs and a bespoke Communication Summit, Curiosity in Conversation.  
She lives near Olds, AB with her husband, Colin, their horses, dogs and cats and when she is not spending time with her family, or nerding out about communication, she can be found with her horses!

The"RVTs Blazing the Trail" learning track is proudly supported by WDDC, our Professional Development Partner