Meet the Board | Alabama Veterinary Technician Association

AVTA Executive Board

2026-2027

Elena Graves, BS, LVT

President

Elena graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Equine Science in 2013 and earned an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology from Jefferson State Community College in 2016. She has extensive clinical experience in general practice, emergency, and specialty medicine, and later transitioned into an operations role within a veterinary company as a data analyst.

Elena is deeply involved in the veterinary community, serving as an executive member of the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association since 2017 and as an LVT representative to the Madison County Veterinary Medical Association since 2021. Her professional interests include the Veterinary Nurse Initiative, mental health awareness within the veterinary profession, and continued growth in emergency and critical care and internal medicine.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Elena is a competitive equestrian, an avid reader, and enjoys traveling with her husband and son. She is also the proud owner of two “furbabies”: Grizzly, a Lab/Pointer mix, and Colonel, a Thoroughbred gelding.

Bethany Armstrong, BS, LVT

President Elect

I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) with over 17 years of experience serving the Birmingham area in a variety of clinical settings and leadership roles. While my primary background is in small animal medicine, I have also developed skills in large animal care, emergency and critical care, and leadership through managerial roles throughout my career.

I am deeply committed to advancing the veterinary technician profession at both the local and state levels. As a past president and current Treasurer of the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA), I am passionate about advocating for LVT recognition, support, and mental health awareness within our field.

I earned my Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Jefferson State Community College, where I now serve on the Advisory Board for the Veterinary Technology Program. I later completed my Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, Cum Laude, through Penn Foster College, and am a proud member of the Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society.

My work has been recognized with several honors, including:

• Veterinary Technician of the Year nominations from the AVTA (2020, 2023)

• Regional and National Veterinary Technician of the Year, Banfield Pet Hospital (2021)

• Fear Free Veterinary Technician of the Year (2023)

• Certified Cat Friendly Professional (2025)

Outside of work, life is joyfully busy with my two boys, Logan and Parker, and our lively pets—four cats (Church, Persephone, Skully, and Snowdrop), two Siberian Huskies (Iris and Korra), and one energetic doodle (Lenore). In my free time, I enjoy drawing, photography, and painting.

Above all, I am driven by a passion for animal care, education, and the well-being of veterinary professionals

Lechon Camp, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Vice President

After working 9 years in human medicine as a registered nurse (mostly in the ER setting), I ventured out for a part time position in veterinary medicine. I was hired by a referral practice to be an anesthetist based on my human nursing experience. I soon found my true love in nursing was with animals rather than people. I let my nursing career, “go to the dogs” and I have been happy ever since. I have now worked in veterinary medicine for 19 years.

I obtained my LVT license after graduating from Jefferson State Community College. My focus has mostly been on small animal anesthesia and analgesia, but I also have experience in neurology, critical care, and emergency care. I recently accomplished my goal of becoming a veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia and analgesia. I love my current position with Huntsville Veterinary Specialists and Emergency, where I am currently the lead anesthesia nurse and co-director of staff education. I also have a strong interest in education and welcome any opportunity to teach others about the wonderful world of veterinary medicine.

Outside of work, I enjoy being in the great outdoors with my best fur friend, Daisy. We love hiking, kayaking, and visiting waterfalls.

Susanna Burgett, LVT

Secretary

Susanna Burgett has been a dedicated professional in veterinary medicine for over a decade. In 2017, she became a Fear Free Certified Professional, reflecting her commitment to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Jefferson State Community College in 2020, graduating with honors. Later that year, she successfully passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Alabama in January 2021.

Passionate about mentoring and education, Susanna enjoys training veterinary assistants and technician students. She currently serves as the North Alabama representative for the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) and is also a member of the North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). She is working toward her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential and is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology through St. Petersburg College.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Susanna now lives in Harvest, AL, with her husband, Shannon, and their son. Their love for Disney is reflected in their pets—four German Shepherds named Aurora, Ella, Jasmine, and Sven, and a cat named Snow. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys cooking, experimenting with new recipes, exploring caves, and spending time in the Smoky Mountains with her family.

Paige Rivera, LVT

Treasurer

With over 11 years of experience in veterinary medicine spanning general practice, emergency, surgery, and canine rehabilitation, Paige is a dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in Huntsville, Alabama.

After beginning her career in Oklahoma, Paige moved to Alabama in 2016 where she honed her skills in a variety of settings. The most influential years in her career have been spent at a growing emergency & specialty hospital where she has been driven to expand and elevate her skillets every single day. Currently, she is focused on building a brand new canine rehabilitation department from the ground up, reflecting her passion for innovative patient care.

Hayley Pritchard, BS, AAS, LVT

Immediate Past President

Hayley Pritchard, originally from Florida, attended Auburn University and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences (Production and Management option). Upon achieving her degree at Auburn, she completed an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology at Jefferson State Community College. She developed and is the Program Director for the Veterinary Technology Program at Southern Union State Community College. Previous to her current position, she worked at Auburn University for many years, including holding positions as an Animal Care Unit Manager/Vivarium Manager, Licensed Veterinary Technician within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economics, and also the General Surgery technician for Auburn University’s small animal teaching hospital. Additionally, Pritchard has well over a decade of experience in various veterinary settings including research, laboratory, and multi-species practice (farm and companion animal, rodents, poultry, avian and equine). She enjoys many aspects of veterinary medicine across the profession and has provided care to animals internationally as part of a mission group team.

An active member in the veterinary community, Mrs. Pritchard is a member of numerous committees and professional groups and has played a key role in starting programs for technician advancement, training and continuing education. She is a published author and established lecturer. Pritchard holds an active membership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and is passionate about professional growth and excellence in clinical medicine. She excels in clinical/technical veterinary nursing, teaching, and leadership roles and strives to build successful team-based and interpersonal relationships. She became Vice President of the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) in 2020, President Elect in 2022, and President in 2024. She is also AVTA’s liaison to the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA), serves as a board member on the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation (ALVMF)and is a committee member of the Alabama Veterinary Professional Wellness Program (AVPWP). Pritchard maintains involvement with the Academy of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) and the Academy of Veterinary Medical Educators Community (AVMEC/AVE).

Hayley is excited to serve the technicians of Alabama in these capacities and strives to better the profession of veterinary nursing for the future. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and fur babies, the outdoors, art and music and a good lazy day TV show binge.

Representatives and Liaisons to the AVTA Committee

North Alabama District Representative(s):
- Elena Graves, BS, AAS, LVT
- Susanna Burgett, LVT
Central Alabama District Representative(s):
- Madison Foreman, LVT
South Alabama District Representative(s):
- Vacant/position open
National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) State Representative:
- Madison Foreman, LVT
Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) Liaison:
- Hayley Pritchard, BS, AAS, LVT
Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation (ALVMF) Liaison:
- Cindy Pearson, LVT
Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (ASBVME) Liaison:
- Lisa Hethcox, LVT
Veterinary Technology Program Liaisons:
- Kristi Healy, LVT (Jefferson State Community College)
- Barbara Robinson, LVT (Coastal Alabama Community College)
- Hayley Pritchard, BS, AAS, LVT (Southern Union State Community College)
Student Representatives:

Vacant/positions open