Hayley Pritchard was born and raised in Florida. She attended Auburn University where she 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 is the Program Director for the Veterinary Technology Program (Vet Tech 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, the Licensed Veterinary Technician within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economics directly under Auburn’s Institutional Veterinarian (Attending/University Veterinarian), 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, and AVTA’s President Elect in 2022. She is also AVTA’s liaison to the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) 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 American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)- specifically the Academy of Veterinary Medical Educators Community (AVMEC). Hayley is excited to serve the technicians of Alabama in these capacities and strives to better the profession of veterinary nursing for the future.

Maureen began her career in veterinary medicine by volunteering at a local veterinary clinic in 2005 and was quickly hired on as a full-time veterinary assistant. She completed a veterinary assistant program in 2005 and a pet grooming program in 2006. When she moved in 2008, the new clinic she worked at encouraged her to pursue her degree in Veterinary Technology. She graduated with honors from Jefferson Sate Community College in 2011 with an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. Maureen has been working at Auburn University’s small animal teaching hospital since 2012. She has been a member of multiple committees while at Auburn University. In 2015 she began working with the Small Animal Theriogenology service and quickly found a passion for it. She is devoted to advancing the opportunities for veterinary technicians. She played a pinnacle roll in the process to allow veterinary technicians to join the Society for Theriogenology and was the first veterinary technician member. She has experience in management, research, speaking at CE events, and publications. She holds an active membership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and the Alabama Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, crocheting and reading.

Kellye Berkley is originally from West Tennessee and moved to Auburn, Alabama in 2016. She attended the University of Tennessee at Martin where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Health Technology through the 4-year tech program. While enrolled in this program, Kellye was able to attend Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine as a 6-week veterinary technician extern. After the completion of her 6-week externship, she was hired as a Floater Technician, a technician that is cross trained and able to cover/assist multiple specialty services throughout the teaching hospital. In 2020, she transferred to the General Surgery service and continues to be the service’s lead technician to date.

Kellye maintains active involvement in the veterinary community by holding memberships in NAVTA and AVTA (now serving as the AVTA secretary). Additionally, she is passionate about further growth in various studies of medicine such as General Surgery and Cardiology.

She was the recipient of the AVTA’s Outstanding Member Award/Scholarship in 2021 and received Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Janice Saidla Award/Scholarship that same year. Additionally, Kellye has completed additional training in veterinary mental health and is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Since then she has completed a newly piloted program (MentorVet Tech) and is pursuing a mentorship with that program.

Berkley is passionate about the growth of current and future veterinary technicians, and veterinary mental health.

Kellye is excited to continue furthering her career as a veterinary technician and is enthusiastic about the veterinary field as a whole. In her free time, Kellye enjoys spending time with her loving husband and 2 dogs, Jase (a Beagle) and Baxter (a Labrador Retriever).