We see their dedication and commitment everyday as they lead our veterinary technician and veterinary assistant students. Now, we want to give a special shout out to several of our faculty members who have earned prestigious awards for their contributions to education, leadership and the future of the veterinary profession. These accolades come at a critical time, as the veterinary industry continues to face staffing shortages and high demand for well-trained, job-ready professionals.
Kelsey Marriott, AAS, CVT, is the Veterinary Technician Clinical Director at the East Valley campus in Mesa, Arizona. She was awarded 2025 Veterinary Health Care Team Member of the Year by the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AzVMA). She was nominated by students and staff for exemplifying the true meaning of teamwork, as well as for her dedication to student success and her tireless efforts in advancing the field of veterinary care.
Jessie Nelson, AAS, CVT, VTS, is a Corporate High School Education Coordinator. The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT) recently nominated her for the Kara M. Burns Award for Meritorious Service to the Profession. This is a prestigious peer recognition and displays Nelson’s dedication to mentoring in the veterinary nutrition field.
Dr. Helen Vega, Program Director at Pima Medical Institute’s El Paso campus, was recently awarded the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Career Achievement in Education Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to veterinary technology education and mentorship. Vega is past president of the El Paso Veterinary Medical Association (EPVMA) and currently represents West Texas on the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (VMA) board of directors.
Marisa Dobiash, LVT, Veterinary Technician Program Director at the Renton, Washington campus, earned Program Director of the Year by the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators in America (AVTE), acknowledging her leadership in faculty training, student mentorship and curriculum development on a national level.
Teresa Stefan, LVT, FVTE, Director of Clinical Education at the Seattle campus, was inducted into the inaugural class of the AVTE Fellows program. The Fellows program was launched in 2024, recognizing and honoring the dedication and expertise of veterinary technician educators across the United States and Canada.
“These honors are a testament to the dedication and excellence of our veterinary faculty,” said Jordan Utley, PhD, LAT, ATC, FNAP, Director of Education at Pima Medical Institute. “At a time when the veterinary profession is under pressure due to staffing shortages and burnout, the work our instructors do every day helps strengthen the pipeline of skilled, compassionate professionals entering the field. These awards reflect our institution’s ongoing commitment to education that makes a difference.”
As demand for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants continues to grow, Pima Medical Institute’s veterinary programs are helping to fill critical roles in animal hospitals, clinics, shelters and emergency facilities across the country. Pima Medical Institute offers Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician programs at several campuses, combining hands-on training with classroom instruction to prepare students for immediate impact in the workforce.
“Our faculty bring real-world experience, passion and deep industry knowledge into the classroom,” Utley added. “They are shaping the future of veterinary care, one student at a time.”
Are you interested in learning more about our veterinary programs, or exploring a career helping animals? Get started now!
