Texas Equine Veterinary Association

MESSAGE FROM THE POINT TRANSITIONS Spring is upon us, and for most of us that means a busy time of year, as well as all of the other things that go with it. The TEVA board has recently completed a one-day, intense, strategic planning meeting. This was TEVA's second such meeting since its inception, and as I looked around the room I realized that Sara, our executive director, and myself were the only ones present that had also attended the first strategic planning meeting. I realized that our organization has grown and changed, but our core values have remained the same. The idea of the founders of TEVA was to provide local continuing education to equine and mixed-animal veterinarians in a format that was not intimidating and promotes collegiality. This continues to be a priority for TEVA and there are now multiple wonderful continuing education meetings throughout the state for our members to attend. A newer focus for the future will be education, mentorship and experience for our veterinary students. Not only are they the future of our organization, but they are the future of the veterinary profession. Another focus of our organization is growth, particularly into surrounding states, so that TEVA can truly become a regional organization. As many of you have already noticed, TEVA has recently adopted a new software program that is integrated with our website. This will streamline record keeping, particularly regarding membership and meeting registration. If you haven't already, members should complete their membership profiles on the website. The final details for the annual summer meeting are coming in and I am excited to say that this year will be the best program yet. There will truly be something for everyone, no matter what stage of life you are in. If you have never been to one of our meetings, I challenge you to put aside the dates and attend. I promise, you will not be disappointed! www.texasequineva.com • page 5 New Staff to our TEVA PRESIDENT Bill Rhoads, DVM, DACVS, DABVP Premier Equine Veterinary Services Whitesboro, TX The Texas Equine Veterinary Association welcomes Kelsey Steinkraus to our staff. Kelsey lives on her family's farm near Champion, Nebraska, with her husband, Tim, and their Saint Bernard, "Taos." Kelsey is a 2009 graduate of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Communications with a minor in Agriculture Leadership. Kelsey has a work background in print and web design, social media management, marketing, event planning and sales. In her new role with TEVA, Kelsey will be working with Sara to plan events, publish The Remuda, focus on member and sponsor relations and keep day-to-day tasks moving in the right direction for completion. Kelsey and Tim, have a herd of about 50 commercial Angus, SimAngus, Maine-Anjou and crossbred cows and a two horses. "We both work full-time, off the farm, so that is plenty," says Kelsey. They also care for her parents' and grandma's cattle as well. For fun, Kelsey enjoys playing golf, ice fishing, cooking and traveling. "I am excited about this opportunity [with TEVA] and am looking forward to meeting many of you at the Summer Symposium," says Kelsey. "I have the utmost respect for veterinarians. Anyone that can diagnose and treat an animal that can't communicate what is wrong with words, along with dealing with their human owners, is pretty amazing." Kelsey will work remotely from Nebraska and will travel to our events, and to assist Sara with projects, as necessary.

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