AK is a DVM Candidate at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in the class of 2025. Born and raised in Mississippi, she also attended Mississippi State for her undergraduate studies where she majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minored in Business Administration. Her veterinary background is primarily in companion animal medicine, and she loves connecting with both pets and pet parents in a general practice setting. She holds a special interest in feline medicine, shelter medicine, interpersonal communication, and brand development. In vet school, she found her passion for working with people through MSU’s outreach programs. She has served as the Director for MSU’s Vet Camp in 2022, a “Role Model” for the Starkville Boys and Girls Club, a Coordinator for the VetAspire Program, and a Student Envoy for the Office of Admissions. In her time outside of vet school, AK enjoys kickboxing, listening to podcasts, finding the best local coffee spots, and attempting to keep plants alive. She is a Diet Coke enthusiast and currently in her cat mom era. She is a huge fan of Friends, Gilmore Girls, and Grey’s Anatomy. If you actually took the time to read this, you should ask her how her cat’s diet is going. Fun fact about AK: before deciding to pursue veterinary medicine late in her senior year of high school, she actually wanted to be a fighter pilot in the Navy. She is greatly looking forward to taking on the role of National President, where she will serve as the primary liaison with VBMA sponsors and VBMA alumni. She is excited to explore what new opportunities could exist for all VBMA members.

Hayden Brines is a 2025 DVM candidate at Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated from University of Mississippi in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minors in Biology and Math. During his undergrad, Hayden worked at Crossroads Animal Hospital, where his dedication and passion to veterinary medicine grew. Hayden is ecstatic for this next opportunity of involvement as part of the 2024 National Board. His favorite parts of VBMA are the numerous opportunities to meet and make connections with others across the country as well as hearing from corporations and business owners on how to be successful in the field of veterinary medicine. He hopes to instill a sense of community, inspire future leaders, and drive others to achieve their goals. Hayden enjoys hunting, spending time outdoors, reading, and woodworking. He has 1 black Labrador Retriever named Sage, and 2 cats, Butch Cat-ssidy and the Sundance Cat. Currently, Hayden is undecided of what direction in veterinary medicine he plans to pursue, but he has interests in small animal surgery and business management.

Candace Haney is a 2nd year veterinary student at Cornell University. She is originally from Long Island, New York, and attended SUNY Binghamton for her undergraduate degree, where she majored in Biological Sciences and minored in Health and Wellness. Eager to find connection within the veterinary community, Candace became involved in VBMA her first semester, which she quickly fell in love with. During the 2023 year, she served as the Fundraising Chair of the Cornell VBMA Chapter, and her amazing experience urged her to pursue VBMA at the national level. As the 2024 National Veterinary Business Management Association Treasurer, she feels incredibly excited and grateful to continue to spread the value of VBMA and help others pursue their passions. In the context of veterinary practice, she strives to promote effective team dynamics, healthy work-life balance, and mental health. She is planning on going into small animal general practice, but also has an interest in exotics and business management. In 2021, she adopted Sage, her sweet (and sometimes spicy) tabby, who never fails to brighten her day. In her free time she loves to travel to new places, cook, bake, thrift, and run or hike outside.

Jasmine is a 3rd year veterinary student at Colorado State University. She is passionate about improving the wellbeing of veterinary personnel through modern management strategies. Growing up, Jasmine raised both beef breeding and dairy cattle through 4H and FFA. She fostered a passion for food animal medicine that follows her to this day. She carried out this passion through her role as AABP media manager in 2022-2023. Additionally, she completed a large animal disaster preparedness and emergency management internship over the summer of 2023. Through this internship, she gained FEMA certifications and worked closely with the Colorado State Veterinary Office. When she’s not working with cattle, She continues to work hard as a skilled small animal ER/ICU Technician. A title she has held since 2018. Given the tough challenges that ER medicine has to offer, she discovered what burn-out and compassion fatigue was first hand. She wanted to know why this was happening nationwide, so in 2019 she completed an honors thesis project on Veterinary Burnout Across Northern Colorado. Her experiences and thesis spurred an interest in business and management. She has fostered this through her many roles within the VBMA. The most recent, as the 2024 National Marketing Director, a role that she is eager to serve over the next year. In the future, she is interested in practice ownership, mentorship (both as a mentee and a mentor), urgent care medicine, emergency medicine, and large animal medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, Jasmine loves spending time with her Bernese Mountain Dog named Wesson, two cats named Kimber and Winchester, and her 6 freeloading chickens. She also enjoys hiking, target shooting, fishing, and kayaking. Finally, a large part of her life includes fostering and growing her faith. She serves as a summer bible school leader at her local church and a member of the Christian Veterinary Mission.