Alexandra (Allie) Ponkey is a second-year at Western University of Health Sciences, grew up in Northern California, and before vet school, owned/operated a successful equestrian business for 15 years and worked in a wide range of both human and veterinary medicine environments, assuming roles ranging from technician to practice manager. In the short term, Allie plans to practice small animal emergency medicine, but soon after, she aspires to pursue large-scale business ownership, management, and consulting ventures. Outside of vet med, you’ll find her in the kitchen honing her culinary prowess, exploring the great outdoors, or relaxing at home with her gentle giant Dogue de Bordeaux, Kai. Equally passionate for business and veterinary medicine, Allie was quickly drawn to the VBMA, and joined the WesternU Chapter as President last year. Grateful for an opportunity to become a member of the National Regional Leader team this year, Allie yearns to inspire fellow VBMA members to blossom into their most authentic and best selves, personally and professionally, and to empower those around them to do the same!

Taylor is a second year at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is originally from Locust Valley, NY, a small town on the North shore of Long Island. She earned her B.S in Pre-Veterinary Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her interest in business started at a young age as she grew up watching both of her parents run their own businesses. Her interest grew as she began to attend business and technology trade shows, such as CES, with her father every year. At her local VBMA chapter, she held the position of the Fundraising Director and is now thrilled to hold the position of a 2023 Regional Leader for the South Central Region and serve on the planning committee for the 2023 Eastern Regional Summit. She has interests in mixed animal medicine, practice ownership, and technology. When not studying, she loves to travel, snowboard, go to concerts with her sisters, visit waterfalls with friends, and spend time with family. 

Lisa Harrison is a third-year vet student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has always loved VBMA and was the chapter president at Auburn in 2022. She is originally from Springfield, Ohio, but much of her family went to Auburn and she decided to follow suit for veterinary school after getting her bachelor’s degree at Otterbein University in central Ohio. She moved to Auburn with her husband and 3 adorable dogs, Clementine, Poppy, and Magnolia. After graduation, Lisa plans to move back to central Ohio, and start a career in Emergency Medicine. She also hopes to one day own her own practice. In her spare time, she loves to go on hikes with her family, and take care of her backyard garden. She is so excited to be a Regional Leader this year and cannot wait to get to know such a great group of future veterinary leaders!

Carson VanCampen is a second year veterinary student at the University of Florida. She is from Stuart, Florida and has two wonderful dogs, Luna and Sprout. At UF CVM she is a student ambassador, Meeting Coordinator for the Aquatic Animal Health Club, and the Vice President for the UF VBMA. She loves to take her dogs to the park, nap, watch movies, and workout. Sushi is her forever favorite food and orange is her favorite color. She is SO excited to be a Regional Leader this year, make new connections, and help chapters achieve their goals for the year! 

Natalie Perreault is a third-year student at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Born and raised in Palo Alto, California, she found herself across the country and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine & Spanish minor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. As an undergraduate, she gained valuable experiences working in different sectors of the veterinary field – animal therapy, service dog training, zoo and wildlife rehabilitation, dairy calf management, and small animal specialties. These experiences confirmed her love for mixed animal medicine and steered her to Auburn to pursue her dream. During her vet school adventures, she developed another passion through VBMA because their mission revolved around creating connections and understanding veterinary business and management. She is incredibly honored to have been given the opportunity to join the National VBMA Team as a Regional Leader, and is looking forward to making new connections and growing alongside the VBMA community. Outside of vet school, she loves to travel, experience new cultures and cuisines, go hiking, and spend time with her family and friends!

Hannah Reetz is a third-year student at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served on the MSU VBMA executive board for two consecutive years, most recently as Chapter President. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, she attended undergrad at University of Mary Washington graduating with a B.S. in Biology with minors in Business Spanish and Neuroscience. After vet school, her heart is set on moving out west where her interests include mixed animal practitioner with an acupuncturist certification. She hopes to own her practice at some point in the future. Outside of veterinary medicine, Hannah has been serving in the Army National Guard for 9 years. What leisure time Hannah can find to enjoy is spent traveling, hiking, spending time outdoors and converting her bus for clerkships! She is honored and excited to join the National VBMA Team and work with VBMA members nationwide.