Celebrating the Heart of Patient Care: Announcing Our 2026 Veterinary Assistant Champion Award Winners
May 21, 2026
Every day across our community of hospitals, veterinary assistants bring calm to uncertain moments, comfort to stressed pets and families, and unwavering support to the teams around them. They’re often the first to jump in, the last to leave a patient’s side, and the steady presence helping hospitals deliver exceptional care around the clock.
In celebration of Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week, we’re proud to recognize four individuals whose compassion, teamwork, dedication, and commitment to growth exemplify the very best of the profession.
This year a total of 65 nominations were submitted, making the selection process especially meaningful and incredibly difficult for our judges, who were inspired by the remarkable stories of impact, compassion, and dedication.
Please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2026 Ethos Veterinary Assistant Champion Awards.
2026 Grand Champion
Emma Bill, AVA
Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services (SAVES) – Lebanon, New Hampshire
Emma is known for being a calm, steady presence during even the most stressful emergency cases. Whether preparing for an incoming critical patient or supporting frightened pet owners with empathy and compassion, she consistently helps patients and teammates feel supported. Her coworkers describe her as someone who quietly makes every shift run smoother through her preparedness, efficiency, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
What set Emma apart among nominees was her humility, curiosity, and dedication to continuous improvement. She is always asking thoughtful questions to better understand patient care and proactively looks for ways to support her team, from improving inventory systems to anticipating coworkers’ needs before they arise. Her compassion, professionalism, and team-first mindset make her an invaluable part of the SAVES team.
2026 Champions
Alexandra Alvarez
Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency Pasco, Washington
Alexandra is a trusted leader and mentor whose steady presence, teamwork, and compassion have made a lasting impact on her hospital over the past 10 years. She consistently supports teammates across every role, stepping in wherever needed to ensure exceptional patient care and smooth hospital operations. Known for remaining calm and solutions-oriented during high-pressure situations, Alexandra helps clients and coworkers feel supported and confident. Her passion for mentoring new team members, combined with her reliability, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence, makes her a cornerstone of SAGE Mid-Columbia and a true advocate for the veterinary assistant profession.
Crystal Lopez
Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County San Marcos, California
Crystal’s impact on the hospital extends far beyond her role within the surgery service. Known for her calm presence, empathy, and authenticity, she is often the first to notice when a teammate or client is struggling and takes the time to genuinely listen and support them. Colleagues describe her as the emotional backbone of the hospital — reminding team members to take breaks, checking in on others during difficult shifts, and helping keep the team grounded during stressful moments. Her journey from cleaning kennels to helping run one of VSH – North County’s busiest services reflects her dedication and relentless drive to grow. Her preparation, leadership, and attention to detail keep the surgery service running smoothly, while her compassion and quiet support make a lasting impact on patients, clients, and coworkers alike.
Laura Medina, AVA
Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County San Marcos, California
Laura has played an instrumental role in transforming VSH – North County’s surgery program from a small, part-time service into one performing some of the most advanced veterinary procedures in the country. Through years of self-driven learning, technical expertise, and relentless dedication, she built the operating room systems, protocols, and infrastructure that make these complex cases possible. Known throughout the hospital as the person everyone turns to for guidance, Laura is a trusted mentor and the operational backbone of the service. Despite her expertise, she remains humble, grounded, and deeply committed to supporting her team and patients. Her journey — from limited hospital experience to becoming an indispensable leader while earning her AVA — reflects extraordinary resilience, growth, and passion for the profession.
Committed to Your Growth
Our commitment to veterinary assistants extends far beyond recognition programs. We believe in creating meaningful opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and lifelong learning.
One of the ways we support that growth is through VetBloom’s Veterinary Assistant Program, a NAVTA-approved educational pathway designed to help veterinary assistants build clinical knowledge, strengthen hands-on skills, and grow their confidence in practice.
Participants who complete the program are eligible to earn the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential, a nationally recognized designation that reflects dedication to patient care, professional growth, and excellence in the field.
Whether you’re just beginning your veterinary journey or looking to take the next step in your career, the AVA program provides valuable education, mentorship, and support to help you thrive.
These award winners represent what’s possible when talent is nurtured, supported, and empowered to grow. Congratulations again to our 2026 Veterinary Assistant Champions, and thank you to all our veterinary assistants for the compassion, heart, and expertise you bring to patient care every day.