Celebrating Ethos 2025 Veterinary Assistant Champions
May 22, 2025
Veterinary assistants are the unsung heroes of Ethos hospitals, bringing compassion, skill, and heart to every patient and every shift.
In celebration of Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week (May 18–24), we’re proud to introduce the winners of the inaugural Ethos Veterinary Assistant Champion Award — a new recognition that honors veterinary assistants who go above and beyond for their teams, patients, and the profession.
Congratulations to the Grand Champion and three Champion Award winners who exemplify outstanding performance, dedication to the role, and alignment with Ethos’s values!
🏆 2025 GRAND CHAMPION
Lisa Nuccio, AVA
Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital
Portsmouth, NH
Lisa Nuccio is the heartbeat of the ICU at Port City. Since joining in 2022, Lisa has grown from a veterinary assistant student to an Approved Veterinary Assistant, and now is pursuing credentialed technician training. Her authenticity, relentless work ethic, and courage make her stand out — whether she’s managing critical patients, mentoring new VA students, or innovating ICU workflows. Lisa is known for stepping up without being asked, anticipating the needs of her team, and always putting patients first with fearless compassion. She truly embodies ownership, continuous growth, and deep understanding. Port City’s ICU wouldn’t run the same without her, and that’s exactly why she is our 2025 Grand Champion.
As Grand Champion, Lisa will receive a $500 prize.
🌟 2025 CHAMPIONS
Mikayla Crooks, AVA
Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (NIVES)
Fort Wayne, IN
Mikayla’s journey from Client Service Representative to Approved Veterinary Assistant is a shining example of continuous growth. Now participating in our ER Immerse Nursing Program, Mikayla leads with empathy, initiative, and strength. She is a calm, trustworthy presence in the emergency setting, effortlessly bridging communication between clinical teams and pet families. Whether mentoring new assistants, jumping into complex cases, or just brightening someone’s day, Mikayla is a rock for her hospital and a true role model for others in the profession.
Daniela Palacios
Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital
Woburn, MA
Daniela is the sole veterinary assistant on a high-volume Oncology team, and yet she never misses a beat. Her dedication, compassion, and teamwork have earned her deep admiration across departments. Daniela’s talent for calming even the most nervous patients during chemotherapy and her willingness to support other services like Cardiology or Internal Medicine speak volumes about her versatility and commitment. She’s been with Mass Vet since 2020 and continues to advance her skills, proving every day that reliability and kindness can change the tone of an entire hospital.
Kaley Iwanski
Animal ER of University Park
Bradenton, FL
Kaley entered ER medicine with shelter experience and an open, honest approach to learning. Since then, she has grown into a powerhouse leader. Now a Shift Lead, basic life support and advanced life support-certified, and enrolled in Penn Foster to become a certified veterinary technician, Kaley has helped shape protocols for new equipment and taken ownership of critical areas in the hospital. Known for her feline finesse, creative contributions to morale (like holiday artwork and photography), and unwavering focus on patient care, Kaley is a shining example of what happens when courage meets continuous growth.
All three champions will receive a $250 prize.
🎉 Recognition
“These four incredible individuals exemplify what being an Ethos Veterinary Assistant Champion means. We are inspired by their dedication and honored to work alongside them,” said Chrissy Giovannielli, Ethos Director of Nursing. “Congratulations again to Lisa, Mikayla, Daniela, and Kaley, and thank you to all our veterinary assistants for their critical roles in patient care and team success.”
These champions represent what’s possible when talent is nurtured and supported. At Ethos, we’re committed to creating growth opportunities for all through education, mentorship, and career development.
Investing in the Future: Growth Beyond Recognition
At Ethos, we know that great medicine starts with great people, and veterinary assistants are at the core of that care. They bring empathy, energy, and excellence to every patient interaction, every hospital team, and every life they touch. As we celebrate Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week, we’re not just recognizing our current team but opening the door to what’s possible for those looking to grow in this profession.
Veterinary assistants are vital members of a team redefining what’s possible in veterinary care. Ethos is committed to supporting their growth at every stage. Whether they’re just beginning or looking to advance their skills, they’ll find a community driven by purpose, fueled by progress, and full of opportunity.
Through VetBloom’s Veterinary Assistant Program, we offer an immersive, NAVTA-approved credentialing experience. We help passionate individuals build the knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills to thrive in a veterinary career. This program combines flexible online learning with hands-on experience in an Ethos hospital, offering a real-world foundation that leads to the nationally recognized Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation.
More than a credential, the AVA is a launchpad — opening doors to new roles, greater impact, and a future you can grow into. At Ethos, we’re advancing veterinary medicine and investing in the people who make it possible.
Learn more about Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Program.