Beyond the Scrubs: Celebrating the Veterinary Technician Specialists at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital

Advanced expertise, lifelong learning, and an extraordinary commitment to veterinary medicine.

At Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (RBVH), exceptional veterinary medicine begins with exceptional people. Behind every complex procedure, critical patient, and successful outcome is a team of highly skilled veterinary professionals committed to providing the very best care possible.

Among these dedicated professionals are our Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), individuals who have taken their education, clinical experience, and expertise to an extraordinary level.

Earning a VTS credential is a remarkable achievement that requires years of dedication, advanced training, extensive clinical experience, and a passion for a specific area of veterinary medicine.

At RBVH, we are proud to recognize these accomplished professionals and share the inspiring journeys that led them to become specialists in their fields.

What Is a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)?

A Veterinary Technician Specialist is an experienced veterinary technician who has earned advanced credentials in a specific area of veterinary medicine.

Much like veterinarians who pursue board certification in a specialty, veterinary technicians can seek advanced recognition in fields such as Emergency & Critical Care, Dentistry, Anesthesia & Analgesia, Internal Medicine, and more.

Becoming a VTS is no small accomplishment. Depending on the specialty academy, candidates must complete extensive clinical experience, demonstrate advanced skills, document complex cases, fulfill continuing education requirements, and pass a rigorous examination.

The process often takes years of preparation, countless hours of studying, and significant personal and professional sacrifice.

A VTS credential represents far more than letters after someone's name. It reflects an extraordinary commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and providing patients with the highest level of care.

We are proud to share the stories of several remarkable veterinary professionals who have achieved this distinction.

Diane DeVincentis, VTS (Dentistry)

Diane DeVincentis began her veterinary career shortly after high school as a kennel attendant at a local veterinary hospital. Even then, she knew working with animals was where she belonged.

As her career progressed, Diane discovered a particular passion for veterinary dentistry. Determined to expand her knowledge and expertise in a field she loved, she pursued her VTS credential in Dentistry.

The journey required considerable dedication, including balancing professional goals with personal commitments and making financial sacrifices along the way.

For Diane, one of the greatest rewards was proving to herself that she could accomplish something that once seemed incredibly difficult.

Her achievement also connected her with veterinary professionals across the country and internationally, creating opportunities to share knowledge and advocate for the importance of veterinary dental health.

Diane encourages technicians considering specialization to research their chosen academy, understand the requirements, and surround themselves with supportive colleagues and mentors.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Diane enjoys spending time with her Pit Bull mix, Piglet, and her cat, Cotton, who thinks he's a dog and may secretly be the love of her life. Just don't tell Piglet!

Michelle Dill, VTS (Emergency & Critical Care)

For Michelle Dill, becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist was driven by a desire to keep growing, challenging herself, and becoming an even better advocate for her patients.

With a natural curiosity and love of learning, Michelle pursued advanced certification in Emergency & Critical Care, a specialty that demands quick thinking, advanced technical skills, and the ability to provide exceptional care in high-pressure situations.

Like many VTS candidates, Michelle found that balancing work, studying, and personal life was one of the most difficult aspects of the journey.

But her perseverance paid off.

One of the most rewarding aspects of achieving her VTS is the opportunity to teach and share her knowledge with fellow veterinary professionals, watching that education translate into better patient care.

Her advice to technicians considering a VTS is simple: Follow through. The journey will have challenges, but staying focused and making the necessary adjustments along the way can lead to incredible professional growth.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Michelle enjoys snowboarding, riding her motorcycle, photography, art, concerts, and exploring new hobbies, including sourdough baking.

At home, she shares her life with Harleen, a torbie with plenty of attitude, and Pesto, her affectionately named "chonky orange man."

Valerie Garuccio, CVT, VTS (Emergency & Critical Care)

Valerie Garuccio's journey to becoming a VTS is a powerful reminder that inspiration can come from unexpected places and that setbacks don't have to define success.

When Val graduated from veterinary technician school, she didn't even know that becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist was an option.

That changed when her hospital hosted a training session led by a veterinarian and a VTS. Watching a fellow veterinary technician teach and share knowledge at such an advanced level inspired Val to pursue the credential herself.

Her path wasn't easy.

Val's VTS application was unsuccessful twice before she was accepted on her third attempt. Rather than allowing those setbacks to discourage her, she viewed them as opportunities to learn and improve.

And when it came time for the examination? She passed on her first attempt!

For Val, earning her VTS opened doors to an extraordinary professional network, connecting her with some of the industry's most knowledgeable veterinary professionals.

Those relationships have helped her continue growing professionally while bringing new ideas, techniques, and knowledge back to the patients and colleagues she works with.

Val encourages technicians to become well-rounded in their skills before pursuing specialization. Although she initially thought her future might be in Avian & Exotics, she ultimately discovered her passion for Emergency & Critical Care.

Her advice is to explore, learn, and give yourself time to find the specialty you truly love.

Outside veterinary medicine, Val enjoys Zumba, dancing, karaoke, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time at the beach with Ada, her Puerto Rican Sato dog. She also shares her home with two rescued green-cheeked conures, Art and Penny, affectionately known as "the diabolical clowns."

Bernie Dziedzic, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Bernie Dziedzic's veterinary career reflects a longstanding dedication to education, technical excellence, and the science behind exceptional patient care.

Bernie graduated as Valedictorian of the Veterinary Technology program at Columbus State Community College in 2006, beginning a career that would eventually lead to advanced specialization in veterinary anesthesia.

Fascinated by the complexity of anesthetic cases, the differences between individual patients, and the intricate physiology involved, Bernie pursued the VTS credential in Anesthesia & Analgesia, successfully passing the examination in 2021.

Veterinary anesthesia requires an advanced understanding of physiology, pharmacology, patient monitoring, and the unique considerations associated with each procedure.

Every patient presents different challenges, and Bernie's passion for understanding the science behind anesthesia reflects the critical thinking, precision, and dedication required of a Veterinary Technician Specialist.

Bernie's accomplishments demonstrate the value of advanced education and the important role veterinary technicians play in providing sophisticated, specialized patient care.

Supporting Growth, Education, and Professional Excellence at RBVH

The accomplishments of these Veterinary Technician Specialists reflect something we believe deeply at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital: when we invest in the growth of our people, we elevate the care we provide to our patients.

Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. New technologies, treatment options, research, and clinical techniques create opportunities for veterinary professionals to expand their knowledge throughout their careers.

At RBVH, we value continuing education, professional mentorship, collaboration, and the pursuit of advanced skills and credentials.

Our multidisciplinary hospital environment provides opportunities for veterinary technicians to work alongside experienced clinicians and colleagues across a wide range of specialties, gaining exposure to complex cases, innovative treatments, and advanced veterinary medicine.

We recognize that professional development is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Some team members pursue specialty credentials, while others focus on leadership, teaching, mentorship, or expanding their clinical skills. Each path contributes to the strength of our hospital.

Veterinary Technician Specialists play an especially important role in this culture of learning. Beyond the specialized care they provide, they serve as valuable resources, educators, mentors, and sources of inspiration for their colleagues.

Their knowledge doesn't benefit just one patient or one department. It has the potential to strengthen an entire team.

By fostering an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and professional growth are encouraged, RBVH strives to empower veterinary professionals to continue advancing their skills and pursuing their passions.

More Than a Credential: A Commitment to Excellence

Becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist takes years of dedication, resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering passion for veterinary medicine.

The journeys of Diane, Michelle, Val, and Bernie represent far more than professional accomplishments. They reflect a shared commitment to lifelong learning, supporting colleagues, and continually improving the care provided to the animals entrusted to veterinary professionals.

At Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, we recognize the important role that veterinary technicians and assistants play in delivering exceptional patient care. Their knowledge, compassion, and dedication are essential to the collaborative approach that defines our hospital.

Our Veterinary Technician Specialists exemplify what is possible when passion meets perseverance, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to others considering advanced specialization.

We are proud to celebrate the expertise, dedication, and accomplishments of these remarkable individuals and the important contributions Veterinary Technician Specialists make to the future of veterinary medicine.

Interested in advancing your veterinary career? Explore opportunities at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and discover an environment that values collaboration, continuing education, and professional growth.