Committees

Education 
Karen Norton - Chair

Karen Norton is a credentialled veterinary technician in NJ. Born and raised in California, Karen decided
early on that she wanted to work with animals and has been a veterinary technician for35 years. She has
worked at several large emergency and referral practices in NJ, with 23 years at Red Bank Veterinary
Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ. Karen has had roles as CCU supervisor, blood bank director and clinical
trainer and served on hospital committees to help provide the very best care to patients and their
owners. She spent 5 years as an instructor for a NAVTA‐Approved veterinary assistant program and
continues to contribute content. Currently the clinical training manager for Compassion‐First Pet
Hospitals, she supports the training and education of veterinary nursing team members across the
country.
Karen is a member of NJVTA, VECCS, AVTE and VHMA and has presented at NJVMA, NJVTA and AVTE
conferences. She is a RECOVER certified instructor and is FEAR FREE certified. She is passionate about
providing innovative training methods to help veterinary nursing professionals to develop their
knowledge and skills to provide the highest level of care to pets and their owners.

Responsibilities:

Develops, coordinates, promotes and supports all education events for NJVTA members

Works in conjunction with NJVTA Executive Boards for all expenses related to events, and PR
Committee for all marketing events. Events include (but are not limited to):

NJVTA Annual Conference, CE events in NJ (in‐person and virtual)

Create educational tracks

Recruit speakers

Book venue

Promote at local hospitals

Develop CE events as requested by membership

Coordinate CE tracks at NJVMA, ACVC, etc. as requested

Acts as program piaison to Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Assistant Programs

Assists with AVMA accreditation for Veterinary Technology programs as requested

Assists wit NAVTA approval for Veterinary Assistant programs as requested

Assembles advisory board for programs seeking AVA approval

Works with Membership Committee chair to facilitate student memberships for veterinary
technology and assistant students

Recruits and appoints Education Committee members relevant to institution affiliated with
delegates CE management responsibilities to Education Committee members, including:

Vendor sponsorship
Registration
Exhibit hall layout
Housekeeping
Surveys
CE certificates
Proceedings
Runs monthly virtual education committee meetings
Keeps agenda, invites members
Establishes and supports the following mentorship committees:
VTS candidates
CVT candidates
AVA candidates

Legal and Governance 
Michael Azzarello - Chair, MBA, BS, LVT

Michael is a licensed and certified veterinary technician that has been working in the
field of veterinary medicine for over two decades. As the Territory Manager for
Wedgewood Pharmacy, he is responsible for the New York Metro Area along with
Northern NJ and Connecticut. Prior to starting at Wedgewood, he was a nursing
supervisor at a multi-doctor veterinary practice in his home state of New Jersey.
Michael obtained his Master of Business degree from Capella University in 2019 and his
Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2005 from Delaware Valley University. After
graduating from Delaware Valley University, he went on to work ten years in public
safety with the county sheriff’s office prior to returning to his passion in veterinary
medicine.
Besides his full-time position with Wedgewood, Michael has taught at various levels of
academia, specifically on topics in anatomy and physiology and business courses. He
is also the district representative for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians
in America overseeing five state representatives.

Duties include:

Oversee and guide with respect to the ethical aspects of the association

Review By Laws and any other pertinent documents

Promote and represent the interest of NJVTA members through state and federal legislation

Writing a standardized policy and procedure manual

Wellness 
Harriet Terodemos - Chair, MS, BS, CVT

Harriet Terodemos is a certified veterinary technician residing in New Jersey.  She holds a master’s degree in biology from Montclair State University and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Purdue University. She received her associate’s degree in veterinary technology from San Juan College. Harriet has worked in small animal practice as well as emergency and referral practices. She loves to teach and has been an instructor with the veterinary technology program at Bergen Community College for 17 years. Harriet is currently employed at Oradell Animal Hospital and is the manager of client communication and staff development.  She is an active member of the New Jersey Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (NJVTA), and is a member of the education committee for the association. Harriet has lectured at various local and regional veterinary technician conferences on a variety of technical topics relating to veterinary technology. She has a passion for speaking about the importance of behavioral health in our culture and is a Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. She lives with her wife, Kelly McKeand and their two cats in New Jersey.

Provide well -being support and tools to NJVTA members through mental health and well being education and awareness programs

Establish wellness events throughout the year for NJVTA members

Provide regular communication to NJVTA members for self -care programs, work-life balance, compassion fatigue, improving physical health and financial fortitude.

Research and review existing tools and resources within the veterinary profession and create a database of tools for members.