Authors
Lynsey Victoria Rinelli, DVM, is an emergency veterinarian in Paramus, NJ. A Wagner College graduate with a BS in Biology and major in Psychology. After her time at Ross University and clinical year at LSU, she traveled to Alaska. There she participated in the aid of canine racers in the Willow 300. She is now focused on emergency surgery, physical rehabilitation, and exotic animal medicine.
She has published her first children’s book as a memoir to moms in the postpartum period. Celebrated on Staten Island Live, she was able to express the inspiration for that dedication to her daughter, Gracelyn. Her second book was celebrated in November 2024 in order to help families process pet loss around the world. She has sent her book to over 80 clinics across the US and Canada.
Working with families during their most pivotal moments. "Goodbye for Now" was born. She has officially become the first author in her family in 2024; celebrating a NYC big book award distinguished favorite and Independent press award winner in multiple categories this May.
Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, is an internationally renowned veterinarian, educational consultant, media expert, and angel investor. A practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, with 10 co-owning and running the largest small-animal practice in Chicago, Marks is dedicated to helping pet parents and veterinarians work as a team to ensure the health and happiness of our beloved furry family members. Marks obtained her bachelor’s degree with high honors in animal science from the University of Illinois in 1998. Then, she obtained a master's in veterinary medicine and a DVM with high honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She received the Dr Erwin Small First Decade Award, presented to a veterinarian who has contributed the most to organized veterinary medicine in their first decade of practice. In 2012, Marks was named Petplan’s nationally recognized Veterinarian of the Year. Additionally, she was awarded America’s Favorite Veterinarian by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation in 2015.
Marks is also very passionate about educating via all types of media, both locally and nationally. She has appeared on Good Day Chicago, WGN-Pet Central, NBC Morning News, ABC, CBS, NPR, WBBM, Northwestern University media channel, and many local websites. Marks was featured nationally on the Today Show and CBS Evening News during the canine influenza epidemic of 2015 and in multiple issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Paige is originally from Rochester, NY. She is a first-year student at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts. She earned her Bachelor of Science in animal science at SUNY Cobleskill in New York. She is interested in pursuing a career in internal medicine after graduation.
Stephan Hawke is a seasoned digital strategist and writer with more than a decade of experience in healthcare technology, software development, and digital transformation. Based in New York, Stephan has collaborated with leading organizations, providing insights into how emerging technologies like AI, IoMT, and blockchain are reshaping the healthcare industry. His articles have explored topics ranging from telemedicine advancements to custom healthcare software solutions, offering actionable insights for industry leaders.
Connor Velasco received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University and is currently a class of 2026 veterinary student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama, where he is focusing on small animal medicine. His goals are to be a “voice for the voiceless,” working on the well-being of animals and motivating others by emphasizing mental health.
Ashley Etue, DVM, is a staff veterinarian with the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC, and the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County in Lancaster, PA. She is a resident with the American College of Animal Welfare. Her interests include community medicine, access to care, geriatric medicine and end-of-life care, and companion animal welfare.
Ryan Leech is a growth consultant and speaker specializing in strategic guidance for veterinary businesses. He has held key roles in business development and partnerships at organizations, including Digitail, Galaxy Vets, and Veterinary Integration Solutions. Leech also hosts The Bird Bath, a weekly podcast covering pet health trends, industry news, and insights.
Margi Tooth joined Trupanion in 2013 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the company's growth, including product development, distribution, pet acquisition, international expansion, and the introduction of new products and channels. Before joining Trupanion, she spent over 7 years in brand, customer, and digital marketing at one of the world's largest pet insurance providers in the UK. Tooth’s passion for animals stems from her childhood on a farm, where she held a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. This deep-rooted love for pets fuels her dedication to promoting the importance of pet medical insurance.
Maya Burgess is a veterinary student at Tuskegee University (Class of 2028) with a focus on small animal and emergency medicine. An Auburn University alum with a degree in animal science, they are dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to animal well-being.
Amy Thomson, DVM, DAVDC, is a specialist in small animal dentistry and oral surgery. She began her career in small animal general practice, while gaining continuing education (CE) in dentistry. The more she learned the more her passion for dentistry grew as well as a desire to become a specialist. Although Thomson enjoys all aspects of clinical practice as a board certified veterinary dentist, she also very much enjoys providing CE for all veterinary professionals in small animal general practice. There is a huge demand for veterinary dentistry and oral care, and she wants to support general practice teams to provide the best care to their patients.
Jenn Bench, RVT, VTS (ECC), T-CCFP, discovered her passion for veterinary emergency and critical care while completing her externship at a specialty emergency and critical care hospital during her time at the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Aurora, Colorado. After earning her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credentials, she pursued and achieved her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in emergency and critical care.
In her current role as the regional director of education and development for ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals, a Thrive Pet Healthcare facility, Bench is dedicated to mentoring and training support staff, veterinary technicians, and doctors. She finds great fulfillment in education, with a particular passion for training CPR. Jenn is also a certified compassion fatigue professional, advocating for mental wellness and resilience in veterinary medicine.
Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO, was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Irvine, with a major in Biology and Criminology in 2003. Sheahan discovered her interest in comparative ophthalmology after college when she worked as an ophthalmology nurse for four years. She attended Veterinary School at Oklahoma State University graduating in 2011. Following Veterinary School, she completed a one-year rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Ohio State University followed by a three-year residency in comparative ophthalmology at Animal Eye Care. She has a particular interest in ophthalmic pharmacology as well as dry eye disorders and retinal diseases. In her free time, she enjoys photography, running, traveling, and spending time with family.
Joe Persichetti is the head of healthcare business banking at U.S. Bank.
Sara Bledsoe, DVM, CVA, CHPV, is the learning & development manager for Chewy Vet Care, leading content creation and professional development. Bledsoe brings years of small-animal practice experience and advanced certifications as a certified hospice and palliative care veterinarian and in veterinary acupuncture. Previously, she supported the development of Connect with a Vet, Chewy’s tele-triage platform, and has a special interest in effective communication and client experience. A 2012 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with a clinical year at Auburn University, Bledsoe earned the Gentle Doctor Award for outstanding patient care and client communication. She lives in Florida with her sweet cats, Ottley and Saba.
