Dewey is a Florida native and currently lives in Callahan, FL with his wife and daughter. He currently works at White Oak Conservation and previously The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and has a love for big grey beasts (rhinos, elephants, and manatees). I have been a veterinary technician for around 15 years; working in general practice, emergency medicine, zoo medicine.

Karen Moss, CVT graduated from St Petersburg Jr College Veterinary Technician Program in December of 1981 and practiced in a small animal clinic in South Miami for approximately 18 years. In September of 2000, Karen started teaching as an adjunct instructor in the Veterinary Technology Program at Miami Dade College and became a full time instructor in 2001. Karen still works part time in an internal medicine practice because she enjoys the work and it allows her to keep her skills. Karen has loved being a veterinary technician and she is looking forward to what the future hold for our profession. She currently has one dog, a Boston Terrier (Beatrice) who is her assistant instructor! Karen’s other interests include growing orchids and working in her yard.

Ariel discovered her passion for animal health early on. By working closely with veterinarians and nursing staff who helped maintain her heard health, it was evident that enriching the lives of animals and educating their people was her life’s calling. In 2013, Ariel moved to Florida to start a family and lay the foundation for her career in Animal Health. In 2016, she graduated from St. Petersburg College- Veterinary Technician Program when she became a CVT and a member of The FVTA. Through working in the field with various species, the desire to teach, train and empower fellow co-workers became an important focus. While having to step back to raise her two small children, she felt compelled to stay heavily involved in the veterinary community. By joining The FVTA, she can continue to improve the lives of veterinary nursing staff statewide. When not juggling FVTA duties, you can find her snuggling her boys or serving her feline family members, Peanut, Vinny, and Noodle.

William Smith, CVT, is an outstanding graduate of the St. Petersburg College Veterinary Technology Program, where he earned both a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and a Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management. He is a dedicated member of the team at Coastal Veterinary Care, where he supports patient care, inventory management, staff training, and daily operations. Having served in roles ranging from kennel technician to office manager, Will brings a well-rounded understanding of both the clinical and administrative aspects of veterinary medicine. He values clear communication with both clients and colleagues and is actively involved with the Florida Veterinary Technician Association’s Legislative Action Committee. As Corresponding Secretary, he is committed to strengthening communication with members and supporting the continued growth of the FVTA.

Vicki was a Certified Public Accountant for a multinational investment bank and financial services company. When she retired from accounting in 2007, she decided to pursue her lifelong passion for animals. She graduated in 2009 from the Veterinary Technology program at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a Registered Veterinary Technician, worked in small animal practice and was a member of the Missouri Veterinary Technicians Association for 13 years. Vicki and her husband sold their home of 26 years and most of their possessions in early 2020. Then, with their three dogs and two cats, made the lengthy drive from Missouri to Florida. They settled in Clermont, a suburb of Orlando, and love the wonderful Florida weather. As a member of the FVTA, she hopes to contribute to the promotion of Florida Certified Veterinary Technicians within the industry and increase public awareness of their qualifications.

Tricia Gorham, CVT, is a dedicated veterinary professional with a strong commitment to advancing the role of veterinary technicians and supporting the mission of the Florida Veterinary Technician Association. With years of clinical experience and a passion for patient care, Tricia has consistently demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit within the veterinary community. She is an active advocate for technician education, credentialing, and professional development and has contributed her time to mentoring colleagues and supporting association initiatives, most recently serving as President of AVTE. As President Elect, Tricia brings vision, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to representing and empowering veterinary technicians across Florida.

Hi, my name is Pia, and I began my veterinary technician career in 2008 as a CVT in a busy Emergency and Critical Care hospital in Colorado. In 2010, I accepted the Veterinary Technician Internship at White Oak Conservation to pursue my goal of working in zoo and exotic animal medicine. Following my internship, I joined the University of Florida Zoological Medicine Service, helping provide veterinary care for the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Central Florida Zoo, Lubee Bat Conservancy, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo, and the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation.
After spending a year in Arizona, I returned to Florida in 2016 with my husband and our large collection of reptiles. I currently work as a CVT at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. My professional interests include anesthesia, transfusion medicine, infectious diseases, Excel spreadsheets, and promoting careers for credentialed veterinary technicians.
Outside of work, I enjoy leading the 501(c)(3) reptile conservation organization that my husband and I founded, making jewelry, traveling, discovering great food, and caring for plants. I am honored to serve as Treasurer Elect and look forward to supporting the FVTA and its members.