Nominations for the 2025-2026 CACVT Technician of the Year are now open! See the link below for more information, including how to submit a nomination.

CACVT's 2024-2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year, Meika Velazquez!

Congratulations to Meika Velazquez for being voted Veterinary Technician of the Year! Here are just a few of the things nominators had to say about Meika:

Meika is exceptional in all areas of practice, but it is worth mentioning that she helped start [our clinic] five years ago out of a desire to establish and maintain a healthy workplace culture while also practicing exceptional medicine.
Meika helped establish our policies and procedures, and she spearheaded our AAHA accreditation process.
Meika is the head technician at our 3-doctor, mixed animal practice, so she works on ALL species.
Meika proves daily that veterinary technicians really are capable of “doing it all” and helping to serve a vastly underserved group in veterinary medicine.
Meika is extraordinary, both as a veterinary technician and as a human.

CACVT chats with Meika

CACVT: How many years have you been a veterinary technician?
Meika: I have been a credentialed technician since 2013.

CACVT: Can you summarize your work experience and how you got to where you are today, professionally?
Meika: I started working in the veterinary field when I was 17 as a kennel assistant at a mixed animal practice. I soon realized how much I loved it and wanted to do more. I started looking into tech schools and found Bel-Rea, and it was the perfect fit. After graduating from there, I moved back to Montrose, CO after my son was born to have family support. I worked at a couple of clinics before finding the 2 Doctors I work with now. They opened their practice in 2017 Black Canyon Veterinary Clinic and I have worked my way up and recently transitioned to practice manager. I also tried to identify ways that I could be even more utilized at my veterinary practice to contribute to practice efficiency and patient care in a more meaningful way. Several years ago, I became certified in abdominal ultrasound through Oncura, and this past year, I became certified to perform echocardiograms as well. My doctors were then able to use telemedicine to send the images and partner with specialists to interpret the cases.

CACVT: What is your favorite part of being a veterinary technician?
Meika: My favorite part about being a technician is the variety of things I do every day working in a mixed animal practice. I enjoy seeing the difference we make for our clients and patients. I love training new technicians and seeing them become more confident in their skills.

CACVT: Describe a time when you went beyond the call of duty.
Meika: Every Tuesday we take a team to the local animal shelter to do spays and neuters, and I help train the shelter staff in proper restraint and patient care.

CACVT: What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Meika: I am proud of all the accomplishments I have made and all the work I put in to get extra certifications and become a practice manager. I was also a finalist for AAHA's Veterinary Technician of the year this year and to now be voted as Colorado's Tech of the Year is huge. I couldn't be prouder of where I am today.

CACVT: Can you describe a situation where you were especially proud of your veterinary team/coworkers?
Meika: I can't describe a single time when I wasn’t proud of my team. I work with a great bunch who go above and beyond every day. They put their hearts into it every day and work as a team to provide the best patient care and support each other.

CACVT: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Meika: In five years, I would like to be part owner of a successful veterinary practice.

We also learned some fun facts about Meika: she loves French Bulldogs and her favorite food is pasta. We are proud to have Meika as an RVT representing Colorado. Thank you, Meika, for everything you have done and continue to do for our profession!