We Are Delighted to Welcome Our Subject Matter Experts

These aren’t just Subject Matter Experts, these are Collaborators who will participate through the entire event with us. Learn more about the people you will get to spend your time with...

Aaron Barth, Ph.D 
____________________________

An award winning researcher, educator, and speaker, Dr. Barth is one of Canada’s leading experts in the field of critical thinking skills training for organizations and teams. His deep expertise in critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving is grounded by a PhD in Philosophy from Western University. Through his speaking and training engagements, Dr. Barth has helped sharpen the problem solving skills of thousands of professionals; from lawyers, physiotherapists, and sales professionals, to IT consultants, veterinary technicians, and hospitality workers.

As president of Dialectic, Dr. Barth leads a team of researchers, designers and multimedia developers who create immersive e-learning, organizational change and customer engagement experiences for clients including Royal Canin, Mazda Canada, The Canadian Armed Forces, The Cooperators, Ontario Power Generation, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Human Rights Campaign.

Lucie Langevin-Neil, RVT ACC CVPM Strengthscope Practitioner
____________________________

Lucie has been working in the veterinary medicine field for the past 25 years and has held every position within practices except for the veterinarian position. She is a registered veterinary technician and has worked in emergency, referral, and small animal settings, which has given her valuable experience and a unique perspective.

Lucie understands that each practice and team is different and has its own set of challenges and opportunities. In 2018, after several years in management, Lucie pursued certification as a coach with the International Coaching Federation and started offering coaching services to members of the veterinary community as Covet Coaching. In 2019, she studied veterinary practice management and obtained CVPM certification in 2023. In 2021, Lucie joined the team at Vet Alliance to reach and support even more people and be part of a group of people dedicated to improving the lives of those in the veterinary field. She loves coaching teams and individuals through education and direct support. In 2023, she became a Strengthscope Practitioner. With this new credential, Lucie helps clients discover and celebrate their strengths and mitigate any performance risks in their careers.

Lucie is a great listener and aims to be a trusted guide for anyone in the veterinary field. She creates a safe space, free of judgment, and full of respect, to support practices via the people that work in them. Her passion lies in helping members of the veterinary community acknowledge their challenges, celebrate their achievements and goals, and utilize their strengths to their full potential to optimize their success in their personal and professional lives.

Phil Richmond, DVM CAPP CPHSA CCFP 
____________________________

Dr. Richmond is a practicing veterinarian and the Founder | CEO of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants, LLC. He advocates and consults for positive culture and individual, team, and organizational psychological health, safety, and wellbeing in veterinary workplaces.

Dr. Richmond leads and is involved in state, national, and international projects for advancing workplace wellbeing and culture in veterinary medicine. He is also an advisor for several national committees and boards for workplace suicide prevention, psychological health & safety, and veterinary wellbeing. 

Dr. Richmond is a speaker and published writer, a frequent veterinary podcast guest, and holds multiple certifications in applied positive psychology, appreciative inquiry, workplace wellbeing, psychological health & safety, trauma-informed workplaces, resilience training, behavior change, and suicide prevention. He was awarded the FVMA Gold Star for service in 2019, FVMA Veterinarian of the Year in 2021, the Uncharted Veterinary Community Founder’s Award in 2023, and a finalist for the 2024 US Bright Minds Wellness Champion Award.

Jayne Takahashi, BSc DVM MBA 
____________________________

Communication is one of the most vital skills we have as human beings, and it is an essential clinical skill that everyone can learn. That is why Jayne’s coaching remains focused on successful “people skills” and positive leadership abilities that foster healthy team dynamics, professional success, and job satisfaction. Communication coaching has remained her passion throughout her diverse professional career as a companion animal veterinarian, pet nutrition educator, national marketing manager, Vice President of Communications for a network of veterinary practices and communication coach for veterinary students.

Jayne received her DVM degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Calgary. She has written several columns for veterinary publications as well as, speaking at conferences and training events across the country. Currently, Jayne is thrilled to coach individuals and veterinary teams through her company, Communication Leads Inc.