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...

Loretta Cella, MA Leadership PCC 
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We’re honoured to welcome Loretta Cella, a community-rooted wellness leader, coach, and founder of BreathWorks Studio in Squamish—an intentional space where breath, heart, community, and healing come together.

With over 20 years of combined experience in leadership development, trauma-informed breathwork, and professional and personal-somatic coaching, Loretta supports individuals in reconnecting with their inner wisdom, finding clarity through the body, and cultivating a more grounded, heart-led way of being. Her work weaves together science, ancient practices, and lived experience to create meaningful pathways for transformation.

Loretta is known for holding a safe, compassionate space that allows people to soften, reflect, and feel deeply seen. As a mother, mentor, and community builder, she brings both strength and gentleness, clarity and expansiveness, to every room she enters.

In this session, Loretta will guide us in a gentle invitation back to ourselves—through breath, story, and the quiet knowing in our hearts.

Betsy Charles, DVM MA
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Betsy Charles is an Adidas wearing, hip hop dancing veterinary radiologist who wants to change the world by cultivating a community of leaders through curiosity, creative conversations, and connection. She holds a doctorate of veterinary medicine with advanced training in diagnostic imaging, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. She served 10 years as Executive Director of the Veterinary Leadership Institute before becoming Vice President of Leadership Development at Mission Veterinary Partners. She has worked in general and specialty practice, served on faculty for over eight years at Western University of Health Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and currently teaches at Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. She has spoken at most U.S. veterinary colleges and major industry conferences.

Betsy uses her experience and expertise to help veterinary professionals understand how servant leaders can facilitate the development of high functioning teams. She believes exceptional leadership begins by embracing your true identity and doing the courageous, ongoing work of becoming an emotionally intelligent communicator, relationship builder, and boundary setter. She sees leadership as a lifelong journey that demands vulnerability, intention, and the willingness to do the hard work of becoming our best selves.

Caitlin DeWilde, DVM 
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Dr. Caitlin DeWilde is a veterinarian, author, and entrepreneur committed to helping veterinary professionals lead with greater impact through strategic communication. She is the founder of The Social DVM, a consulting firm that equips veterinary teams with the tools and confidence to elevate their social media presence, online reputation, and marketing strategies. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and recipient of its Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Dr. DeWilde brings firsthand leadership experience from her time as medical director of a large multi-doctor practice in St. Louis. She continues to practice medicine in the clinic, maintaining a strong connection to the day-to-day realities of veterinary care. Today, she blends clinical insight with marketing expertise as a practicing veterinarian, industry speaker, and columnist for Today’s Veterinary Business. She is also the author of Social Media and Marketing for Veterinary Professionals.

Stephanie Goss, Owner & CEO of VetMedLife 
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Stephanie Goss is the owner and CEO of VetMedLife. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience helping veterinary teams navigate the messy middle of leadership, build strong cultures, and grow people—without losing sight of business results. Her background spans YMCA camps, sex education, harm reduction, and years leading transformative leadership education at the Uncharted Veterinary Community. Known for blending storytelling, strategy, and straight talk, Stephanie brings warmth, wit, and raw honesty to every session. She helps leaders and their teams feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead with more clarity, courage, and impact.

Shona Kowtecky, BSc DVM FFCP 
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Shona blends science, storytelling, and real-world strategy to make big ideas feel personal, practical, and possible—empowering people to show up with clarity, confidence, and compassion in everything they do. With a career spanning clinical practice, business, leadership, and beyond, she helps individuals and teams create meaningful, sustainable change and isn’t afraid to tackle what’s uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Connecting the dots between biology and behaviour, Shona brings a signature balance of openness, humour, and expertise to turn complex challenges into ah-ha moments that inspire new ways of thinking and acting.

Her book, People Are Animals Too, explores self-awareness through the lens of veterinary medicine—because all transformation begins with self-knowledge and the encouragement to turn that insight into action. Shona’s work is rooted in trust, curiosity, and the belief that when humans—like all animals—feel safe and seen, they unlock their capacity to do extraordinary things.