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 loves tackling complex challenges and helping others discover there is so much they can do—as individuals, team members, and leaders—to influence experiences and optimize the outcomes for both themselves as well as their teams, patients, clients, and businesses (spoiler alert - they’re all connected!).

Genuinely curious about the specific systems, people, and underlying factors involved, she seeks creative and collaborative strategies that are both practical for short-term needs and sustainable for long-term goals by zooming in on the nuances and zooming out to connect the dots from a big-picture lens.

As a practicing veterinarian, Shona has immersed herself in the profession for almost two decades. Her unique perspective and extensive skillset come from a wide range of experiences across positions and hospitals of all shapes and sizes. Having joined Vet Alliance in 2021, she is passionate about her work as a consultant, content creator, speaker, and supporting people in practices across the country.