32nd Annual
"Tech Talks" Conference
November 15th, 2026 @ Hyatt Regency New Brunswick
Tip: swipe left/right on the schedule below to see all three tracks on mobile.
| Registration 8:00am – 9:00am | |||
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Clinical Excellence Track Health and Wellness for all Species |
Specialty Track Words of Wisdom from the VTS |
Modality Track Rehabilitation and its form and functions |
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| 9:00am–9:50am |
"From the Floor to the Future: Building a Career You are Proud of in Veterinary Medicine" RACE APPROVED Presented by: Chrissy Giovannielli, MBA, CVT, VTS (SAIM) Sponsored by National Vet Associates |
"Ophthalmology Basics: For Techs and Assistants" Presented by: Kaitlyn Kelleher, BS, CVT, VTS (Ophthalmology) |
"The Power of the Technician and Chronic Pain" Presented by: Dr. Melina Zimmerman, DVM, DACVAA, CVPP, CVMA, CCRP |
| 10:00am–10:50am |
"Your Skills Matter: Advocating for Full Utilization in Veterinary Practice" RACE APPROVED Presented by: Chrissy Giovannielli, MBA, CVT, VTS (SAIM) Sponsored by National Vet Associates |
"Optho Tips and Tricks: Your Vet Wish They Knew" Presented by: Kaitlyn Kelleher, BS, CVT, VTS (Ophthalmology) |
"Physical Medicine and Chronic Pain Management" Presented by: Dr. Melina Zimmerman, DVM, DACVAA, CVPP, CVMA, CCRP |
| 11:00am–11:50am |
"Clinical Challenges and Evidence-Based Advances in Management of Neonatal Kittens" Presented by: Rachel Horowitz, CVT |
"NMBA Anesthesia and Train of Four Monitoring: Neuromuscular Blocking of the Globe for Corneal and Intraocular Surgeries" Presented by: Kaitlyn Kelleher, BS, CVT, VTS (Ophthalmology) |
"Home Based Physical Medicine" Presented by: Dr. Melina Zimmerman, DVM, DACVAA, CVPP, CVMA, CCRP |
| 12:00pm–1:20pm | Lunch ■NJVTA General Membership Meeting ■Tech of the Year Award | |||
| 1:30pm–2:20pm |
"Just Culture and Unplanned Event Reporting: Creating Psychological Safety On the Floor" RACE APPROVED Presented by: Chrissy Giovannielli, MBA, CVT, VTS (SAIM) Sponsored by National Vet Associates |
PART 1 "Beyond the Murmur: Mitral Valve Disease" Pathophysiology, staging, and diagnostic approaches with the option to include anesthetic considerations Presented by: Kate McLaughlin, CVT, VTS (Cardiology) |
Rehab Roundtables Companion Health Laser Demo Presented by: Cori Davis, Territory Manager NY/NJ, Companion Animal Health Assisted by: Dr. Melina Zimmerman, DVM, DACVAA, CVPP, CVMA, CCRP |
| 2:30pm–3:20pm |
"Working Smarter, Not Harder: Applying Lean Principles to Veterinary Workflows" RACE APPROVED Presented by: Chrissy Giovannielli, MBA, CVT, VTS (SAIM) Sponsored by National Vet Associates |
PART 2 "Beyond the Murmur: Mitral Valve Disease" Advanced disease complications, including congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, and left atrial rupture Presented by: Kate McLaughlin, CVT, VTS (Cardiology) |
Rehab Roundtables Live Animal rehabilitation techniques Presented by: Dr. Melina Zimmerman, DVM, DACVAA, CVPP, CVMA, CCRP |
| 3:30pm–4:00pm | Raffle ■Wrap Up | |||
Who Is NJVTA?
A strong and progressive 501(C)3 non-profit organization, NJVTAÂ is the only organization in New Jersey dedicated to certified veterinary technicians as well as all members of the veterinary healthcare team.
Our mission is to promote life-long learning for the veterinary healthcare team by providing professional development and continuing education opportunities; to promote quality, compassionate care to ensure the health and well being of all creatures, great and small; to continually strengthen the membership and grow professional relationships with other associations within the veterinary medical profession.
2025 Conference Wrap Up!
Thank you to everyone who attended! Can't wait to see you next year.