OVTAA 2025 Award Recipients

The Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association is honored to recognize individuals that have gone above and beyond for the veterinary profession, our community, and the people in it.  We are proud to announce the following 2025 OVTAA Awards recipients:

Veterinary Technician of the Year:
Magic Rodriguez, CVT
Companion Pet Clinic of Aloha

Nominated by Leslie Nollette. – “Magic has been a hard-working technician and mentor for over 20 years. She spends her days helping not only provide the best care for animals, but she also makes every effort to help employees learn and grow. She selflessly puts learning first and is always found enriching our clinic with new CE's and better ways of practicing vet medicine. She has a colorful personality and is always finding ways to bring laughter to everyone.”

Veterinary Assistant of the Year:
Kate Hedgepeth
Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic

Nominated by Morgan Castaneda – “Kate is an invaluable part of our team, and we are so lucky to have had her find us! Her eagerness to learn and love for our patients shines through in everything she does. Kate is always willing to step in wherever she's needed, taking on any task with a positive attitude and unwavering dedication. Her strong assistant skills and calm demeanor make her a steady presence, even in the most stressful situations. Kate's flexibility and commitment to growth have made her an essential teammate, and we are so grateful to have her on our team!”

Outstanding Service of the Year Award:
Stephanie Terrio
Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic

Nominated by Morgan Castaneda

“Stephanie is the kind of person every team dreams of having. She is kind, empathetic, and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she’s needed. She goes above and beyond, not only for our clients but also to support our staff in any way she can. Her customer service is truly exceptional—one of the best I have seen, both in and outside of our clinic. Stephanie shows up every day with a smile, and her laughter has a way of brightening even the most stressful moments. She is incredibly reliable, often arriving early and staying late to ensure everything runs smoothly. We are so grateful for her dedication, positivity, and the unwavering support she brings to our team!”