About

Why Choose Leah

• Nearly two decades of hands-on experience in every support role within a veterinary hospital, providing unparalleled insight and expertise.
• Dual distinctions as a CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) and an LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician), highlight exceptional managerial and technical expertise skill 
• Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional and Human Animal Bond Certified, offering a comprehensive approach to consultancy services
• Bridges generational gaps with the ability to communicate effectively and personably, catering to the diverse needs of all age groups in the workplace.
• Acknowledged as a RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) approved speaker, demonstrating a commitment to delivering veterinary education of the highest standards and standing out as a trusted source for continuing education in the field.
• Leah values honesty, and if she or you sense that she may not be the ideal match after your initial discussion, she is prepared to connect you with another professional from her extensive network of resources and contacts

My Journey

As a child, I have fond memories of arranging my stuffed animals in a row and pretending to be a teacher during playtime. Standing at the chalkboard easel, I'd guide my fuzzy students through my homework, asking them questions to make it an interactive teaching session. Despite the lack of verbal response, I stepped into the role of a leader and supporter, ensuring my "students" knew their tasks and felt confident in their abilities. Naturally, my affection for animals blossomed from those playful teaching moments. Moreover, I strongly believe that these early experiences formed the foundation for my passion for leadership and coaching.

In my childhood home, with my father allergic to cats and my mom fearful of dogs, rabbits were the only pets we had. Over time, we had a total of five rabbits, not concurrently, and my sister and I cherished each one as if they were our own little babies. Those teaching sessions from my childhood? Well, the rabbits were frequently part of those lessons too. As we grew older and our rabbits were no longer with us, my mom overcame her fear of dogs, leading us to welcome Dunkin, our first canine companion. We rescued him from the humane society despite his numerous health issues and weekly veterinary visits were imperative initially; but, I was in awe watching him thrive, attributing his well-being to the care he received. Following that, our lives underwent a transformation, particularly mine, as it ignited the passion to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

I started my veterinary journey as a kennel assistant fresh out of high school. On my first day, I was invited to witness a neuter, and the doctor promptly directed his assistant to fetch me a chair. He reassured me that if I felt lightheaded, I should take a seat or grab a trash can if necessary. I encountered no issues and observed the entire procedure with wide-eyed enthusiasm, filled with excitement about my newfound career path. From that point onward, I progressed through various roles in different hospitals, starting from the kennel and advancing to the position of veterinary assistant.

However, life has a way of guiding you toward your calling. Rather than becoming a veterinarian, I chose a professional journey focused on growth in a support role, leading to my licensure as a veterinary technician in 2016. I assumed multiple leadership roles and discovered that I truly thrived and took pleasure in assisting others in their learning and success, reminiscent of my experiences with my stuffed animals. These distinct attributes culminated into my initial veterinary practice management position in 2017, marking a pivotal point in my professional journey.

In 2019, my quest for greater involvement in the field led me to become a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, providing me with the expertise to comprehend and educate others about burnout and compassion fatigue in the veterinary sector. That same year, I achieved the Human Animal Bond Certification, enhancing my comprehension of the bond we share with our furry companions and integrating that knowledge into everyday clinical practice to enhance our customer experience. Achieving this certification fueled my motivation to share my personal experiences of the human-animal bond, leading me to publish articles in respected veterinary publications like DVM360, National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America, and Barkleigh Productions. By virtue of these contributions, I discovered a sense of fulfillment through my involvement in volunteer opportunities within the industry and served on numerous committees with veterinary associations, such as the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

In January of 2022, I achieved the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager title, and during the same year, I was honored as the recipient of the Emerging Leader Scholarship awarded by the Veterinary Hospital Manager’s Association. Attaining this title signified my mastery of the highest standards in veterinary practice management and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in operating a veterinary business. I cultivated a passion for team development and coaching, along with a commitment to constructing and sustaining a positive workplace culture where employees felt both physically and emotionally secure.

Leveraging my expertise as a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, I advanced my influence in the veterinary industry by becoming a RACE-approved speaker on the topic of compassion fatigue, persisting in my mission to increase awareness about the crucial topic within our field. In 2023, I took on the role of co-founder for the Georgia Chapter of Not One More Vet, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the wellbeing, mental health, and reducing suicide rates among veterinary professionals. These endeavors reflect my dedication to creating a more compassionate and supportive environment for veterinary professionals, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both practitioners and the animals under their care.

Realizing the impact of compassion fatigue and burnout on all support staff, including practice managers such as myself, I bid farewell to my role in the veterinary practice after almost 2 decades. However, I’ve stepped into a role that provides me the opportunity to return the favor to veterinary medicine for the years of knowledge and experiences it has generously bestowed upon me. Establishing Southern Meridian Veterinary Consulting in 2023 enabled me to support veterinary practices by applying that knowledge and experience effectively in order to uplift one another and achieve success in our profession. And so, from the days of lecturing my stuffed animal class and overseeing a group of rabbit pupils, I've upgraded to managing humans and their furry friends, proving that my early teaching sessions were just the beginning of a wild and wonderful adventure in the veterinary world!