FVTE Spotlight: Mariel Hendricks
To to be named a "Fellow of the Association (or Academy)" follows a long tradition of professional (especially medical) associations recognizing the whole work of individual's career, not just a single test or program. Tara Groves is the current chair of the AVTE Fellows committee so reach out if you have any questions and learn more about the AVTE Fellows program.
@Mariel Hendricks
What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine? How did your path evolve — and what experiences or challenges shaped who you are today?
I wanted to pursue the FVTE designation because I've worked hard to be the best educator I can be both personally and professionally, and AVTE has been the most welcoming association I've ever been a part of. I know that I'm a unique educator (being an educator in the industry rather than academia), and the FVTE committee has been incredibly inclusive to me, taking time to understand that the term "educator" is multi-faceted and doesn't have to fit the academia mold that many automatically think of. These conversations have allowed me to be a voice to the veterinary educator community that not many know about - an industry educator is a possible career choice, too!
What led you to focus on education, leadership, or mentorship within the profession?
My career is a slow ladder climb - GP tech (2010), specialty surgery tech (2012), lead surgery tech (2017), department lead (2020), clinical trainer (2021), Director of Learning and Development (2024), to COO (my current position). My focus for education has always been a part of my career journey as new veterinary technicians entered the surgery department, and leadership came with time, experience, and conference CE. However, I never had formal education on how to teach the right way. As a clinical trainer, I tried my best to create workshops or learning experiences that I hoped would benefit my coworkers. To gain more education in this area, I completed a Masters of Veterinary Education degree, working a second job to pay for this endeavour. That ultimately led me to MentorVet, where I have the unique ability to create research-based educational material, educate and mentor veterinary technicians/assistants, and lead a team of talented individuals alongside my CEO.
What motivated you to become a Fellow of Veterinary Technician Education (FVTE)? How has being part of the FVTE community allowed you to make a difference?
I wanted to pursue the FVTE designation because I've worked hard to be the best educator I can be both personally and professionally, and AVTE has been the most welcoming association I've ever been a part of. I know that I'm a unique educator (being an educator in the industry rather than academia), and the FVTE committee has been incredibly inclusive to me, taking time to understand that the term "educator" is multi-faceted and doesn't have to fit the academia mold that many automatically think of. These conversations have allowed me to be a voice to the veterinary educator community that not many know about - an industry educator is a possible career choice, too!
What does this recognition mean to you, personally and professionally?
I wanted to pursue the FVTE designation because I've worked hard to be the best educator I can be both personally and professionally, and AVTE has been the most welcoming association I've ever been a part of. I know that I'm a unique educator (being an educator in the industry rather than academia), and the FVTE committee has been incredibly inclusive to me, taking time to understand that the term "educator" is multi-faceted and doesn't have to fit the academia mold that many automatically think of. These conversations have allowed me to be a voice to the veterinary educator community that not many know about - an industry educator is a possible career choice, too!
What part of your work brings you the most joy or fulfillment? Is there a project, initiative, or teaching moment you’re especially proud of?
My work at MentorVet has been the single most enjoyable part of my career. While I miss working with surgery patients and using my nursing skills, I forgot about self-care, my own mental health and wellbeing, and the importance of boundary setting and having hobbies. These topics are what make me the best vet tech for my patients, but I was burnt out. Re-learning these vital values, teaching them to new generations of veterinary technicians/assistants, and being a wellbeing ambassador for our profession fills my cup up daily. Within MentorVet, I meet with small groups of vet techs to discuss these topics. Their voices, their experiences, and their challenges/successes help me keep a pulse on what is currently happening within the trenches of veterinary medicine clinical work, and I'm proud to be a part of combatting burnout at a grassroots level.
“I became an FVTE because…”
I became an FVTE because my support system and friend base within education was very small. I have been able to make so many professional connections, specifically within veterinary education, to learn from, find mentorship from, and basically find "my people".
What do you believe the veterinary community needs more of (or less of) right now?|
My hope for the veterinary profession is more unity, more solution-seeking conversations, and more emphasis on positive workplace cultures.
If you could share one message with the profession, what would it be?
If I could remind every veterinary professional of one thing, it would be to know that it's ok to not be ok. It's ok to have bad days. It's ok to ask for support.
#FVTE