FVTE Spotlight: Alyssa Mages
To be named a "Fellow of the Association (or Academy)" follows a long tradition of professional (especially medical) associations recognizing the whole work of an 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.
@Alyssa Mages
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’ve always been driven by curiosity, compassion, and a deep desire to understand how living systems work and veterinary medicine was the perfect blend of science, problem-solving, and purpose. My path wasn’t a straight line, though. I navigated burnout, moments of doubt, and the tough reality of a profession that often asks more of us than it gives back. But every challenge strengthened my resolve to advocate for those doing the work and the patients depending on us. Over time, I realized my true calling wasn’t just the clinical aspect, it was empowering the people who deliver it. Those experiences shaped me into a leader, educator, and connector committed to lifting the profession from the inside out.
What led you to focus on education, leadership, or mentorship within the profession?
I stepped into education and leadership because I saw incredible talent in our teams that wasn’t being nurtured or utilized. Technicians, assistants, CSRs, and new grads were hungry to grow but lacked the guidance and structure to thrive. Mentorship became my answer to that gap. I learned that when we teach people why their work matters, and give them the tools to do it confidently, everything improves: patient care, culture, retention, and wellbeing. My work is grounded in the belief that empowered teams transform practices, and empowered individuals transform the profession.
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?
Becoming a Fellow felt like a natural extension of my mission to elevate veterinary technicians and ensure their education reflects their true value. I wanted to be part of a community that not only recognizes the depth of our profession but actively works to protect it, strengthen it, and move it forward. This has amplified my ability to advocate for meaningful training, utilization, and credential protection. It connected me with passionate leaders who share the same vision, and together, we’re helping create standards, conversations, and opportunities that genuinely shift the future of veterinary technician education.
What does this recognition mean to you, personally and professionally?
This recognition feels like both a validation and a responsibility. Personally, it reminds me of every moment I questioned whether I was making a difference, and affirms that the work of uplifting others truly matters. Professionally, it reinforces my commitment to advancing veterinary technician education and team empowerment with purpose and integrity. It’s not about a title; it’s about being trusted to help move our profession forward in a meaningful, sustainable way.
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 greatest joy comes from those lightbulb moments when someone gains confidence, grasps a concept on a deeper level, or realizes they’re far more capable than they ever imagined. On the training side, I’m especially proud of the EVTraining Veins models and the hands-on programs we’ve developed to give veterinary professionals practical, consistent, confidence-building skills—both clinical and non-clinical—they can carry into any clinic. Through EVT, I’ve had the opportunity to build team-centered educational frameworks that create clarity, structure, and a true sense of belonging in practice culture. And as the director of the MentorVet Tech program, I get to support credentialed technicians by providing the mentorship, community, and professional development they deserve. Seeing individuals grow in all of these spaces, stepping into their full potential and watching practices transform because of it, that’s the fulfillment that keeps me going.
What advice would you give to others in the veterinary field — especially those just starting out? “I became an FVTE because…”
I’d tell newcomers: stay curious, ask questions, and give yourself grace. You don’t have to know everything; you have to stay willing to learn. Get comfortable with saying "I don't know", while actively seeking the information to gain that knowledge. The primary reason I became an FVTE is that I believe education is a form of empowerment, and empowered veterinary professionals know their worth, help to create healthier teams, provide better medicine, and ultimately are able to curate more sustainable careers.
What do you believe the veterinary community needs more of (or less of) right now? “My hope for the veterinary profession is…”
We need more trust, collaboration, and true utilization. We need far less hierarchy, gatekeeping, and exclusionary practices. My hope for the veterinary profession is that we continue shifting toward an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity where every person in every role is valued, wellbeing isn’t an afterthought, and where leadership is shared, not imposed.
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…”
If I could remind every veterinary professional of one thing, it’s this: your work matters, you matter, and the impact you make reaches far beyond the moments you see. No one is "just" anything — own your awesome. This profession is stronger because of you, your skills, and the heart you bring to every patient and every team you support.
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