Rachel Ostrem - President (VM2)

My name is Rachael Ostrem and I am originally from Radcliffe, IA. I grew up on a family farm with horses, cattle, and sheep and becoming a veterinarian was my dream since I was old enough to know what a veterinarian was. Business is important because I know that no matter where veterinary medicine take me, I will always need to know how to negotiate a salary, expand a business, and converse with other professionals. VMBA teaches me how do improve on all of those things and more. I have an English Springer Spaniel and his name is Beaux - he has a mild obsession with light and is extremely adorable.

Amanda Zeliff - Vice President (VM2)

Hi! My name is Amanda and I am from Warren County New Jersey. ​I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian because I enjoy finding new ways to help improve the longevity of our pets life. I've wanted to be a vet since i was a very small child (still am). It is important to know about business when we graduate and have to make huge life changing decisions, like taking our first job, to buying a practice, to selling a practice or even leaving a job. I enjoy hanging out with my cats, fishing, gardening, horseback riding, and Law and Order SVU.

Amanda Trompeta - Secretary (VM2)

I was born on the small island of Cuba and came to the United States when I was only a year and a half old. My parents raised me in the suburbs on the outskirts of Miami, Florida. In that environment I was constantly exposed to and surrounded by stray animals. I believe working with the stray dogs and cats of my hometown is what propelled me into veterinary medicine. Naturally, when I'm a practicing veterinarian I plan on incorporating some form of non-profit/ rescue work into my career path. I'm also equally passionate about working with non-traditional pets, wildlife and conservation medicine. However, throughout my path, the one thing I've never aspired to be is a practice owner. I didn't want the responsibility and fear that comes with owning a business. The VBMA has given me the confidence and tools I need and has shifted my perspective 360 degrees. I'm excited to see how I manage to incorporate all of my passions into one, I'm positive being business savvy and/or an owner is going to be the key. 

Halie Paul - Marketing Chair (VM2)

Hello, my name is Halie! I am originally from Muscatine, Iowa. I attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, majoring in Biology with a Biomedical Sciences concentration and minored in Applied Ethics, Chemistry and Spanish. Prior to veterinary school, I worked at the small animal exclusive practice that diagnosed my own dog with Megaesophagus, which is what inspired me to become a veterinarian in the first place. I aspire to be a small animal practitioner and dream of owning my own clinic one day. I am very interested in veterinary dentistry, surgery, as well as ophthalmology. VBMA is something that has intrigued me since the moment I stepped into the veterinary school. How would it be feasible to know nothing about business and yet want to own my own business one day? I have learned so much being in the VBMA that I am now confident I can not only be a clinic owner, but more importantly a successful clinic owner. 

Anna Cooper - Fundraising Chair (VM1)

Hello, my name is Anna Cooper and I am originally from Safety Harbor, FL. I have a diverse background, having worked in numerous veterinary settings including shelter medicine, exotic medicine, companion animal medicine, and equine. In my Bachelor's experience I also worked in biological and chemical laboratories conducting research, working as teaching assistant, and tutoring in science. My main interests lie in mixed animal private veterinary practice and veterinary business management. My daily life when not at veterinary school involves being servant to my cat, Nietzsche deGrasse Tincher, also know as Nye, when he deigns to let me serve him.

Catherine Mullen - Treasurer (VM2)

cmullen@iastate.edu

I am from the Quad Cities (Iowa-Illinois border) and I like to cook and sometimes run. I have two pets - a senior tabby cat named Minnie and an old dumbo rat named Gus. Physiology has always been interesting to me, and when it is combined with my joy in helping others and love of animals to make up veterinary medicine, it was the best career path for me! I see business knowledge as a key for allowing me to be a better overall practitioner and to make smarter decisions regarding my career.

Jodi Pollema - Treasuer Elect (VM1)

​Hello! My name is Jodi Pollema and I am a current VM1. I grew up on a beef cattle and row crop farm in Northwest Iowa. I decided that I wanted to be a veterinarian in fifth grade and I never looked back! I started shadowing both small and large animal veterinarians in high school and ended up working at the Tea Veterinary Clinic (a small animal primary care practice) throughout my undergrad. I went to South Dakota State University for two years before starting vet school at Iowa State. I got married to my high school sweetheart last summer and we live in the trailer court with our dog, CJ. My professional goals include moving back to Northwest Iowa and practicing small animal medicine. Eventually, I would like to own my own clinic. VBMA has been essential to building my business skills while in vet school and I cannot wait to see what else I will learn in the coming years!

Ariel Dickerson - BCP Coordinator (VM2)

I grew up at Sun Valley Lake, Iowa, and attended a very small high school and undergraduate university. I have always enjoyed science and biology and pictured myself as either a marine biologist or a veterinarian. After a number internships, I decided to work at a small animal clinic during my year between undergrad and vet school. This was one of the best experiences of my life and I definitely solidified my desire to work in this field. I hope to one day be a companion animal general practitioner and practice owner.  Business experience through VBMA is not only a great way learn how to effectively run and manage a practice, but also a great opportunity for anyone who plans on finding a job! No matter where you work, knowing how your institution is run is a great way to understand your role and what you can do to improve both your business and your professional foundation.  I currently have one adorable golden retriever named Andie and our favorite activities together are playing Frisbee and swimming EVERYWHERE! She loves when we visit home to swim in the lake and jump off the boat (over and over again), but she has even more fun galloping around in the creek chasing the four-wheelers at our family's farm.

John Eaton - BCP Elect (VM1)

Hello, my name is John and I am the BCP coordinator elect for Iowa State. I attended Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-I) and completed an Applied Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology, as well as a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Chemistry.  I have been a Registered/Certified Veterinary Technician (RVT/CVT) for the past 6 years and primarily have small animal and emergency medicine experience.  Currently, I am a member of the Army National Guard and serve in a Sapper (combat engineer) company.  My interests include mixed animal practice, emergency and critical care, surgery, and exotics.  I am planning on going active duty for the Army as a veterinarian after I finish with my DVM and one day owning my own practice.  I have a pug named Pancake and we enjoy riding my motorcycle and going on walks. The VBMA has already taught me so much and I look forward to learning more.  Feel free to say hello!

Kelsey Deaver - VM1 Rep (VM1)

I grew up in fiery desert of Las Vegas, NV until I moved north to Reno, NV for undergraduate school. My passion for veterinary medicine began when I first started working in a clinic at 15 years old. I have worked every position in a veterinarian hospital from a tech to a receptionist and loved every second of it, now I’m preparing for my last position as a veterinarian. Through this organization, I am becoming open to the idea of owning my own business and even if I don’t, everything we learn is applicable for all aspects of our future.