Certification Board 2025-2027

Chair

Janine Kakoyannis Youngblood, MBA, CVPM (San Diego, CA)

Janine began her journey in the veterinary field as a receptionist and gradually expanded her skills by cross-training as a technician. Her passion for taking on impactful projects, such as streamlining inventory, improving compliance among lapsed patients, and identifying strategies to increase revenue, sparked her interest in management.

She earned a B.S. in Agribusiness Management from Cal Poly Pomona and stepped into her first practice management role in 2010. Since then, her leadership experience has spanned various settings, including General Practice, 24-hour ER/Specialty, a mobile practice, and a startup. Janine became a CVPM in 2016 and completed an MBA in 2023. She currently serves as a Senior Director of Regional Operations with Thrive Pet Healthcare in San Diego. 

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Janine is dedicated to supporting others in the field. She founded and organized the San Diego Veterinary Managers Group, a resource for local managers to enhance their professional development. Since 2019, she has served on the Certification Board as Director, Treasurer, and Co-Chair.

Co-Chair

Meghan Bingham, CVPM (Houston, TX)

More than 25 years ago, Meghan Bingham took a summer job at her neighborhood veterinary clinic—and never looked back. From Kennel Assistant to Technician to Receptionist, she worked up to Practice Manager, growing a single-doctor practice into a thriving 12-doctor hospital. Seeking an even broader impact, she became Senior Operations Manager, supporting 25 Emergency, Urgent Care, and General Practices in reaching their full potential.

Now, as a leader at Granite Peak Veterinary Advisors, Meghan gets to do what she loves most, helping veterinary professionals improve processes, optimize business strategies, and set practices up for long-term success.

Meghan earned her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification in 2017, was recognized as a VHMA Emerging Leader, and served two terms on the VHMA Board as Director. She is currently the President of the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Alliance, demonstrating her dedication to supporting and mentoring veterinary managers at every level.

Secretary

KimberlyAnn Mackey, CVPM (Media, PA)

Kim Mackey is the founder and owner of Candid Approach Consulting, where she helps leaders build stronger teams through practical leadership, communication, and management strategies. Her work focuses on improving culture, resolving conflict, and promoting sustainable team success.

Kim is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) with over 15 years of experience in the veterinary field, having advanced from receptionist to practice manager. She also brings 30 years of experience in the Criminal Justice field, retiring as a State Parole Supervisor after 22 years. This unique combination gives her a powerful edge in addressing challenges like de-escalation, team dynamics, and workplace safety.

An experienced educator, Kim has taught as an Adjunct Professor for over a decade and speaks regularly at veterinary clinics, conferences, and leadership groups. Since 2021, she has also served on the VHMA's Certification Board.

Kim's diverse background and straightforward, engaging style allow her to guide veterinary professionals toward impactful leadership and lasting team improvement.

Treasurer

Kim Mitchell, CVPM (Concord, NH)

Kim has been in the Veterinary field for over 20 years and has been a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) for eight years. She has been fortunate to work with many talented individuals as a Customer Service Representative (CSR), technician, assistant manager, practice manager, and now a regional director. She started from the ground up and created a strong base for her career. She has completed the two-year veterinary management program at Purdue University and has a bachelor's degree in business. She prides herself on being a strong, trusted leader and mentor. She can adapt to change, deal with conflict, and guide her teams through change management and difficult situations. She has been a member of the VHMA since 2011 and has served on the Certification Board as Director since 2023.

Director

Kristen Hart, CVPM (Pearland, TX)

With over two decades of experience in veterinary practice management, Kristen Hart brings a strong foundation in operational leadership, strategic development, and client-centered care. A Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) since 2021, Kristen is passionate about elevating veterinary business standards through innovative solutions, staff empowerment, and sustainable growth.

As the Hospital Administrator at Pearland Animal Hospital, Kristen leads a team of 20+ professionals, overseeing all aspects of the practice's operations—including financial oversight, human resources, regulatory compliance, and client relations. Her leadership has driven the implementation of effective business systems, policy modernization, and training programs that enhance patient care and strengthen team culture.

Kristen's contributions have helped Pearland Animal Hospital earn multiple BBB Awards for Excellence in Caring (2017–2024), a testament to her commitment to integrity, service excellence, and organizational success. She remains dedicated to mentoring others in the profession and advocating for the advancement of veterinary management nationwide.

Director

Kyle McAllister, CVPM (Goose Creek, SC)

With over 15 years in the veterinary field, Kyle has progressed from a Client Service Representative to a Hospital Administrator. His career includes completing over 300 hours of certified education, leading teams, and transforming a struggling practice into a successful, vibrant hospital.

Compassion is the cornerstone of Kyle's work, whether in patient care, staff development, or client communication. He believes empathy and understanding are essential for exceptional service. Committed to fostering a supportive environment, Kyle mentors current and future leaders, promoting collaboration and growth.

His diverse background includes managing financial operations, streamlining budgets, optimizing inventory, and introducing new policies. With over 200 college credit hours across multiple disciplines, Kyle is a lifelong learner who adapts to challenges with innovation. He has shared insights at industry events and on the VHMA Manager-to-Manager Podcast, deepening his passion for helping others grow.

Kyle views success as a collective effort powered by shared knowledge and support. His philosophy fuels his enthusiasm for joining the VHMA Certification Board, where he aims to shape industry standards, champion professional development, and equip veterinary managers to thrive in a changing landscape.

Kyle has been a VHMA member since 2018 and was CVPM certified in 2020.

Director

Christine Merle, DVM, MBA, CVPM (Zionsville, IN)

Dr. Christine Merle is an independent animal health consultant, a Veterinary Management Group (VMG) facilitators group member, and an associate veterinarian in a privately owned veterinary practice. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996 and earned an MBA in Marketing from DePaul University in 2000. Encouraged by Roger Cummings, she became acquainted with the VHMA and successfully passed the CVPM exam in 2003.

Throughout her career, Dr. Merle has embraced various roles, including academia, practice management consulting, international speaking engagements, and positions in the animal health industry. A lifelong learner, she is dedicated to acquiring knowledge and continuously improving her skills. Her diverse experiences have helped her develop a rich network across several aspects of the animal health industry.

As she advances in her career, Dr. Merle aims to contribute her expertise to associations and groups that have been instrumental to her success. She is particularly passionate about the VHMA and the CVPM program, recognizing their commitment to enhancing the veterinary profession by supporting practices and their teams. 

Immediate Past Chair

Debbie Newhouse, LVT, MBA, CVPM (Papillion, NE)

Debbie has been in veterinary medicine for the past 20 years, starting as an assistant and working her way up to become part-owner of two emergency practices in Nebraska. When she started as a practice manager, she had no managerial training and started reading management books to learn how to become a better manager. She joined the VHMA in 2004 and found a place to learn and become part of a community of colleagues that shared experiences and knowledge. She earned her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification in 2009. She says it is one of my most cherished accomplishments. She believes in the vision and mission of the CVPM program and the VHMA and would like to have a chance to give back to the community that has helped her have a fulfilling and exciting career.

Public Member

Felica Wilson

Ms. Wilson is a licensed North Carolina K-6 Elementary Education teacher. She holds two bachelor's degrees and currently is in a Master's level program.

She is a longtime advocate for at-risk children and community access to appropriate mental health/addiction treatment services.

Her community outreach experience includes: serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Daymark Recovery Services (2019-2022), President of the Cabarrus County Child Protection Team (2011-2013) and served on the Walter T. Morgan First Tee of Lake Norman Advisory Board (2009).

VHMA Board Liaison

Susie Crockett, CVPM (Brownsburg, IN)

Susie Crockett began her veterinary career as a receptionist in 1999 for a two-facility practice while attending Purdue University. She graduated from Purdue University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication.

She has managed General Practice, Emergency, Low Cost, and Specialty Hospitals throughout her career. She is the Director of Practice Management for Noah's Animal Hospital, overseeing eight practice managers and operations for nine locations.

She actively participated in the Veterinary Management Association of Indiana (VMAI) as Vice President and President. Susie joined the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) in 2008, earning her CVPM certification in 2009. She has served on the Membership Committee and was a 2013 Special Education Task Force member. She was an elected member of the CVPM Board for 10 years, serving all positions. She is a current member and past chair of the VHMA DEI Task Force. Susie is a member of the Credentialing Task Force and the Industry Advisory Panel. She was elected to serve as Director on the VHMA Board in 2023.

Susie is a contributing author to articles in AAHA Trends and has worked with the AVMA as a presenter on the Workplace Wellbeing Certificate Program: Setting the Foundation. She also contributed a module to the AVMA Journey for Teams program. She has been a member of multiple committees within several organizations, including the Veterinary Management Association of Indiana and Veterinary Medical Association Executives.

Susie is a speaker on a regular basis for a group of veterinary managers and leaders. She has given presentations for industry partners, VHMA, AVMA, IVMA, NAVC (HiVE and Vetfolio), WVC, and VetGirl, with a primary focus on topics for Veterinary Practice Management, Leadership and Veterinary Business Operations.