Human Resource Essentials for Veterinary Leaders

Program Overview

Build the Confidence to Lead Your Team

People management is one of the most challenging and most important parts of leading a successful veterinary practice. Whether you're hiring your first employee, navigating difficult conversations, or trying to build a stronger team culture, the decisions you make every day directly impact employee retention, hospital performance, and the client experience.

This six-module virtual program gives veterinary practice managers and team leaders the practical human resources knowledge and confidence they need to lead effectively. You'll gain real-world tools, proven best practices, and a clear understanding of employment law to help you hire smarter, onboard more successfully, manage performance with confidence, navigate employee issues, and foster a positive workplace culture.

Walk away with practical strategies you can put to work immediately helping you reduce risk, strengthen your team, and become a more confident, effective leader.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

Hire and interview candidates effectively using sound, legally defensible hiring practices.
Create onboarding experiences that build engagement, clarify expectations, and improve employee retention.
Address performance issues early with confidence through effective coaching, feedback, and accountability.
Recognize employment law risks, understand when to seek guidance, and help protect the practice from unnecessary liability.
Navigate employee relations and difficult conversations with consistency, professionalism, and confidence.
Foster a positive, ethical, and inclusive workplace culture that supports employee engagement and long-term success.

Program Details

When & Where

Each program administration includes six 60-minute live, virtual sessions led by a facilitator.

2026 GROUP 1- REGISTER NOW

Thursday, October 15, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET

Certificate

A certificate of attendance will be provided to individuals who have attended program sessions. The certificate awarded at the completion of the program signifies that the participant was present and in some cases that the participant actively participated in the program or event.

The VHMA subscribes to the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) definitions and standards for educational programs and credentials. For more information and to review the Institute for Credentialing Excellence's (ICE) standards click here.

Continuing Education Hours

A total of six continuing education credit hours is available to participants (one hour per live weekly educational session x 6). Attendance is taken at each live session. The total hours awarded reflect the live sessions attended. Continuing education hours awarded for this program can be applied to the CVOM and CVPM program's continuing education requirement as qualified e-learning.

Sessions will be recorded. Recordings will be accessible to program participants for one month after the last event. Participants must remain members to access the recordings.

Facilitator

Molly Lautzenheiser, CVPM, BSBA, CCFP, SHRM-CP, MAPPCP

Molly Lautzenheiser, CVPM, BSBA, CCFP, SHRM-CP, MAPPCP

Molly entered the veterinary field through her love for pampering pets with nothing but the best. After adopting two Yorkies in 2003, she immediately realized they needed cozy apparel to keep them warm in the frigid Cleveland winters. In 2004, from this need, she created her luxury pet pampering boutique, D.O.G. Apparel. Her business grew, and she was invited to open a second and larger boutique inside Cleveland’s premier boarding facility, Paws by the Lake Resort, owned by the Avon Lake Animal Clinic. After a few years, the Avon Lake Animal Clinic purchased her boutique and hired her as their Practice Manager. She has since fallen in love with the industry, and is currently Hospital Administrator and JV Partner of Avon Lake Animal Clinic, and staying busy in her free time with her newly rescued puppy, Penelope Picklebottom (aka: Penny Pickles)

Molly graduated from Bowling Green State University, earning a BSBA with a dual major in Marketing and Public and Institutional Administration. She became a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional in 2017 after seeing the industry's challenges and went on to serve as one of the instructors of Patterson's Veterinary Professional Wellbeing Course. Her love for learning took her on the journey to earn the SHRM-CP, a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional designation, in 2018. She was a top 10 finalist for the 2017 Practice Manager of the Year and earned her CVPM in 2018. Most recently, Molly earned her Master's of Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London in February of 2022. She served as a Director on the VHMA Board of Directors for the 2023-2025 term. She served on the VHMA Membership Advisory Panel from 2018 to 2026, from 2020 to 2025 as the panel Chair.

REGISTER NOW FOR GROUP 1 2026

Program Fees

VHMA members $595

VHMA membership is required (trial membership does not qualify). If you are not a member you can create a paid membership account here. Log into your membership account and use the registration link on this page to register for the group you would like to participate in.

Registrants must register using their own account. Don't register another person for an event while you are logged into your account. The registrant's name must match the membership account holder.

Notetaking Tools Policy

During meetings, the use of any AI notetaking tools is prohibited. Participants are expected to rely on traditional methods of notetaking to ensure the confidentiality and security of the discussion.

Disclaimer

Participation in the Human Resource Essentials Program is not required to earn the CVOM or CVPM credentials, and participation does not guarantee that you will pass the examination.

Material presented has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice.

Copyright Notice

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made in writing 30 days prior to the program start will be fully refunded. Cancellations made less than 30 days in advance of the program start are not eligible for a refund.