Operations

Think of us as your helpful neighbors who work especially close with any practice or office manager, helping them comfortably adjust to any shifts and changes.

In fact, our regional team is happy to visit your clinic prior to closing or speak with your associate DVMs if that helps you and your team feel even more confident about the type of partner we will be for your practice. We’re incredibly responsive and are here for whatever the task that needs solving might be.

Brainstorming meeting

Senior Vice President Operations

Kelly Harbert

Kelly Harbert is the Senior Vice President Operations for Alliance Animal Health.

Kelly has over 25 years of experience working as a multi-unit leader in the retail industry. Prior to joining the Alliance team, Kelly served for 15 years as the Vice President of Stores and Operations for a 400 store retail chain where she lead the field organization and managed all aspects of the field and corporate operations.

Originally from Fairmont, WV. Kelly received a B.S. from West Virginia University. She currently resides in Upper Saddle River, NJ and is the proud dog mom of her 7 year old English Springer Spaniel Fitz-William “Mr. Fitz”.

Learning and Development

The Learning and Development team is available to support your clinic with new graduate DVMs entering into Alliance Academy Mentors. We also provide customized in-clinic and virtual technician training. We manage the enrollment into Alliance Academy for All, our in-house education platform that includes exclusive educational and professional growth courses related to your areas of interest and help develop customized team-building events and client communication workshops. We are here to help you and support your team’s development every step of the way

Senior Director of Learning and Development

Michael Spanbauer

A proven leader with over 16 years experience in Pharmaceutical industry between sales leadership, training and development.

Mike excels at managing large-scale training projects while simultaneously offering training support and developing comprehensive learning content that fosters a growth mindset. His process-driven approach to project management and instructional design enables him to deliver high-quality learning programs that address specific business goals and reinforce company standards, all while promoting a positive learning culture.

he is known for his strong track record of building profitable relationships with executives, peers, clients, business partners and employees. Mike is a true believer that the two critical things to the success of an organization are its people and its culture. With a passion for learning and seeing growth in others.

Mike received his B.A. in Business Administration & Management from D’Youville College. he calls Grand Island Home (a small town outside of Buffalo, NY) with his wife, Kelly, two children Elise Rose and Anthony John. As a family, they enjoy traveling and recently welcomed a new puppy to their family, a cava-poo named Bo.

  • Senior Manager of Learning and Development

    Elizabeth Stark

    Elizabeth spent the past two years working in Learning & Development, and Recruitment. She excels at building training programs to empower individuals through education that fuels passion for the profession. Elizabeth also brings experience linking the clinical and educational aspects of vet med with the business end of veterinary medicine. Elizabeth is a seasoned CVT, beginning her career in general practice before moving into veterinary technician academia. She promotes the advancement, growth, and development of all veterinary team members in the field to better the industry and combat burnout for veterinary professionals. She believes that education and creativity are the keys to veterinary medicine adapting in changing times. Elizabeth is a wife and mother to two energetic little girls and an elderly dog she trained while in tech school. She enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, and art, and she never wants to stop learning.

  • Senior Manager Learning & Development

    Caitlin Berkley

    Caitlin has over 10 years of experience in the veterinary field. Caitlin has experience leading teams to become a cohesive, highly functioning force. She also helped create a positive culture and work environment with in the veterinary practice by incorporating open-door/collaborative management approach.

    Caitlin took the the time to work the floor every day with the staff and adjusted protocols and schedules to firt the needs of the staff and clientele. Caitlin is very team-oriented person and enjoy building crossfunctional relationships. She also enjoy teaching other the skills she has gained over the last 10 years in veterinary medicine. Prior to hospital management, Caitlin has worked in many other capacities of veterinary medicine such as zoo/aquarium, emergency, and specialty.

    Caitlin received her Bachelors in Zoology and Scuba Diving from Western Illniois University. She also obtained her LVT in 2016, CVBL in 2020 and CCFP in 2022. Caitlin currently resides in Cypress, TX with her husband, son and two dogs.

  • Technician Training Manager

    Sabrina Beck

    She has been in the veterinary industry for over 20 years and has practiced as a credentialed technician and more recently as a Practice Manager. The years spent in day practice, emergency, ICU and specialty practices has made her realize her true passions within veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine is in her blood and can not imagine a life away from the industry. She joins us from a small corporate company as a Practice Manager, where she was able to build a team which resulted in a very successful clinic. While organizing the practice inventory, COGS, and developing both a marketing campaign and a training program that allowed the clinic to thrive, she realized that her true passion lies in enabling and empowering others to create a happy, healthy and successful practice. Her thoughts as to how to make that happen is to be part of a team who’s purpose is to develop people and teams so they can reach their full potential. She lives in Florida with her husband and menagerie of animals that continually grows…3 standard poodles, 3 cats, a horse, 2 mini donkeys, a pig and many chickens and ducks. In her “off” time she loves training with her dogs and performs in agility, rally and other dog related sports. She is living her dream life.

  • Technician Training Manager

    Victoria Oliveira

    Victoria is a dedicated RVT with a passion for anesthesia and analgesia. With an A.A.S. in veterinary technology, she boasts a decade of experience in delivering exceptional care to small & large animals.

    Victoria is committed to ensuring the well-being of her patients and maintaining high standards of healthcare. She looks forward to being part of the Alliance Animal Health team to help promote the profession of veterinary technology and help make a difference in the lives of veterinary professionals.

    Beyond the clinic, she finds joy in nature, spending time with her family, & indulging in activities like kayaking and riverside outings.

Field Operations

Our Operations team’s main priority is supporting you, which is why you’ll be provided a dedicated regional manager who’s available to help in whatever way you need. Because of this, you can expect real relationships to form between you and your support team.

  • Senior Director, Field Operations

    Michael Strickler

    Michael comes to us with over 25 years of experience in the Retail and Services industry both in the field and in corporate office operations. He has worked for companies across the retail industry including the Walt Disney Company, The Avenue Brands, Transworld Entertainment and most recently the Jimmy Jazz group. He is joining our operations team as a key player to help us streamline our processes and continue to support the field operations team to better serve the partners and practices.

    Michael’s ability to integrate new ideas and utilize his analytical skills has allowed him to work efficiently and collaboratively with many different partners throughout his career; resulting in developing legacy best practices and partnerships with Marketing, Finance, IT Systems.

  • Regional Director

    Jessica Currie

    Jessica Currie is the regional director overseeing the South Central regions for Alliance Animal Health.

    Jessica has over 18 years experience in an operations management role with 3 years solely dedicated to Human Resource management. Her passion is to continue to build upon her 8 years multi-unit operations role within the animal healthcare industry with a focus on leading through the servant leadership platform.

    Jessica resides in North West Arkansas with her husband and 3 kids.

  • Regional Director

    Erin Pierce

    Erin Pierce is the Regional Director of the Southeast Region for Alliance Animal Health.

    Erin is a strong operational leader with over 20 years of leadership experience in the veterinary industry, with the last 12 years as a multi-unit leader. Her passion is around people development, knowing that by developing our teams, we are better able to take care of our patients. She believes in leading through servant leadership, relationship building, and collaboration.

    Erin currently resides in Florida with her husband, two daughters, 2 dogs, and 3 cats.

  • Regional Director

    Jaime Quinn

    Jaime Quinn is a Director in New York for Alliance Animal Health.

    Jaime is a seasoned healthcare operations manager with over 10 years of experience in the NYC market . Prior to joining Alliance, she was a multi-site manager for the largest physical therapy company in the Northeast. Jaime received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Touro College and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University .

    Jaime resides in Brooklyn and enjoys being active and exploring NYC with her daughter.

  • Regional Director

    Roger Zinn

    He is a dedicated, goal-driven, and compassionate individual with over 20 years of veterinary industry experience. His versatile background consists ofmulti-site management, coaching and development, academia, journalism, public speaking, and animal healthcare.

    He studied Animal Science and Veterinary Technology at Sul Ross State University and is a graduate of Colorado State University’s Veterinary Management Institute earning an Executive Certificate in Veterinary Business Administration. In 2014, he earned his CVPM designation through the Veterinary Hospitals Managers Association.

    His clinical experience is in both primary care and specialty/ER medicine. He joins us most recently from NVA (National Veterinary Associates) where he ran operations for the South Texas Gulf Coast region. He has authored numerus articles regarding various topics that affect the veterinary industry for national magazines such as DVM360 Firstline and VETTED. Roger was also an educator on the side for many years teaching surgery, anesthesia, and radiology as an adjunct professor for Houston Community College’s Veterinary Paramedic Program. He continued his passion in training and development as the regional TECHspertfor Zoetis, formally Pfizer Animal Health, speaking to veterinarians and support staff about feline compliance and the evidence of heartworm disease in cats.

  • Regional Director

    Bonnie Johnson

    Bonnie Johnson is a Regional Manager for Alliance Animal Health.

    Bonnie is an experienced multi-unit leader who believes in the power behind leading with empathy and vulnerability. She leads with communication as the primary foundation of success.

    She has been working in leadership roles in the Veterinary field for the past 7 years and has been in operations for over 10 years.

  • Manager of Field Business Operations

    Victoria Kokoros

    She has a well documented history of implementing the right processes by coordinating with cross functional teams to ensure efficiency and drive organizational success. She joins us most recently from Performance Flight where she analyzed the company P&L to create new procedures that reduced overall expenses. Most importantly, she worked with Kelly and Michael at Avenue LLC where she examined the performance and expenses of the full fleet of stores. She is well versed in using data and KPI's to provide efficient change management. Victoria managed many different areas of the operational process in her time there and is looking forward to jumping in and helping the team. In her free time, Victoria enjoys swimming, hiking and spending quality time with her family, friends and cat, Xena. Her personal goal is to learn how to play the electric guitar.

  • Regional Manager

    Brian Armstrong

    Brian joins us with over ten years of pet industry experience as a strategic growth-focused leader with a background in business strategy & operations. He has been integral to leadership development, initiative design & implementation, and relationship management to deliver impactful change.

    Brian is looking forward to meeting/partnering with more AAH team members while continuing the AAH mission and vision!

    In his free time, Brian and his wife enjoy taking hikes, going to folk concerts, or trying out different breweries or distilleries. If you have any suggestions on your favorites, do let him know!

  • Regional Manager

    Billy Avoletta

    Billy began his career in veterinary medicine in 1992 with clinical experience in specialty, emergency, and general practice. With over 15 years of management experience in veterinary medicine, Billy brings a wealth of knowledge in leadership, development, team engagement, and values-driven management. After spending 20 years in Alaska, Billy has relocated with his wife, children, and pets to start a new adventure in Georgia. In his free time, Billy enjoys hiking with his dogs, snorkeling, and spending time with family.

  • Regional Manager

    Kelli Colon

    Kelli Colón is the regional manager in Florida for Alliance Animal Health.

    Kelli has 20 years’ experience in an operations management role. Before joining Alliance, Kelli served as the Informatics Project & Regional Manager for one of the largest multi-site pain management practices on the east coast. During her tenure in the industry, Kelli successfully led over 50 locations.

    Kelli has recently relocated to Florida and looks forward to becoming an active member of the community. She resides there with her husband, a retired US Army wounded Veteran.

  • Regional Manager

    Lee Defelice

    She has a proven track record of leading meaningful operational efforts and building strong relationships with her team. She has worked in the field managing multi-site animal hospitals for over 15 years. She took a few years to explore human healthcare management in Occupational Health and Urgent care. She is very excited to join the Alliance Family and make it her new family! In her free time, Lee enjoys boating, spending time with family and friends and kickboxing. She enjoys music and reading as well!

  • Regional Manager

    Kathryn Estes

    Kathryn Estes is the Regional Manager in Central Arkansas, Shreveport, Louisiana, and Northeast Mississippi. Kathryn comes to Alliance with over 5 years of previous veterinary experience. Before joining the Alliance team, Kathryn worked with PETIQ opening the market in her home state of Arkansas and, most recently as a Practice manager with PetVet Care Centers in central Arkansas. Kathryn is a passionate person and is excited to join the Alliance team to continue to serve the people and pets of the south-central region. Kathryn resides in central Arkansas with Ryan and her two beloved dogs, Smokey and June. When she isn’t working, Kathryn loves to be outside with her dogs, listening to music, or chasing after her two nephews!

  • Regional Manager

    Tim Irwin

    I am joining Alliance after spending the previous 11 years working in pet specialty and veterinary services. Most recently with PETIQ, where I oversaw mobile and stationary vet clinics across the North East U.S., I am excited to be joining Alliance because I am passionate about helping pets live their best possible life, building and growing successful teams, and the opportunity to learn from and be a part of this successful organization. When I am not working, I spend time with my wife, two teenage daughters, and two rescue dogs. I enjoy art, and basketball, and am a faithful supporter of all things Cleveland.

  • Regional Manager

    Christy Kenaga

    Christy Kenaga is the regional Manager in Northwest Arkansas and Oklahoma for Alliance Animal Health.

    Christy is a native of Fayetteville, AR. and attended the University of Arkansas, where she obtained her biology degree. She then went on to earn her Masters in Health Care Administration from Oklahoma State University in Tulsa. She has been in Healthcare Management for 10 years, with 6 of those years being in Regional Management over multiple clinics.

    She resides in Arkansas with her husband, two young daughters, and two dogs. They are avid Arkansas Razorback fans, and enjoy spending time with their friends & family calling those HOGS! "

  • Regional Manager

    Emily Langsdon

    Emily Langsdon is the regional manager in Indiana for Alliance Animal Health.

    Emily is a seasoned Operations Manager with over 15 years of Veterinary Practice Management experience in various roles. Before joining Alliance, Emily served as the Operations Director for Noah’s Animal Hospitals, a practice group with 8 locations including 3 emergency facilities and two referral/specialty centers.

    Emily resides in Indianapolis where she and her husband are constantly entertained by the antics of their three pugs.

  • Regional Manager

    James McAlister

    James has over 25 years in leadership roles in retail, pet, and veterinary industries. He recently joins us from PetIQ where he served as a Senior Area Manager running operations for multiple veterinary wellness centers and Field Offices across Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Tennessee to name a few. He loves being a Servant Leader by focusing on the growth, development and well-being of his teams. James studied Education at the University of Cincinnati. He is originally from Indiana but Cincinnati, OH is now home. He’s a father of 6 children ages 31,19,16,14,9,7 and one fur baby, “JuneBug”, his coon-hound beagle! In his free time, James enjoys spending time with his children outdoors and an occasional round of golf. James also served in the US Army, 10th Mountain Division.

  • Regional Manager

    Robert Mitelman

    Robert Mitelman is the regional manager in North Georgia for Alliance Animal Health.

    Robert has over 13 years’ experience in healthcare operations management in the dental industry as well as with a large hospital system. Prior to joining Alliance, Robert was a multi-unit regional manager with a dental service organization for 4 years.

    Originally born and raised in Texas, Robert moved to Georgia in 2006 with his wife and 3 daughters.

  • Regional Manager

    Charlie O’Sullivan

    Charlie brings 20 years’ experience from both private and corporate practice. He feels a strong need to show compassion towards our patients, commitment and education to our clients, and encouragement to his peers. He brings many years of multi-site leadership experience and knowledge of the veterinary industry. Charlie is eager to continue to lead our Hudson Valley, NY and CT practices to growth and success. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, friends and traveling. When not working, Charlie spends time volunteering at various rescue organizations. He has three dogs, Kylie, Waylon, and Harper. He also enjoys spending time with his registered Quarter Horse mare, Paris who is in-foal and due at the beginning of next year!

  • Regional Manager

    Rich Poling

    Rich is a very people-driven person. He has a great passion for leadership through education and relationship building. Rich’s “from-the-side” leadership style has a proven track record for helping create growth and team retention.

    Rich comes to us with over 15 years experience in the dental industry. In 2006, he was introduced to dentistry through a friend, and that is where he found his passion for helping people feel better. Rich has worked his way through the industry from being a chairside dental assistant, Clinical Coordinator, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, and a Regional Manager for some of the largest Dental Service Organizations in the country. Through effective communication, servant leadership, and relationship building, Rich has helped create and build strategic teams of success that are geared towards patient care and team growth. He is excited to utilize the talents and skills that he has acquired over the years to help support and partner with the doctors and staff in their pursuit to give the best veterinary care possible.

    One of the best quotes I try to live by is, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

  • Regional Manager

    Miranda Stevens

    With over 14 yeas of industry experience, Miranda has an unwavering dedication for veterinary medicine. She leans on her versatile clinic experience from starting as a kennel technician to receptionist and lead technician to truly understand the needs of her clinics. She has a strong passion in supporting practice goals while focusing on developing her teams.

    Miranda joins us most recently from Valley Veterinary Care where she successfully led a mixture of Emergency, Urgent Care and General practices. She leveraged her passion for developing others to foster and build professional relationships within her region to unite them as a team. Before that, she was a practice manager for an Emergency Veterinary Hospital, where she truly found her passion for leadership. In just 6 short months, she was promoted to Regional Manager where she supported 10 practices in Texas.

    During her free time, Miranda and her husband (the high school sweetheart) enjoy the lake and beach life. They have 3 boys Tristan, Kody and Jaxon. They also have an Aussie named Nova.

  • Regional Manager

    Beth Stewart

    Beth comes with over 2 decades of experience in the veterinary industry. She joins us from NVA where she was an area manager, a peer and an ambassador for new Hospital Managers. She also has worked as a LVT in private practice, ER clinics and the Louisville Zoo. Beth graduated from Murray State with a B.S. in Animal Science. She also achieved and maintains her LVT licenses. Beth just recently relocated to the Omaha area from Kodiak, Alaska. She spends her spare time wood-working, photographing nature and spending time with her 3 pets.

  • Regional Manager

    Cassy Valle

    Cassy Valle is a Regional Manager for Alliance Animal Health.

    Cassy is an effective manager of hospital operations with a proven ability to motivate and direct teams. Growing thriving cultures in each individual hospital. Cassy has 20 years in the veterinary industry and has done every job inside the hospital. She loves multi-unit management and has overseen as many as 15 locations at one time.

    She has helped integrate new acquisitions and helped with the start up of a new build location. Building the practice from construction start up to meeting monthly revenue budgets in 8 months. She previously worked in a privately owned hospital as practice manager. she spent 14 years leading this hospital.

    Outside of work she loves anything outdoors, gardening, hiking, and yoga.

  • Regional Manager

    Jamaal Williams

    Jamaal Williams is the regional manager in St Louis and Southern Illinois for Alliance Animal Health.

    Jamaal has over 15 years’ experience in operation management roles with 4 years solely dedicated to Veterinary Care. Before joining Alliance, Jamaal was a multi-unit manager within the animal healthcare industry.

    In his spare time he is an actively volunteering in his community and enjoys cooking for his family. Jamaal recently relocated to St. Louis, MO with his beautiful wife and 2 kids.

  • Regional Manager

    Amanda Ziegler

    Amanda joins us with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary industry. She spent 10 years in specialty hospital settings, including emergency, ICU, and specialty surgery. While in these roles she discovered a passion to make a difference in her co-workers' lives as well as to the pets. In this found passion Amanda decided to transition into management.

    Prior to joining Alliance, she most recently managed new animal urgent care openings across 4 different states. Amanda is thrilled to partner with the doctors and staff to produce creative solutions with the skills acquired through the years to achieve the best veterinary care possible.

    Amanda is relocating to the New England area and is excited to explore and become part of the community with her boyfriend, bonus daughter and pets (2 dogs, Rhea, and Adelaide, as well 3 cats, Kratos, Pi and TyLee). She spends her free time enjoying the outdoors, including photography, kayaking, and snorkeling.