Spotlight: Leah Parris, CVPM, LVT, CCFP, HABc
On this terrific Tuesday of National Veterinary Technician Week, we are so excited to spotlight Leah Parris, CVPM, LVT, CCFP, HABc. We connected with Leah through her work with Not One More Vet (NOMV), and we cannot express our gratitude for all that Leah has done for the vet med community in Georgia. Please welcome Leah to the chat 💬
“I always knew I wanted to work in veterinary medicine. Growing up, I had a love for animals and fond memories of arranging my stuffed animals for “school,” which sparked my early passion for teaching and leadership. I went to Auburn University for Animal Science with the goal of becoming a veterinarian, but life had other plans, and I discovered that my true calling was in the support side of veterinary medicine. I started as a kennel assistant fresh out of high school 20 years ago, and over the years, I worked in every support role, ultimately becoming a licensed veterinary technician in 2016.
Along the way, after being put in lead roles, I realized I thrived in leadership and coaching. In 2017, I stepped into my first veterinary practice management role and found deep fulfillment helping teams grow and succeed. After several years in management, I faced another unexpected challenge when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February 2023. This experience reinforced my perspective on life and leadership and inspired me to focus even more on supporting teams, staff well-being, and positive workplace culture.
Today, I own and run Southern Meridian Veterinary Consulting, where I work with clinics through coaching, consulting, and interim management. I’m a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, Human-Animal Bond Certified, and a RACE-approved speaker. I also co-founded the Georgia Chapter of Not One More, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health in veterinary medicine. These roles let me combine my technical and managerial expertise with my passion for mentoring others and strengthening the human-animal bond.
What keeps me going on tough days is remembering why I started, the joy of helping animals, and supporting the people who care for them. I hope my story shows that even when life takes unexpected turns, there are ways to stay connected to your passion and make a meaningful impact in veterinary medicine, whether on the medical or leadership side of the field.”
You can also listen to Leah discuss her life and career on the Making Hay podcast, episode 9 (https://makinghay.blubrry.net/2024/02/15/revolutionizing-veterinary-practices-with-marcia-miller-and-leah-parris-ep-9/) and read more in her 2022 VHMA Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship Recipient interview (https://www.vhma.org/blogs/vhma-admin/2021/12/14/emergingleaders2022)
Thank you Leah, this world is a better place because you are in it ❤️