Stephanie Martinez Peres Scholarship

The Georgia Veterinary Technician Association (GVTA) is proud to sponsor this scholarship for a certificate in pet hospice and palliative care in loving memory of Stephanie Martinez Peres. Stephanie’s entire life was defined by her unwavering commitment to animals—a passion that began in childhood and led her to a distinguished career as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). She was a fierce advocate for LVTs, dedicated to educating the next generation and ensuring animals received the highest quality of care.

While Stephanie excelled in high-acuity environments like emergency and critical care, her deepest calling was providing comfort and dignity to pets in their final stages of life. She realized her dream by founding Furry Family Comfort Care, a mobile nursing and hospice service dedicated to helping hundreds of pets in the comfort of their homes. This commitment was solidified when she became one of only two veterinary technicians in Georgia at the time to earn her certification in Hospice and Palliative Care.

By sponsoring a scholarship for this specialized certification, the GVTA honors Stephanie’s professional advocacy, her role as an educator, and the deep compassion she demonstrated by devoting her career to advanced, comfort- focused end-of-life care for companion animals. This scholarship ensures her legacy continues by helping other LVTs follow in her footsteps, bringing skilled, compassionate hospice care to pets and families across Georgia.

This scholarship, awarded annually, covers the cost of the modules for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician (CHPT®) course, a value of $3375, with funds dispersed prior to the beginning of each 6 modules. For the 2026 Application Year, the following application and accompanying documents should be submitted to president@gvta.info no later than January 31st, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Required Application Components:

  1. Completed Application Form: Basic contact and licensing information.

  2. Current Resume/CV: Detailing professional and educational experience.

  3. Personal Statement: A document addressing the applicant’s:

    • Professional goals (especially in relation to hospice/palliative care)

    • Community involvement/service

    • Financial need (in relation to the cost of the certification)

    • Motivation and passion for hospice and palliative care

  4. Letter of Recommendation: From a supervisor, colleague, or mentor who can speak to the applicant’s commitment and passion for veterinary medicine and hospice care.

Selection Process and Timeline Selection Committee

The committee responsible for reviewing applications and selecting the winner will include: GVTA Board Members and Stephanie’s Husband.

Timeline

  • January 1st: Applications Open.

  • January 31st: Application Deadline. All materials must be received by this date.

  • February 1st - 7th: Application Review Period

  • March 7th: Winner Notified and Announced

Funds are released to the winning applicant prior to the start of each of the five required modules.

Apply Today (GVTA Member Website)