Board of Directors
Michelle Staffa, CVT President Michelle started her career in the veterinary field working as a veterinary assistant for Dr. Schaper at Branford Veterinary Hospital in 2006. She has and A.S. in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. Michelle has served many roles in her career in the veterinary field including client liaison, large animal technician, surgical technician, dental technician, technician supervisor and practice manager. Her current position at Madison Veterinary Hospital allows her to be on the floor with patients and to assist in surgery, while challenging her to learn a whole new aspect of the veterinary profession as a practice manager. Her areas of interest include dentistry, analgesia, and exotics. Michelle is a passionate advocate for the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and loves to volunteer her time fostering and caring for animals in need. In her spare time, she loves to camp and tag sale with her husband, refinish furniture, create items for her shop in Old Saybrook, and most of all snuggle up on the couch with her two dogs and six cats. Michelle is proud to be a founding member of the CTVTA and served her previous terms as Vice President.
Cassie Dorflinger, CVT Vice President Cassie Dorflinger, CVT, graduated from University of Connecticut in 2008, with an associate’s degree in Animal Science. After college, she started her career in the veterinary field working with small animals at Tolland Veterinary Hospital, doing everything from working the front desk to assisting in surgery. After staying at TVH for several years, Cassie moved to the shoreline and started working at Guilford Veterinary Hospital, where she has been since August 2015. Her interests in the field include physical rehabilitation and general surgery. Cassie recently took the VTNE in December of 2020, accomplishing her goal of becoming a CVT. Cassie shares her house with her dog and 2 cats. She enjoys spending time outside, going to concerts, and spending time with her family.
Katarina Cavanagh, CVT Corresponding Secretary Kathy graduated from Becker College with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined the Central Hospital staff in 1985 as a trauma and emergency technician. She has worked in many different capacities at the hospital over the years including Head Radiology Technician. Kathy has participated for many years in community outreach programs at Central working with local schools and civic groups. She took on the role of Client Care Coordinator in 2005. In addition to her position at Central Hospital, Kathy has served as the Event Coordinator for the New Haven County Veterinary Association since it’s inception in 2008.
Kelly daCunha, CVT Recording Secretary Kelly graduated from Bryant University in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and held several marketing related positions before deciding to pursue her real passion in life, working with animals. She began volunteering at the CT Humane Society and assisted the shelter medical department on the weekends and immediately knew she wanted a career change. Soon after, Kelly was accepted to the Middlesex Community College Veterinary Technician Program. While attending school full time, Kelly began working at Veterinary Specialists of CT as a Customer Care Representative. She then was promoted and trained as a technician in their general practice. Upon completion of her Veterinary Technician degree from MxCC in 2018, Kelly passed the VTNE and officially became a Certified Veterinary Technician. That same year she joined the Fox Memorial Clinic at the CT Humane Society as a Veterinary Technician. There, Kelly is able to see a variety of cases from wellness exams and routine spays/neuters to complicated medical cases and exploratory surgeries.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, crafting, running, and snuggling with their cat, Baby. Some of her favorite travel destinations include Hawaii, Portugal, Spain, Cuba, Ireland, England, Italy, New Zealand, and the Bahamas. She also enjoys cooking, camping, hiking, and live music.
Rose Muolo-Carrano, CVT Treasurer Rose has always had a love for animals and wanted to help them in any way possible. Before joining GVH, she owned her own dog grooming business for 6 years. Rose started at Guilford Veterinary Hospital in 2000 as a veterinary technician. After becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in 2004, she focused on patient advocacy. She climbed her way up the GVH ladder by first becoming the supervisor for the veterinary assistants in 2014, then in 2015, she was promoted to technician supervisor. Rose became increasingly interested in the challenges of management and in 2016 she was offered the position of GVH’s practice manager. In 2017, the partners of GVH nominated her for Veterinary Management Council of Connecticut Practice Manager of the Year – and she won. Rose enjoys sharing her farm with her husband, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 horses, 2 goats and a variety of ducks and chickens. She also enjoys making jewelry and is a key member of Wesleyan Potters in Middletown. She is a founding member of the Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association and sits on their board of directors.
Julie Antonellis LVT, VTS(ECC) Organizational Advisor Julie Antonellis, CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC) joins the CTVTA as our new Organizational Advisor. She grew up in New Hampshire and attended the Veterinary Technology program at Quinnipiac University. She graduated in 1998 with a BS in Veterinary Technology. She jumped into her passion as an emergency critical care technician right out of school. In 2001 she became a veterinary technician specialist in emergency and critical care. She loves the work that she has been able to do and embraces any opportunity to share her experiences with the veterinary community. She moved back to CT this summer after spending 19 years in Virginia. She currently works at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, CT as the Technician Training Manager, where she has been helping to develop their VCA VREC Vet Tech Academy. Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and two dogs. She and her family especially love skiing, exploring the outdoors and hiking at National Parks. Julie is very excited to be a part of our membership and to have the opportunity to serve on the CTVTA board.
Tammy L. Crabb, CVT Membership Chair From the age of 5 I knew that I wanted to work in the Veterinary field. In 2011 I signed up for the Veterinary Technician Program with Penn Foster College. While attending Penn Foster I was fortunate to obtain a position with East Hartford Animal Clinic. I started there in Reception and with my training with Penn Foster was able to work my way up to Co-Lead Technician receiving on the hand training to go along with my schooling. I graduated Penn Foster in March of 2017 with an Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology. I took some time to review and prepare for the VTNE which I sat for and past in December of 2017. I have been a member of CTVTA since January of 2018. Prior to passing the VTNE I started working for VCA Valley Animal Hospital in South Windsor and have grown in my skills while there. Currently I work primarily in surgery, monitoring anesthesia, performing dental prophy and dental radiographs. I enjoy working with our Veterinary Assistants and Technicians on skills that will help them grow and become Veterinary Technicians. I am a member of NAVTA, AVSAB, and AAFP. I am currently working toward a VTS in Behavior, hoping to be an asset to our clients who are struggling with behavior issues with their pets. I am also on the NAVTA DEI committee as well as the CVMA LDO committee. I am hoping to use the skills I learn in these two committees to help encourage a more diverse group of CVTs to join and participate with out Association. I feel very strongly that member participation is important for the growth and success of CTVTA. In my free time I enjoy searching for and attending CEs. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, children and grandchildren and traveling to Maine each year to visit with my family. At home I enjoy spending time with my miniature horse, two dogs and cat as well as helping my husband with his chickens, goats and cows.
Brynn Harrington, BS, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia) Past President Brynn Harrington attended Quinnipiac University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2004. She started her career at Tufts University in the Neurology Department, and later with the Anesthesia Department for 8 years. In 2010, Brynn obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty certification in Anesthesia and Analgesia. She is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA), as well as, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). In 2014 she started working at the Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine on the surgery and anesthesia teams while also using her skills in the emergency room and ICU department. Brynn has helped create the Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association (CTVTA) where she served her previous terms on the board as the president of the association. Member at Large: Ken Aldrich Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine |
