Subscribe to MWCC News 
Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) welcomed nine students to the veterinary technology profession on May 9, 2025, in a traditional pinning ceremony.
“Congratulations to our seventh veterinary technician class!” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “We are so proud of you. This is a challenging program, and you have overcome every obstacle to get here today. You have chosen a challenging but rewarding field, and your impact on the community will be a significant one.”
“What you have completed is nothing short of remarkable, you have spent years emerged in courses and countless hours of clinical,” Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Kimberly Shea said in her welcome address. “You have built the skills needed to step into a career that blends science, technology, and most importantly compassion. Your education at MWCC has prepared you to advocate for creatures that cannot speak for themselves and for the families who love them and rely on you for your expertise.”
Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS, Director of Veterinary Nursing Education at VetBloom, a veterinary educational technology company, addressed the students with an inspirational message of welcome to the veterinary healthcare team and to a rapidly growing and evolving profession. “Never forget the reason you chose this role on the vet health care team – to support, care for and advocate for your patients and the people who love them.”
The MWCC Veterinary Technology Program extends thanks to partnering veterinary hospitals and local farms: Charles River Laboratories in Worcester, Gardner Animal Care Center, Hanson Farm in North Brookfield, Hemlock Hill Farm in Ashby, Holiday Acres Equestrian Center in Rutland, Minglewood Farm in North Brookfield, and UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester.
The Veterinary Technology Program is led by Program Director Tara Novak, CVT, LATG with professors Hilary Blair, CVT, VTS; Carrie Arnold, PhD; and Stephanie Pollard, MA, Laboratory Supervisor Jennifer Crandall and Laboratory Technician Samantha Johnson. Also supporting the program are Jennifer Davis, CVT; Charlotte Newell, DVM; Margaret L. Delano, MS, DVM, DACLAM; Elizabeth West, DVM; Robert Shapiro, PhD; Michelle Emmont, CVT, VTS; Jessica Peeland CVT; and Stephanie Powers, CVT.
The students were pinned by a family member, friend, or faculty member, and then recited the Veterinary Technician Oath. The graduates are:
Rachel Chisholm, New Braintree, MA
Sara DeVincent, Berlin, MA
Ayvri Gagne, Ashburnham, MA
Sara Hancock, Winchendon, MA
Susan Harmon, Sterling, MA
Jocelyn Mayotte, Woodstock, CT
Elise Stone, Worcester, MA
Juliette Tarnuzzer, Worcester, MA
Audrey Wieczorek, Jefferson, MA