Vet Tech of Year 2025 Nomination Form 2025 Vet Tech of the Year Nominees are: Tina Kraft, CVT 
| I nominate my colleague and friend Tina Kraft, she is the embodiment of the title
Veterinary Technician. Tina has been in the profession for 20+ years, her drive and
dedication to her career is amazing. She is always advocating for her patients, and
thrives with educating clients.
Tina is always eager to learn new things, and learning any new techniques or new
treatments that will be able to in-turn give our patients the best care she/we can give.
Tina is also one of the best trainers/mentors I know, she does our radiology training and
our restraint training in the clinic (yes, she is Fear Free certified ;), but she was amazing
with out it, we called her the cat whisperer )
She helps our Doctor with our local humane society, to make sure they are healthy and
ready for their new forever homes. As most in our field she has a very big heart, and
compassion for animals in spades.
I truly believe Tina should be recognized for her drive and passion in this field. Even on
days that have drug us all down (as we all have had those in this field). She is the one
that will give you a hand up. Thank you for your consideration,
Angie Simon
Practice Manager
Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital Lindsey Przybilla, CVT | Lindsey Przybilla, CVT 
| Why Lindsey was nominated: Lindsey runs our social media account and is in charge of celebrating all our patients as well as staff. She maintains the order for products and keeps our hospital clean and organized. She is always available to help and provides a smiling kind face to new employees in training. Lindsey watches out for any suspect cruelty cases and goes above and beyond to help less fortunate people in the community keep their pets healthy. She ensures welfare checks are done and animals are cared for, along with their humans. Lindsey does regular refresh trainings on essential skills to keep our staff engaged and prepared for emergencies. She took charge and created an entire organization process for equipment and medications. She is always looking for ways to make our hospital more tidy and allow easier access to tools we use daily. Lindsey has a kind heart. She truly cares for her patients as well as their humans. She ensures each patient is comfortable and cozy while staying with us. She set up our comfort room with soothing lights and sounds and keeps our “goodbye kisses” stocked. She treats each pet like her own and each client like family. Danna Kedrowski | Molly Feiker, CVT 
| Why Molly was nominated (twice):
It is an absolute pleasure to nominate Molly Feiker for the Veterinary Technician of the
Year award. Molly is not only an exceptional technician and leader—she is the heart of our
community. Her presence, her energy, and her unwavering commitment to others have
made a profound impact on all of us who are fortunate enough to work alongside her.
As the Minnesota State Representative for the Minnesota Association of Veterinary
Technicians (MAVT), Molly has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the
advancement of our profession. She has played a pivotal role in supporting and guiding our
area representatives, consistently offering clear communication, thoughtful leadership,
and unwavering encouragement. Her warmth and sincerity immediately puts people at
ease and brings our community together.
One of the most remarkable things about Molly is the way she builds relationships. She has
worked tirelessly to secure sponsorship support—not because it is expected of her, but
because she truly believes in creating opportunities for veterinary technicians across
Minnesota. Her efforts have directly enhanced the quality of our programs, our continuing
education, and our ability to serve our members. Industry partners trust her, respect her,
and genuinely enjoy working with her. She leads with kindness, and that kindness opens
doors.
But what truly sets Molly apart is her heart. She is generous with her time, her
encouragement, and her compassion. Even on the busiest days, she finds time to check in,
to listen, to reassure, and to celebrate others. She pours so much of herself into this
profession—not for recognition, but because she loves it, and because she wants to make
it better for everyone in it. Her dedication has meaningfully shaped the professional
experience of veterinary technicians across Minnesota.
Molly embodies everything this award stands for. She is a shining example of what it means
to serve, to lead with integrity, and to uplift an entire community. Her impact is felt in every
meeting, every event, every piece of support she offers, and every person she quietly
empowers.
I am pleased to submit this nomination. Molly’s dedication, leadership, and heart make her
truly deserving of the title Veterinary Technician of the Year.
Thank you for your consideration.
Melissa VanWesten
Molly was nominated by a second person:
Molly always comes in with a positive attitude and brightens our day. Even though she is part time we look forward to having her in clinic. She helps come up with ideas to improve work flow and patient care and keep us all organized.
Molly works closely with MAVT to be inclusive with all of Minnesota's technicians. She has a vision to have CE for all and not be inclusive to just MAVT members. She hopes to reach as many techs as possible and help all with the CVT to LVT transition. She has done a great job as interim State Rep and really has a passion to help and have a community for all vet techs.
Molly takes the time to connect with Owners and takes the time to explain things if owners are not understanding or don't know about certain topics. She goes above and beyond to find answers for Owners if she doesn't know the answer. Molly cares for all of our patients and does her best to give them all the care and respect they deserve.
Molly works hard to do all she can do for MAVT. She is also a mother to two active boys, a wife and active church member and she still finds the time to fit in all her activities and does a great job with all of them. Molly truly is one of a kind and has great plans and ideas for the future!!
Kayla Ellefson | Tracey Heyder-Kitching, CVT 
| It is with great pride and heartfelt appreciation that we, the class of 2026, nominate our
instructor, Tracey Heyder-Kitching, for the Minnesota Veterinary Technician of the Year Award.
As our professor and mentor, she has played a transformative role in shaping not only our
knowledge and skills but also our values and professional identity as veterinary technicians. Her
dedication to excellence, compassionate care, and student growth has left an enduring impact
on every student she teaches.
Tracey fosters a remarkably positive learning environment. She leads by example, modeling
professionalism, kindness, patience, and even adding humor to every interaction. She creates
an environment where students feel supported and inspired to reach their full potential. Even
during moments of significant personal hardship, including the heartbreaking loss of her two
beloved dogs within the past year, she continued to show unwavering strength and commitment
to her students. Her resilience and leadership motivate us to bring the same integrity and
determination into our own practice. Tracey's influence extends far beyond the classroom, as
she trains future veterinary technicians to the highest standards of care. By doing so, she
contributes directly to strengthening the veterinary community throughout Minnesota and
nationwide. She actively promotes fear-free and stress-reducing handling techniques, preparing
graduates to elevate patient care in every clinic they join. Through mentorship, advocacy, and a
commitment to ongoing professional development, she helps advance the quality and reputation
of the veterinary profession as a whole.
Tracey’s most significant contribution lies in the way she transforms the care animals receive.
Her emphasis on empathy and patient-centered care ensures that every student learns to
prioritize the comfort and safety of their patients. She teaches us not only how to perform these
technical skills, but why being compassionate and attentive in our care matters. As a result,
countless animals benefit from the exceptional standards she instills in each technician she
trains. Tracey exemplifies everything the Minnesota Veterinary Technician of the Year should be.
She is knowledgeable, compassionate, resilient, and deeply committed to improving the lives of
both animals and the people who care for them. Tracey's passion for teaching, her dedication to
her students, and her unwavering love for this profession make her truly deserving of this honor.
Thank you for considering Tracey for this well-earned recognition. We are grateful for the
opportunity to highlight the profound impact that she has and will continue to have on our
education, careers, and the veterinary community.
Sincerely,
Northwood Technical College's Veterinary Technician Program Class of 2026 |
Past Winners: | 2024 | Paul Weinland | | 2023 | Michelle Lake | | 2022 | Serene Abrahams | | 2021 | Amy Zimmerman | | 2020 | Adriana Ericksen | | 2019 | Jessica Towley | | 2018 | Meri Durand | | 2017 | Kyloe Fisher | | 2016 | Marie Bodin | | 2015 | Nancy Hennen | | 2014 -2009 | No historical data found | | 2008 | Kim Horne | | 2007 | Julie Legred | | 2006 | No historical data found | | 2005 | Judy Ogston | | 2004 | No historical data found | | 2003 | No historical data found | | 2002 | Julie Legred | | 2001 | No historical data found | | 2000 | No historical data found | | 1999 | Lynn Timmerman | | 1998 | Lori Koehler | | 1997 | Nancy Spadgenske | | 1996 | Brenda Grubb | | 1995 | Michelle Corey | | 1994 | Corrie Barrows, Paula Cocchiarella | | 1993 | Linda Spengler-Marion | | 1992 | Linda Spengler-Marion | | 1991 | Linda Spengler-Marion | | 1990 | Laurie Flemming | | 1989 | Nanette Malcomson | | 1988 | Denise Fischer | | 1987 | No historical data found | | 1986 | Jill Anderson | | 1985 | Katie Decosse | | 1984 | Linda Ronning | | 1983 | Barb Talbot | | 1982 | Nancy Hennen | | 1981 | Gwen Bader | | 1980 | Colleen Sauber |
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