AEF Board of Directors
Kristin Lake, B.Sc., C.V.T.
Executive Director of A.E.F. & Interim Director of Education
Veterinary Entrepreneur & Philanthropist, Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician & Educator, Founder of VetMedMath, STATMath, VetMedRounds, and Co-Founder of vetmedology
Kristin Lake is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician that has been working in the field since 2003 when she graduated high school and started in General Practice. She then moved into specialties like Medical Oncology, Large Animal and Equine Medicine, Mobile Veterinary Medicine, Shelter Animal Medicine, Orthopedic and Neurosurgery, and Emergency and Critical Care Medicine for Domestic and Exotic Animals including Anesthesia. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in 2014 as a Social Science major and Biology minor with concentrations in Medical Sociology, Global Public Health, Epidemiology, Infectious Disease, Veterinary Public Health, Biosecurity and much more.
In 2023 her first book was released entitled, ‘The Veterinary Technician’s Guide to Emergency and Critical Care’, she started VetMedMath.com to tutor veterinary professionals in medical math, and founded VetMedRounds which designs veterinary specific inpatient rounding books for Technicians and DVM’s, and also founded and became Chief STATMath Advisor for STATMath a 24/7/365 Veterinary Medical Math Consultation Service for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians worldwide. She is also the Co-Founder of vetmedology, a new continuing education platform for veterinary specialty medicine. In 2024, she became the Executive Director of Animal Emergency Fund, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help financially constrained owners of pets in need of life-saving emergency care access funding to assist in their treatment.
Ashli Selke, R.V.T., C.V.T.
A.E.F. Board President
Immediate Past President of N.A.V.T.A., President Elect at Indiana Veterinary Technician Association, Board Member at Indiana Veterinary Medical Examining Board
Ashli Selke, a dynamic force in veterinary education and leadership, serves as an Instructional Technologist at Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine. With over a decade of rich experience and a background as a NAVY Veteran and military spouse, Ashli brings a unique perspective to her role. A trailblazer in Association Leadership, she earned recognition as the 2018 Arkansas Veterinary Technician of the Year.
Currently making waves in Indiana, Ashli is the President Elect of the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association, a sitting board member of the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and holds a pivotal role as the Immediate Past President of NAVTA. Her passion for advocacy shines through as she spearheads NAVTA's Government Relations Committee, actively impacting legislation throughout the United States. Ashli is not just a leader; she's a catalyst for meaningful change in the veterinary profession, fervently championing the cause of veterinary technicians/nurses and elevating the entire field of veterinary medicine.
Mike Natale, L.V.T.
A.E.F. Board Treasurer
Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician, FIGS Ambassador, DVM360 Editorial Advisor Board Member, Farmingdale State College Board of Directors Member, Hofstra University Adjunct Instructor in Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Emergency Group Talent Acquisition & Retention Manager
Mike Natale wears many hats in the Veterinary Medicine community. Mike is an LVT, Educator, Talent and Acquisition Manager, and Career/Financial guru. After attending Veterinary Technology Schooling, Mike furthered his education and obtained a degree in Business and Economics. He often speaks and helps others on Career Development and Financial Freedom. Lastly, he is extremely passionate about Emergency Medicine and helping those in need during difficult times.
Brian Goleman, R.V.T.
A.E.F. Board Secretary
Surgical Veterinary Technician & Educator, Founder and C.E.O. of Brian’s Bandages and Co-Founder of vetmedology
Brian started as an Emergency Veterinary Technician at a specialty hospital in 2017 and began working in specialty surgery in 2019. He became credentialed as an RVT in 2020. Brian has taught veterinary technicians in the DC Metro Area how to bandage for 4 years. He founded Brian's Bandages in 2021 after discovering the lack of quality continuing education resources for bandaging in the veterinary field. He is now also a Co-Founder of vetmedology, Veterinary Continuing Education platform.
Walter Brown, B.S., R.V.T.g., V.T.S. (E.C.C.)
A.E.F. Director of Public Relations
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Educator, Comedian
Walter L. Brown Jr., BS, RVTg, is a registered veterinary technologist and social media influencer. He combines his background in veterinary medicine with comedy to bring education and relief to veterinary professionals around the world. He has millions of views and continues to create viral content. In addition to Skinni Go Live, he works as a Veterinary Technician Liaison at United Veterinary Care where her creates externship opportunities and develop supplemental learning for supported hospitals. His overall goal is to create veterinary assistant programs for inner-city schools and charter schools in low-income areas. Walter received his veterinary technology degree from Fort Valley State University and was academically trained in emergency and critical care at the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Besides social media influencing and education, he is an avid arachnid hobbyist. He enjoys the life stages and development of tarantulas and has a collection with over 10 species!
Suzanne Thomas, B.A., B.S., L.V.T., C.V.T., C.C.F.P., C.V.B.L.
A.E.F. Director of Volunteer Initiatives
Founder of Leading Veterinary Teams
Suzanne Thomas, BA, BS, LVT, CVT, CCFP, CVBL, is a distinguished professional with a solid foundation in both business and veterinary technology. A Pace University alumna with a degree in Business Administration, Suzanne furthered her education at Mercy University, graduating with a Bachelor's in Veterinary Technology. Suzanne considers herself a lifelong learner, and is in the process of attaining an MBA from Scranton University. With a background as a multi-site manager in both retail and veterinary medicine, as well as being a specialty (mainly oncology) technician, she seamlessly blends business acumen with hands-on experience in leading successful veterinary teams. Suzanne founded Leading Veterinary Teams, an educational, coaching and mentorship business to help aspiring and current veterinary leaders lead their teams the way we always wished we had been led!
Zachary Inniss, Veterinary Student
A.E.F. Director of Volunteer Education
Founder of Veterinary Immersion Plan
Christopher Shapley, D.V.M., C.V.A., C.V.C.H., C.V.F.T.
A.E.F. Director of the Pets of the Homeless Program
Integrative Practitioner at NorthStar V.E.T.S. Robbinsville
Dr. Christopher Shapley is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana and moved to New Jersey as a child. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Montclair State University. Dr. Shapley graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. He returned to New Jersey after graduation and worked in equine sports medicine and small animal general practice prior to pursuing his passion for Integrated Medicine.
He earned his Veterinary Acupuncture, Herbal and Food Therapy certifications from Chi University. Dr. Shapley's interests include the integration of Eastern and Western Modalities for the treatment of a wide range of maladies in both companion and large animal medicine.
In his spare time Dr. Shapley enjoys hiking, camping and spending time with his Shar Pei, Carrie. He is a lifelong Martial Artist and continues to train in Kung Fu, Pa-Kua and Tai Chi.
Shadi Ireifej, D.V.M., D.A.C.V.S.
A.E.F. Director of Strategic Initiatives
Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon, Founder and C.E.O. of VetTriage
Shadi J. Ireifej DVM DACVS graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (2001, Magna cum laude). He then attended Cornell University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (2006, DVM).
After completing his studies at Cornell, Dr. Ireifej participated in an intense one-year small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at Angel Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts (2007), followed by two rigorous one-year small animal surgical internships at Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, New York (2009).
Dr. Ireifej achieved his board certification in small animal surgery by completing a three-year small animal surgery residency at LIVS (2012), and subsequently became a Diplomat for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS). After operating for almost 10 years at LIVS, Dr. Ireifej elected for warmer weather, and transplanted to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2016.
In Las Vegas, Dr. Ireifej became a staff surgeon at Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center (LVVSC). In 2017, he began flying across the United States, performing surgeries at a number of emergency and specialty hospitals in need of surgical assistance. This was followed by a Chief of Surgery position at United Veterinary Specialty and Emergency in Silicon Valley, California. Managing their three locations, Dr. Ireifej and his team successfully cared for dogs and cats in the Campbell, Mountain View, and San Jose areas.
In 2018, Dr. Ireifej joined TrueCare for pets in the Los Angeles, California area as Chief of Specialty, where he was instrumental in morphing the after-hours and weekend emergency hospital to a successful 24-7 emergency and multi-specialty veterinary hospital. While the size of the hospital tripled, Dr. Ireifej instituted hospital-wide protocols, managed the surgery, internal medicine, and oncology departments, and became a leading force on social media platforms.
In 2020, Dr. Ireifej changed gears in his already illustrious career, finding a novel and state-of-the-art means of reaching concerned pet owners and their ill pets worldwide, VetTriage. Dr. Ireifej currently serves as their Chief Medical Officer.
Shadi has been published in scientific and medical journals and enjoys lecturing to a variety of audiences. He is known for being a positive force and energetic force, both professionally and personally. He has since been featured on numerous media outlets including television, podcasts, radio, articles, and conferences. Dr. Ireifej is frequently sought after for giving in-person and virtual talks on the current state of veterinary medicine, the current and future paths of veterinary telehealth and how to empower up-and-coming veterinary professionals so that the have the tools necessary for a successful and rewarding career.
Steven Martinez, M.B.A.
A.E.F. Director of Business Development
Steven Martinez is a dedicated leader with over a decade of experience in the animal health industry. Currently serving in a leadership role at Mosaic Animal Care Group, Steven ensures the clinic's operations are efficient, effective, and customer-centric. He leverages his MBA from St. Peter’s University, Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Ramapo College of NJ and design thinking certifications to drive innovative strategies, enhancing impact and sustainability.
Steven's expertise spans business planning, sales, marketing, and financial management. Endorsed for project management and his interpersonal skills, he excels in collaborative environments. Driven by a vision for a better future, Steven is eager to contribute his skills and experience to non-profit organizations, like Animal Emergency Fund, which aligns with his values.