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New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Managers Association

Bring leaders together for support and continuing education in a progressive environment to develop the best practices in the Nation.

NJVHMA Board Members 2018

New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Managers Association Board Members 2015


  • Jon-Eric Bjorling
    Jon-Eric Bjorling

    Jon Eric’s first job was at P.F. Chang’s in Princeton when he was 16 years old, being trained in every position of the restaurant including management. By age 19 he attended Mercer County Community College and had completed a managerial internship through P.F. Chang’s that counted as credits towards his business management degree. After completing general education classes at MCCC, Jon transferred to The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. After a year and a half at Catholic University, Jon decided to transfer into an entrepreneurship program at Louisiana State University.

    In 2012 Jon graduated from Louisiana State University, E.J. Orso College of Business with a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Jon returned home after school and has worked with his family at Hamilton Pet Meadow steadily ever since. Despite Hamilton Pet Meadow becoming a full time profession 5 years ago, Jon grew up in the industry and helped with the business during winter and summer breaks. He is now the Vice President of Hamilton Pet Meadow and uses his management training daily. Jon is honored to be on the Board of the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.

    Jon’s hobbies include snowboarding, jogging with his two dogs Jax and Firin, reading, and martial arts.

    e-mail: jon.bjorling@petmeadow.com

  • Karen Critchley
    Karen Critchley
    Membership Committee

    I am a graduate of the Bergen Community College, Veterinary Technician Program in 2004, where I received a degree in Applied Science. I joined Oradell Animal Hospital in 2003 as a veterinary assistant, shortly after I became a LVT. Over the next few years, I became a supervisor, and then moved to my current position as the Patient Services Manager. 

  • Jim Harper
    Jim Harper

    Jim Harper has worked at Hamilton Veterinary Hospital as the hospital manager from 1995 to 2004. He was promoted to Hospital Administrator in 2004 to present. Jim has spent more than 40 years in the veterinary field. Early years as a high school student Jim was enrolled in the Co-operative Industrial Education program at his high school as a veterinary technician. He was in the first graduating class of this program. Jim went on to Central Carolina Technical Institute in Sanford, NC and obtained an AAS Degree as a Veterinary Medical Technologist.Jim work in a small mixed practice in Mt Holly, NJ for several years while group local practices gathered their resources to build a 24 hour veterinary clinic named Columbus Central Veterinary Hospital. Jim worked at the hospital for 20 years as the surgical assistant to Orthopedic Surgeons Clark Dickinson VMD and Calvin Moon VMD and also had the title of Technical Supervisor. During that time Jim also obtained an AAS Degree Nursing and has maintained a valid license as a RN in NJ.

    In 1995 Jim decided to take a position at Hamilton Veterinary Hospital as hospital manager and maintains a position in management to this date. His hobbies include photography, woodworking, genealogy, hunting, fishing, traveling, has a great interest historical sites.

    Sept 19,2013 was elected to the position of President of NJVHMA.

    Sept 21, 2016 was re-elected to the position of President of NJVHMA

    Years in Practice: 47
    Education: Central Carolina Technical Institute with AAS Veterinary Medical Techonology, Mercer County Community College with AAS Nursing RN Degree.
    Email: hvhjim@optonline.net

  • Heidi Milano
    Heidi Milano

    Heidi Milano has been the working at Raritan Animal Hospital since 2010 and in 2012 became the Practice Manager. She started working as a receptionist and veterinary assistant back in 1994 at Midtown Animal Clinic in Manhattan. After working in several clinics in New York and New Jersey as a technician/ office manager, she switched tracks and went to work at a non-profit high volume spay and neuter clinic for 3 years as the Clinic Manager. Heidi is a member of the AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers non-working member) and has been a member of the VHMA since 2007. Heidi has worked in the veterinary field for over 17 years. Between the years of 2000 to 2002 she took time off to go back to school and work in the Multimedia production field.

    In her spare time she likes to volunteer with rescue groups and shelters in NJ and PA. When she is not working she can be found with her husband and their dog, Petunia on a long walk. Their two cats appreciate the dog free time. And twice a year Heidi attends Comic Conventions in San Diego and in New York.

    Sept 19, 2013 was elected to the position of Treasurer for NJVHMA.

    Years in Practice: 6
    Interests: Hospital Manager at Raritan Animal Hospital
    Email: heidi.milano@gmail.com

  • Carol Olea
    Carol Olea

    Carol Olea is the Client Services Manager at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She has been with the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Network for fifteen years. She also participates in the Assistant Technician Program at Brookdale College teaching a class in Client Services. She graduated from Union College and pursued an Equine Career with Thoroughbred Racehorses. She was the main assistant to Daniel Lopez Racing Stables located in NY and NJ for ten years. She left the Equine Business to pursue a career in Veterinary Management.

    In addition Carol is the Grant Director for the Save US Pets Foundation, a foundation that raises money to help those in the state of NJ who cannot afford quality care for their pets.

    She resides in Colts Neck, NJ, where she lives on a farm with her adorable Jack Russell Terrier Ella.

    The NJVHMA would like to announce the appointment of Board Member, Carol Olea, to the position of Event Coordinator. Her skills in the areas of communication and planning will provide our group with the excellence needed to continue offering high quality meetings and events. Her continued dedication and involvement within our group has been remarkable, and we look forward to her future contributions as she takes on this added role. If anyone is interested in helping out the newly formed committee please contact us at njvhma@gmail.com and we will put you in contact with our Event Coordinator Carol Olea.

    Sept 21, 2016 was elected to the position of Vice President of NJVHMA

    Years in Practice: 15
    Education: Union College
    Email: carol.olea@rbvh.net

  • Eileen Schuck
    Eileen Schuck

    My name is Eileen Schuck and I am the Director of Vet-I-Care. Working at NorthStar VETS Emergency Specialty Veterinary Practice has truely inspired me to forward this foundation towards its mission. It is nearly unbearable at times watching healthy animals get put to sleep because their owners can't afford the veterinary help that is needed to save them. I am happy to know that now I can directly make a difference by actively raising funds and awareness about Vet-I-Care. My inspiration comes from the pets and families that did not have this benefit and the future one's that will. I am honored to be a part of the Vet-I-Care team! I joined NJVHMA board in 2015 and has been active in fund raising and meeting support.

    Email: Eschuck@northstarvets.com

  • Stephen Tracey
    Stephen Tracey

    Stephen's focus is designed about refining opportunities in the veterinary field. Focused on real life solutions to common and core problems we walk you through the transition periods. Small project or long term culture change? He is with you every step of the way. Owners, management, supervisors, front office staff, technicians. We have it all and everyone works for the one common goal of empowering each other to produce the very best in veterinary care and service to our clients and patients alike.

    Like many veterinary professionals, Steve had a life-changing moment while studying business at Pennsylvania State University when his family dog Joey became ill. Rather than partying with his friends during spring break, he traveled back and forth with Joey to the University of Pennsylvania for treatment. This solidified his interest in the field and began his career in veterinary medicine.

    Steve’s dreams originally included becoming a veterinarian, but when he started working for a growing animal hospital in 2000, his interests quickly turned to management. Within his first year, he moved from a veterinary assistant with little experience to one of the head surgery technicians. He grew from there, moving into the role of technician supervisor, then hospital manager, and then General Manager, finding himself in charge of 50+ employees.

    Steve’s interests were predominately in team building, personnel development and patient care. With these focuses, his teams were able to produce excellent patient and client care. Along with a proficient understanding of the financial aspects of running multiple businesses, has found the synergistic blending of expertise that has produced successful hospital teams resulting in successful hospitals. Steve believes that much of his success is dedicated to hard work and surrounding himself with excellent individuals. Over this time, Steve has been involved in many groups such as the American Animal Hospital Association, New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Managers Associate (founding and board member), and the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. Steve has also written articles which have been published in Veterinary Economics and various other forums.

    After 13 years, in 2012 Steve moved to Progressive Veterinary Care, aka The Animal Hospital at Kingston and Blawenburg, and started the next chapter in his career. Steve has also partnered with Dr Michael Tokiwa, creating “Progressive Veterinary Solutions”, a think tank of services that aim to help hospitals in the industry reach their goals.

    Ultimately, life switches gears and once again Steve found himself on the move and in 2014, joined VetCor as a Regional Operations Manager overseeing 15+ hospitals. During this time he enjoyed continuing his passion for developing practices and leaders.

    In 2016, Stephen stepped out of the corporate roll and into practice consulting, working with an excellent team at AVCSuccess where he can continue helping practice while spending more time with his family.

    While not working, Stephen enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In the very little spare time he has, Steve can be found training at MPR Endurance with the Tourney Team.

    Sept 19, 2013 was elected to the position of Vice President for NJVHMA.

    Years in Practice: 15
    Education: Pennsylvania State University in Business
    Email: srtracey@comcast.net

  • Mandi Vilares
    Mandi Vilares

    Since 1998, Mandi has been enjoying the field of veterinary medicine. She began her career as a client service representative. Having a lifelong love of animals, it's no wonder that she quickly fell in love with the industry. She later accepted a full time technician position and enjoyed several years of hands-on nursing with the development of her technical and surgery skills. In 2002 she accepted the position as Hospital Manager and has enjoyed developing hospital procedures, facilitating client and community educational programs, and being the project manager for her hospital’s two expansions. She is passionate about creating a positive hospital environment where both the team and the clients/patients benefit. She is a Board Member of the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, and a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association.

    Mandi has several pets and enjoys her time outside the clinic with her family and friends. She is passionate about karate where she spends many hours as a student and member of the leadership team.

    On September 19, 2013 Mandi was elected to the position of Secretary of NJVHMA.

    Sept 21, 2016 was re-elected to the position of Secretary of NJVHMA.

    Years in Practice: 19
    Education: Gettysburg College
    Email: mandi328@gmail.com

  • Tammy Veerland
    Tammy Veerland
    Board Member

    Tammy has worked in the veterinary industry since 1988 when she started as a customer service representative at Cranbury Veterinary Hospital.  She moved from there to Route 516 Animal Hospital where she trained to become a veterinary technician and then head technician.  In 2003, she began work at Sayrebrook Veterinary Hospital as a technician, and has been there ever since.  In 2013, she took on the role of assistant practice manager.


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