Rebecca May serves as the practice manager here at Town N Country, where her leadership sets the example for our high standards of excellence and teamwork. Her dedication to veterinary practice management goes far beyond our walls; she was recently honored with the 2025 Emerging Leaders Award from the VHMA (Veterinary Hospital Managers Association), a national recognition given to just two individuals out of more than 900 applicants. This prestigious award celebrates those who exemplify outstanding leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to strengthening veterinary teams and elevating patient care.
VHMA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting veterinary practice managers through education, certification, and community. Its flagship credential is the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). It’s a tough achievement to gain, requiring a college degree, 42 hours of continuing education, four letters of recommendation from licensed veterinarians, university transcripts, and a comprehensive application. (Inset – Fun Fact: Rebecca’s application totaled 118 pages.)
Candidates must also pass a challenging exam covering legal compliance, Human Resources, finance, and operations. Rebecca earned her CVPM in April 2024 after returning to school to complete her undergraduate degree in veterinary practice management.
Rebecca’s motivation to earn the CVPM came from a desire “to better care for my employees.” Early in her management journey, she was project-focused, but it didn’t take long for her to realize that the heart of her role was investing in people. “Supporting and developing the team,” she says, “is the real work. I wanted to learn how to do that well.” At Town N Country, one of our core values is TNC values team. Rebecca lives that out every day.
Rebecca has served a two-year term with VHMA, contributing to volunteer efforts and speaking engagements. She was also a member of the CVOM (Certified Veterinary Office Manager) task force, helping create a new certification for Office Managers. She helped define the target audience, performed task and job duty analysis and eventually went on to attend an item writing workshop. She even contributed questions that are now on the exam.
As a practice manager, Rebecca has championed mental health awareness and earned her Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP) certification, which requires a foundational medical credential. “Becoming CCFP-certified changed how I manage,” she says. “It’s about caring for the people who care for the animals.”
Her work has had a great impact at Town N Country Animal Hospital, where she’s applied her training to improve staff communication, teach client de-escalation, and enhance team development. “What you learn through the CVPM process helps you build a well cared-for team. That trickles down to the animals and their families,” she notes. The award also expanded her professional network, giving her access to peers and mentors across the country.
Rebecca has two sons, and she hopes that her achievements will help her sons see that it’s never too late to pursue excellence. “If you find a career where you feel led to learn more and be the best success for your staff and clients, go back to school as an adult. Work to become an expert.”
Next on her horizon: continuing to grow Town N Country, speaking at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference, and – someday – writing a book to share what she’s learned. Some of us have already placed our pre-order.
Rebecca says it best. “I care for the people who care for the animals.” At Town N Country, we know that beyond a shadow of a doubt! And now, the VHMA has also recognized that care with one of its highest honors. Congratulations, Rebecca. We’re so grateful you’re a part of our team!
