It's our people who make the difference
Jay is founder and CEO of CareFlash (2005) and PrizedPals (2016). Jay calls himself a "recovering CFO" who took lessons from 20 years of corporate finance and software industry experience and interwove them with experience as care provider to a family member who transitioned through intensive care and hospice care to a funeral. And later, involving a beloved family dog, who most of Jay's friends liked more than they do Jay. This furry family member (and our office-mate) developed a chronic illness and ultimately passed-away in 2015.
"CareCorrals make a difference every day in the lives of thousands around the world. They move mountains in enabling loved ones to become more part of a journey, and less part of the landscape. Loved ones really want to be empowered and engaged around life's experiences but find that their emotional barriers can be difficult to move beyond. CareFlash and PrizedPals exist to help when it matters most!"
Christina is a veterinarian, owner of a successful emergency veterinary hospital, and someone who has the ability to function under pressure - as with traumatic and time-sensitive emergencies involving pets. When she's not in competitions that involve mountains, towers and lakes, Chris enjoys working around the house, gardening and spending time with her numerous dogs and cats.
"PrizedPals is an innovation that leverages the "power of social" in ways that benefit pets and families. Traditionally, pet medical care has been "high touch, low tech". PrizedPals creates both while fostering healing by enhancing engagement among pets, pet parents and loved ones."
Eric is an internationally respected veterinary consultant, a highly dynamic speaker on all matters digital, and the founder/CEO of Simply Done Tech Solutions.
"PrizedPals gives veterinary practices the ability to build a stronger bond with pet owners than ever before. It leverages the ideology that social media allows people to connect with others in meaningful ways. This is unique in the animal care industry and truly a game changer."
Mary has a special place in her heart for skinny old, grey-muzzled pets. Passionate about geriatric care, she is a veterinarian and co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a nationwide practice whose 100+ veterinarians provide in-home hospice, euthanasia and end-of-life care. She is a published author and an engaging, charismatic speaker.
"Having sat on thousands of couches while guiding families through the quality of life assessment and saying goodbye to beloved pets, I have the veterinary perspective and gift for empathy that families deserve. PrizedPals complements and extends veterinary care, in the ways CareCorrals nurture the Pet-Parent bond, foster healing, and enhance quality of life of clients and their loved ones."
Melissa is a veterinarian, owner of 3 veterinary hospitals in New Hampshire and an enthusiastic professional with a life-long passion for helping animals. She has a special interest in surgery, emergency medicine and avian and exotic animal care.
"Pets and people age, heal, die and grieve in their own unique ways - physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. CareCorrals inject a commonly absent ingredient into individualized healing dynamics. This 5th dimension, Social Healing, arises through the ways CareCorrals remove emotional barriers, converting sympathy to empathy and enhancing how loved ones engage."
Jennifer has experience in emergency/critical veterinary medicine, education and research, and with Veterinarians without Borders and numerous other nonprofits. Jenn is in Medical Affairs Marketing with IDEXX Laboratories. She lives in Canada with her five cats and two dogs that were all rescued.
"Pets are our beloved companions and they enrich our lives in countless ways. When we share our happy and sad experiences about them with friends and family, we connect everyone to the deep, cherished emotions we share with our pets and build a stronger community around us."
Deb has been involved with the veterinary profession for 30 years and has experience in specialty, emergency and general practice management. She wears many hats in the profession and believes one of the most effective ways to make positive change is by developing solutions together. She enjoys spending time with her family and performing with her bands, the LaxaTones and No-Lo Prophets.
"The term interspecies families is increasingly used to convey the depth of connectivity and empathy among people and pets. The significance of this human-animal bond bears-out in PrizedPals' ability to connect a network of friends and family members as life events happen. The resulting social interaction, whether as result of an injury, chronic illness, end-of-life, or bereavement, moves pet parents and their community from sympathy to empathy."
Alina started horseback riding when 5 years old and has been passionate about horses ever since. Beyond being an equine veterinarian, Alina is a member of the American Veterinary Management Association (AVMA) Future Leaders Class of 2018 and on the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Welfare & Public Policy Advisory Council. She recently completed a Master's in Veterinary Forensic Medicine.
"CareCorrals nurture and complement the enormous power of the human-horse bond, in curing depression, enhancing quality of life and in creating sustainable lifestyles among at-risk youth. Also in uniting disparate groups of individuals from among differing religion, culture and socioeconomic status."
Sarah is a small animal veterinarian in Northern Colorado who loves skiing, camping, diving and competing in Ironman half-triathlons. She has her own unique style as a sought-after writer and speaker on veterinary leadership, communication and innovation.
"PrizedPals represents the next level of customer engagement, enabling veterinarians to leverage the human-animal bond thru clients building community around their pets and pet families. CareCorrals are fundamental to client-centered care, creating, holistic benefit for all parties involved."