Board of Directors
Cassie (Cassandra) Dorflinger, CVT President Cassie Dorflinger, CVT, graduated from University of Connecticut in 2008, with an associate’s degree in Animal Science. After college, she started her career in the veterinary field working with small animals at Tolland Veterinary Hospital, doing everything from working the front desk to assisting in surgery. After staying at TVH for several years, Cassie moved to the shoreline and started working at Guilford Veterinary Hospital, where she has been since August 2015. Her interests in the field include physical rehabilitation and general surgery. Cassie took the VTNE in December of 2020, accomplishing her goal of becoming a CVT. Cassie shares her house with her boyfriend, 2 dogs and 2 cats. She enjoys spending time outside, going to concerts, gardening and spending time with her family. Cassie has served her previous term as Vice President.
Danielle Mauri, CVT Vice President Danielle has always wanted to work with animals, often bringing home injured critters to take care of. Her passion for helping animals grew as she went to a vocational-agricultural high school, which set her up perfectly to earn a degree in animal science from Becker College. Danielle jumped into the field in emergency/referral animal hospitals where she gained a wealth of knowledge and skill. Wanting to be well-rounded, she worked in general practice to focus on anesthesia but ultimately went back to emergency/specialty. She spent four years as lead technician of the Avian & Exotics Department at Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine where she expanded her skills and knowledge to additional species. She is currently the Regional Clinical Manager at Rarebreed Veterinary Partners where her focus is on clinical staff training and development. She is RECOVER Rescuer and Low Stress Silver Certified and has a special interest in animal nutrition. Danielle enjoys her home with her fiancé, daughter, two stepdaughters, two dogs, two cats, and a crested gecko and loves being outside in the fresh air whenever possible. She is looking forward to serving on the CTVTA board!
Katarina Cavanagh, CVT Corresponding Secretary Kathy graduated from Becker College with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined the Central Hospital staff in 1985 as a trauma and emergency technician. She has worked in many different capacities at the hospital over the years including Head Radiology Technician. Kathy has participated for many years in community outreach programs at Central working with local schools and civic groups. She took on the role of Client Care Coordinator in 2005. In addition to her position at Central Hospital, Kathy has served as the Event Coordinator for the New Haven County Veterinary Association since it’s inception in 2008.
Melissa Finlayson, CVT Recording Secretary (picture and bio to come)
Rose Muolo-Carrano, CVT Treasurer Rose has always had a love for animals and wanted to help them in any way possible. Before joining GVH, she owned her own dog grooming business for 6 years. Rose started at Guilford Veterinary Hospital in 2000 as a veterinary technician. After becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in 2004, she focused on patient advocacy. She climbed her way up the GVH ladder by first becoming the supervisor for the veterinary assistants in 2014, then in 2015, she was promoted to technician supervisor. Rose became increasingly interested in the challenges of management and in 2016 she was offered the position of GVH’s practice manager. In 2017, the partners of GVH nominated her for Veterinary Management Council of Connecticut Practice Manager of the Year – and she won. Rose enjoys sharing her farm with her husband, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 horses, 2 goats and a variety of ducks and chickens. She also enjoys making jewelry and is a key member of Wesleyan Potters in Middletown. She is a founding member of the Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association and sits on their board of directors.
Julie Antonellis LVT, VTS(ECC) Organizational Advisor Julie Antonellis, CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC) joins the CTVTA as our new Organizational Advisor. She grew up in New Hampshire and attended the Veterinary Technology program at Quinnipiac University. She graduated in 1998 with a BS in Veterinary Technology. She jumped into her passion as an emergency critical care technician right out of school. In 2001 she became a veterinary technician specialist in emergency and critical care. She loves the work that she has been able to do and embraces any opportunity to share her experiences with the veterinary community. She moved back to CT this summer after spending 19 years in Virginia. She currently works at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, CT as the Technician Training Manager, where she has been helping to develop their VCA VREC Vet Tech Academy. Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and two dogs. She and her family especially love skiing, exploring the outdoors and hiking at National Parks. Julie is very excited to be a part of our membership and to have the opportunity to serve on the CTVTA board.
Erica Hayden, CVT Membership Chair (picture and bio to come)
Brynn (Harrington) Holt, BS, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia) Past President Brynn Harrington attended Quinnipiac University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2004. She started her career at Tufts University in the Neurology Department, and later with the Anesthesia Department for 8 years. In 2010, Brynn obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty certification in Anesthesia and Analgesia. She is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA), as well as, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). In 2014 she started working at the Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine on the surgery and anesthesia teams while also using her skills in the emergency room and ICU department. Brynn has helped create the Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association (CTVTA) where she served her previous terms on the board as the president of the association. Member at Large: Ken Aldrich Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine |
