Veterinary Nursing Team

Paige Allen is the Assistant Director for Academic Advising for the veterinary nursing students. She has been a veterinary technician for over 35 years. She earned a MS in Education Technology from Purdue University in 2005. Paige, along with Shelly Opperman, leads the Veterinary Nursing Learning Community class for freshman veterinary nursing students. She is passionate about the being a veterinary technician and the future of the profession. Outside of work, Paige loves to spend time with her family and traveling with her husband Darrell.

Dr. Brown is a clinical associate professor and serves as Director for both the On-Campus (VNRS) and the Distance Learning (VNDL) Veterinary Nursing Programs. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. After graduation, he worked as an associate veterinarian at Animal Care Clinic in Huntington until 2007. In 2007, he established Brown Veterinary Service, a mixed animal hospital located in Wayne, WV. Dr. Brown’s love of academia began in 2009 when he was offered an adjunct faculty instructor and staff veterinarian position in the equine studies program at Ohio University. He continued to divide his time between educating students and treating patients until a decision was made to fully embrace his true passion of education. In August 2015, Dr. Brown sold his practice to accept a position as a full-time faculty veterinary clinical supervisor and professor at Mountwest Community & Technical College’s Veterinary Technology program. Although he thoroughly enjoyed educating future WV registered veterinary technicians, he was very happy to return to Purdue in the fall of 2020. His interests include racquetball, golf, motorcycle riding, and watching his daughters play sports.

Josh L. Clark is the Assistant Director for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. He earned a BS in Veterinary Technology and an MS in Educational Technology, both from Purdue University. Along with teaching several on-campus and VNDL courses, Josh provides administrative support to the VNDL program. Outside of work, Josh enjoys cooking/grilling, reading, and listening to music.

Bethany is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. She earned an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Northern Virginia Community College, as well as a BA and an MBA in Business Administration from Wayne State University. In addition to her clinical background working with a variety of animal practices and local shelters, Bethany has worked for several educational institutions teaching veterinary technology, animal science, and pre-veterinary medicine courses both online and on campus. She enjoys teaching students who share her passion for animal care and preparing them for a successful career in veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Bethany enjoys spending time with her family, watching her children play sports, road trips, yoga, and listening to music.

Stephanie is an Academic Advisor for Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning students. Stephanie earned her master's degree at the University of Central Arkansas in College Student Personnel Services and Administration and her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Criminal Justice. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family ​and her miniature schnauzer mix, Wrigley (named after Wrigley Field, not Wrigley gum). She is a big Chicago Cubs fan and considers Wrigley the lucky charm to the 2016 World Series Win as they rescued him before the World Series began.

Rachel Kelly is an Academic Advisor for the Veterinary Nursing Program. Rachel has earned a BA in Creative Writing from Purdue University and a MS in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. In Rachel’s free time, she enjoys water adventures, traveling, reading, listening to indigenous folk music, and is a historical linguist.

Beth Laffoon is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing on-campus program. She has a diverse professional and educational background and has been a registered veterinary technician since 2012. Beth’s interest in veterinary medicine began with raising sheep and poultry for 4-H on her family’s farm in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Her work experience includes biological field research as well as time spent in a private practice in Alabama, small animal ICU/ECC nursing, diagnostic imaging, and large animal ambulatory service with Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Beth’s educational journey has been a unique one. She completed her AAS in Veterinary Technology from International Business College, Indianapolis. In 2015, she opted for a path of higher education; earning her BS in Animal Science from Purdue. Afterwards, she decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, where she lived for nearly two years. Beth’s research also led her to Zambia and Kenya, where she spent time working with local livestock producers to promote sustainable agriculture. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading, nature photography, listening to music, fishing, kayaking, water-skiing, and hiking. She is passionate about education and eager to help future Veterinary Nursing students learn and grow.

Shelly Opperman is an academic advisor for the Veterinary Nursing program. She earned a BS from Purdue University and has been with the University since 2000. Shelly advises students in both the on-campus and distance learning programs. In addition to advising, Shelly is a co-instructor for the freshman learning community class – All Creatures Great and Small. Outside of work, Shelly enjoys traveling, reading and playing with her two mini-labradoodles, Whiskey and Finn.

Pam Phegley is the Clinical Coordinator for the Veterinary Nursing program, working with clinical rotations for on-campus students, and clinical mentorships for distance learning students. She earned an AAS and a BS in Veterinary Technology from Purdue. After working in Small Animal Internal Medicine for 18 years, Pam moved to program administration and teaching in the Veterinary Nursing program in 2002.

Ashli R. Selke is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. She brings a breadth of knowledge to the table and experience from working in multiple locations throughout the country while being a military spouse and NAVY Veteran herself. Her passion is advocating for veterinary nurses and furthering the profession. She sits on multiple state and national committees as well as being the (NAVTA) National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America President. She believes the only way to obtain meaningful change is to be involved.

Jennifer Smith is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing program. She earned a BS in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University and is also a Laboratory Animal Technician. Along with teaching several on-campus and VNDL courses, Jennifer coordinates student activities and is the staff advisor for the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Courtney is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program, joining the team in fall 2018. She earned an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Mesa Community College, BAS in Operations Management from Arizona State University, and MS in Higher Education from Purdue University Global. She has over 15 years of clinical veterinary nursing experience and became a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) in 2017. In 2019, she was awarded New Educator of the Year by the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) and in 2021, she was awarded the Elanco Teaching Excellence in Veterinary Nursing by Purdue Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys reading, fitness, sailing, and world travel!

Josh L. Clark is an Instructional Technologist and Program Manager for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. He earned a BS in Veterinary Technology and an MS in Educational Technology, both from Purdue University. Along with teaching several on-campus and VNDL courses, Josh provides administrative support to the VNDL program. Outside of work, Josh enjoys cooking/grilling, reading, and listening to music.

Bethany is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. She earned an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Northern Virginia Community College, as well as a BA and an MBA in Business Administration from Wayne State University. In addition to her clinical background working with a variety of animal practices and local shelters, Bethany has worked for several educational institutions teaching veterinary technology, animal science, and pre-veterinary medicine courses both online and on campus. She enjoys teaching students who share her passion for animal care and preparing them for a successful career in veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Bethany enjoys spending time with her family, watching her children play sports, road trips, yoga, and listening to music.

Beth Laffoon is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing on-campus program. She has a diverse professional and educational background and has been a registered veterinary technician since 2012. Beth’s interest in veterinary medicine began with raising sheep and poultry for 4-H on her family’s farm in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Her work experience includes biological field research as well as time spent in a private practice in Alabama, small animal ICU/ECC nursing, diagnostic imaging, and large animal ambulatory service with Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Beth’s educational journey has been a unique one. She completed her AAS in Veterinary Technology from International Business College, Indianapolis. In 2015, she opted for a path of higher education; earning her BS in Animal Science from Purdue. Afterwards, she decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, where she lived for nearly two years. Beth’s research also led her to Zambia and Kenya, where she spent time working with local livestock producers to promote sustainable agriculture. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading, nature photography, listening to music, fishing, kayaking, water-skiing, and hiking. She is passionate about education and eager to help future Veterinary Nursing students learn and grow.

Pam Phegley is the Clinical Coordinator for the Veterinary Nursing program, working with clinical rotations for on-campus students, and clinical mentorships for distance learning students. She earned an AAS and a BS in Veterinary Technology from Purdue. After working in Small Animal Internal Medicine for 18 years, Pam moved to program administration and teaching in the Veterinary Nursing program in 2002.

Ashli R. Selke is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. She brings a breadth of knowledge to the table and experience from working in multiple locations throughout the country while being a military spouse and NAVY Veteran herself. Her passion is advocating for veterinary nurses and furthering the profession. She sits on multiple state and national committees as well as being the (NAVTA) National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America President. She believes the only way to obtain meaningful change is to be involved.

Liane Shaw is a 2003 graduate of the Veterinary Technology Program at Purdue University, where she earned not only an associate’s degree, but also a bachelors in applied science, with a minor in organizational leadership and supervision. She recently completed her masters in Higher education with Purdue University Global (PUG). Liane is a Senior Instructional technologist her specialties are Radiology (DXI), dentistry, and learner centered classrooms. Liane has been teaching in both programs (DL and on campus) since 2008 and is always looking at how to improve the students learning experience. Her excellence in teaching is highlighted by her awards received from Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health for Teaching Excellence in 2011 and 2018. Liane stays busy these days by spending her evenings with her husband and two sons on their small hobby farm in Indiana. It is home to horses, dogs, cats, and a donkey named Shrek!

Jennifer Smith is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing program. She earned a BS in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University and is also a Laboratory Animal Technician. Along with teaching several on-campus and VNDL courses, Jennifer coordinates student activities and is the staff advisor for the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Courtney is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program, joining the team in fall 2018. She earned an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Mesa Community College, BAS in Operations Management from Arizona State University, and MS in Higher Education from Purdue University Global. She has over 15 years of clinical veterinary nursing experience and became a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) in 2017. In 2019, she was awarded New Educator of the Year by the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) and in 2021, she was awarded the Elanco Teaching Excellence in Veterinary Nursing by Purdue Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys reading, fitness, sailing, and world travel!

Dr. Mindy Anderson is a Veterinary Clinical Pharmacist that teaches pharmacology for our veterinary students, on campus veterinary nursing students and veterinary distance learning students. Dr. Anderson is also a registered veterinary technician that graduated from the Purdue University Veterinary Technology program in 2003. She worked in private practice as well as taught in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for 11 years before going back to school to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2018, followed by a one-year residency to specialize in Veterinary Pharmacy. Dr. Anderson also works in the Purdue Veterinary Hospital consulting on medication utilization for both large and small animals. Outside of work Dr. Anderson enjoys watching her two daughters play volleyball, riding horses and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Asem teaches domestic animal physiology in the Veterinary Nursing on-campus program. He is a Professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Asem received his D.V.M. from the University of Veterinary Sciences in Budapest, Hungary. Later, he earned his Ph.D. from Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to coming to Purdue University, Dr. Asem was a research associate in the Reproductive Biology Unit of Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Bentley is an associate professor of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery. He earned a BVSc from the University of Liverpool, UK, then completed specialist training at the Royal Veterinary College, UK and the Tufts-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, MA. He is board-certified in neurology by the ACVIM. Outside of work, Dr. Bentley enjoys running and spending time with his children.

Dr. Brown is a clinical associate professor and serves as Director for both the On-Campus (VNRS) and the Distance Learning (VNDL) Veterinary Nursing Programs. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. After graduation, he worked as an associate veterinarian at Animal Care Clinic in Huntington until 2007. In 2007, he established Brown Veterinary Service, a mixed animal hospital located in Wayne, WV. Dr. Brown’s love of academia began in 2009 when he was offered an adjunct faculty instructor and staff veterinarian position in the equine studies program at Ohio University. He continued to divide his time between educating students and treating patients until a decision was made to fully embrace his true passion of education. In August 2015, Dr. Brown sold his practice to accept a position as a full-time faculty veterinary clinical supervisor and professor at Mountwest Community & Technical College’s Veterinary Technology program. Although he thoroughly enjoyed educating future WV registered veterinary technicians, he was very happy to return to Purdue in the fall of 2020. His interests include racquetball, golf, motorcycle riding, and watching his daughters play sports.

Dr. John A. Christian is an associate professor and veterinary clinical pathologist in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. He received his DVM from Auburn University and served in a mixed animal practice in Tennessee for several years. He did a residency in Clinical Pathology and received a PhD for research in comparative RBC senescence, both at Purdue University. He teaches in several Veterinary Nursing and DVM courses while serving as lab director and section chief of Clinical Pathology for the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

Josh L. Clark is an Instructional Technologist and Program Manager for the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. He earned a BS in Veterinary Technology and an MS in Educational Technology, both from Purdue University. Along with teaching several on-campus and VNDL courses, Josh provides administrative support to the VNDL program. Outside of work, Josh enjoys cooking/grilling, reading, and listening to music.

Amy Huffman is an anesthesia instructional technologist for both veterinary and veterinary nursing students. She obtained both an AS and BS in veterinary technology from Purdue University. Amy aides anesthesia instruction in numerous courses and is part of the anesthesia department in the hospital, providing anesthesia support to hospital patients and teaching clinical year students.

Pam Kirby is the Lead Veterinary Technician in Ophthalmology. She earned her associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University. She was on the organizing committee for the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians. She has served as secretary and currently is President-Elect of the Academy. Outside of work, Pam enjoys camping, spending time with her family and dogs, and watching sports.

Janice Kritchevsky is a professor in the department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Purdue University. She graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. degree, received a V.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and a M.S. from Purdue University. Dr. Kritchevsky completed a clinical residency in large animal medicine at Purdue University and is a member of the large animal medicine section. Dr. Kritchevsky attends all large animal species while on the clinic floor. Her research interests include equine endocrine diseases, particularly PPID and thyroid disease. Away from work she enjoys spending time with her pony, Bingo, attending basketball games, and quilting.

Brittany earned her Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. Following graduation, she joined the Neurology department at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. In this role, Brittany provides clinical case support and patient care, as well as teaching the fundamentals of neurology and neurologic diseases to students in the veterinary technician program at Purdue. In 2019, she achieved her Veterinary Technician Specialty designation in Neurology and as of 2022, Brittany began serving as President for the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT). Brittany has also been published in Veterinary Technician journals and has an interest in speaking on a wide variety of neurologic topics.

Pam Phegley is the Clinical Coordinator for the Veterinary Nursing program, working with clinical rotations for on-campus students, and clinical mentorships for distance learning students. She earned an AAS and a BS in Veterinary Technology from Purdue. After working in Small Animal Internal Medicine for 18 years, Pam moved to program administration and teaching in the Veterinary Nursing program in 2002.

Dr. Pillai is a veterinarian and a board-certified veterinary microbiologist. She coordinates and teaches Microbiology for the Veterinary Technicians course for on-campus and DL students (VN-3 yr). She teaches a portion of the professional Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology course (DVM 2yr) and diagnostic medicine (DVM 4 yr). Along with teaching, Dr. Pillai also provides serology and bacteriology consultation services for ADDL clients. Outside work, she enjoys doing art and spending time with family and friends.

Jessy Reed is a Small Animal Nursing Instructional Technologist for the on-campus Veterinary Nursing program. She earned her BS in Agriculture from Murray State University and has worked in the Emergency and Critical Care department at Purdue. Along with teaching the small animal nursing courses, she supports the Veterinary Clinical Sciences team in the DVM program. Outside of work, Jessy enjoys spending time with her family, her two cats and two dogs, and enjoys cooking.

Liane Shaw is a 2003 graduate of the Veterinary Technology Program at Purdue University, where she earned not only an associate’s degree, but also a bachelors in applied science, with a minor in organizational leadership and supervision. She recently completed her masters in Higher education with Purdue University Global (PUG). Liane is a Senior Instructional technologist her specialties are Radiology (DXI), dentistry, and learner centered classrooms. Liane has been teaching in both programs (DL and on campus) since 2008 and is always looking at how to improve the students learning experience. Her excellence in teaching is highlighted by her awards received from Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health for Teaching Excellence in 2011 and 2018. Liane stays busy these days by spending her evenings with her husband and two sons on their small hobby farm in Indiana. It is home to horses, dogs, cats, and a donkey named Shrek!

Jennifer Smith is an Instructional Technologist for the Veterinary Nursing program. She earned a BS in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University and is also a Laboratory Animal Technician. Along with teaching several on-campus and VNDL courses, Jennifer coordinates student activities and is the staff advisor for the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Sandy Taylor is an Associate Professor in Large Animal Medicine at PVM. She earned her DVM and PhD from Washington State University and completed her residency in Large Animal Medicine at the University of California, Davis. Her primary clinical interests include equine neonatology and neurology, and her research is focused on treatment of equine sepsis. Outside of work, Dr. Taylor enjoys cycling, traveling and hiking with her yellow Labradors.

Dr. Wendy Townsend is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Purdue University. She provides ocular examinations and surgeries on all species of animals in the Purdue Veterinary Hospital where she works with DVM and Veterinary Nursing students. Outside of work, Dr. Townsend enjoys living on her farm with her husband, two daughters, horses, Jersey cows, goats, cats, and a dog.