2025 Officer Roster

President: Jessica Opper

Jessica started in veterinary medicine in the US Army in 2003 as an Animal Care Specialist working with military working dogs. After separating from the army she went on to work in general small animal practice for several years before specializing in cats. She has been an RVT since 2017 and plans to gain a VTS in feline medicine in the future. She currently works in Albuquerque and looks forward to advancing our profession with the NMRVTA. She has 2 old cats and a box turtle. She enjoys our beautiful state while riding a Onewheel and playing outdoor roller derby.

President Elect: Hannah Serra, RVT

Hannah started her veterinary career in 2000 with a course in veterinary assistant training. She had always had a special bond with animals and decided to abandon her aspirations in human medicine to dedicate her life to caring for them. She completed her BS in Veterinary Medical Technology in 2005 and became credentialed on the east coast soon after. She has worked in various positions in the field from stable hand at an equestrian center, to emergency and critical care nurse, to assistant zookeeper. Currently, she finds critical care and internal medicine to be the best fit for her active brain. In her personal life, she is a vegan hippie who enjoys being outside in the NM sun with her dogs.

Past President: Janelle Reynolds, RVT

Janelle started in veterinary medicine as a volunteer while in high school. She attended NMSU where she graduated with a degree in Animal Science as well as Business. She worked in a clinic while attending NMSU and volunteered at the Dona Ana County Shelter. She also held office in the NMSU Pre-Vet club. She later went to CNM and graduated from the Veterinary Technology program. She has worked as a technician in Albuquerque and now teaches in the Vet Tech program at CNM in addition to a full-time job in lab animal medicine. She has a big family she enjoys spending time with along with her 2 dogs, a turtle, a budgie, and chickens. 

Treasurer: Carolynn Hamilton, RVT

Carolynn Hamilton attended the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh from 2012 to 2013, obtaining her associates degree in veterinary technology. She was previously licensed in the state of Ohio from 2015 until 2020 and is currently licensed in the state of New Mexico since 2020. Carolynn has experience working in general practice, emergency and shelter veterinary medicine. Carolynn is particularly passionate about exotic animal husbandry and best care practices, particularly for snakes and freshwater fish. She shares her home with one husband, five cats, one dog, seven snakes, one lizard, and manages three fish aquariums and a small pond. Carolynn is currently self-employed and the owner of Carolynn’s Critter Caring, LLC which provides in-home nursing care and travel care options to the pets of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

Secretary: Kim Barteau, RVT

Kim Barteau is a registered veterinary technician living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2009, first as a veterinary assistant. She graduated with her associates in veterinary technology in 2014 and received her certification the same year. Spending most of her career in emergency and specialty medicine, she is passionate about disease pathology and critical care. Her passions also include equality, inclusion, and mental health awareness. When not in the workplace, she is a girl scout leader and mom. She enjoys spending time with her family and exploring different hobbies.

Publicity Coordinator: Ann Fernandez, RVT

Ann Fernandez, RVT, ALAT is a 2011 graduate of the CNM Verterinary Technicians program. She started working at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institue after graduating, where she started as a husbandry tech for rodents and was responsible for the rodent breeding program until she transferred into the veterinary group and furthering her training on different species. She appreciates the position of the veterinary technician in research. She shares a house with her husband and two dogs, one being an adopted animal from research. She is also a member of the American Legion Riders and Auxiliary for post 99 chapter 22.

NAVTA State Representative: Joseph Miranda, CVT, RVT

Joseph Miranda, CVT, RVT, LVT is a graduate of Eastern Wyoming College, where he studied Veterinary Technology. He has a passion for client education, preventative care, and educating his fellow team members. Joseph is a Fear Free Certified Professional and is currently working on his Cat-Friendly Veterinary Professional Certification with the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Joseph wanted to be a part of the Vet Tech association because he understands the important role of veterinary technicians and wants to be a part of the advocacy for the profession