American Holistic VMA – September 6-9, 2025
Event
The American Holistic VMA (AHVMA) held its annual conference September 6-9 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Awards
AHVMA Holistic Teacher of the Year
Dr. Nathan Heilman (Cornell '97), Shelburne, Vermont. Dr. Heilman co-owns Qi Veterinary Clinic in Shelburne. He is certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and also has certification in veterinary spinal manipulation. Dr. Heilman is a student of Chinese veterinary herbal medicine.
AHVMA Carvel Tiekert’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Madalyn Ward (Texas A&M '80), Bloomfield, New Mexico. Dr. Ward is an equine practitioner who founded Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas, in the mid-1980s. She later trained in veterinary homeopathy, acupuncture, Bowen therapy, network chiropractic, and equine osteopathy. Known for her expertise in horse chiropractic care, Dr. Ward has authored the books "Holistic Horsekeeping," "Horse Harmony—Understanding Horse Types and Temperaments," and "Horse Harmony Five Element Feeding Guide." She is president of the Worldwide Alliance of Equine Osteopaths.
AHVMA Holistic Visionary Award
Dr. Huisheng Xie and Chi University (formerly Chi Institute), Reddick, Florida. Dr. Xie received his veterinary degree in 1983 from Southwest University in Beibei, China. He is a professor emeritus in the Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1998, Dr. Xie founded Chi Institute, an educational provider of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, where he continues to teach and develop educational programs.
AHVMA Advancement Award
New Zealand Deer Velvet Company, Oxford, New Zealand, for providing long-term support of the association while providing well-sourced products.
Front Row Award
Dr. Monica Laflin (Missouri '78), Carlsbad, California. Dr. Laflin practices at Holistic Care for Pets Inc. in Carlsbad. She was recognized for her high attendance rate at the association's conferences.
Officials
Drs. Bart Iaia, Gig Harbor, Washington, president; Cerissa Noble, Boardman, Ohio, president-elect; Caroline Pattie, Springfield, Virginia, secretary; Ashley Rossman, Glenview, Illinois, treasurer; Theresa SaLee, Bartlett, Illinois, immediate past president; and directors—Elizabeth Cutright, Downers Grove, Illinois; Tracy Duffner, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Cindy Maro, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; Bethany Meno, Westmont, Illinois; Natalie Olden-Stahl, Carmel, Indiana; and Lisa Pinn McFaddin, Bristow, Virginia