Veterinary Team Association of Texas

Jessica Garza graduated from the Vet Tech Institute of Houston in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 2025. She has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in Texas since 2014. After spending seven years in small animal practice, she transitioned into academia, where she discovered her true passion: educating the next generation of veterinary technicians. She now serves as the Program Director of the Veterinary Technology Program at Blinn College. Jessica is deeply committed to shaping the future of the profession and is particularly passionate about promoting a positive, supportive culture within the veterinary field.

Morgan Odom began her veterinary career in 2020.  She earned her BS in chemistry and MS in Materials Science, both from Texas A&M.  After working in engineering and logistics for a few years, it was time for a change, and after a very short time in vet med, she knew she had finally found her calling.  She graduated from Blinn College with her AAS in Veterinary Technology and earned her license in 2023.  She works as a small animal relief technician at several different GP and ER locations and appreciates the flexibility this provides.  Morgan enjoys coaching young technicians and helping build their confidence and skill.  During her free time, she enjoys camping and  boating with her husband and caring for her small zoo including 2 dogs, a cat, 2 guinea pigs, and a betta.
 

Jaqueline Yanez was born and raised in College Station, Texas.  She has worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician at Banfield for the past 2 years.  Jaky graduated from Blinn College with her AAS in Veterinary Technology and gained her license in 2023.  Her hobbies include staying in at home with her husband, doing puzzles, and spending time with her dog named Goober.

Laurel Shrawder is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and Veterinary Technology
instructor at McLennan Community College. With more than ten years of experience in the
veterinary field, her clinical background includes Emergency and Critical Care, high-volume
spay and neuter medicine, and oncology.
She is passionate about preparing future veterinary technicians through hands-on, skills-based education that bridges classroom learning with real-world clinical practice. Laurel enjoys developing engaging learning experiences that strengthen students’ confidence and competence in areas such as clinical pathology, pharmacology, radiology, and patient care.
Outside of teaching, Laurel enjoys spending time with her family, her 11-year-old German
Shepherd - Quinn, and working with the program’s equine teaching animals, which play an
important role in hands-on training for veterinary technology students.