Georgian College

18 GEORGIANVIEW DIGITAL WINTER 2024-25 STAFF SPOTLIGHT Kristina Burns' commitment to veterinary outreach Kristina Burns, a 2003 graduate of Georgian's Veterinary Technician Diploma program, has built a career driven by her passion for science, animals and making a positive impact. Her dedication to the human-animal bond continues to inspire her work. Now serving as the Associate Dean of Health, Wellness and Sciences at Georgian, Burns reflects fondly on her student years in the program. "The faculty and coordinator impressed me greatly, and I fell in love with the field," she recalls. Burns' commitment to animal welfare extends beyond her professional role. She volunteers with the Canadian Animal Assistance Team, dedicating her vacation time to providing barrier-free veterinary care in remote areas of Canada. Her work includes performing exams, vaccinations, supporting surgeries and offering dog safety and care education in Indigenous communities. "I've been very fortunate with this volunteer work and have visited the Yukon several times, as well as Nunavut and northern B.C. It's an incredibly rewarding experience," Burns shares. Her volunteer work has inspired others, including recent veterinary technician graduate Christina Cimmino, who also joined the Canadian Animal Assistance Team as a volunteer. Burns emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience with live animals in veterinary education. She credits "The opportunity to interact with animals from the beginning of the program is crucial for developing essential skills and understanding animal behavior." | Kristina Burns (class of 2005), RVT, BA, Med, is now the Associate Director of Health, Wellness and Sciences at Georgian College, spends her free time traveling far and wide to help dogs in need. this approach for her success in the field and believes it significantly benefits students. "The opportunity to interact with animals from the beginning of the program is crucial for developing essential skills and understanding animal behaviour," she explains. Burns stresses that "community support and outreach are fundamental to Georgian. Georgian's support for the student-led public clinics in massage therapy, dental hygiene and the veterinary technology programs, among others, allow students to connect with the public while offering lower barrier services to the community. The spay, neuter, dentistry and adoption services offered through the Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant programs exemplify Georgian's focus on commitment to our community."

• Cover