Charly Pignon
Clinical Associate Professor
EnvA
Ear surgery in rabbits and rodents
Ear diseases in guinea pigs

Graduated in 2005 from Alfort (France). Then he worked in the wildlife rescue center in Alfort and
worked in Paris Zoo. 2009, completed an Exotic Medicine Internship at Tufts University, came back
to France he created the Exotic Medicine Service in Alfort National Veterinary School. Diplomate of
the ECZM (Small mammals), a former president of AEMV, a former member of the executive committee of
the ECZM and a current member of the Standards Quality Assurance Committee of the EBVS. 2023 Oxbow
Quest Award. Current field of research are ear surgeries, flexible endoscopy and pain management in
small mammals.
Sydney Pokard
Fauna Veterinary Collective
Feathers, Fur, and Followers: How Social Media Helped Me Build an Exotics Veterinary Brand

Dr. Sydney Pokard is the founder of Fauna Veterinary Collective, a modern veterinary practice dedicated to exotic companion animals. She is passionate about advancing high-quality care for exotics while building a brand that makes specialized veterinary medicine more accessible and engaging for today’s pet owners. Through thoughtful practice design, social media, and client education, Dr. Pokard has created a recognizable voice for exotic animal medicine in a space that is often underrepresented. Her work focuses on blending clinical excellence with innovative branding to help veterinarians connect with the growing community of exotic pet owners.
Rae Porter-Blackwell
Options for Surgical Elective Altering for Exotic Companion Mammals
Pilot study evaluating the palatability of Fortetropin® in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A Northern California native, Dr. Porter-Blackwell’s passion for exotic animals began in childhood—starting with attempts to befriend neighborhood tree squirrels! Her early experience volunteering at a wildlife center solidified her commitment to caring for unusual species. She earned her B.S. in Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity from UC Davis before completing her DVM at Western University of Health Sciences in 2013. During veterinary school, she adopted a rabbit and dedicated her career to advancing small herbivore medicine. Dr. Porter-Blackwell has completed a small animal rotating internship, an exotics-focused specialty internship, and a residency program. Currently, Dr. Porter-Blackwell works as an association veterinarian in the state of Washington, is a board certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Exotic Companion Mammal practice, and serves as vice president for the Association for Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.
Eva Quijano Carde
Injectable Sedation of a Giant Grouper and Diagnosis of Severe Cardiac Fibrocartilaginous Metaplasia

Dr. Eva Marie Quijano Cardé is an associate veterinarian at the Georgia Aquarium. She loves all
aquatic animals, but has a soft spot for teleosts. Her academic passion lies in viral disease and
understanding the impacts of viruses on the host. On her free time, she teaches and performs in a
rueda de casino dance team with her beloved husband Juan.
Johanna Reuken
Detection of Emycomyces testavorans in endangered turtles in Germany

Zoo Veterinarian, Westfälischer Zoologischer Garten Münster GmbH, Münster, Germany
Marlis Rezende
Professor - Anesthesia and Pain Management
Colorado State University
Plasma levels and pharmacodynamics of IV and OTM methadone in rabbits

Marlis is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Management at Colorado State University.
Lucy Robson
Veterinary Surgeon
Sandhole Veterinary Centre
Medical management of tracheal stenosis in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Dr. Sydney Pokard is the founder of Fauna Veterinary Collective, a modern veterinary practice dedicated to exotic companion animals. She is passionate about advancing high-quality care for exotics while building a brand that makes specialized veterinary medicine more accessible and engaging for today’s pet owners. Through thoughtful practice design, social media, and client education, Dr. Pokard has created a recognizable voice for exotic animal medicine in a space that is often underrepresented. Her work focuses on blending clinical excellence with innovative branding to help veterinarians connect with the growing community of exotic pet owners.
Colleen Roman
Owner/DVM
AnimALL Mobile Veterinary Service
Small Bodies Big Skills: Technician Clinical Foundations for Exotic Mammal Care

Dr. Colleen Roman, DVM, RVT, is the founder and owner of AnimALL Mobile Veterinary Service, a
concierge in-home practice serving dogs, cats, and exotic companion animals throughout North Metro
Atlanta. She also serves as Vice President of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians
(AEMV), where she is dedicated to advancing education, mentorship, and leadership in exotic animal
medicine. With a background as both a registered veterinary technician and veterinarian, Dr. Roman
is passionate about client education, species-specific care, and creating a more personalized,
relationship-centered veterinary experience. Her professional interests include exotic animal
medicine, mobile practice innovation, and strengthening the human-animal bond through compassionate
care delivered in the home.