Nikita Mehta
Medical Management of a Strangulation Wound in an Indian Rock Python
Clinical Management of Chronic Necrosed Wounds in a Bengal Monitor Lizard
Clinical Management of Injuries and Infection in a Spectacled Cobra Following a Predatory Attack
Dr. Nikita Mehta is a wildlife veterinarian based in India, with extensive experience in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and trauma management. With a keen interest in reptile and orphan care, she has successfully led numerous rehabilitation efforts, always prioritizing animal welfare and community engagement. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Mehta strives to advance wildlife conservation through both research and practical veterinary care, with a focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and promoting a One Health approach.
Medical Management of a Strangulation Wound in an Indian Rock Python
Clinical Management of Chronic Necrosed Wounds in a Bengal Monitor Lizard
Clinical Management of Injuries and Infection in a Spectacled Cobra Following a Predatory Attack
Dr. Nikita Mehta is a wildlife veterinarian based in India, with extensive experience in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and trauma management. With a keen interest in reptile and orphan care, she has successfully led numerous rehabilitation efforts, always prioritizing animal welfare and community engagement. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Mehta strives to advance wildlife conservation through both research and practical veterinary care, with a focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and promoting a One Health approach.
Gabrielle Mould
Veterinary Student
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Gabrielle Mould is a current 4th year veterinary student at the University Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Veterinary Student
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Gabrielle Mould is a current 4th year veterinary student at the University Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Meera Music
Medical Director
Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Advanced Reptile Clinical Techniques (Emergency & General Practice)
CT Protocols and Reptile Case Studies
Dr. Meera Music is the Co-Medical Director at the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine (CBEAM) near Seattle, Washington. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh Royal School of Veterinary Studies, she is particularly passionate about reptile medicine and is currently pursuing board certification in reptile medicine and surgery. Dr. Music has extensive experience in emergency, critical care, and routine care for exotic species. She is an active contributor to the field, authoring and presenting at conferences, and mentoring veterinary interns and residents. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Music enjoys singing, painting, writing, quilting, and spending time with her family.
Medical Director
Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Advanced Reptile Clinical Techniques (Emergency & General Practice)
CT Protocols and Reptile Case Studies
Dr. Meera Music is the Co-Medical Director at the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine (CBEAM) near Seattle, Washington. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh Royal School of Veterinary Studies, she is particularly passionate about reptile medicine and is currently pursuing board certification in reptile medicine and surgery. Dr. Music has extensive experience in emergency, critical care, and routine care for exotic species. She is an active contributor to the field, authoring and presenting at conferences, and mentoring veterinary interns and residents. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Music enjoys singing, painting, writing, quilting, and spending time with her family.
Rindra Navalona
Veterinarian
Investigation of an Unusual Mortality Event of Radiated Tortoises in Madagascar
Veterinarian specializing in wildlife health and biodiversity conservation. Experience in field research, laboratory analysis, and the rehabilitation of confiscated tortoises. Skilled in veterinary care, health monitoring, and conservation project management.
Veterinarian
Investigation of an Unusual Mortality Event of Radiated Tortoises in Madagascar
Veterinarian specializing in wildlife health and biodiversity conservation. Experience in field research, laboratory analysis, and the rehabilitation of confiscated tortoises. Skilled in veterinary care, health monitoring, and conservation project management.
Alexis Ober
Head Nurse
Avian & Exotic Philly Vet
Exotic Emergency Triage for the Veterinary Technician
Alexis is the head nurse at Avian & Exotic Philly Vet in Philadelphia, PA, where she oversees the care and well-being of a wide variety of exotic and avian patients. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Chestnut Hill College in 2021. Alexis is passionate about advancing animal care and expanding her knowledge within the veterinary community. This year, she is excited to present her first conference presentation, a work developed in collaboration with Susan Tyson, VMD, whose expert guidance has been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
Head Nurse
Avian & Exotic Philly Vet
Exotic Emergency Triage for the Veterinary Technician
Alexis is the head nurse at Avian & Exotic Philly Vet in Philadelphia, PA, where she oversees the care and well-being of a wide variety of exotic and avian patients. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Chestnut Hill College in 2021. Alexis is passionate about advancing animal care and expanding her knowledge within the veterinary community. This year, she is excited to present her first conference presentation, a work developed in collaboration with Susan Tyson, VMD, whose expert guidance has been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
Sabine Öfner
Head Veterinarian at Reptile Rescue Center Munich
Auffangstation für Reptilien, München e.V.
Veerinarian
Head Veterinarian at Reptile Rescue Center Munich
Auffangstation für Reptilien, München e.V.
Veerinarian
Melissa Ortiz
Practice Manager/LVT
The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine
Tools of the Trade: Honest Product Reviews
From LVT to Practice Manager: How to go From Support Staff to Supporting Your Staff
What They Don't Teach You in School: Self Advocacy
Melissa Ortiz, LVT is a Licensed Veterinary Technician from Queens, New York, and a graduate of LaGuardia Community College. With over 20 years in the field, she has devoted most of her career to exotic animal medicine, working with both companion animals and zoological species. Melissa’s professional interests include multimodal pain management and the creation of behavior and wellness programs across species.
She is an active lecturer and mentor, having presented for Social Workers Advancing the Human-Animal Bond, the NYS Vet Tech Association, the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, the American Association of Zoo Keepers Regional Symposium, and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She also mentors veterinary technician externs and is a site supervisor for 3 different vet tech programs at her practice. She also serves on the board for the Animal Health Technology Program at George Washington Carver High School for the Sciences. Recognized with the Vet Tech of the Year and Aspiring Leader awards from NYSVTA, Melissa is now the Practice Manager at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine in Manhattan.
Practice Manager/LVT
The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine
Tools of the Trade: Honest Product Reviews
From LVT to Practice Manager: How to go From Support Staff to Supporting Your Staff
What They Don't Teach You in School: Self Advocacy
Melissa Ortiz, LVT is a Licensed Veterinary Technician from Queens, New York, and a graduate of LaGuardia Community College. With over 20 years in the field, she has devoted most of her career to exotic animal medicine, working with both companion animals and zoological species. Melissa’s professional interests include multimodal pain management and the creation of behavior and wellness programs across species.
She is an active lecturer and mentor, having presented for Social Workers Advancing the Human-Animal Bond, the NYS Vet Tech Association, the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, the American Association of Zoo Keepers Regional Symposium, and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She also mentors veterinary technician externs and is a site supervisor for 3 different vet tech programs at her practice. She also serves on the board for the Animal Health Technology Program at George Washington Carver High School for the Sciences. Recognized with the Vet Tech of the Year and Aspiring Leader awards from NYSVTA, Melissa is now the Practice Manager at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine in Manhattan.