Employee Spotlight: April Lehmann

April Lehmann’s childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian shifted when she discovered the crucial role of Veterinary Technicians. With a more hands-on approach to animal care and a focus on patient advocacy, April found her true passion.

Today, April serves as the director of CFCC’s esteemed Veterinary Medical Technology program. Visitors to the program’s North Campus facility are often greeted by April and her trusty sidekick, Jemma – a rescued Newfoundland who holds the distinction of being the first animal to undergo spay surgery in the VMT facility.

Archie, April’s personal dog, has also received care from VMT students. But it’s not just dogs that benefit from the program’s compassionate care – students have worked with an array of creatures, including Geoffrey the Peacock, Joey the Macaw, and Mushu, the resident bearded dragon.

Between games of fetch with Jemma, April participated in a Q&A session.

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I graduated with a degree in Veterinary Technology from the State University in New York, Delhi, in 2002 and obtained degrees in General Education, Wildlife Education, and Exotic Animal Training and Management in 2004 from Moorpark College in California. I am licensed in New York and registered in North Carolina as a Veterinary Technician. I have worked for several years in emergency medicine in California and New York. Since moving to North Carolina in 2005, I have worked as an RVT in small animal hospitals in Wilmington and Leland. I have two children, two dogs, two cats, and a scarlet Macaw.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC, AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

I started with the Veterinary Medical Technology Program in 2017. I moved to the Wilmington area in 2005 after reconnecting with a childhood friend, now my husband, who was attending UNCW at that time. His best friend worked for CFCC and told me of the plans to start a Veterinary Medical Technology program back in 2012 (5 years prior to the program starting). I applied as soon as the Registered Veterinary Technician Instructor position opened and am grateful that I was selected.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Welcoming new students into the program each year that are excited to start a career in the veterinary field.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU DO?

Spend time with my family, hiking, soccer, rollerblading, disc golf, etc.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” (Bill Nye)

WHAT’S THE MOST EXOTIC/UNIQUE ANIMAL YOU HAVE WORKED WITH OR OWNED?

My favorite exotic animal I worked with is a Binturong, also known as a bearcat. Joey, my Scarlet Macaw, is the most exotic animal I have ever owned. I was asked to foster her in 2004 after the Humane Society in New York confiscated her from a home with over 20 dogs and 1 other bird. She travels with me to promote the VMT program and different career paths for veterinary technicians.

Degrees

Veterinary Technology, AAS
General Education, AAS
Wildlife Education, AAS
Exotic Animal Training and Management, AAS

Certificates

General Education
Wildlife Education
Exotic Animal Training and Management
Quality Matters Online Learning
CFCC Teaching Academy

Licenses

North Carolina Registered Veterinary Technician
New York Licensed Veterinary Technician

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Association of Veterinary Technician Educators
North Carolina Veterinary Technician Association
National Association of Veterinary Technicians