Benefiting

If Leah Critchfield’s work as a Registered Veterinary Technician over the past decade could be summed up in one word, it would be “caretaker”—not only of animals, but of her community. In addition to being an RVT, Leah is an active paramedic who recently earned a degree in nursing.

At her core, Leah always puts herself in service of others in need, whether animals or her fellow human beings. Leah’s colleagues praise her tenderness, positivity, energy, and ability to connect with others and alleviate their anxieties. “People look up to Leah as the ultimate RVT,” says John Maretti, Executive Director of the North Valley Animal Disaster Group. “She represents the profession as a
compassionate professional, leader, and provider.”

Ever-committed to her community, Leah is ardently devoted to emergency disaster relief. She has served as the Community Outreach Coordinator and has sat on the Board of Directors of the North Valley Animal Disaster Group since 2009, taking over the Outreach Program in its infancy and transforming it into a robust, workable resource for the residents of Butte County. She has further served as both the Animal Group Supervisor and the Veterinary Medical Director for Butte County’s Animal Disaster Operation, coordinating veterinary resources and assisting over 10,000 animals throughout the multiple disasters that Butte County has endured over the past few years. Leah’s experience was greatly relied upon during the 2018 Camp Fire, when she served as the regional representative for the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps.

Although it is emotionally difficult work, Leah never shies away from putting herself in the thick of disastrous circumstances and offering her services. “As our RVT oath states we dedicate ourselves to aiding animals and society,” Leah says. “This endeavor allows us to not only promote public health at a local level but to aid our neighbors. We are all in this together.”