executive director before retiring nearly two years ago, asked about her interest in serving on the Board of Trustees. " I had done some leadership training workshops and I guess that put me on his radar. " I'm excited that we have Dr. Hawkins as our executive director, " Dr. Nowell said. " She's great and it's good to have a woman here. " The new president found a valuable friend and mentor in her first Banfield job in Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Hix. " Dr. Hix has been a big influence on me in terms of how I practice medicine, " Dr. Nowell said. " She is a great leader and she has taught me a lot, although she is no longer with Banfield. She helped me grow as a doctor and a person. " One of my hobbies is woodworking, " the new SCVMA president said. " I've built several small furniture pieces for our home. My most recent build was a 'Little Free Library' for our front yard. " I also enjoy teaching and am a preceptor for fourth-year veterinary students from Western. They can do a four-week general practice elective with me for school credit. I have also hosted several RVT students during their clinical rotations. " Dr. Nowell's father is retired after a career in construction. " I'm one of four kids. I have an older sister and two younger twin brothers. Neither of my parents went to college. " My older sister has an MBA and started her own accounting company. One of my brothers is a neurologist with fellowship training in movement disorders. The other brother is a computer programmer for Amazon. " P " I've built several small furniture pieces for our home. My most recent build was a 'Little Free Library' for our front yard. " - Megan Nowell, DVM 12 JANUARY 2023 PULSE