Laressa has been an advocate for the veterinary technology profession since graduating with an A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology degree from Parkland College in 1997. She then moved to the Bay Area and worked as an RVT in research and academia before returning to small animal general practice. She has a B.A.S. in Combined Clinical and Hospital Management in Veterinary Technology degree from St. Petersburg College and is currently in the Master of Veterinary Clinical Care program at Lincoln Memorial University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a part-time faculty at Foothill College where she teaches in the Veterinary Technology program. She is also active in various veterinary technology associations and committees outside of work, currently serving as the CVMA Alternate Delegate to the House of Delegates, Program Advisory Board member for the Veterinary Technology Programs at both Foothill College and Carrington College, and as an AALAS Education Committee member. Laressa joined the team at BAVS in 2023. She strives to support our hospital team to ensure that we provide the utmost in veterinary care to all of our patients.