August 1, 2026 – (Branchburg, NJ) — The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is proud to announce that the Asociación de Estudiantes de Tecnología Veterinaria at Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM)–Barceloneta is the 2026 Student Chapter of the Year, and Rocio Paonessa of Vet Tech Institute Houston is the 2026 Student Advisor of the Year Award. The awards were presented during the NAVTA-sponsored luncheon at the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon.Each year, NAVTA recognizes the outstanding contributions of student chapters and their advisors from among more than 100 active NAVTA student chapters across the country. These chapters, based at AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs, provide students with meaningful opportunities for leadership, service, and professional growth. Each chapter is guided by a dedicated advisor—typically a credentialed veterinary professional—who helps shape the future of the profession by mentoring and supporting the next generation of veterinary technicians.
NAVTA gratefully acknowledges Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets for its continued support as the exclusive sponsor of the Student Chapter and Student Advisor of the Year Awards. Through Purina’s generosity, NAVTA is able to recognize exceptional student leaders and advisors with a $500 cash prize, a recognition plaque, a feature in the NAVTA Journal, and additional recognition for the Student Chapter of the Year, including complimentary chapter renewal and the opportunity to nominate a student to serve on the SCNAVTA Committee for one year.
Advisor of the Year
Rocio Paonessa, LVT, advisor of the Vet Tech Institute Houston SCNAVTA Chapter in Houston, Texas, is the 2026 NAVTA Student Advisor of the Year.
Paonessa is recognized for her unwavering commitment to student success and her ability to foster an environment where future veterinary technicians are encouraged to grow as leaders, professionals, and advocates for the profession. As both a faculty member and chapter advisor, she provides individualized guidance, creates meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning, and inspires students to pursue excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
“Ms. Paonessa consistently encourages students to take initiative and provides meaningful opportunities for us to grow as future veterinary technicians,” said student Meg Unruh. “She is always accessible for guidance and support, and her mentorship has had a lasting impact on our confidence and professional development.”
In addition to mentoring students academically, Paonessa encourages participation in chapter activities, professional networking, and community service while empowering students to take ownership of projects and develop leadership skills. Her dedication to veterinary technology education, combined with her passion for mentoring the next generation of credentialed veterinary technicians, has made a lasting impact on her students and chapter.
Paonessa’s commitment to education, mentorship, and the advancement of the profession exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding student chapter advisor and makes her a deserving recipient of this national recognition.
Chapter of the Year
The Asociación de Estudiantes de Tecnología Veterinaria at Universidad Ana G. Méndez–Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, is the 2026 NAVTA Student Chapter of the Year.
The chapter demonstrated exceptional commitment to veterinary technology education, community engagement, and One Health principles throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. Through a wide range of initiatives, students contributed to the care of more than 1,100 animals through vaccination, spay/neuter, and adoption efforts across Puerto Rico, including underserved communities with limited access to veterinary care.
These efforts were made possible through partnerships with organizations including Banfield, Boehringer Ingelheim, PetSmart Charities, MOSPBA, Vets for PR, and the Puerto Rico Department of Health, extending the chapter’s impact through clinical services, public education, disease prevention, and responsible pet ownership initiatives.
A strong emphasis on One Health and experiential learning was reflected throughout the chapter’s programming. Students participated in World Rabies Day outreach in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Health, helped educate communities about zoonotic disease prevention, gained hands-on experience in companion and large animal medicine, and participated in national conferences such as VMX to further their professional development.
Through its combination of community service, clinical training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the chapter has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and commitment to advancing the veterinary technology profession.
NAVTA congratulates Rocio Paonessa and the Asociación de Estudiantes de Tecnología Veterinaria at UAGM–Barceloneta on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to advancing the veterinary technology profession.
For more about NAVTA, visit www.navta.net
For more about NAVTA’s student chapters, visit https://navta.net/students/
