A Mentorship Spotlight
At MentorVet, we believe that mentorship is more than just guidance—it's a relationship built on trust, shared experiences, and mutual growth. Whether you're just starting in your veterinary journey or you've been in the field for years, mentorship has the power to shape careers, build confidence, and create lasting bonds.
One of the most powerful aspects of mentorship is that it benefits both the mentee and the mentor. It's a two-way street where everyone involved grows, learns, and finds deeper meaning in their work. Through our MentorVet Tech program, we’ve seen these connections come to life in incredible ways.
Today, we’re excited to highlight the inspiring mentor-mentee duo of Paige Allen, MS, RVT and Melissa Albert, RVT. Through their participation in MentorVet, Paige and Melissa have formed a strong bond that goes beyond ridget, professional support. In this article, we’ll hear directly from both of them as they share how their relationship has grown, the lessons they've learned from each other, and how mentorship has enriched their personal and professional lives.
Paige Allen, MS, RVT - Mentor
“I started in a mixed animal practice in Nebraska in 1984. In 1986, I moved to Indiana and started a job in the Purdue University Large Animal Hospital. I worked there until 1996 when I transitioned to the Director of Central Supply for the Purdue VTH. In 1999, I was recruited to help start the Purdue VNDL program. I spent my last 5 years at Purdue as the Head Academic Advisor for the Veterinary Nursing Students. I retired from Purdue in 2023 but remain active in the profession. I have been content advisor for the NAVC HiVE events, co-edited McCurnin's 11th edition (due out in 2025), and continue to speak at conferences.”
Melissa Albert, RVT - Mentee
“I have always known I wanted to be in the vet field, especially as a technician. I wasn't able to go to college right out of high school but when the opportunity became available I went for it! I have been an equine RVT for 7 years and can't imagine doing anything else. I grew up with horses, and was active in county 4-H so I was automatically drawn to equine and large animal vet medicine. I am fortunate to work for the clinic that took care of my horse when I was younger so it is an honor to work alongside the vet that inspired my love for vet med early on.”
Why Choose Mentorship
The ‘why’ for Paige becoming a mentor:
“I love this profession and wanted to continue to support others in the profession, and positively grow our world. There are so few of us large animal techs out there and to be able to listen, empathize, and support those still working in the trenches has been so rewarding. It also helps me to continue to grow and learn. I have gained so much from this program and the people who have allowed me to come into their lives and support them.” - Paige
Why did Melissa choose MentorVet for support?
“I was introduced to MentorVet Tech early last summer when I saw an article about it in the AAEVT weekly email. Scholarships were being offered, I applied and was awarded one. Being an ambulatory equine RVT is isolating at times so I liked the idea of meeting other RVTs in the field. While I did get to meet other RVTs, the personal and professional growth while going through the course was so beneficial to me. The course made me dig deep and highlighted areas that I was weak in, especially self-care. I am happy that I took the offer to have a professional mentor and chose Paige. She has been helpful, an advocate in my corner, and given great advice, but most importantly, I am so lucky to call her a friend.
During one of our Zoom meetings, Paige recommended I become a mentor. At first I thought, ‘Who me?’ but I really want to be a part of a group that personally was so helpful to me, and want to help other RVTs if possible.”
How Paige supports:
“A challenging case (euthanasia) of an equine patient came up with my mentee that really touched her so she texted me out of the blue and asked if we could talk. I listened, supported, and encouraged her to remember the positive aspects of a very difficult situation. We have all been there and to have her trust me enough to be vulnerable and share her raw emotions about the situation was truly and humbling experience.”
How mentorship has helped Melissa:
“Paige has taught me that taking care of myself is important. It isn't being selfish, it is needed so I can be the best RVT I can be. I always put myself last and Paige has really helped me to see how damaging that can be at times. She made me go and get my first massage ever as a homework assignment, lol!”
What are the most enjoyable aspects of mentoring and what have you learned?
“Building new friendships and relationships and celebrating the victories have been the best part of mentoring with MentorVet and I’ve learned it is okay to NOT have all the answers. We work through things together and come up with solutions/ideas that work for her. Be true to yourself, trust yourself, and know your limits!” - Paige
What ‘words of wisdom’ has Paige shared with you that have really hit close to home?
“To take care of myself! As RVTs we are so consumed by taking care of our clients, patients, co-workers and family that we tend to put ourselves last on the list. Paige made it "ok" to move myself up on my care list. Paige and I live about 4 hours apart so we both are looking forward to meeting each other in person sometime this Spring!” - Melissa
Why Volunteer at MentorVet?
“Mentoring is an opportunity for both sides to grow, learn and connect with others in this amazing community. We need to support each other in this world. Nobody does it alone.” - Paige
Whether you're offering guidance or seeking it, mentorship has the power to transform not only careers, but lives. As we continue to build a more supportive and sustainable veterinary community, stories like Paige and Melissa’s show us just how impactful mentorship can be—when we lift each other up, we all rise.