Speaking the Language: Contracts, Equity, and the Future of Vet Med

Isaac Brownstein

Communications & Marketing Consultant

With almost 2 decades of dedicated service in the veterinary industry, Isaac’s journey started with a small animal practice in upstate New York. He acted as practice manager for over a decade where he developed a passion for veterinary-specific crisis communications. He then worked for IDEXX for several years, helping to mediate laboratory-specific issues on behalf of both IDEXX and its clients. Having spent a significant amount of his life in the veterinary profession, Isaac has a unique talent for communicating with veterinarians and their clients. For Isaac, the veterinary profession isn’t just a career; it’s a fundamental part of his identity.

Kara Cobb

Paralegal & Transaction Coordinator

Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Raritan Valley Community College’s highly respected and ABA approved program
Communications Studies B.A. from Rowan University
Previously worked for a multi-doctor small animal veterinary hospital for 15 years
Multi-purpose role at VBA serving as your personal guide through all aspects of the veterinary practice sale.
Direct line of contact with Dr. Lacroix to swiftly address and resolve any questions, issues or concerns throughout the process.
Acts as a liaison between seller and corporate buyers to save you time and streamline the bidding process.
Walks you through both the financial and legal due diligence requests.
Assists you with gathering and organizing all the information and documentation needed about your hospital vendors and contracts, equipment, business insurance, employee benefits, licenses and permits, and more in preparation for working on your transaction documents.
Helps you and your managers prepare for closing and facilitate a smooth transition.

Katie Hemmendinger, JD, MBA

Associate Attorney

Earned her dual JD/MBA degrees from Seton Hall University
Earned her bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University
Extensive experience negotiating and drafting a wide range of transactions including acquisitions, stock-purchase agreements, leases, real estate purchase and sale agreements, service contracts, and construction contracts
Previous experience as an associate at law firms and in-house legal departments specializing in transactions and real estate

Luke Hornblower, JD, LL.M

Associate Attorney

Earned his JD degree with honors in Corporate Law concentration from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2012
Earned his LL.M degree in Securities and Financial Regulation, with distinction, from Georgetown University Law Center in 2013
Previous law firm and in-house experience assisting clients with business and regulatory needs
Near native French and advanced Russian skills

Cindy Belvisi, LL.M

Associate Attorney

Earned her Master of Laws in French and Anglo-American law with a focus in Business Law from Université Paris Nanterre in 2005
Earned her Master of Laws (LL.M) in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2005
Previously worked as a legal consultant at the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society for the Africa Program
More than 15 years of experience as an attorney assisting clients with their corporate and employment business needs
Fluent in French and Italian

Kellie Olah, CVPM, SPHR, SHRM-CP, CVBL

Practice Management & Human Resources Consultant

Kellie Olah, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CVPM is a seasoned Human Resources Consultant and thought leader specializing in veterinary and healthcare HR operations. With over 20 years of progressive experience, Kellie serves as a trusted advisor to veterinary practices and small businesses nationwide, helping them build stronger teams, foster healthy workplace cultures, and navigate complex employment challenges. Kellie holds three respected certifications—Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)—which uniquely position her at the intersection of compliance, leadership development, and industry-specific insight. She is known for her practical, compassionate approach to HR, offering hands-on guidance in areas such as employee relations, performance management, handbook development, and conflict resolution. As a consultant with Veterinary Business Advisors, Inc., Kellie partners with hospitals to establish foundational HR infrastructure, coach leaders through difficult personnel matters, and design strategies that align with both business goals and employee well-being. Her work emphasizes communication, culture-building, and fair, legally sound employment practices. Whether supporting a solo practitioner or a multi-location veterinary group, Kellie brings deep industry knowledge and an unwavering commitment to helping veterinary teams thrive.

Charlotte Lacroix, DVM, JD

Founder & CEO

Earned her DVM in 1988 from University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, completed a large-animal internship at the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada), and worked at an equine medical and surgical referral practice serving northern New Jersey
Earned her JD in 1997 from the University of Pennsylvania Law School
Is in-demand as a speaker around the world, frequently presenting at conferences hosted by NAVC, AVMA, WMPG, VMG, AAHA, Viticus Group (formerly WVC), and other major veterinary associations, along with numerous radio and TV appearances
Contributes regularly to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, NAVC’s Today’s Veterinary Practice and Veterinary Practice News, and publications from AAHA, Veterinary Clinics of North America and Veterinary Economics-DVM360
Is past president of NAVC and also has served in leadership roles for AVMA, AAHA, AAEP, NJAEP, NJVMA, and PVMA
Serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Jan Woods

Regulatory & Practice Operational Consultant

More than 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, including as practice owner and hospital administrator
Consults with veterinarians nationally in various risk and practice management areas. Her areas of expertise encompass compliance with DEA regulations, as well as other state and federal regulations, clinic and hospital practice management & operations, finance and marketing.
Served as a two-time President of Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance (VSPA).
Received the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Southern Arizona “Woman Business Owner of the Year” award
Key Opinion Leader for Zoetis Animal Health
RACE-approved nationwide speaker, including for AVMLA, AVMA, and state VMA conferences, as well as Zoetis, Epicur, Stokes, Cubex, and multiple other companies and organizations

Speaking the Language: Contracts, Equity, and the Future of Vet Med

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