our team
Karen Aiken, DVM
CEO & FOUNDER
meet karen
Began her professional career as an equine practitioner at a referral hospital in Northern California. After leaving practice Karen joined Veterinary Learning Systems as a Project Manager, developed training materials for the international side of veterinary pharmaceuticals company, was the Director of Development and Public Relations at The Animal Medical Center (NYC), and the Director of Special Projects for ElevateDVM (Gloyd Group). Her diverse experience and passion for veterinary communications led her to founding Embark Consulting Group in 2020.
technical assistants
Millie - Cuddle-bug
AussieBerneDoodle
Mabel - Crazy-cute BorDoodle
fun
Running, skiing, reading, yoga, attempting some understanding of loveable doodles, friends/family
Laura Barton
ART DIRECTOR
meet laura
Kicked off her design career in the suburbs of Philadelphia working for an ad agency, a type house and the Franklin Mint. Soon she went out on her own as Barton Design creating branding, advertising and marketing for clients ranging in size from start-ups to international corporations. Balancing her graphic design career and her painting career has been professionally rewarding.
current favorite quotes
“Never hesitate to trade in your cow for a handful of magic beans.”
– Tom Robbins
“No mud, no lotus.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“If you love it, do it.” – Laura Barton
fun
Hiking, skiing, traveling, reading, hanging with friends
Robin Hipple
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
meet robin
Worked in medical and veterinary publishing for more years than she cares to admit, starting with science/medical textbook and journal editing at Academic Press and WB Saunders. Made the moo-ve to veterinary medicine as a special projects editor at Veterinary Learning Systems, and, for the past 20+ years as a writer and editor at ElevateDVM/Gloyd Group. Known for her cool and calm demeanor under pressure, she enjoys seeing a project through from start to finish and exceeding client expectations.
technical assistants
Silk - sassy, totally spoiled Russian Blue
fun
Skiing, being on or in the water, gardening, petting the cat, landscape photography
Sonya Hennessy
MEETINGS
meet sonya
Began her career in the veterinary industry in 1997 when Elevate DVM (Gloyd Group) was founded. Her In-depth computer savvy and strong people skills result in an adept ability to handle speaker presentation and web technology, as well as serving as a technology liaison in both text and graphic development, while seamlessly coordinating meeting details. Sonya also served as Association Manager for the Companion Animal Parasite Council for 10 years. Sonya is Partner of Sease Management and serves as Executive Director of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians as well as the Association Manager for the American Heartworm Society.
technical assistant
Tucker - Golden Retriever mix
fun
Spending time with family & friends, cooking, games
Lisa Scott
MEETINGS
meet lisa
Prior to joining Elevate DVM (Gloyd Group) at its inception in 1997, Lisa’s various work experiences included Director of HR for a large commercial real estate firm in Dallas and a wedding planner! As the Manager of the Meetings Division, Lisa planned meetings and events throughout the US, Canada and Europe. For the past 10 years she also worked as the Association Manager and Triennial Symposium Coordinator for the American Heartworm Society. Currently, Lisa is Partner of Sease Management, LLC and Executive Director of the American Heartworm Society.
technical assistants
Kai - Lab/Border Collie Granddog
Hank - Great Dane mix Granddog
Remi - Great Pyrenees/GS Granddog
fun
Grandchildren, cooking, home décor, travel, friends
Steve Babbitt
WEB DEVELOPMENT / IT
meet steve
With over 20 years as a Web, Information Technology and Marketing Specialist, Steve has a wealth of experience. Since 1997 he has led Mile3, a web development, management and maintenance company that has been recognized for doing exceptional work and offering great support. With a mission to keep up with emerging technology, Steve is versed in Drupal, WordPress, Joomla!, Squarespace, Shopify, Wix and Weebly.
best recommendation
Steve is an expert web developer who really knows what he is doing. He came through for me when the stakes were high and pressure was immense - he definitely has what it takes to get the job done.
-Tony Robbins
Internationally acclaimed speaker and author
fun
Reading, writing, travel
Brent Altomare
VIDEO PRODUCTION
meet brent
Producer, editor, & colorist, Brent has been in the field of video production for over 20 years. As the founder of Groovy Like a Movie, and now 1Post, Brent has been working behind the scenes in veterinary communications and bringing projects to life, including virtual learning, marketing video, b-roll, KOL meetings, animation and more.
technical assistant
Jet - the Tortoise (enough said)
fun
Movies, bouldering, video games, food
Kathy Gloyd, DVM
STRATEGIC CONSULTANT
meet kathy
A consultant who has been actively involved in planning and implementing veterinary continuing education and focused communications for more than 30 years, working with academics, professional organizations, and industry. Following private practice in central Florida, Kathy joined Hill's Pet Nutrition, prior to a move to Veterinary Learning Systems, where she served as vice president. Kathy was the founder of Elevate DVM (formerly The Gloyd Group), a company dedicated to all aspects of veterinary continuing education. She has a special interest in helping veterinary organizations with strategic and long-term planning.
technical assistants
Isabella, Marco Polo, and Phillip - sibling kitties raised by the Gloyd Family
fun
Reading, church, community volunteerism, traveling for fun