Ria Acciani received her Masters in Physical Therapy degree from University of St.Augustine, Florida. She has over 25 years of experience in both human and Canine Physical Therapy. She received her CCRP from UTN and was the first Physical Therapist, along with her husband, in New Jersey to practice on dogs. Ria owns and operates the Advanced Canine Rehabilitation Center, a practice that focuses on orthopedic and sports rehabilitation and specializes in performance and sporting dogs. She travels extensively to national and international dog competitions and works with top level competitors. She is the OLicial Therapist for the AKC US World Team, IFCS US Agility Team, WAO US Agility Team, and has travelled with these teams since 2010. Ria conducts instructional seminars on a variety of topics for dog handlers and educates them on how to prevent injury and enhance performance within their sport. Ria worked closely with Dr. Sherman Canapp and VOSM to establish the rehabilitation protocol for various shoulder elbow and pelvic limb conditions. She has published works in Veterinary Surgery, Veterinary Clinics of North America, and articles in Clean Run. She has presented at STAAR (since 2010), IAVRPT, ARSIG/APTA, and SCIVAC. She is a former Board Member for ARSIG/APTA and a member of AARV. When not working Ria is active with swimming, pilates and yoga. She loves to spend time with her 3 Border Collies, hiking and playing. Ria and David have 3 children, 2 in college and a junior in high school, and all 3 are very active in sports.

Dr. Kara Amstutz is presenting on behalf of the Canine Rehab Institute (CRI) and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Dr. Kara Amstutz was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. After completing a Biology degree at Missouri State University, she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2000. She started Hometown Veterinary Hospital in 2002, growing quickly over the following years. In 2013, Dr. Amstutz became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through Canine Rehabilitation Institute. The following year, Dr. Amstutz became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. Then, in 2019 she became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. These advanced certifications allowed Dr. Amstutz to found River Canine Rehabilitation and transition her daily practice to rehabilitation and pain management cases only.

In 2022, Dr. Amstutz became the new owner and CEO of Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), a postgraduate rehabilitation and acupuncture certification program for veterinarians, physical therapists, and veterinary nurses. Dr. Amstutz is a lead instructor for multiple courses offered through CRI. Dr. Amstutz is also the CEO of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE), an online platform for veterinary health professionals and pet owners that helps care for dogs with osteoarthritis.

Dr. Amstutz became a Diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2023.

Dr. Amstutz lectures nationally and internationally about osteoarthritis, the business of canine rehabilitation, and rehabilitation therapy. Looking into the future, Dr. Amstutz will continue her education and veterinary practice efforts focusing on sports medicine, pain management, and mobility. She loves to travel with her husband and four children in her free time.

Laurie Edge-Hughes obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta in 1993 and has since focused her post-graduate training on orthopedics, osteopathy, acupuncture, and animal rehabilitation. Additionally, she completed her Master of Animal Studies in Animal Physiotherapy through the University of Queensland (Australia)in 2006. Laurie taught the first canine physiotherapy/physical therapy courses in Canada (1999), the USA(1999), and Australia (2001). She has been involved in the Animal RehabDivision since its inception in 1994 and teaches canine physiotherapy and rehabilitation courses for the Animal Rehab Division (ARD) of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). Additionally, she holds the position of Advocacy Lead for the ARD and is chair of the Registry of Allied Animal Health Practitioners of Canada. www.FourLeg.com, an online educational platform for continuing education in canine rehabilitation / physiotherapy. Laurie co-owns and practices out of the Canine Fitness Centre Ltd (www.caninefitness.com) in Calgary, Alberta.

Dr. Beate Egner is presenting on behalf of the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Education

• 1986 – 1991; Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich

• 1991 – 1994; PhD, Surgical Animal Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich

  Thesis: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs – Cardiac Changes and Recurrence Prevention

  via Gastropexy

• 1995; Marketing Management, Management Center Europe, Brussels

Clinical & Academic Focus

• Since 1994 - Veterinary Practice (Small Animals & Horses) – Focus: Hemodynamic Disease, Cardiology, Hypertension

• 1994 - Externship – Cardiology & Hypertensiology, Animal Medical Center, New York

• Since 1998

  • Ongoing Research:

    • Blood pressure in companion animals, sport dogs and equine athletes, zoo and

    wildlife animals

    • PWA and cardiovascular effects of pain, anesthesia, and exercise

    • External PhD supervision (LMU Munich, TiHo Hannover)

Scientific & Industry Roles

• 1995 – 1999 - European Scientific Marketing Manager – Veterinary Pharma

• Since 1998 - Founding Member, International Blood Pressure Forum

• Since 1999- Active Memberships:

  • DVG – Cardiology Section

  • BVCS (British Veterinary Cardiology Society)

  • ESVC (European Society of Veterinary Cardiology)

• Since 2002 - Member, ACVIM Hypertension Consensus Group

• 2009 – 2017 - Scientific Committee Member, European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM)

• Since 2019 - Member, International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT)

• Since 2020 - Founder, VAHL Award – Best Abstracts in Equine & Canine Rehabilitation (ECVSMR)

Entrepreneurship & Leadership

• Since 2000 - Founder, Schloss-Seminar – now: Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning (VAHL); Freelance Consultant & Lecturer – Cardiology, Hypertension, PWA, Scientific Marketing

  Strategy

• Since 2002 - Founder and Board Member, Veterinary Blood Pressure Society (VBPS)

• Since 2005 - Founder, CEO & President, VBS GmbH; Global education partner of the University of Tennessee outside North America

• Since 2022 - Founder, CEO & President, VAHL GmbH and VBS Holding GmbH

• Since 2022 - Appointed: Exclusive Global Partner for Veterinary Education & Marketing, University of Tennessee (incl. USA/CAN)

Publication of several text books, articles, and papers in peer-reviewed journals (available upon request)

Dr. Lindsey Fry grew up in Boulder, Colorado and attended Colorado State University for veterinary school. As a veterinary student, she became certified in medical veterinary acupuncture, and her passion for pain management and mobility was sparked. 

She completed her rehabilitation training and certification (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee in 2011, and became a certified veterinary pain practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy for Pain Management (IVAPM) in 2013. She went on to serve as board member of the IVAPM and subsequently as treasurer.

Dr. Fry practices in Fort Collins, CO where she focuses on an integrative approach to pain and mobility management in a wide variety of patients, offering regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, palliative care, sports medicine, and pain management. In 2023 she achieved board certification through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (DACVSMR).

Dr. Fry has published on acupuncture, pain management, iliopsoas injury in agility dogs, palliative care, and continues to have a special interest in pain management in complex cases and a multimodal approach to keeping pets active and mobile. She enjoys teaching and lecturing with a variety of organizations and continues to pursue research in pain management, sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Dr. Fry lives in Fort Collins with her husband and two adventurous daughters and a full menagerie of pets.

Dr. Jana Gams is presenting on behalf of the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Jana Gams, DVM, CCRP is a veterinarian and the founder of Dogs4motion Canine Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine in Slovenia, Europe, where she leads a multidisciplinary team focused on rehabilitation, performance conditioning, and recovery strategies for dogs of all life stages and activity levels—from post-injury recoveries to elite canine athletes preparing for top-level competitions such as the World Agility, FCI Obedience, and IGP Championships.

She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana in 2017 and completed the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) program through the University of Tennessee in 2019. Jana frequently lectures at events across Europe and internationally, and serves as an instructor in both the CCRP and CCFT programs, sharing her expertise in functional recovery, performance optimization, and injury prevention.

An active competitor herself in agility and FCI obedience at the international level, Jana brings a unique dual perspective to her work—blending real-world experience in dog sports with advanced clinical knowledge. Through the Dogs4motion Academy, she creates educational resources for dog owners, trainers, and professionals around the world, empowering them with evidence-based, practical knowledge to support their dogs’ movement and well-being.

Dawn Rector is presenting on behalf of the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Dawn H. Rector, LVMT, VTS (Physical Rehab), CCRP, CVPP, CCFT graduated from Columbia State Community College with an AAS in Veterinary Technology. After a one-year internship at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, earning the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) title, she was employed at Animalia Health and Wellness in Franklin, TN and was instrumental in the development of their rehabilitation practice. In 2014, Dawn moved to Knoxville to become the lead technician in the Small Animal Rehabilitation Department at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed the University of Tennessee’s Companion Animal Pain Management Certificate Program in 2016. In 2017, she became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) and a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT) . Dawn earned her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) title in Physical Rehabilitation in 2018. She completed the University of Tennessee’s Osteoarthritis Case Manager Certificate Program in 2020 and received special training in Canine Myofascial Trigger Points through Myopain Seminars.

As an instructor in both the CCRP and CCFT programs, she enjoys teaching and spreading her love and enthusiasm for animal rehabilitation with students. Dawn is a member of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV), Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians (APRVT), International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT). International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM), National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and the Tennessee Veterinary Technician Association (TVTA). Her particular areas of interest in physical rehabilitation include working dogs, fitness and conditioning, myofascial issues, geriatrics, neurology and pain management.

Kirsty Oliver is presenting on behalf of NC State/NES and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Kirsty Oliver is an English trained Veterinary Nurse who holds an Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (surgical). Having dedicated the first half of her career to nursing surgical and orthopaedic patients, Kirsty qualified in veterinary rehabilitation (CCRP) in 2005. In 2010, she added CVPP (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner) through the IVAPM. Kirsty joined VSC/VSCR in 2016 after spending 14 years at a large veterinary hospital in New Jersey.

In 2018, she obtained her VTS in Physical Rehabilitation with the APRVT (Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians). In 2022, Kirsty was invited to become an instructor for the new CCAT Rehabilitation Program through NE Seminars and NC State.

Kirsty has a passion for manual therapy and myofascial treatment to help patients move better after injury. When she isn't working, Kirsty lives with her hubby, 3 cats, 4 chickens, and 2 bee hives in the mountains of West Virgina.

coming soon

Dr. Kirk Peck is presenting on behalf of the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Dr. Peck received a BS degree in Exercise Science from Kansas State University, a Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center and PhD from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.  His clinical expertise involves treating sports and orthopedic related conditions in humans, horses, and dogs, in addition to providing physical therapy for the Native American population in an ambulatory clinic governed by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.  Dr. Peck is past President (2013-19) of the Animal Physical Therapy Special Interest Group of the APTA Orthopedic Academy of Physical Therapy, and current SIG liaison to the World Physiotherapy Animal PT Network. He is a core instructor for a certification program in equine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee, and instructor for Sierra Peaks Animal Rehabilitation, Denver, Colorado, focused on canine physical therapy.  Dr. Peck serves on the Board of a non-profit organization, Ignite for Equine Athletes, spearheading several national and international presentations on horse and rider biomechanics.  He also serves on the editorial board of an Elsevier publication entitled, “Journal of Equine Rehabilitation”.  Dr. Peck is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Creighton University, Omaha, NE, where he teaches in the realm of clinical exercise physiology, health & wellness, healthcare systems, and political advocacy for the profession of physical therapy.  He is also the current Chair of the Licensure Board of Physical Therapy in Nebraska.

Dr. Jaime Pickett is presenting on behalf of Equusir and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Dr. Jaime Pickett is a well-respected and visionary Executive in the Veterinary Medicine profession with expertise in driving strategic vision, organizational effectiveness, and comprehensive veterinary care within innovative business models. Dr. Pickett has a long and successful track record of spearheading business growth, setting long-term goals, and steering mission-critical planning, utilizing a keen focus on strategic thinking, adaptability, and optimizing operations. She is a team collaborator and motivator as a CEO, CMO, COO, and Board member. Dr. Pickett has owned and managed multiple business franchises, ensuring effective business operations, maximizing profitability, and fostering a culture of excellence to drive growth.  

Dr. Pickett holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from St. George’s University and a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Pickett has completed the Executive Education program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  She continues to mentor and develop young professionals into leaders; contributes to the Hopkins Athletic Leadership Program, serves on the UF CVM Admissions Committee, and holds a lifetime membership in the Dean’s Circle of Excellence. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Pickett entered the veterinary rehabilitation field a year ago by beginning her CCRP training.  She is currently the CMO for EQUUSIR, a medical device with three medical therapies, including photobiomodulation, infrared-B, and EMF. 

Elena Saltis received her undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy at Ohio State University. She started PhysiotherapyNZ Limited, a prominent, successful, multi-clinic human Physio business in the South Island of New Zealand. She went on to obtain her certificate in canine rehabilitation (CCRT) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI). After graduating she continued to hone her skills, attending post graduate courses at CRI, further study through the Australian Physiotherapy Association - Special Interest Group, and multiple internships at various facilities. Elena went on to become an instructor for CRI in both the US and Australia, and presented at numerous international conferences.

Elena is passionate about giving back and imparting her therapy skills on animals most in need. She established a rehabilitation clinic in Spain in partnership with the Galgo Rescue sanctuary. She started Street Tails, a charity providing veterinary and physical therapy services to the pets of people who are homeless. Also, she developed Canine NeuroPark Charity Trust, a private rehabilitation and enrichment park in Christchurch, New Zealand.