The CVM Staff Council is excited to highlight the 2018 CVM Staff Council Members in the February 2018 edition of CVM eNews. The Staff Council was established in 2012 with the main objective of providing a mechanism for non-academic staff to effectively provide input to College Leadership on matters relating to the work environment. There are currently ten spots on the Council, and elections are held annually beginning in October.

Are you interested in learning more about the CVM Staff Council?  Please visit our recently updated webpage!

Becky Callan (blc65)
Current Chair
CVM Staff Council Member since 2017

About me: Greetings! My name is Becky Callan and I am a Data Analyst within the Animal Health Diagnostic Center, where I have been for the past ten years. For the first seven years of my Cornell career, I worked as a bench technician in the fields of both toxicology and bacteriology. Four years ago, I made the decision to move out of the technical environment and into administration, which has allowed me to develop a completely new set of skills!

In my free time: I enjoy being outside! I absolutely love the Finger Lakes region - the lakes, the waterfalls, the state parks, and the weather! I really enjoy riding my bikes (road, mountain, and fatbike), and recently started getting into photography, though I would not call myself a photographer at this point! I think it would be fun to start an amateur photography social group at the College. Is anyone interested in joining me?

Why I joined Staff Council: I really love working for the College of Veterinary Medicine! As a member of the Staff Council, I hope to help highlight what an amazing employer the Veterinary College really is, and to remind staff members of the amazing benefits available to us! I took advantage of the educational benefits and love sharing my experiences; if you have questions or want to talk about this incredible benefit, please let me know!
 

Diane Kilts (dck3)
Current Vice-Chair
CVM Staff Council Member since 2017

About me: My name is Diane Kilts and I am the Lab Manager of the Serology/Immunology Laboratory at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center. The diagnostic testing we perform determines the infection status of various diseases of animals, most notably Lyme disease in horses and dogs, West Nile Virus in horses, and Salmonella in cows.

In my free time: I really enjoy drawing and painting, especially animals; I also enjoy drawing scenes from our beautiful surroundings. I have shown my work locally, and at the NY State Fair! My latest painting is of cows crossing an old, wooden railroad bridge in Freeville, N.Y.

Why I joined Staff Council: I joined the CVM Staff Council to be part of a larger environment that promotes a community spirit and supports staff engagement. As a member of the Staff Council Wellness sub-committee, I really enjoy coordinating events that help our participants achieve their wellness goals. It is fun to watch the friendly competition among participants, units, and departments! One of my goals is to bring more awareness to the benefits of exercise and fitness, and to make personal health a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If you have ideas or suggestions for wellness related events, please feel welcome to share them with me.
 

Marie de Roos (mld52)
Current Treasurer
CVM Staff Council Member since 2017

About me: Hi, I am Marie de Roos and I have been at the College of Veterinary Medicine for almost twelve years. My primary responsibility is to provide administrative support to the staff and Director of the Accounting Service Center.  From processing credit cards and depositing checks/cash to staring down the copier, until it releases the paper jam, to keeping us well stocked in paper clips, I will do whatever it takes to keep the office humming along contentedly!

In my free time: I enjoy listening to music, reading, and baking, which is always more fun than housework.

Why I joined Staff Council: My decision to run for Staff Council sprang from a desire to expand my world at the Veterinary College. I want to connect with others, find out what they need, and help make things happen!
 

Jessica Bailey (jlp86)
CVM Staff Council Member since 2018

About me: My name is Jessica Bailey and I work within the discharge office of the Small Animal hospital at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. I have been here for the past year and I love it.

In my free time: I love reading and spending time with my family.

Why I joined Staff Council:  I joined Staff Council to be part of the difference :)
 

Mary Cuamba (mz478)
CVM Staff Council Member since 2018

About me: My name is Mary Cuamba and I am a member of the receiving department at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center, where I have been for the past year. Our unit is tasked with receiving and accessioning all samples submitted to the Diagnostic Center, then distributing the samples to the appropriate lab units for testing. I thoroughly enjoy the learning opportunity this position has provided me, and it warms my heart to serve the animal community and to know we are making a lasting impact on their lives.

In my free time: I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and appreciating Cayuga Lake!

Why I joined Staff Council: I became interested in the CVM Staff Council because of my passion to serve and make a positive impact in my surrounding community. Prior to starting at Cornell, I spent time in Africa teaching English and Biology to eleventh graders, and working for various NGOs.
 

John Graves (jg568)
CVM Staff Council Member since 2018

About me: My name is John Graves, and I have been at the College of Veterinary Medicine for the past two years. I currently serve as the Director of Educational Support Services, which is a team that provides support for innovative teaching and learning to the faculty, researchers, and staff that are preparing veterinarians and scientists to serve society in critical roles.

In my free time: You can find me behind a drum kit supporting a local band or teeing it up at a local golf course.

Why I joined Staff Council: My interest was piqued after hearing the enthusiasm from previous members. I believe in the mission of the Council, and look forward to having an impact across the college.
 

Rebecca Harman (rmh12)
CVM Staff Council Member since 2018

About me: My name is Rebecca Harman and I am a research support specialist who works as the Lab Manager for Dr. Gerlinde Van de Walle at the Baker Institute for Animal Health. I really enjoy the diversity of my daily tasks; I manage the lab, serve as the technical contact for common use equipment at the Institute, supervise undergraduate students, and help support the Ph.D. students and post docs in the lab. I also am responsible for a major line of research in the lab and am heavily involved in grant writing and manuscript preparation associated with that project.

In my free time: I enjoy doing anything active that gets me outside, as well as practicing the French horn, and I am currently enrolled as a Ph.D. candidate in the field of immunology and infectious disease through the Employee Degree Program!

Why I joined Staff Council: I have enjoyed the educational and health benefits of being a Cornell employee for many years, and I look forward to working with other Council members to ensure that staff members at the College of Veterinary Medicine continue to have access to opportunities that make their jobs engaging and fulfilling.
 

Jacque Nelson-Harrington (jln23)
CVM Staff Council Member since 2017

About me: My name is Jacque Nelson-Harrington and I am research support specialist working as a lab manager in the Travis Lab at the Baker Institute, where I have been since 2002. The Baker Institute is dedicated to the study of veterinary infectious diseases, immunology, genetics, and reproduction. You can learn more about what we do in the next eNews Spotlight!

In my free time: I bartend at the Ithaca Ale House on Thursday nights, and I am a season ticket holder to the Buffalo Bills. I have three beagles named Beatrice, Miggi, and Bonnie, and I really enjoy exercising and participating in events like the Tough Mudder!

Why I joined Staff Council: My goal as a Staff Council member is to help facilitate communication between research personnel and college leadership.
 

Kim Salino (kas19)
CVM Staff Council Member since 2016

About me: My name is Kim Salino and I work in the Facilities Office of the Veterinary College. I have been an administrative assistant for the department for just over 25 years, and will be celebrating my 30^th anniversary at Cornell this October. I provide support to the staff of the facilities office, which includes everyone from the director to the shipping/receiving clerks.

In my free time: I love spending time with my grandchildren, my horse, and my new mini-donkey! I like to knit, scrapbook, and decorate cakes.

Why I joined Staff Council: I thought joining the Staff Council would be a great way to get involved at a higher level, and to help enrich the work life for my colleagues and myself. My goal is to help build a stronger sense of community at the college, which is why I really enjoy organizing both educational and social events! Do you have ideas or suggestions for educational based events? Please feel welcome to share them with me!
 

Katie Stevens (kah46)
CVM Staff Council Member since 2017

About me: My name is Katie Stevens and I work in the large animal surgery department at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. I assist with surgical procedures on horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and many more! I set up for surgeries, help induce the animals under general anesthesia, assist during the procedures, and clean up.

In my free time: I enjoy running, kayaking, and drinking wine - not all at the same time, though!

Why I joined Staff Council:  I joined Staff Council because I want to do more for college staff!
 

Next month, the Spotlight will be on the Baker Institute. Do you have ideas or suggestions for an upcoming Spotlight? Email us at cvmstaffcouncil@cornell.edu!