 |
| Symposium
Seminar Biographies |
| Toni Cotton, DVM, Veterinarian and Alpaca Owner
|
|
Dr. Toni Cotton attended the University of Findlay for her undergraduate work, then graduate studies in veterinary medicine at The Ohio State University from 1986-1990. She spent one-year in Morocco as a veterinarian for the Peace Corps. She returned to private practice in 1991 with Dr. Gary Cotton (now her husband) at the Animal Medical Center of Findlay. Dr. Toni Cotton took over the few camelid clients at the time and became so busy that she started her own specialty practice, Camelid Veterinary Services, in 1994. During her years of Camelid practice in Ohio, she focused on reproduction and neonatal care. She was an instructor at the continuing education courses taught at The Ohio State University while she practiced in Ohio. In June, 2006 Dr. Cotton and her family relocated to Ridgway, Colorado. Dr. Cotton has started a new referral practice in Ridgway called the Camelid Reproduction Center of the Western Slope. She manages Suris of the Western Slope and the Camelid Reproduction Center in Ridgway, home to 60 camelids. She has spoken both regionally and internationally on Camelid Reproduction and health issues. She recently co-authored a book, Neonatal Care for Camelids, with Drs. Anderson and Whitehead. She continues to offer neonatal classes and reproductive training classes for veterinarians from her Ridgway location and at select courses throughout the United States.
|
|
| | Robert Van Saun, DVM, MS, Professor, Penn State University
|
|
Robert Van Saun received his DVM degree from Michigan State University in 1982. He practiced in northern New York in a predominately dairy practice prior to returning to Michigan State to complete a MS degree in nutrition (1988) and a residency in theriogenology (reproduction). Dr. Van Saun completed a PhD program in ruminant nutrition from Cornell University (1993). He is board certified diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and American College of Veterinary Nutrition. Dr. Van Saun was on faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine Oregon State University from (1992-2000) and worked with the dairy and small ruminant (sheep, goats, camelids) industries in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Van Saun has completed research projects dealing with vitamin D, hepatic lipidosis, and trace mineral nutrition in llamas and alpacas. Dr. Van Saun joined the Penn State faculty in 2000 as an extension veterinarian and is currently a Professor of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Robert provides extension programs across species on various nutrition, animal health and reproductive topics regionally, nationally and internationally. He is responsible for teaching courses on parasitology and pathology of nutritional diseases. His research interests include the role of nutrition in animal health and performance, especially pregnancy nutrition, and improving diagnostic tests to evaluate nutritional status. He authored the nutrition chapter for the Complete Alpaca book and recently published articles describing nutritional requirements for llamas and alpacas that have been incorporated into the new NRC publication.
|
|
| | Brett Kaysen, PhD, Professor, Colorado State University
|
Brett Kaysen has been an influence in the Alpaca Community on many levels since 2001 when he brought his professional animal science background to the alpaca livestock industry. He travels coast-to-coast teaching seminars on alpacas consisting of classroom presentations as well as “hands-on” workshops. Brett also holds an instrumental position with the AOBA Judges Training Program where he teaches Oral Reasons and Conformation. Brett has a passion for educating, especially in the area of youth education. He has taught the nations youth about various livestock industries and has spent countless hours volunteering to educate youngsters involved in 4H programs nationwide.
Brett was raised east of Brighton, Colorado where he has always been involved with every aspect of raising livestock. He earned a Bachelors degree in Animal Science from Colorado State University in 1997. Brett continued his education at CSU earning a Masters degree in Cooperative Extension and Education in 2003 and most recently, a Ph.D. in Management Systems. Brett currently holds a faculty position with CSU in the Department of Animal Sciences.
|
|
| | Cheryl Gehly, AOBA Certified Judge
|
|
Cheryl Gehly came to the alpaca world with a background of 25 years in education. Her subsequent immersion and fascination with alpaca fleece arose from an innocent decision to volunteer with shearing back in 1998. Once hooked, she pursued a desire to learn more and ultimately became an AOBA Certified Fleece Judge in 2002. She has volunteered as a fleece show superintendent on several occasions and became a familiar face to many as she helped at numerous annual AOBA National Conference Fleece Shows. She has subsequently been hired as the Fleece Show Superintendent for several fleece shows. Cheryl has also volunteered her time with AOBA by being a member and chairperson of the Judge Training and Certification Committee. In addition, she has shared her knowledge with judges and apprentices as an Instructor at JTCC sponsored Judge Training Clinics. Cheryl was appointed as a member of the AOBA Judge Advisory Committee and is currently the chairperson. She is also the fleece judge liaison to the Show Rules Committee and the Judge Training and Certification Committee. Cheryl also gives breeder seminars around the country as well as judging multiple AOBA Certified Fleece Shows annually.
|
|
| | Polly Michaelis, AOBA Certified Judge and Alpaca Owner
|
Without any kicking or screaming, Polly entered the alpaca universe in 1996. She and her husband Ken created Finger Lakes Alpacas when they were lucky enough to relocate back to Central New York State from corporate occupations in Albany. In her former life Polly was a law librarian. Giving up power suits and pantyhose were just the first perks of alpaca ownership. Today, Finger Lakes Alpacas is home to over 50 Huacayas.
Polly has spent hours, days and years volunteering at AOBA National Conferences, AOBA Affiliate Grant Committee, Empire Alpaca Association Board of Directors and the Empire Alpaca Extravaganza. She is thrilled to have completed her apprentice judging program to be an AOBA certified fleece judge. She is a firm believer that you must give back to this wonderful industry.
|
|
| | Chris McCue, Owner, Andean Tradition
|
|
Chris McCue and his family own and operate Andean Tradition. The company was created to celebrate the elegance and beauty of Alpaca clothing. The brand produces the highest quality Alpaca garments in stylish ready-to-wear and versatile designs. Andean Tradition offers a line of Alpaca clothing which is luxurious to the touch and fashioned with the modern woman in mind.
|
|
| | Wini Labrecque, Fiber professional & textile artist
|
Wini Labrecque has made fiber her profession, studying, training and evaluating its properties from both a scientific and hands on approach. As a textile artist, she has developed a solid background and interest in a wide variety of techniques for utilization of fiber from raw state to finished product. Since the late 1980's, utilizing natural fibers, Wini has been spinning, weaving, knitting and felting. Her handspun skeins and woven/knit goods are sold at area art festivals and in area specialty shops. Once exposed to alpacas and their wonderful fiber, she has been utilizing and promoting the fiber to everyone who will listen.
Current projects include research and development of a Pennsylvania Preferred product from PAOBA member fiber and research and development of a washable/dryable alpaca blend yarn/fabric. She is a strong supporter of the AFCNA and the coop model.
Wini lectures on all aspects of fiber as well as gives classes in beginning spinning, felting, and/or weaving to individuals or small groups. She is a Fiber Arts judge as well as a judge for hand spun and mill spun skein competitions, an AOBA apprentice fleece judge, and currently completing certification as a camelid fiber grader/sorter.
Star Weaver Farm
starweaverfarm.com
724-272-4285
|
|
|
|
|
| Symposium |
See what is
happening at the Empire Alpaca Symposium.
[Read more] |
|
| Seminar Descriptions |
Read about what topics will be covered at the Symposium
[Click Here] |
|
| Seminar Speaker Bios |
Learn about the speakers.
[Click Here] |
|
| Vet and Vet
Student Seminars |
This is one seminar your vet
does NOT want to miss.
[Click Here] |
|
| Sponsorship |
Help support the Symposium by
becoming a sponsor.
[Learn
How] |
|
| Friday Workshops |
Learn a new hobby by taking one
of the workshops on Friday.
[Read more] |
|
| Vendors |
Be a vendor, or see a list of
vendors that are attending the Symposium
[Click Here] |
|
|
About EAA