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January 2023
Employee of the Month, January 2023
Johan Buckner of Broad River Animal Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut is the January 2023 EOTM Winner!
Johan Buckner
Veterinary Assistant
Broad River Animal Hospital
Norwalk, Connecticut
Started in veterinary medicine: 2010
Years with practice: 9
Nominated by: Michelle Margarita, Inventory Manager
Why Is Johan So Awesome?
Johan is one of the hardest working people I know. He has several responsibilities (more than anyone else), and he gets them all done while remaining in a great mood. He is one of the best animal handlers I’ve ever worked with, and I’ve been doing this for 25 years. You never have to worry about an aggressive animal biting you if he is holding it, and he does all this while still practicing Fear Free techniques. He has almost never called out; he’s never late. He is truly one of the most respectful, hard-working, fun-to-be-around assistants there is!
How Does he Go Above and Beyond?
He wears many hats and does it all with a smile while trying to make everyone else smile as well. From when Johan first started, he really has proven to be one of the best assistants out there!
In His Own Words
Why do you love your job?
I love my job because 1) I am helping take care of animals but 2) I love that I can be counted on. It can be difficult to find hard-working, experienced people, and to know that I am one of them makes me quite proud.
Each month AAHA spotlights, with generous support from CareCredit*, an AAHA member.
If you want to nominate someone, visit aaha.org/EOTM and they will be entered for a chance to win $500!!
Nominate your Employee of the Month at aaha.org/EOTM
*The Employee of the Month contest is administered by AAHA.
Pets at home: A rescue hippo/pit bull-type thing whose name is Snooks; an epileptic rescue Boston terrier; and I am currently fostering a Chihuahua named Avery.
What brought you to the profession?
To be 100% honest, when I was younger, I didn’t make the best decisions and landed myself in jail for a short time. When I got out, it was not easy for me to find work. However, an amazing hospital owner (who is no longer with us) gave me a chance, and here I am 10+ years later. I’ve learned so much and have come such a long way.
Hobbies outside of work: Spending time with my kids and family, working on cars; I also tend to do a lot of pet sitting, and these days, with what COVID did to vet offices, just relaxing.
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Michelle Margarita