District 1: Peter Gaveras, DVM, MBA
Dr. Peter Gaveras, of Wauwatosa, is a small animal veterinarian with Silver Spring Animal Wellness Center in Glendale, where his special interests include feline and internal medicine. Prior to joining the team in 2015, his career brought a wide depth of experience.
“I consider myself fortunate to have worked in several multi-doctor practices and as a relief veterinarian for many years in more than 40 small animal practices,” Dr. Gaveras says. “This has provided me a unique perspective regarding the many ways our medical services can be delivered.”
A member of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (UW SVM) inaugural class of 1987, Dr. Gaveras joined the WVMA that same year. He later served as the WVMA District 1 Representative from 2011-2014. He is a current member of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Foundation Board and the Milwaukee Veterinary Medical Association Board, and recently served with several of his veterinary school classmates on the development committee to establish an endowed scholarship fund for UW SVM students.
When asked what he believes to be the single most important issue currently facing veterinary medicine, Dr. Gaveras pointed to the challenges brought on by COVID-19.
“The COVID pandemic has placed unprecedented stress on us all, leading to many leaving the profession, staffing shortages, a high degree of competition for qualified individuals to fill vacant roles, and many mental stressors,” he says. “Organizations we hold membership in, especially the WVMA, play a key role in providing support.”
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Gaveras is working toward his private sailplane pilot’s license, has active membership in a number of local churches, and co-chairs the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors in Southeast Wisconsin.
District 5: Becky Johnson, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVAA
Dr. Becky Johnson graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. She went on to complete a residency and Master of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin (UW) and became board-certified in Veterinary Anesthesiology and Pain Management in 1997. In 2002, she completed a PhD in Respiratory Neurophysiology.
Dr. Johnson is currently the Research Anesthesiologist for the UW and is Clinical Professor of Anesthesia and Pain Management at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. Her interests include advances in anesthetic and analgesic techniques of laboratory animal species, and the effects of opioid and non-opioid analgesics on the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems of companion animals.
A WVMA member since 1997, Dr. Johnson welcomes the opportunity to serve on the Executive Board.
“My overarching ambition is to be part of a team that works to increase awareness and extend the mission of the WVMA to all veterinary professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin,” she says. “I want to be part of a leadership team that stresses the importance of work-life balance and integrating diversity, equity and inclusion throughout veterinary medicine in Wisconsin.”
Dr. Johnson resides in Deerfield with her partner, Scott, and four-legged family (DiDi, Jazz, Zoe and active law enforcement K9, Balko). Her twins, Evan and Nina, attend college at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and University of North Dakota, respectively. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Johnson enjoys attending sporting events, concerts and theatrical performances around the area; visiting local restaurants, wineries and breweries; and crocheting gifts for family and friends.
District 9: Jennifer Nemec, DVM
Dr. Jennifer Nemec grew up on a dairy farm in Black River Falls. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006.
After graduation, Dr. Nemec practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Marshfield for ten years and in Green Bay for one year. In 2017, she purchased the small animal portion of Grassland Veterinary Service and currently owns and practices companion animal medicine and surgery at Badger Animal Clinic in Granton. Her interests include internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry and soft tissue surgery.
Dr. Nemec has been a member of the WVMA since 2005. She is also a member of the Northern Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association where she serves on the Continuing Education Committee and has participated in legislative day in Madison. She is interested in serving on the WVMA Executive Board so she can help create ways to improve the professional and personal lives of the veterinary community by advocating for the profession.
“I believe the most important issue facing veterinary medicine is mental health and wellbeing,” she says. “The veterinary community needs a camaraderie of peers that stands together and helps one another during challenging times.”
Dr. Nemec resides in Marshfield with her two golden retrievers, Hank and Emmy, and two cats, Eva and Gustov. Outside of veterinary medicine, her interests include hiking, gardening, cooking, volleyball and running.