The Arizona Veterinary Medical Association is proud to introduce the inaugural class of the Power of 10 (P10) Leadership Academy. Over the next 12 months, these early-career veterinarians will participate in a leadership development experience designed to strengthen their skills in communication, advocacy, professional well-being, and leadership while building meaningful connections with peers from across Arizona.
The program officially launched during the 2026 Desert West Connection Conference with an in-person orientation and retreat, marking the beginning of a year of collaborative learning through virtual leadership sessions, mentorship, legislative advocacy training, and the development of capstone projects that will create lasting value within their practices and communities.
This exciting initiative would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our sincere appreciation to Chewy Health, the Presenting Sponsor of the Power of 10 Leadership Academy, for its commitment to investing in the future of veterinary leadership.
We invite you to get to know the outstanding veterinarians selected for our first Power of 10 cohort. These emerging leaders represent the future of Arizona’s veterinary profession, and we look forward to following their leadership journeys throughout the coming year.
Dr. Arianna Adams
Dr. Arianna Adams is a General Practice and Urgent Care Veterinarian with Hippo Veterinary Group in Surprise, Arizona. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2019 and graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2023 as a member of the inaugural class of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include ultrasonography, surgery, preventive medicine, and urgent care. Dr. Adams is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care and building strong relationships with patients and their families. She believes that teamwork and communication are essential to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient. She also enjoys mentoring new graduates and was recently promoted to a mentor role within her company’s mentorship program, where she helps support veterinarians as they transition into practice. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, staying active, spending time with family, friends, and her pets, Luna, Suki, and Iroh, and participating in community service through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Madison Bland
Dr. Maddy Bland graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 after completing her clinical rotations at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked as a full-time small animal general practitioner in central Phoenix and also provides relief services for the Arizona Animal Welfare League. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a particular interest in dermatology. Outside of work, Dr. Bland enjoys spending time with her Chihuahua, singing, baking sweet treats, and soaking up the Arizona sunshine.
Dr. Luisa Fulton
Luisa Fulton, DVM is an emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Arizona in 2024 and provides care for a wide range of medical emergencies in companion animals. Dr. Fulton has special interests in emergency medicine, neurology, and anesthesia and enjoys collaborating with specialty teams to ensure patients receive comprehensive, high-quality care. She is passionate about client communication, patient advocacy, and lifelong learning within the veterinary profession. Outside of work, Dr. Fulton enjoys rollerblading, paddle boarding, spending time by the pool, and cheering on the Miami Dolphins football team.
Dr. Laria Herod
Dr. Laria Herod, DVM is the Lead Associate Veterinarian at a Banfield Pet Hospital in Queen Creek, Arizona. Dr. Herod earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine 3+1 and two minors in Chemistry and Child and Family Studies in 2017. She then continued her studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Following graduation, Dr. Herod decided to work as a small animal general practitioner in the Greater Phoenix area where she spends her time emphasizing the importance of preventative care for cats and dogs. She is also a new member of AzVMA’s Power of 10 Program that invests in the next generation of veterinarians with the goal of positively moving the veterinary professional forward. Recently, Dr. Herod has been focusing on increasing her surgical skills so that she can provide more advanced procedures for patients in their time of need. Outside of the hospital, Dr.Herod is also a content creator and blogger on her website, www.SquallyMuffin.com and social media platforms associated with the name SquallyMuffin. In these spaces, she shares the adventures of her family, both human and animal, through her unique point of view as a wife, mother, and veterinarian. She also is a dance mom who takes adult dance classes at the Dance Spot in San Tan Valley and an active member of her community.
Dr. Samantha Palmer
Samantha Palmer, DVM, is an associate veterinarian at The Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. Palmer earned her DVM from Washington State University in 2025. Palmer completed a mentorship program (the Fifth Year) through Hippo Veterinary Group, which encouraged her passion for emergency medicine. She has special interests in leadership, practice management, pain management, emergency medicine, and active learning. Palmer is excited to be a member of the AzVMA Power of 10 this year! Outside of professional activities, Palmer enjoys playing board games, reading, exploring new hobbies, and spending time with her husband, Matthew, and their dog, Maple.
Dr. Corrin Toben
Dr. Toben is a small animal veterinarian at Apollo Animal Hospital in Glendale, Arizona. She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 and completed her clinical year at the University of Minnesota. Growing up on a farm and actively participating in 4-H fostered her passion for animal care from an early age. Her professional interests include internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, geocaching, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Dr. Dianna Torres
Dianna Torres, BS, DVM is a veterinarian currently serving the Tucson, AZ community. Dr. Torres earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from California State University San Marcos in 2021 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Arizona in 2025. As a bilingual veterinarian, Dr. Torres is dedicated to providing compassionate, high quality care while improving access to veterinary services for diverse communities. Her professional interests include dentistry, preventive medicine, client education, and end-of-life support. She is actively involved in community outreach and enjoys participating in K-8 outreach programs that inspire future generations to explore careers in veterinary medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Canela.
Dr. Jennifer Wayman
Jennifer Wayman, DVM is an Associate Veterinarian at Foothills Animal Hospital in Yuma, Arizona. Dr. Wayman earned a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2025, with a focus on small animal emergency and equine practice. While in school, Dr. Wayman developed a passion for leadership while serving as an executive board member of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Wayman is particularly passionate about leadership and advocacy for the veterinary profession. Outside of professional activities, Dr. Wayman enjoys riding horses, hiking, watching reality TV and spending time with her husband and their two dogs.
As the inaugural Power of 10 Leadership Academy begins, we look forward to following the growth of this exceptional group of veterinarians over the coming year.
The AzVMA also wants to extend its sincere appreciation to the other organizations whose support has helped bring this inaugural program to life. Thank you to our Supporting Sponsors, Lovet Pet Health Care and Horizon Pet Cremation Services. We are also grateful to VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona, sponsor of the program’s Legislative Advocacy Day, for supporting participants as they gain firsthand experience in veterinary advocacy, and to Elanco Animal Health, our Desert West Connection Speaker Sponsor, for helping launch the program with an inspiring educational experience led by Dr. Heidi Hulon.
We look forward to sharing updates throughout the year as the inaugural cohort continues its leadership journey.