~Supporting veterinary teams in navigating communication, ethical complexity, and sustainable care~

Lis Conarton LMSW, LVT, VTS (Physical Rehabilitation)
Owner & Consultant/ Compassionate Connections and Solutions

Supporting Veterinary Teams at the Intersection of Veterinary Medicine and Human Well-Being

I help veterinary professionals and organizations navigate moral distress, strengthen communication, and build psychologically safe environments—so both people and patients can thrive.

My work is grounded in veterinary social work, relational practice, and systems thinking—helping teams navigate the emotional and ethical complexity of their roles.

Work with me to strengthen your team, improve retention, and navigate the most complex moments in care.

About Me

Ways We Can Work Together

  • Consultation services designed to support veterinary leaders and teams in addressing interpersonal, ethical, and organizational challenges that impact wellbeing and retention.

    • Communication and team dynamics across multidisciplinary roles

    • Psychological safety and workplace culture

    • Moral distress and ethical decision-making

    • Leadership development in high-stress clinical environments

    • Systems-level approaches to improving team sustainability

  • Interactive, evidence-informed sessions designed to support veterinary teams in strengthening communication, deepening empathy, and building sustainable workplace culture.

    • Psychological Safety
      Creating environments where team members feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and engage without fear of blame or judgment

    • Communication Training
      Practical tools to navigate client interactions, team conflict, and emotionally charged conversations with clarity and empathy

    • Retention Strategies
      Addressing the relational and systemic drivers of burnout to support team wellbeing and long-term retention

    • Conference presentations

    • In-hospital workshops

    • Leadership retreats and team trainings

    Sessions are tailored to the needs of your team or organization and can be adapted for various roles and experience levels.

  • These offerings create space for reflection, dialogue, and communication skill-building to support veterinary teams in navigating the relational, ethical, and emotional dimensions of their work.

  • Effective pain management is not only clinical—it is deeply relational.

    These sessions explore the complexities of client communication, particularly when recommendations are met with hesitation or resistance. Rather than viewing these responses as non-compliance, we examine the underlying factors that shape decision-making, including fear, uncertainty, financial stress, and emotional attachment.

    Through discussion and applied learning, participants:

    • Strengthen communication skills grounded in empathy and trust

    • Develop confidence in discussing pain management recommendations

    • Reframe “resistance” as an opportunity for connection and understanding

    • Support client partnership in making informed, compassionate decisions

    This work is also offered in collaboration with industry partners to support ethical, relationship-centered communication in veterinary medicine.

    Ideal for:

    • Veterinary teams and clinicians

    • Conferences and continuing education events

    • Industry and pharmaceutical-sponsored education

    Sessions can be tailored for clinical teams, professional audiences, or industry partners.

  • Facilitated discussions designed to support veterinary teams in navigating ethically complex cases, moral distress, and the realities of clinical decision-making.

    What happens:

    • Structured, psychologically safe conversations

    • Exploration of ethical tension and team perspectives

    • Support for shared understanding and alignment

    Outcomes:

    • Increased psychological safety

    • Improved team communication and trust

    • Greater clarity in complex decision-making

    Ideal for:

    • Hospitals and clinical teams

    • Leadership groups

    • Specialty and emergency settings

  • Workshops focused on strengthening team communication, navigating interpersonal conflict, and supporting relational wellbeing within veterinary practice.


With over 20 years in veterinary medicine and advanced training in social work, I bring a unique, integrated perspective to the challenges facing today’s veterinary teams.

My work bridges clinical practice, human behavior, and organizational systems—helping teams move from strain and disconnection toward clarity, collaboration, and sustainable care.

Why this work matters

Veterinary medicine is deeply meaningful—and increasingly demanding.

Behind every patient is a team navigating emotional labor, ethical decision-making, and the pressure to provide exceptional care in complex environments.

When teams are supported with the right tools, language, and structures, they don’t just cope—they function more effectively, communicate more clearly, and sustain their ability to care.

My Approach

Learn more
UPCOMING EVENTS

Inquire about working together

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly—Can’t wait to hear from you!