Panera Bread On Elm Road in Warren, Presents:

Animal Management Technology at the TCTC

 “Where the teacher knows your name

And she’s really glad you came”

If Cathy Billock were around during the great flood, Noah’s Ark would have contained four of each species instead of two. She is very passionate about animals. She is also very passionate about the quality of education that she provides for her students.

If you could spend a day in the Animal Management lab at the TCTC, you would understand why teaching is both an art and a science.  The students are taking notes, working in groups with the animals or completing research assignments, but as you watch the interaction between teacher and students, you would form an inescapable conclusion. Something good is happening here. This is our story.

Growing up as a child in Alabama, Billock’s parents would not allow her to have pets. Nevertheless, she always felt a kinship with animals and volunteered to work at shelters and vet clinics. In her heart, she knew that her passion as a child would become her vocation as an adult.

Before assuming her duties at the TCTC in 1995, she was a veterinary technician employed by the Town & Country Vet Clinic and also worked at the Newton Falls Animal Hospital. She served on the advisory committee to the TCTC and was recommended for the position when the program’s instructor retired.

She believes that teaching provides her with the best of both worlds. She said, “I have the chance to educate young people about something that I love, and that I can teach them to love.”

Animal Management provides an education about the total spectrum of care from pet store employee to preparation for careers as vets, zoologists, and lab research technicians. Each year a higher percentage of the program completers continue their education at two or four year universities. Recently, an accreditation program was started with Tri-C Community College to provide credit for coursework completed at the high school level.

The program is one of the most heavily subscribed at the TCTC. The number of applicants always exceeds the available slots. A strong background in science is recommended.

Billock encourages her students to test their skills in competitions.  She is proud of their record of success. They have won numerous regional, state and national awards during her tenure. In September of 2005, four of her students won first place in the nation in the Animal Management division of the Big E contest held in Springfield Massachusetts. .

The most significant achievements are not measured in trophies or plaques, but in jobs that have been secured. She stated, “The Animal Management Industry is exploding. I’ve had students who loved to draw who are employed as designers of pet cards. Some of my students find employment in pet stores, grooming salons and clinics. Others kids have graduated from college and become veterinarians or lab technicians. One of my graduates is a pharmacist with a major drug company.”

Billock has a reputation as student friendly teacher and the daily visitor log at the TCTC supplies verification. Her former students return to see her and to share their job experiences with her classes.

Kaytee Cunningham is a 2003 graduate. She is the manager of a dog grooming salon in Cleveland. She stated, “Mrs. Billock exudes a passion and enthusiasm that makes class exciting. She creates conditions that allow you to learn in a fun and innovative way. Many of us regard her as our second mom. If it were not for her, I wouldn’t have my present job.”

Amanda Stone a 2000 graduate runs a department at Pet Smart. She credits Billock for instilling an atmosphere where people cared for one another. Stone said, “You knew that she was always there for you.. She took us on field trips and never hesitated to deviate from the textbook if she could find a more relevant way to teach us. If you talk with her former students, they will say that she is most special teacher they’ve ever had.”

Rachel Robinson is a science teacher who works closely with Billock. She said, “Cathy is the type of teacher who cares whether her kids ate breakfast that morning. In addition to the curriculum, she is concerned about the student as a person.”

The sitcom Cheers had a long run as one of the most popular shows on television. Gallop polls confirmed the reason for the show’s success. In addition to the laughter, the audience identified with the characters because they were genuine. They liked each other.

The same thing is true about Cathy Billock and her students in Animal Management. Under her direction, the program has been a smash hit for 11 consecutive years. Not even Cheers had a run this long. And best of all, these characters are not make believe.

Panera Bread on Elm Road is honoring her with a $25 gift certificate.