VAN 2026
La Fonda on the Plaza
Santa Fe, NM
April 23-25 , 2026
Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds!
Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, VTS (Anes), CVPP
Stephen Niño Cital, RVT, RLAT, SRA, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Res. Anesthesia)
Darci Palmer, BS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)
Dario Floriano, DVM, DACVAA
Michele Barletta, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVAA
Earn up to 20.5 hours (15 hours of lecture, 5.5 hours of labs) of RACE and NYSED-approved CE while soaking in the centuries-old adobe charm of Santa Fe, NM. With over 300 days of sunshine, it’s a haven for art lovers, foodies, and outdoor adventurers alike. Stroll through the historic Plaza, explore immersive experiences like Meow Wolf, hike scenic mountain trails, and savor chile-infused cuisine that’s as bold as the landscape. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or stories, Santa Fe delivers soul in every step.
Tentative Schedule
April 22, 2026
Pre-Conference Mechanical Ventilation Lab:
2 pm: Check-in for lab attendees only
2:30-5 pm: Vent Lab
5-6 pm: Registration and Happy Hour: Come check-in early, grab your swag bag, check out our sponsors, and say hi to the Nerds!
April 23, 2026
7-8 am: Breakfast/Check-in
8 am – 1 pm:
Anesthesia and Renal Disease
M+M rounds: The Pyo Patient
Iatrogenic Airway Complications
Neonatal & Pediatric Anesthesia
Pharmacology Review- Zen Alpha
9:50 am- 10:10 am: Break & Exhibit hall
2-5 pm: Local Blocks Lab
April 24, 2026
7-8 am: Breakfast/Check-in
8 am – 1 pm:
Deep Dive – Sympathomimetics
Anesthesia for the Pheochromocytoma Patient
Geriatric Anesthesia
Pharmacology Review- NMBA’s
M+M: PRAA/PDA
9:50 am- 10:10 am: Break & Exhibit hall
2-5 pm: Local Blocks Lab
April 25, 2026
7-8 am: Breakfast/Check-in
8 am – 1 pm:
Arrhythmias under anesthesia
The Neurology Patient
GI Surgery and Sepsis Mgmt
Pharmacology Review- GLM supplements
M+M Rounds: Air Embolism
9:50 am- 10:10 am: Break & Exhibit hall
2-5 pm: Local Blocks Lab
Choose Your Own Adventure Wet Lab:
Hands-On Local Blocks for Veterinary Professionals
Course Description:
This hands-on 3-hour wet lab is designed for veterinary professionals who want to confidently incorporate local blocks into their clinical practice. Whether you’re new to local anesthesia or looking to refine your technique, this immersive, small-group lab offers the flexibility and guidance to focus on what matters most to you and your patients.
In a completely customizable format, participants will have the opportunity to choose five local blocks to practice—plus a bonus sixth block if time allows. With access to both landmark-based and ultrasound-guided techniques, you’ll receive individualized instruction at a variety of stations led by experienced instructors.
Want to master the TAP block? Finally nail your epidural technique? Get a handle on every dental block? It’s totally up to you. This “choose your own adventure” approach allows you to focus on the procedures that will have the greatest clinical impact at your hospital, ensuring you leave with both confidence and competence.
Highlights:
- Small group, hands-on learning with expert guidance
- Choose 5 local blocks to focus on, with a potential 6th if time permits
- Blocks available: Dentistry Blocks, Retrobulbar Blocks, Greater Auricular/Auriculotemporal block, Intercostal blocks, US Guided Brachial Plexus, RUMM block, ESP block, TAP (transverse abdominis block), Femoral/Sciatic Block, Sacrococcygeal Epidural, Traditional Epidural
- Techniques covered include landmark-based and ultrasound-guided approaches
- Flexible station format lets you dive deeper into the blocks most relevant to your practice
Come prepared to get hands-on, ask questions, and walk away with skills you can use the very next day.
$450
Huge Thank You to
Loving Care Crematorium
For making these labs possible!
$400
Course Description:
In this small-group 2.5-hour wet lab, participants will work directly with ventilators in real-time scenarios, learning how to set up, adjust, and troubleshoot mechanical ventilation in anesthetized veterinary patients. Through guided instruction and case-based exercises, you’ll explore key concepts such as tidal volume, respiratory rate, pressure settings, and how to interpret capnography and blood gas data to make informed decisions.
Whether you’re completely new to ventilators or looking to strengthen your understanding of advanced settings, this lab offers a judgment-free, supportive environment to get hands-on and ask the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.
You’ll Learn To:
- Understand ventilator components and setup
- Choose appropriate ventilation modes based on patient needs
- Adjust settings in response to clinical parameters
- Recognize and troubleshoot common issues
- Use monitoring tools (ETCO₂, SpO₂, blood gases) to guide ventilation decisions
With plenty of time for one-on-one instruction, this lab ensures you leave with actionable knowledge and real confidence to bring mechanical ventilation into your everyday anesthesia practice.
Register Early:
Go-Getter: $995 if registered by January 23, 2026
Jet-Setter: $1125 if registered after January 23, 2026
3-hour Local Blocks Lab: $450
2.5-hour Pre-Conference Mechanical Ventilation Lab: $400
Tasha McNerney
BS, CVT, VTS (Anes), CVPP
Tasha is a Certified Veterinary Technician from Pennsylvania where she works as an educational consultant and relief anesthesia technician. Tasha is the founder of the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, and also a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and board member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) to educate the public about animal pain awareness. In fact, Tasha was the thought leader behind the now celebrated “Animal Pain Awareness Month” within the veterinary industry.
Tasha became a veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia in 2015. Tasha loves to lecture on various anesthesia and pain management topics around the globe and was named the VMX 2020 Speaker of the Year.
Tasha has authored numerous articles and textbook chapters on anesthesia and analgesia topics for veterinary professionals and pet parents.
In her spare time, Tasha enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and son, and recording the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Podcast.
Stephen Niño Cital
RVT, RLAT, SRA, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Res. Anesthesia)
Stephen Niño Cital is a multi-credentialed veterinary technician specialist with a passion for anesthesia, pain management, and cannabinoid medicine. Cital has been on the forefront of cannabinoid medicine and the evolution of pain management in veterinary medicine. He has authored multiple articles and contributed to several textbooks, including acting as the lead editor for the first cannabinoid medicine textbook, titled “Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine” by Springer Nature. He serves on multiple boards and is a strong advocate for veterinary technician advancement, along with minority representation. Stephen is the COO of the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, LLC. He is a lab manager at Stanford University in the department of neurobiology in addition to a clinical pain practitioner and partner at Remedy Veterinary Specialists. More info at www.StephenCital.com.
Darci Palmer
BS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)
Darci Palmer has been a credentialed veterinary technician for over 20 years. She obtained her veterinary technician specialty in anesthesia and analgesia in 2006 while working at the Washington State University (WSU) Veterinary Teaching Hospital followed by a position at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently, Darci is at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine where she is providing both didactic lectures and clinical hands-on training to veterinary students.
In addition to her clinical work, she serves as the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia & Analgesia, Executive Secretary.
Darci’s passion for educating continues outside of the teaching hospital as she has been an instructor for VSPN since 2007, lecturing and writing on the topics of anesthesia and analgesia nationally, and has been teaching a two-module small animal anesthesia course that she created since 2010.
Dario Floriano
DVM, DACVAA
Dr. Dario Floriano received his veterinary degree from the University of Bologna, School of Veterinary Medicine, Italy. He completed his anesthesia residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board certified as a Veterinary Anesthesiologist in 2022. Dr. Floriano is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesia at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. His clinical interests include the management of acute and chronic pain in small and large animals, especially with the use of neuraxial and peripheral loco-regional analgesic techniques.
Michele Barletta
DVM, PhD, MS, DACVAA
Dr. Michele Barletta graduated from the University of Turin, Italy in 2002, where he completed his PhD in veterinary oncology in 2006. He then moved to the United States where he completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Purdue University in 2007. After his internship he stayed at Purdue University for his anesthesiology residency and Master’s degree. He worked at the University of Minnesota for three years as Assistant Clinical Professor in anesthesia before joining the University of Georgia in 2013. His clinical interests include pain, critical patient management, and large animal anesthesia.
Once in a lifetime location
Reservation Information:
We are pleased to offer a fantastic nightly group rate at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel for $269/night. Please make reservations by calling (505) 982-5511 then choose #1 (Group Code: 1156846) or online at: https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=207&Chain=56&group=1156846. Let them know you’re attending the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Symposium 2026.
Room rates are subject to prevailing taxes, currently 15.1875%; 7% Lodger’s Tax and 8.1875% Gross Receipts Tax. The group rate is available until March 30, 2026. Overnight Valet or Self-parking is available. $30.00 plus prevailing Gross Receipts Tax (currently 8.1875%), per Vehicle, per Night.
Amenities:
- Complimentary high-speed internet
- No resort fees
- Complimentary access to Fitness Center and Pool
- Complimentary refillable bottled water and coffee/tea in every guest room, replenished daily
- Hot tub and spa services on site
- Pets allowed
🖼️ Art & Museums
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – Celebrates the iconic artist’s life and work
- Museum of International Folk Art – Home to the world’s largest folk art collection
- Museum of Indian Arts & Culture – Explores Native American traditions and artistry
- New Mexico Museum of Art – Showcases regional and contemporary works
- IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts – Cutting-edge Indigenous art
🏛️ Historic & Cultural Sites
- Santa Fe Plaza – The city’s vibrant historic heart
- The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi – Stunning Romanesque architecture
- San Miguel Mission Church – One of the oldest churches in the U.S.
- Loretto Chapel – Famous for its mysterious spiral staircase
- Palace of the Governors – Historic adobe building with Native artisan market
🎨 Creative Experiences
- Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return – Immersive, mind-bending art installation
- Canyon Road – A half-mile stretch packed with over 100 art galleries
- SITE Santa Fe International Exhibition – Contemporary art across the city
🎶 Entertainment & Events
- Santa Fe Opera House – Open-air performances with mountain views
- Santa Fe Indian Market – World’s largest Indigenous art show (August)
- Santa Fe Wine Festival – Celebrates New Mexico’s winemaking heritage
🌄 Outdoor & Scenic Spots
- Aspen Vista Trail – Gorgeous hike through aspen forests
- Cross of the Martyrs – Sunset views and historical markers
- Bandelier National Monument – Ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs (nearby)
🛬Airports:
- Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) – 16.7 km / 10.4 mi
- Los Alamos, NM (LAM-Los Alamos County) – 52.4 km / 32.5 mi