Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Brandeice Garza
Mrs. Garza, Brandeice, BS, CVT
Veterinary Science Instructor
West-MEC School District #402
Brandeice Garza, CVT, is a dedicated Veterinary Sciences Instructor at West-MEC and serves as President for AZHCEA. With over 25 years of experience as a Certified Veterinary Technician, Brandeice's career journey began in general practice and evolved into emergency and critical care, where she discovered her true passion for animal care. Thriving in fast paced environments, she progressed to managing a 24-hour practice overseeing DVMs and a team of 25+ technicians. Transitioning to education six years ago, Brandeice found a new calling in mentoring and inspiring future veterinary professionals. Her dynamic leadership style fosters a classroom environment that prepares CTE-ready teenagers for successful careers in veterinary sciences. Outside of work, Brandeice enjoys spending time outdoors, camping in the woods, and volunteering with animals, reflecting her deep-rooted love for both education and animal welfare.
Sessions:
5555: Decoding Diseases for the Healthcare Classroom
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Health Science Technologies
- Interdisciplinary
The healthcare classroom is full of diseases... Diseases that students need to learn about, and hopefully not catch, of course! In this informative session, come learn some creative ways to teach your students about the diseases they will see in the field. This session will help you find new ways to teach the signs, symptoms, diagnostics and treatment. The examples being used will be from a veterinary assisting classroom, but can be easily updated to be used in your classroom, no matter what healthcare topic you teach.
5554: AzHCEA Luncheon
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Education and Training
- Health Science Technologies
Join the members of Arizona Health Careers Education Association (AZHCEA) for their annual meeting and luncheon, and help us celebrate the Healthcare Teachers of the Year. Non-AZHCEA Members are welcome! AZHCEA is an instructor-led networking organization for health career CTE instructors.
5595: 3 Easy Steps for CTSO Integration - Lowes [REPEAT]
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Education and Training
- Interdisciplinary
This session is perfect for educators who want to strengthen CTSO integration without overwhelming their schedules. By focusing on three straightforward steps - understanding the value of CTSOs, building student buy-in, and increasing engagement - this course will help you foster a vibrant CTSO culture in your classroom that keeps students motivated and involved all year long. You'll leave with the confidence and resources to implement new strategies that will make a real difference for your students and their CTSO experience.
5556: 3 Easy Steps for CTSO Integration - Westin
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Westin La Paloma
- Education and Training
- Interdisciplinary
This session is perfect for educators who want to strengthen CTSO integration without overwhelming their schedules. By focusing on three straightforward steps - understanding the value of CTSOs, building student buy-in, and increasing engagement - this course will help you foster a vibrant CTSO culture in your classroom that keeps students motivated and involved all year long. You'll leave with the confidence and resources to implement new strategies that will make a real difference for your students and their CTSO experience.
5557: CTE Roundtables: Real Talk, Real Solutions
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Education and Training
- Interdisciplinary
Looking for ideas, clarity, or a little reassurance that you’re not alone? Please bring your questions and technology to this open support session, bringing CTE instructors together in a collaborative, low-pressure environment built around shared learning and problem-solving. Topic-based tables will focus on areas such as CTSO chapter organization, advisory councils, industry support, 301 documentation, and competition readiness. Whether you’re brand new to CTE or a seasoned instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share strategies, and walk away with practical tools you can use immediately in your program. Come for the support, stay for the connection.
