Meet the authors
Every Communication in Practice title is written by veterinarians, researchers and communication specialists who work in the field every day. Here's who's behind the books.
Roeland Wessels
Roeland Wessels is a veterinarian and communication strategist with more than 30 years of experience in the veterinary sector. As founder of St. Anna Advies, he combined his knowledge of veterinary medicine and communication for many years. Under his leadership, St. Anna Advies grew into a successful consultancy and training agency and was awarded the FD Gazelle award five times. On 1 July 2026 he handed the company over to his successors. Together with his wife Astrid, Roeland runs Dierenkliniek St. Anna 404 in Nijmegen. He is also the author of three successful books on communication, customer focus and behavioural change in veterinary practice, and shares his knowledge as a speaker and lecturer. In November 2025, together with Jolanda Jansen, he received the Anne Veenbaas Medal for their groundbreaking work in the veterinary sector. As an independent consultant, Roeland now focuses on guiding innovative processes, giving inspiring talks and fostering connection within the veterinary field — bringing people, ideas and organisations together and translating innovation into concrete practical steps. In his spare time Roeland enjoys watersports, his dog, gardening and keeping chickens, and he's an enthusiastic amateur furniture maker.
View LinkedIn →Jolanda Jansen
Dr Jolanda Jansen is a communication consultant, researcher, trainer and speaker with a strong focus on behavioural change in the veterinary and agricultural sector. She studied Animal Sciences and Communication and Innovation Studies at Wageningen University, and in 2010 obtained her PhD researching effective communication strategies to improve udder health in dairy cows. Since 2014 Jolanda has worked full-time for St. Anna Advies, of which she has been co-owner since 2019. Nationally and internationally, she advises and trains veterinarians, companies, policymakers and educational institutions on effective communication and behavioural change. She is also actively involved in scientific research and regularly publishes on communication in animal healthcare. In November 2025, together with Roeland Wessels, she received the Anne Veenbaas Medal for their groundbreaking work in the veterinary sector. Jolanda combines scientific knowledge with a practical, accessible approach, always keeping the everyday reality of veterinarians and their clients front and centre. She lives in Wageningen with her husband and three daughters. In her spare time she loves being outdoors, walking and winter sports.
View LinkedIn →Theo Lam
Prof. Dr Theo Lam is a veterinarian, researcher and professor with broad expertise in cattle health, udder health, epidemiology and infectious diseases. He studied Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University and obtained his PhD in 1996 researching the dynamics of mastitis on low-somatic-cell-count dairy farms. After his training, Theo worked both at Utrecht University and in veterinary practice, including farm advisory work for dairy operations. In 2006 he moved to Royal GD, where he led the Udder Health Centre Netherlands and later spent many years responsible for Research & Development. Since 2011 he has been a professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University, and as of 1 April 2026 his appointment was expanded to a full-time professorship in Applied Ruminant Health Research. Theo focuses strongly on connecting scientific knowledge with the everyday practice of farmers and veterinarians — his work is characterised by combining rigorous scientific research with practically applicable solutions for sustainable, animal-friendly livestock farming. In his spare time he enjoys running and skating, and he is deeply committed to various social causes.
View LinkedIn →Sarne De Vliegher
Prof. Dr Sarne De Vliegher is a veterinarian, researcher and professor with broad expertise in udder health, milk quality, epidemiology and veterinary public health. He graduated as a veterinarian from Ghent University in 1998 and obtained his PhD there in 2004, researching udder health and mastitis in heifers. After graduating, Sarne spent seven years working in cattle practice at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Ghent. He is now a professor at Ghent University, where he teaches veterinary law, ethics, practice management and entrepreneurship, among other subjects. He also heads Ghent University's M-team, which focuses on research, advice and education around udder health and milk quality. Sarne focuses strongly on connecting scientific knowledge with the daily practice of veterinarians and dairy farmers — his work is about understanding udder health problems, but even more about prevention, practical applicability and effective advice on dairy farms. Alongside his academic work he is active on the board of the Order of Veterinarians and is politically and socially engaged. In his spare time he is active in sports and enjoys spending time with his family.
View LinkedIn →Danse Sonneveld
Danse Sonneveld MSc is a veterinarian, executive and researcher with a strong focus on the development, employability and wellbeing of veterinary professionals. She graduated as a veterinarian from Utrecht University in 2012 and began her career as an equine vet in first-line practice and as a veterinarian/lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. After several years in practice, her focus shifted increasingly from animal care to the people working in the veterinary sector. She earned a Master of Management and Organization from TIAS School for Business and Society and is currently director of Dactari Veterinary Cooperative. She also chairs the pension fund for veterinarians and is an external PhD candidate at Utrecht University. In her research, Danse explores why veterinarians leave the profession and what factors contribute to sustainable employability and job satisfaction in the field. Her work is characterised by a combination of practical experience, management and research, with a strong focus on connecting people and organisations. In her spare time Danse enjoys sports, including horse riding, and spending time with her young family.
View LinkedIn →Mark Huis in 't Veld
Mark Huis in 't Veld MSc is a veterinarian, entrepreneur and innovator with a strong focus on client experience, communication and technological innovation in the veterinary sector. He graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University and went on to gain broad experience as a companion-animal vet and practice owner. Mark owns MARKdierenarts and founded VetIntelligence; his veterinary practice was previously named Veterinary Practice of the Year. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, he focuses strongly on how technology and smart digital tools can contribute to better care, more efficient workflows and more attention for both animal and owner. He combines practical, on-the-floor knowledge with entrepreneurship and a clear view of the future of the veterinary sector. Mark is known for his curiosity about innovation and his ability to translate ideas into practical solutions for veterinarians and veterinary clinics. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and travelling to France.
View LinkedIn →Moss Tijssens (Miss Moss)
Moss Tijssens MSc, who writes under the name Miss Moss, trained as a veterinarian and is also active as a writer. In her work she combines her knowledge of veterinary medicine with her love of stories, animals and the special bond between people and animals. Her writing is recognisable, personal and often laced with humour. The veterinary world is a key source of inspiration for her stories — animals, their owners, and the sometimes funny, moving and unexpected situations around veterinary practice all take centre stage in her work. Under the name Miss Moss she brings that world to life in a warm and accessible way. Her writing style is characterised by a combination of love for animals, humour and human observation, drawing in both children and adults with stories in which the bond between people and animals always plays a central role.
View LinkedIn →Tessa Plagis-Wezenberg
Tessa Plagis-Wezenberg MSc is a veterinarian with a strong focus on effective communication and collaboration in the veterinary sector. Born in South Africa, she studied Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. Early in her career she worked as a practising veterinarian in London. Tessa spent many years at St. Anna Advies, where she trained and advised veterinarians and veterinary teams both in the Netherlands and abroad on communication, feedback, collaboration and behavioural change. She was also involved in developing the Veterinary DialogueTrainer and contributed to scientific research on veterinary communication. Tessa is known for her international outlook and her attention to the human side of the veterinary profession. In her current role in the pharmaceutical industry, she combines her veterinary background with her expertise in communication, collaboration and behavioural change. In her spare time she loves to travel and spends as much time as possible with her young family. Tessa edited the English editions of several Communication in Practice publications.
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