our staff

Admin Team

Emily LeBeau
Fear Free Certified

Operations Director

Emily lives in Savoy, where she has spent most of her life. She is married with one stepson and is owned by two French Bulldogs, Mike and Maggie. Emily enjoys hiking, old cemeteries, listening to the blues, playing cards and spending time with friends. Over 23 years ago, Emily started working at Pittsfield Vet as a kennel assistant, and now she is the Operations Director of the business.

"I am always searching for signs of a Sasquatch when I am in the woods."

Jennifer Coughlin

HR & Marketing Director
Payroll, AAHA, and Safety Leader

Jennifer was born and raised in the captial region of NY. She currently just purchased her first home in Dalton with her husband, their son, and their 1 year old baby. She spends all of her free time with her family and exploring all of the beauty the Berkshires has to offer. Before coming to Massachusetts, Jennifer was a professional photographer, digital artist, and in management and HR for many years. When she moved to the area in 2017, the job opening for HR and Marketing Director at Pittsfield Vet was a match made in heaven. Jennifer is also the official photographer and artist for Mike and Maggie.

"I was professionally trained to sing opera."

Valeri Reynolds

Bookkeeping

Valeri grew up in upstate NY, near Ithaca. She met Dr. John Reynolds in 1988 while working at the Veterinary School and going to Art School at Cornell University. Since then, Valeri and John have now been married for over 29 years with 3 daughters. In Valeri's free time she enjoys padding her kayak at their lake home, knitting, reading, singing, and anything hands on creative.

"I enjoy singing baritone in my barbershop quartet, Saffron."

Veterinary Technician's

Krista Godard

Lead Veterinary Technician

Krista grew up on a farm raising sheep in Florence, MA but currently resides in Pittsfield with her cat Harold. Her parents just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at the winery they own back at home. She also has two older sisters and five nieces and nephews! In Krista's free time she enjoys weight lifting and singing karaoke. Krista graduated with a Bachelor degree in animal science. Always having cats and dogs, and with her interest in science, love for animals, and passion to help them and their people, wanting to become a vet tech came easy to her. Krista started as a vet tech at Pittsfield Vet and is now the Lead Veterinary Technician.

"I can deadlift 300lbs, squat 265, and bench press 145."

Cindy Hanselman, LVT

Lead Surgical & Inventory Licensed Veterinary Technician

Cindy is originally from Hillsdale but now lives in Pittsfield. In her free time she enjoys hiking, skiing, kayaking, and spending time with her two dogs and one cat at home. Cindy decided that she wanted to pursue a veterinary technician degree while she was working at a veterinary hospital as a kennel assistant. She graduated from SUNY Delhi with an associates in applied science in the veterinary technology program in 1999. Cindy has been working as licensed veterinary technician since 2000. She also became a certified canine massage therapist in 2002 from Boulder College of Massage Therapy and became certified in laser therapy in 2014.

"I enjoy veterinary ophthalmology and physical therapy rehabilitation."

Taylor Cook, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Taylor is born and raised in Lenox. She enjoys spending time with her parents, brother and three dogs. In her free time you can find Taylor fishing or hiking in the Berkshires. Taylor graduated from Holyoke Community College with an A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology. She also officially became a certified veterinary technician in early 2018.

"I rode horses competitively for years."

Jennifer Noyes, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Jen is originally from Williamstown where she grew up. She currently lives in Pittsfield with her boyfriend Keith and his 5 year old son Matthew. Together they have a American Bulldog Mix named Raclette adopted from SPCA Cincinnati, and a Torti cat named Mookie adopted from BHS. Jen went to school at Saint Michael’s College, UMASS Boston, and the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash. She spent 2 years as a CVT at another Animal Hospital before coming to PVH. However, before Jen's career took off in the animal world she was a teacher for English Language Services where she taught English as a second language for 2 years. For the last 25 years Jen has had a passion for horseback riding. She also enjoys hiking, downhill skiing, kayaking with her dog, and just being outside.

"I love potatoes in all forms."

Helen Zeik , CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Helen started at PVH as an intern while she finished school to become a veterinary technician. She is originally from Leominster, MA and moved to Great Barrington in 2009 with her family. Her husband, Todd and their two daughters, Abigail and Megan have a new German Shepherd puppy named Lupo. Previously, Helen was a professional photographer and studied Art at Montserrat College of Art and CCAD. Since then she has received her A.S. in Veterinary Technology at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in May of 2020. In Helen’s free time she enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, landscape and interior design, and of course photography.

Deb Remillard

Veterinary Technician

Deb lives in Pittsfield with her husband. Together they have three children, two granddaughters, four dogs, two cats, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, and Sparkle Jr. the carnival goldfish. She has almost completed studying Allied Health Science. Deb has been with Pittsfield Vet since the beginning. Actually, she was a package deal and came with the business when Dr. Reynolds purchased everything in 1996.

"Everyone thinks I have a great sense of humor... but they don't know I'm actually being serious."

Jennifer Handy

Veterinary Technician

Jennifer was born and raised in South Troy, NY. She currently lives in Rensselaer, NY with her husband, their daughter, a dog, ferret, turtle, snake, and a few ducks. In Jennifer's free time she can be found tending to her garden or canning all of her tasty food. Jennifer studied Animal Science, Wild Life, and Forestry Conservation. She has always wanted to be able to take care of animals. Jennifer's favorite thing to do at Pittsfield Vet is assist and take x-rays. She finds the science within the animal’s body to be fascinating.

"I can play the guitar"

Lily Meisterling

Veterinary Technician

Lily started working in the Resort at Pittsfield Vet back in 2017. She has been promoted to the hospital side of the building in 2019 and was trained to be a veterinary technician assistant. She has since then been promoted to veterinary technician. Lily has loved animals for as long as she can remember and being able to help them in any way is a dream come true. Lily lives in Lanesboro with her mother and father who are 100% deaf. She also has a Golden Retriever named Mako, an Aussie Shepherd min named Lyla, and her horse Aspen. When Lily has some free time she enjoys hanging out with friends and family and riding her horse.

"I've owned my horse since she was a year old. This year we have been together for 13 years."

Haylee Shepard

Veterinary Technician

Haylee is originally from Blandford, MA but currently resides in New Lebanon, NY with her mom Tracie and her younger brother Zackary. They have two cats, Odie and Jagger, two horses, Dallas and Dakota, and one dog, Bruin. Haylee graduated from UAlbany in 2017 in Honors History and English. The passion Haylee formed for working with animals began back in 2009 when she started working at various horse farms over the next nine years. Then in 2018, Haylee starting working at an animal hospital as a kennel assistant and vet tech assistant.

"I am fluent in Japanese, German and I'm learning Korean."

Crystal Montemoino

Veterinary Technician

Crystal was born and raised in the Bronx’s but has spent the last decade in Stephentown, NY. She lives with her two cats, Stormy and Smokey; two cockatiels, Buddy and Baby; one rabbit, Kaytee; one duck, Quacky Anna; three geese, Ruby, Royal and Reign; and 26 chickens. Crystal went to school for a few different degrees as she was trying to figure out her path in life. She studied Animal Science, Animal Care, and even Animal Law. Crystal found her life’s passion with being a veterinary technician for the past few years. In Crystal’s free time she enjoys rock hounding (the art of mining for minerals, gems and fossils), exploring and hiking in the outdoors, gardening, and hanging out with her pets. She is also fond of watching TV and playing video games to help her unwind.

"I'm a huge Transformers fan."

Eric Lee
Fear Free Certified

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Eric Lee Jr. started working in our pet resort in 2016. He has been recently promoted to the hospital and is finishing his training to become a vet tech assistant. Eric is from Old Chatham, NY. He has a total of five siblings, three sisters and two brothers. Eric likes to watch and play sports. He would like to become a State Trooper in the future.

“I’ve been to Costa Rica.”

Joellyn Colangelo

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Joellyn is originally from Morris Plains, New Jersey. She moved to East Chatham with her fiancé Paul back in January. Together they have a mini Holland Lop eared Rabbit named Tilly and they are currently in the process of adopting a dog together. In Joellyn’s free time she likes to hike, run and bake. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Shaker Hill Pet Resort

Kim Sawyer-Wheeler
Fear Free Certified

Resort Leader

Kim is a Berkshire County native. She and her wife have five fur babies. They have three dogs, Clover, Lincoln, and Gertie, as well as two cats, Lola and Freud. Two of the dogs and both cats came from Berkshire Humane Society. In Kim’s free time she loves the woods, reading, going to the movies, and crossfit. Kim lives the life of a full time manager at the Resort and a part time student studying Biology/ Biotechnology at Berkshire Community College.

“I am a writer.”

Dawn Leighfield
Fear Free Certified

Resort Staff

Dawn was born in Pittsfield and grew up in Lanesboro. She enjoys spending time with her fur baby Chubs, her mom, and an older sister and brother. Dawn’s one of a kind dad passed away in 2009. In Dawn’s free time she loves going to the beach, watching horror movies, going to craft shows, and shopping. She graduated from Mildred Elley Business School with a degree in Administrative Assistant/ Office Technologies. Here at Pittsfield Vet, Dawn is a Certified Feline Petcare Technician at the Resort.

"I am ambidextrous, although I prefer to write with my right hand."

Abigail Harty

Resort Staff

Abby grew up in Canaan, New York. She has always had a passion for horses and phycology. Before coming to Pittsfield Vet Abby worked at a horse farm for over a year. She aspires to go back to school to become a therapist. At home Abby enjoys spending time with her cat, Owl and going to the barn to tend to her horse, Mateo. Abby also enjoys photography, drawing and spending time with her closest of friends.

“I started riding horses when I was seven years old.”

Chelsea Garrison

Resort Staff

Chelsea grew up in Williamstown, but currently resides in North Adams. She graduated from Mt. Greylock Regional High School in 2009. Before coming to Pittsfield Vet, Chelsea was a personal care attendant for over 5 years. She has 2 brother, 3 sisters, and over 12 nieces and nephews. In Chelsea’s free time you can find her hanging out with her black lab, Ellie and her barn cat, Fiona. She even has some cool fish. Being around animals is just one of the perks that Chelsea enjoys from working in the resort.

"I am known among my friends as a professional TV watcher and love comedy shows."

Amber Rieger

Part Time Resort Staff

Amber was born and raised in Stephentown. She lives with her two dogs, Bode and Octavia; one cat, Heidi; ten chickens, Nilly, Speckles, Daisy, Tulip, Clover, Rosie, Daffodil, Buttercup, Ivy and Iris; and six fish. Amber went to Mt. Holyoke where she received her Bachelor’s in Biology. Amber came to PVH because she enjoys helping and working with animals. In Amber’s free time she enjoys horseback riding, skiing and hiking.

“I'm really good at climbing trees.”

Rachel Gillette

Part Time Resort Staff

Rachel is from Pittsfield where she lives with her mom Denise, her dad Mim, her older brother Alex, and her younger sister Caroline. At home she also has a horse named Donner, a dog named Toby, 19 chickens, 6 rabbits and 3 ducks. Rachel has been enjoying horseback riding for the last 16 years of her life. She also enjoys spending time with her friends.

Front Desk

Trista Sabin

Client Care Coordinator Leader

Trista just recently purchased her first home here in Pittsfield, which she shares with her pets. Spike, a senior Golden, and Bandit, a young Black Lab, she also currently has three male kitties. Trisa loves cooking, photography, and dance. She spends most of her free time cooking and dancing with her friends and family.

"I love yoga."

Tanya Gingras

Client Care Coordinator

Tanya lives in Pittsfield with her two adult children, three dogs, and three horses. She enjoys going to country concerts, and spending time with her dogs and horses in her spare time. Tanya went to UMASS for an Equine Studies Program where she received her Associates Degree. At Pittsfield Vet Tanya loves helping clients and patients, but most of all she loves seeing all of the puppies and kittens that come in every day.

"People like to call me Tanya Tucker."

Michele Barnard

Client Care Coordinator

Michele was born and raised in Pittsfield and now lives in West Stockbridge with her husband Matt. Her son, Matthew has given her two beautiful granddaughters, Harper and Nora. Michele spent most of her life in the horse business. She was running different barns, as well as teaching and training in the discipline of dressage. Michele is a USDF Certified Instructor and a Mass. Licensed Riding Instructor. In her free time she enjoys training and competing her two dogs, Gabe and Lola, in Agility as well as nose work.

"I find humor in almost everything and I love to laugh."

Nikki Roberts

Client Care Coordinator

Nikki lived in Oklahoma and then Kansas before settling down in Pittsfield. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their son watching TV and movies together. Nikki's passion for traveling and learning about different cultures led her to get her Bachelor’s in Anthropology at Arizona State. At Pittsfield Vet she loves meeting new people and getting to meet their pets is a great bonus. Nikki loves everyone that she works with.

"I hate cooking but I love to bake."

Jacqueline Surbaugh

Client Care Coordinator

Jacquie worked as a bank teller for 5 years before being approached for a position at Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital. She enjoyed working at PHV for 2 years helping animals and clients during life’s unpredictable situations. Jacquie moved to Florida in 2017 where she worked at a small veterinary hospital as the only receptionist for two years. In the summer of 2019 Jacquie moved back to the Berkshires where her passion for the job all started. She now lives in Pittsfield with her fiancé Ben and their two cats, Nylah and Laylah. Jacquie is very pleased to be back and see where her future takes her.

"I love to draw."

Stephanie Bourbeau

Client Care Coordinator

Stephanie is originally from Enfield, Connecticut where she lived with her parents, Deana and David, her three younger brothers, Michael, Steven and Anthony, and their dog Roxie, a 5 year old boxer. She graduated from Enfield High School and Asnuntuck Community College. Stephanie was a PetSmart bather for 3 years before she decided to move to Pittsfield in 2020. She currently lives with her boyfriend Tylor and their dog Paxton, a 7 month old boxer mix, and their 11 year old cat Bambino.

Bryan Pidgeon

Client Care Coordinator

Bryan has worked in the veterinary field over five years in Long Island, New York before he needed a change. He recently moved to Pittsfield to be closer to his friends. Bryan has two huskies and one Golden Doodle Wolfhound at home. In his free time he enjoys hiking, camping, boating, running, pizza, and shopping.

"I love animals of all species.... except insects."

Grooming

Nadja Ramos

Pet Groomer

Nadja was born and raised in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico where she attended Colegio Espíritu Santo for school. She became a certified pet stylist in Florida in 2013 before moving to the Berkshires. She chose grooming because she loves being around pets. "I enjoy what I do, it makes me happy and complete." At home, Nadja loves spending mommy time with her two toddlers. She also has an Australian Cattle dog (red heeler) named Monster. In Nadja’s free time she enjoys going on bike rides, walks, food and naps!

"I am fluent in Spanish but my kids are too lazy to speak it ."

Ashley Parks

Pet Groomer

Ashley lived in Reno, Nevada for the last five year but currently just moved back home to Pittsfield with her 2 dogs, Sage, a greyhound mix, and Gemini, a pit puppy. She also has two snakes and a turtle. Ashley loves the outdoors and all of the adventures it has to offer. She also enjoys painting with watercolors, drawing, and kinds or crafts and projects, as well as photography and Mother Nature. Ashley gets along with people that are honest, genuine, go above and beyond, and live life to the fullest. She also loves good food, music, and positive energy.

Our Mascots

Mike

Crew

Mike, aka "Captain Whiny Pants" was born in New York but now lives in Savoy with his mom, dad, and sister, Maggie. He also has one older stepbrother that does not live at home. Mike loves to sleep, snore, fart, eat biscuits, his mom, and he loves to whine. He is the official people greeter and head of security at Pittsfield Vet.

"I have been known to clean a room out with my powerful flatulence ability."

Maggie

Crew

Maggie, aka "Princess Nosey Britches" was born in the Midwest and spent her first year and a half living in Sheffield with a lovely elderly couple before finding her forever home. Maggie now lives in Savoy with her new mom, dad, and the most patient big brother. She also has an older stepbrother that does not live with them. In Maggie's free time she loves to follow and pester her older brother Mike. She loves biscuits, watermelon, toys, people, jumping, and her mom. At Pittsfield Vet, Maggie is the assistant people greeter and assistant to the head of security.

"I can stand and walk on my hind legs. I think that I would make an excellent ballerina or circus performer."

our staff

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