our staff

Senior Leadership Team
Michelle Looney
Dr. Michelle Looney
​​​​​​​
Chief of Staff
Dr. Michelle Looney is a Berkshire County native. As a child, she brought her dog to Dr. Perry, back when PVH was in the little house at the bottom of the hill. That dog and the many animals she grew up with started her on her path to becoming a vet. Twenty years later she joined the PVH family.
Emily LeBeau
Emily LeBeau
Fear Free Certified​​​​​
Hospital Manager
Emily lives in Savoy, where she has spent most of her life. She is married with one stepson and is owned by three French Bulldogs, Mike, Maggie, and Martha. Emily enjoys hiking, old cemeteries, listening to the blues, playing the slots, and spending time with friends. Over 25 years ago, Emily started working at Pittsfield Vet as a kennel assistant, and now she is helping to run the business.

"I am always searching for signs of a Sasquatch when I am in the woods."
Veterinary Technician Team
Paul Towsky, LVT
Paul Towsky, LVT
Inventory Manager

Licensed Veterinary
Technician
Before coming to PVH Paul worked in emergency care for 6 years at a Veterinary Referral Hospital. Paul is originally from down state NY but now lives in Lanesborough with his beautiful wife Callie and their amazing newborn son Benjamin. Paul met his wife while he was on summer break while attending Suny Canton. At home they also have a Golden Lab named Jedha and 2 cats, Jellybean & Meatball. In Paul’s free time he enjoys woodworking, fishing, and camping. But his favorite thing to do is spend time with his family.

"I love seeing my son learn something new and watching his face light up with pure joy."
Taylor Cook​​​​​​​
Taylor Cook​​​​​​​, CVT
Lead Dental Tech

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."
Helen Zeik
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.
Brandy Kruszyna, CVT
Brandy Kruszyna, CVT
​​​​​​​Fear Free Certified
Certified Veterinary
Technician
Brandy is from Cheshire where she lives with her boyfriend David, her pointer mix named Griffin, her many chickens, and 6 tarantulas of various species. Brandy has worked in veterinary medicine for several years with experience in both general practice and emergency med. In Brandy's free time she enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing, riding her dirt bike, and baking.
Samantha Zeygerman
Samantha Zeygerman, CVT
Certified Veterinary
Technician
Samantha was born and raised in Pittsfield. She currently still lives in Pittsfield with her husband, Artem, their daughter, Siona, their 2 cats, Hera and Castiel, and their Australian Cattle Dog, Jax. Before coming to PVH, Samantha obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also previously worked at another Veterinary Hospital for 8 years before she found her way to us. In Samantha's free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, watching the birds on her bird feeders, and gardening. She also has a bit of a houseplant addiction. Samantha spends a good amount of time watering and taking care of her large addiction.

"I'm a leap year baby, so I've technically only had 8 birthdays."
Deb Remillard​​​​​​​
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​​​​​​​
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"
Haylee Shepard
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
Crystal Montemoino​​​​
Veterinary Technician
Crystal was born and raised in the Bronx 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.

"Autobots Roll Out."

Joellyn Colangelo
Joellyn Colangelo​​​​​​​
Veterinary Technician
Joellyn is originally from Morris Plains, New Jersey. She moved to East Chatham with her husband Paul back in January 2020. 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.
Julie Banker
Julie Banker
Veterinary Technician
Julie was born and raised in New Lebanon, NY and still lives there to this day. Before coming to PVH, Julie worked as a veterinary technician at another local veterinary hospital for over 21 years until shortly before they closed. Julie then found her way to an Emergency Referral Animal Hospital in NY. Doing vet tech work in an ER for a few months made Julie miss General Practice work so much so she decided to accept a position with us here at PVH. At home Julie has 2 kids, 4 step kids, and 3 dogs. They all love to go bowling, hike and go camping together. Julie's free time consists of going back and forth to all of the kids sporting events.

"I'm obsessed with Dunkin Donuts."
Allena Combs
Allena Combs
Veterinary Technician

Info coming soon...

Spencer Simms
Annalise Ellsworth
Veterinary Technician
Assistant
Annalise was born in Dalton, and still lives there today with her mom, dad, older brother, their Pitbull Axel, as well as her ball python Jellybean, and her crocodile gecko Marcel. Annalise went to the University of Rhode Island for Animal Science and Technology under the pre-veterinary track and graduated in 2021. While at school, Annalise gained an interest and love of exotic animals, particularly reptiles. Her goal is to eventually go to vet school and specialize in reptile care. When Annalise has some free time, she likes to hike, read and write. She also loves ancient history, and if she didn’t want to be a vet, she would be studying to be an archaeologist.
Client Care Coordinator Team
Melissa Meyer
Missy Meyer
​​​​​​​
Client Care Coordinator Leader
Missy was born in Pittsfield and raised in California until the age of twelve when she moved back to the Berkshires. For the last 11 years Missy has lived in New Lebanon, NY with her husband, two stepsons, and their three dogs Brodie, Charley and Jade. They also have 13 chickens and 1 unruly rooster. In Missy's free time she likes to graden, hike, snowshoe and spend time with her family.


"It's a good day to have a good day."
Michele Barnard​​​​​​​
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."

Jacqueline Surbaugh
Jacqueline Shaw
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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 husband 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
Stephanie Bourbeau​​​​​​​

Client Care Coordinator
Stephanie is originally from Enfield, Connecticut where her parents, three brothers, and family dog Roxie still reside. She was a groomer for three years before deciding to move to the Berkshires in 2020 to be with her boyfriend, Tylor. Together here they have two dogs, Paxten and Ralphie, and a cat named Bambino. In her free time she likes to visit her family and spend time with her pups. Stephanie can also be caught at a good rock show (especially Green Day) or traveling for a new tattoo.

"I currenlty have 25 tattoos and counting."
Alana Lopez
Alana Lopez​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​
Client Care Coordinator
Alana lives in Stockbridge with her partner of 14 years. Regrettably at the moment they do not have any companion animals, however they would love to add a pup or two. Alana sent to SUNY Delhi to become a veterinary technician before she started working at her family injection molding business about 20 years ago. After the family business closed she worked a variety of professions, including a car detailer, a graphic sign design and installer, a miniature cupcake baker, and even a sales associate. In Alana's free time she enjoys art, horror movies, Halloween time, and music. She even still has all of her vinyl and equipment from when she was a club DJ.

"I never met a pasta I didn't like."
Gail
Gail Duranko
​​​​​​​​​​​​
Client Care Coordinator
Gail grew up in Chalfont, PA, where she lived until she got married and then moved to Minnesota. Since then she has also lived in New Hampshire, Virginia, Maryland, and now Massachusetts. Gail still considers herself from Pennsylvania even though she lived in New Hampshire for 20 years while raising her children. Gail and her husband Gary moved into their new home in Adams with their two dogs, Phoebe a golden retriever, and Bailey a collie. They have two daughters that are grown and married. Jill lives in Texas and Megan lives closer in Massachusetts. Gail went to Penn State and graduated with a BS in Marketing. In Gail’s free time she enjoys reading, mostly mystery and horror stories. She also enjoys going wine tasting, going on walks with her dogs, and watching a good TV show or movie with her husband.


"If you make me laugh, you'll be my friend forever."

Onaia
Onaia Archer​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​
Client Care Coordinator
Onaia was raised in Southern Vermont but moved to the Berkshires in 2018. She had been working at an assisted living facility the first few years in the area but soon became a receptionist at a doctors office. Her love for animals brought her to PVH. During her free time Onaia enjoys hiking, crocheting, crafts, and spending time with her niece, cats, dogs, and chickens.


"Senior dogs are my favorite!"​​​​​​​
Ileen
Eileen Tegethoff​​​​​​​​​​​​
Client Care Coordinator
Info coming soon...

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Beth Storie
Beth Storie
Client Care Coordinator
Beth grew up in Pittsfield and Hancock during her younger years. She currently lives in Lanesborough with her husband, Glen, their black lab, Otis, and her “girls” aka her small flock of chickens. Before coming to PVH, Beth worked for Time Warner Cable for many years, and then moved to health care. When the weather is warm, Beth loves to be outside tending to her flowers and vegetable gardens. You can also find her taking a walk with Otis or reading in a comfy chair or pool float. In the winter, Beth enjoys crafting in her “she shed” making clay earrings which are sold locally or cooking and baking in her kitchen. Beth also loves to travel, but her favorite place isn’t anywhere in particular; it’s wherever her family and friends are.

"I'm extremely superstitious and believe in ghosts." ​​​
Shaker Hill Pet Resort Team
Ehren Melius
Ehren Melius

Resort Leader
Ehren Melius joined our team in March, 2023 as the Kennel Manager for the Shaker Hill Pet Resort. Before coming to work with us, Ehren spent nearly two decades working in the Animal Welfare field. He began his career at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA where he worked for twelve years, half of that time as their Shelter Manager. In 2012, Ehren moved on to work for the ASPCA’s Field Investigation and Response Team, serving as their Emergency Shelter Director and later their Medical Operations Director. With his love for animals and a commitment to compassionate care, Ehren brings his experience to the Shaker Hill Pet Resort team in order to provide top quality care for our clients’ pets.

Copake, NY is home again for Ehren, allowing him to be closer to friends and family. Outside of work, he enjoys kayaking and backpacking when he’s not catering to his cat Slinky.
Dawn Leighfield​​​​​​​
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."
Chelsea Garrison
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."

Abigail Harty
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.”​​​​​​​
Amanda Foster
Amanda Foster
Resort Staff
Amanda grew up in North Adams where she graduated from Drury High School. Before coming to PVH Amanda was a substitute at a daycare and an assistant teacher at a pre-school. In her free time she enjoys bird watching while she goes for a hike or swim, painting, scrap-booking, and embroidering. Amanda likes to spend most of her time outdoors. From finding new hiking spots to interacting with the wildlife around her. However, on Sunday’s she spends the day at her Grams with her family enjoying a good laugh together.
Grace Kelley
Grace Kelley
Resort Staff
Grace is a Berkshire County local, she grew up in Lanesborough and went to school in Williamstown and Pittsfield. Grace has always had pets in her life, from kittens and cats to puppies and dogs, as well as a few ducks, chickens, even some gerbils and hermit crabs. Most notable, her black lab Charlie and her little black cat Farley. She still has her cat Farley where she lives locally with her partner. In Grace’s free time she likes to play table top roleplaying games and other board games with her friends and partner. She also enjoys do puzzles when they aren’t knocked off the table by the kitty, and reading when her kitty isn’t sitting on top of her books.
Michelle Turner
Michelle Turner
Resort Staff
A Berkshire County native, Michelle Turner developed a love and interest in nature and animals at a very early age. Having a natural draw to and understanding of canines in particular, she began working professionally with them in her teen years, dog walking, training and volunteering at the local humane society. Now with 35+ years of experience, she had the privilege of traveling across the country, working with various canine rescue groups and assisting with and managing the start up of a daycare boarding facility in Los Angeles. More recently, she had the privilege of shadowing other successful day care professionals in New York. She carries various certifications in canine behavior and enrichment, canine obedience training, crisis management and was a nationally certified EMT for several years.

In Michelle’s spare time, she enjoys outdoor recreational activities with her own pup Levi and engages in the painting of commissioned pieces as a pet portrait artist.
Our Mascots
Mike
Mike, Maggie & Martha
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. Although still the head of security at Pittsfield Vet, he is semi retired.

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

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 was the assistant to the head of security, but she is also semi retired.

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


Martha, aka "Pig" was born in New Hampshire and came to live with her new family when she was 12 weeks. Martha has had a rough start in life, but continues to thrive due to the great care at Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital. In Martha's free time she likes to snore, eat string cheese, and be the center of attention. She is also now the new security detail since her brother and sister have semi retired.

"I'm super flexable and can sleep in any position, but I'm always ready to protect the employees at PVH."

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