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 22 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

Jennifer was born and raised in the captial region of NY. She currently lives in Pittsfield with her husband, their son, and their newborn 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 Technician & Inventory Manager

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."

Tricia Hoffman, LVT
Fear Free Certified

Veterinary Technician

Tricia grew up in Saugerties, NY and now lives in Leeds, NY with her boyfriend, their two dogs and one cat. She likes to hike, kayak, snowboard, ride a motorcycle, or do just about anything the outdoors has to offer. Tricia got into the veterinary field because she always loved math and science. She graduated from SUNY Ulster with an A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology. Tricia is also the Intern Advisor at Pittsfield Vet and enjoys helping to teach and train the interns during their stay.

"I love to bake."

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."

Taylor Cook, CVT

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 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 Assistant

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 has been trained to be a veterinary technician assistant. In the near future, Lily will be going to school to become a vet tech. She 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 Assistant

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 and German."

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.”

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

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."

Jordan Maynard

Resort Staff

Jordan grew up in Berlin, NY. He is best friends with his mom and talks to her every day. In Jordan's spare time he enjoys gaming, modding, learning new things and making goals for himself. So far, Jordan has completed two semesters of college studying Psychology and Computer Science/Engineering. Jordan has been working part time in the Resort at Pittsfield Vet since 2016.

"I've owned many exotic animals. African Serval, Monkey, Alligator and many more."

Matilda Root

Resort Staff

Matilda grew up mostly in the Berkshires and now lives in Pittsfield with her family. She has four parents, her dad Steve and his fiancé Rachael, and her mom Nell and her girlfriend Jennifer. Matilda also has four siblings, one biological sister Freya, two step sisters Cate and Lola, and a step brother Sam. The family has a cat named Lieutenant Uhura.

"I plan on attending art school once I graduate high school."

Sara Silvernail

Resort Staff

Sara is born and raised in Dalton where she currently resides with her 6 month old son, Charlie. Sara also has two cats named Mae and Luna, a mouse name Rufus, a ball python named Monty and a bearded dragon named Horus. Sara received her Bachelors in Zoology from the University of Maine. Before coming to PVH she was a leader at the local PetSmart for two years. Sara also spent a summer at the Zoo in Forest Park as a zookeeper where she got to work with numerous zoo animals. Although her favorite to work with were the capybara and the wallaby. In Sara’s free time she enjoys singing and playing her guitar along to her favorite music.

"I have a wildlife rehabilitator’s license."

Brendan Bramer

Resort Staff

Brendan is an only child from Pittsfield and currently goes to Taconic High School. He has previously worked at Krispy Cones where his grandfather owns the business. His mom works at BMC in Accounting and he has an aunt he looks up to that works for the Department of Children and Families. After Brendan graduates high school he plans on going to school for social work just like his aunt. At home, Brendan has a 3 and a half year old Jack Russell Chihuahua named Kanga Roo Grace and an 11 year old black fluffy cat named Jaguar Elizabeth.

"I love to fly."

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."

Callen Goerlach

Client Care Coordinator

Callen currently lives in Pittsfield, but grew up in Hinsdale where she went to Wahconah Reginal High School. She was previously a nanny on and off for the past 15 years. Callen has worked for many families and has cared for children from ages 2 months old to 15 years old. She does her best to become one with a family and works as a team unit through good times and the hard times. Callen is the youngest sibling of five children. She has three older brothers, Matt, Nate and Jordan, as well as one older sister, Marta. At home Callen has a Guinea Pig named Blitz and her newest member, a German Shepherd/Catahoula Leopard dog named Brodie.

"I'm a huge Harry Potter fan."

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."

Grooming

Laura Graham

Pet Groomer

Laura is a native of New York City but has lived all over the country. She currently resides in Becket, planning to grow happily old in the company of her best friend and cousin. She currently enjoys caring for and being cared for by her two dogs, two cats, two birds, and one betta. Laura received her BA in English Literature from the University of South Carolina, and her Master’s in English Lit and Ph.D. in Theatre History/Critical Studies from UCLA. Laura retired when she moved to Becket but realized she was not ready for retirement and pursued a second career, becoming certified as a pet stylist. She has been working at PVH as its Grooming Salon Manager for over ten years.

“I am an author of several books and articles on the playwright, Sam Shepard.”

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 ."

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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