Receptionist

After leaving her full-time job, Kathy quickly discovered that she wasn’t fond of staying at home all day. Since she had frequented River Valley Veterinary Hospital with her own pets, she had a thought: why not give something back to the community while spending time around adorable animals at the same time? That’s when Kathy decided to join the hospital family!

Kathy is a West Deer Township native and joined the River Valley Veterinary Hospital team in the summer of 2014. She serves as one of the clinic’s front-desk receptionists, and never tires of meeting new pet owners and their furry companions on a daily basis. Kathy especially likes to swap fun pet stories, and she’s even picked up a few tips from clients that she’s tried with her own pets at home!

Kathy and her husband have two grown children; their daughter lives in West Deer and their son lives in Florida. At home, they share their lives with three pets: a pair of loveable beagles named Abby and Bella as well as a cat, Gizmo, who likes to think that everything is his. 

Manager, Veterinary Technician

Katrina’s mother always took in stray animals while Katrina was growing up, and it made a permanent impression. Ever since she was young, Katrina knew that she would love to help animals when she got older. Her passion never wavered—she’s been a Veterinary Technician for more than 11 years! Katrina attended Median School of Allied Health Careers and received an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology.

Katrina has past experience working with everything from cats and dogs to small mammals, birds, and reptiles. She joined the River Valley Veterinary Hospital family in the spring of 2016 and couldn’t be happier. She particularly enjoys getting to learn something new every day; there’s truly never a dull moment!

Katrina is married and is a proud mother to two wonderful sons. The family shares their home with a pair of dogs and three cats.

Manager, Front Office

Lauren has always adored the company of animals, and she knew that she’d like to use her passion in a meaningful way to impact others. Here at River Valley Veterinary Hospital, she’s able to better the lives of pets and their owners daily as a Veterinary Technician and the Front Office Manager!

Lauren joined the River Valley Veterinary family in the fall of 2007; she was thrilled to learn upon interviewing that she would be cross-trained as a Technician! Now, Lauren is able to use her skill set every day to make every patient as comfortable as possible. She makes it her personal mission to ensure that every visitor to the clinic — furry and otherwise — feels welcome.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family especially traveling to Ocean City with her husband, two daughters and stepsons. At home, the family is rounded out by Maddi, an English bulldog, and a tiny little terror named Boots.

 General Manager

Linda has wanted to put her time and efforts toward the betterment of animals for as long as she can remember—she prides herself on her listening skills, and loves being able to problem-solve and find solutions for the area’s pet owners! Linda serves as the General Manager of River Valley Veterinary Services.

Linda first joined the hospital team in 2006, when she signed on as a Veterinary Technician, and was promoted to the General Manager position in the summer of 2014. When she’s not assisting a veterinarian, you can find Linda managing her talented staff, ordering supplies, and making sure the clinic is functioning smoothly in order to best serve the area’s animal parents.

In her time away from work, Linda enjoys landscaping, gardening, vacationing, and spending time with her own pets. She lives with two dogs, Phantom and Oliver, as well as a pair of cats named Mr. Kitters and Biff.

Veterinary Technician

Pets have made Sakari’s life better for as long as she can remember. For her, working hands-on with animals in the veterinary world is the perfect way to return the favor! Sakari helps pets as a Veterinary Technician with the River Valley Veterinary Hospital team.

Sakari completed her externship at a local animal clinic, and graduated from the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in July of 2017. The next month, she was thrilled to accept a position here at River Valley Veterinary Hospital! Sakari brings with her special interests in laboratory procedures and radiology work. Her favorite part of every shift is getting to meet loveable patients and their proud owners.

Outside of work, Sakari can be found enjoying a good book, camping and fishing in the great outdoors, relaxing around a bonfire, or spending time with her family and pets. She lives with two dogs, three cats, and a pair of ferrets.

 Certified Veterinary Technician

Marla grew up in Wexford, where her love affair with animals began as a member of the 4-H organization. Her early experiences riding horses and working in the stables left a permanent impression—she’s always known that a career spent caring for pets would be the perfect fit!

Marla attended the Vet Tech Institute to earn her degree in veterinary technology, graduating as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She joined the team here at River Valley Veterinary Hospital in September of 2017, and has been tending to the area’s pets and animal parents ever since. Her favorite part of her work is getting to witness the journey from diagnosis and treatment to a healthy, happy pet!

Marla lives in Allison Park with her husband and their three cats: Noodle, Gandalf, and Thorin. In her free time, she loves to ride dirt bikes, and even competed in her first race in 2017. Marla is also an avid crafter, and her specialty involves refurbishing pallets into works of art for others.

Receptionist

 Nessa and her husband maintain their own small landscaping business, but Nessa's love of animals brought her to River Valley Veterinary Hospital.  Nessa became a receptionist at River Valley in the winter of 2018.  Always ready to greet our clients with a smile, she has added new sparkle to our staff. 

Nessa was born and raised in the New Kensington area and is proud to raise her family there as well. Nessa resides with her husband and 5 sons.  Her favorite time is family time. She enjoys following her sons baseball teams and even helps to coach!

Neesa has opened up her home to many animals over the years but currently homes 6 dogs, 5 cats, a gecko, bearded dragon and a turtle. 

She has her own mini zoo!!

Veterinary Assistant 

Matt has always wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and the community. You may have seen Matt around the office before as he has been job shadowing at River Valley Veterinary Hospital for over a year now. He has recently become our veterinary assistant. 

Matt attends Penn State where he is pursuing a degree in Biology. He plans on applying to veterinary school after graduation. 

Matt grew up in West Deer and is a Deer Lakes graduate. He lives with his mother, father and brother and most importantly, his Golden Retriever named Buddy. In his time outside of school and work, Matt enjoys the outdoors. You can find him hunting, fishing, or camping but mostly just enjoying the company of his family and friends. He is also an avid soccer fan! 

   Veterinary Technician  

Growing up, Alexis’ mother always told her that she was meant to work with animals. She could not see her taking any other career path. Alexis started out at community college soon realizing she had more to offer in life, she applied and was accepted into Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh and through hard work and compassion she graduated in February 2019. 

As the newest addition to River Valley, Alexis enjoys hearing clients tell her how special their pets are to them while assuring them they are just as special to us. She also enjoys knowing that she is assisting in the well being of your pet. 

Alexis grew up in Sarver and lives with her mom and brother. Their household is shared with a 1 ½ year old Siberian Husky named Aleu whom is quite sassy and talkative. 

In her free time, Alexis enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, horseback riding and spending time with her grandparents.