Meet Our Team
Gina Brannick
Practice Manager
Gina is a 2004 graduate from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she received a Masters degree in Economics. Gina worked in veterinary hospitals throughout graduate school when she had two dogs, a chocolate lab named Jordan and a Siberian husky named Maggie. Gina, her husband, and their two dogs moved to State College in 2006, where she continued to work at a local veterinary hospital, as well as an adjunct instructor at PSU. She stepped away from work life when her daughter was born, followed by her son a few years later. Gina joined CPVETS in January 2018 and loves being back in the veterinary world.
Bonnie Welsh, CVT
Lead Technician, Inventory Manager
Bonnie graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh in 2010 and got her certification the same year. Upon graduation, she worked in a small animal practice for 3 years before moving to Chicago to working at emergency/specialty hospital. In 2014 she decided that the city wasn't for her and moved back to lovely central Pennsylvania! Her favorite aspects of veterinary medicine are radiology and surgery. But she loves emergency medicine because you never know what is going to happen. In her free time, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her dogs, gardening, hunting, and looking for new adventures.
Jennifer, CVT
OSHA Safety Manager
Jenn came to CPVETS right after graduating from the Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh, PA, back in 2011. She has been successfully perfecting her skills - triage, venipuncture, work with exotics - and is a valued member of our team. Like many of us, she finds veterinary medicine an extremely rewarding field, especially when a patient is discharged happy and healthy! Outside of work, Jenn spends time with her family (which includes two adorable children), as well as her shepherd, "Ruger", and her rabbit, "Moogie". She lives in Bellefonte and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Kasey, CVT
Equipment Manager
Kasey graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh in 2017 and received her certification in 2018. She has spent 5 years working in general practice and is very excited to start her new adventure in emergency medicine. Kasey has known her whole life that working with animals was what she wanted as a career. Her favorite aspect of veterinary medicine is educating clients on how to better care for their furry, and not so furry, family members. Her favorite dog may be a Frenchie but she loves all animals, no matter how furry, feathery or scaly they may be. When Kasey isn’t working, she spends her time outdoors with her 3 dogs who especially love camping and hiking.
Marikaye, CVT
Marikaye attended Penn State University where she studied Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. She has also completed her coursework toward her Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology with the hopes of becoming a certified veterinary technician. Outside of her job, Marikaye enjoys helping out with her family's whitetail deer farm, as well as spending time with her family and cats, Liam, Kitty, and Sylus. She is an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Martha, CVT
Martha is a 2016 graduate of Wilson College, where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology and a minor in Business. She received her certification to be a Certified Veterinary Technician that same year. She worked with CPVETS during the summers, before starting on a full time basis after graduation. Outside of work, Martha lives in Duncansville, PA and enjoys reading, watching movies and hanging out with her husband, friends and family.
Jacqui, CVT
Bio Coming Soon!
Autumn, CVT
Bio coming soon!
Andi, CVT
Bio coming soon!
Michaela, CVT
Bio coming soon!
Hailey, CVT
Hailey graduated from Wilson College in 2026 with a Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Nursing and became certified in the same year. Hailey has many pets of her own from large to small. She loves working with all species, but especially the exotic ones. Outside of veterinary medicine, she loves her plants and is an avid fiber arts enthusiast.
Kirsten, CVT
Kirsten began her career in veterinary medicine after graduating from Alfred State College and passing the VTNE in 2022. Since then, she has gained valuable experience caring for a wide variety of animals and has developed an even deeper appreciation for the unique personalities and needs of every patient she meets. Although Kirsten is currently pursuing a nursing degree, her passion for veterinary medicine remains close to her heart. At home, Kirsten is kept busy by her own little crew of animal companions: two dogs, two cats, a bunny, and a bearded dragon! Outside of work and school, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, getting lost in a good book, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Alyssa
Technician
Alyssa began her work in the veterinary field immediately after completing high school, working as a veterinary assistant. She then earned a veterinary technician certificate diploma in 2012 from San Juan College. Alyssa also graduated from Penn State University in 2017 with a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. She currently has 2 pets of her own, a cat named Sassy and a dog named Quarry. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her pets, working on home projects, reading, and traveling.
Faith
Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Maria
Technician
Maria began working in veterinary medicine at a general practice in 2022 and transitioned into emergency and critical care after accepting a position at CPVETS in 2023. She is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Distance Learning program through Purdue University with the goal of becoming a certified veterinary technician. Having lived internationally throughout her adolescence, Maria comes from a diverse background and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Outside of work, Maria has a passion for music, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her partner and two dogs, Dante and Daisy.
Brooke
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Cameryn
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Liz
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Casey
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Brittney
Veterinary Assistant
Brittney is currently a student of Penn Foster, pursuing an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technician. Outside of working at CPVETS, she also works at a local daytime veterinary hospital as a relief technician. In the future, Brittany hopes to work with wildlife, specifically big cats. In her free time, she loves to travel the world and spend time with her 7 cats, 1 dog, 1 hedgehog, 2 lizards, 3 hermit crabs, and her family.
Kami
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Brittany
Administrative Assistant
Client Service Representative
Brittany grew up with compassion and love towards all animals. She carries a degree in Applied Health Science with a minor in Community Health. Outside her job, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, friends and outdoor activities. | |
Haley
Client Service Representative
Bio Coming Soon!
Ali
Client Service Representative
Ali is a former USACE Park Conservation Ranger who enjoys working with animals and people alike. She pivoted into a career in veterinary medicine to broaden her horizons in emergency animal care. When Ali is not at work, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, learning to pilot aircraft, and working on her hobby farm. Ali grew up in the State College area, and moved back home from Seattle to finish her studies at PSU. Ali has two toy poodles, Niles and Webster, and a cat named Cowboy who always inspire her in this line of work.
Gracie
Client Service Representative
Gracie is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Marine Conservation Biology at Unity Environmental University, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Marine Science. When she is not working at CPVETS, she also works as a substitute teacher in Altoona and is an intern with a marine science and technology non-profit organization. After finishing her Master's degree, she hopes to pursue a PhD and focus on the ecology and visual systems of sharks and stingrays.
Kate
Client Service Representative
Bio Coming Soon!
Charlotte
Client Service Representative
Bio Coming Soon!
Claireese
Client Service Representative
Claireese is a Veterinary and Biomedical Science major at Penn State University with plans to attend veterinary school. Growing up surrounded by animals and currently caring for five cats, two dogs, and a leopard gecko, she has developed a strong passion for animal health and welfare. Claireese is committed to continuing her education and gaining experience as she works toward becoming a veterinarian.
Josie
Client Service Representative
Josie began working at CPVETS during high school and will continue while attending Penn State University, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her long term career plans involve human medicine. Working at an emergency veterinary hospital is a great way to combine her interest in medicine with her love of animals.
Meagan
Client Service Representative
Meagan is an Animal Science major at Penn State with plans to enter the livestock events industry following graduation. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends and going on adventures with her dog, Buck.
Seth
Client Service Representative
Seth is an Aerospace Engineering student at Penn State University and is from Hollidaysburg, PA. He has many years of experience working at his mother’s grooming salon as a dog bather and cashier, as well as experience volunteering at an animal rescue over the summers. He is the pet parent of a black Lab/Great Pyrenees mix, named Nami, with whom he shares a room. Outside of work, Seth enjoys hanging out with his fraternity brothers, and playing hockey and golf.
Emma
Client Service Representative
Bio Coming Soon!
Tara
Client Service Representative
Tara is a Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences major at Penn State University and plans to attend veterinary school after graduation. Growing up around animals and currently caring for three dogs, she has always been passionate about animal health and welfare. Through her education and involvement in the field, Tara is working toward a career where she can provide compassionate care for animals while supporting the people who care for them.
Cori
Client Service Representative
Cori graduated from Penn State with a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Science and a minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Born and raised in Philadelphia, they are a first-generation graduate who grew up with limited opportunities, but an unwavering love for all animals. Their passion for veterinary medicine has grown stronger through experiences in emergency care and wildlife education, inspiring Cori to pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian. They hope to advocate for animals who are often overlooked and, above all, to love the unloved. Outside of work, Cori enjoys reading fantasy novels, diamond painting, upcycling clothes, playing video games, and drawing.
Andrea Loar, DVM
Dr. Loar is a native of Howard County, Maryland and graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Loar gained valuable experience as a veterinary technician and Practice Manager for an emergency clinic. Dr. Loar started at CPVETS in January 2018 as our Chief Medical Officer. During her free time, Dr. Loar raises beef cattle with her husband in Clearfield
Kayla Kerstetter, DVM
Dr. Kerstetter is a native of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania and graduated from Midwestern University in 2018. Prior to fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, she worked as a veterinary technician at a small animal practice in Central Pennsylvania, when she was also an active member of 4-H and livestock. Some hobbies include quilting, playing with her Australian Cattle dog Harley, and riding horses.
Samantha Tartaglino, DVM
Dr. Tartaglino is a native of Vienna, Virginia. She received her Veterinary Degree from St. Matthew’s University in 2018, completing her clinical year at Oklahoma State University. Prior to obtaining her veterinary degree, Dr. Tartaglino worked as a technician at a mixed animal practice near Washington DC, where she returned post-graduation. As a Penn State alumni, Dr. Tartaglino is excited to return to State College and cheer on the Nittany Lions. Along with PSU football & hockey, Dr. Tartaglino enjoys hiking, Lego’s, ice cream, and spending time with her dogs, a German Shepherd mix named Chips, and four Australian Shepherds named Ammo, Caliber, Lexi, and Lego.
Mary Coleman, DVM
Dr. Coleman is a native of Wheeling, WV. She completed her undergraduate studies at West Virginia University and then graduated with her DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 2021. In her free time, Dr. Coleman enjoys competing in agility with her dog, traveling, riding horses, and cheering on her alma mater in college football. She currently shares her life with a standard poodle named Charlotte and two black rescue cats, Ripley and Scout.
Madeline Schneider, DVM
Dr. Schneider is a native of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Schneider attended Penn State University during which time she worked as a technician in a small animal practice and a student worker at the Penn State Deer Research. In addition to all things Penn State, Dr. Schneider enjoys boating, playing volleyball and hiking with her two dogs, a Shepherd mix named Ozzie and a Black Lab mix named Fayden.
Mary Beth Hannon, DVM
Dr. Hannon is originally from Danville, PA. She earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Cornell University. After graduation, she spent several years practicing emergency medicine in private practice before joining the Emergency & Critical Care faculty at Auburn University, where she enjoyed mentoring veterinary students and teaching emergency medicine. She is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care and helping pets and their families navigate stressful situations. She has also enjoyed combining her veterinary skills with her love of adventure by serving as a veterinarian for sled dog races in Alaska. Outside of work, Dr. Hannon enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family. She especially loves outdoor adventures with her two dogs, Pretzel and Poppy, while her three cats prefer to stay home. She also enjoys trying new restaurants, good food and drinks, and making the most of her time off with family and friends.