Our entire team is Fear Free Certified! To find out what that means to you and your pet, visit fearfreepets.com.

Michelle Bartus, VMD, Veterinarian

Michelle Bartus, VMD has been a veterinarian since 1984 when she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bartus and her husband, Dr. Nelson, purchased the practice from Dr. Bartus’ late father, Dr. Frank Bartus. She received her Certificate in Small Animal Ultrasonography from the University of Illinois in 2015. Dr. Bartus boasts many years of experience and continuing education in the field.

Peter D. Nelson, MS, VMD, Veterinarian

Peter D. Nelson, M.S., VMD, co-owner of the practice and Dr. Bartus’ husband. He obtained both a Master of Science in Parasitology and Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. He received his Certificate in Small Animal Ultrasonography from the University of Illinois in 2015. Dr. Nelson boasts many years of experience and continuing education in the field. He is also a lead volunteer veterinarian for the WCART/PASART. (A state-wide emergency organization for animal relief.)

Tiffani L. Crum, MS, DVM, Veterinarian

Tiffani L. Crum, MS, DVM was born and raised in Uniontown, PA. She obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from Saint Francis University in 2003 and her Master of Science from Duquesne University in 2005. Dr. Crum graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and was excited to return to southwestern Pennsylvania to begin her career as a veterinarian at Valley Veterinary Service, Inc. She has special interests in behavior and dermatology. In her free time she loves reading and spending time outdoors with her 3 dogs. She is pictured with her Bernese Mountain Dog, “Buck” and Cock-a-Poo, “Daisy”.

Management

Julie, BS, MA, Hospital Manager
Julie joined our team in 1999 as a Veterinary Assistant and undergraduate student. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Vincent College in 2001 and moved on to West Virginia University where she earned her Master of Agriculture in Animal and Veterinary Science in 2003. She is currently the Hospital Manager and is working on her CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) certification. She is pictured with one of her Pit Bulls, “Gunner”.

Technicians

Ashley, Certified Veterinary Technician
Ashley joined our team in 2005 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She received her Associate in Veterinary Medicine degree from Median School of Allied Health Careers in 2004. Ashley is our Head Lab Technician.
Susie, Certified Veterinary Technician
Susie re-joined our team (after a short stint in Florida) in 1999 as a Certified Veterinary Technician who specializes in surgical assisting. She graduated with her Associate in Veterinary Medicine in 1986 from Median School of Allied Health Careers. Susie is pictured with her Border Collie, “Captain”. You often don’t get to see Susie because she works exclusively in our surgery suite..
Holly, Veterinary Assistant/Inventory Manager
Holly joined our team in 2007 as a Veterinary Assistant. She is pictured here with her Pit Bull, “Kali”. Holly received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Biology from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in 2003. Holly is also our Inventory Manager and Puppy Pre-School Instructor.
Claudette, Certified Veterinary Technician
Claudette joined our team in July 2013 as a graduate from Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology. In addition, she boasts her diploma in Veterinary Assisting from Apollo College (Oregon) obtained in 2005. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician. Claudette has several years of experience in emergency medicine as a Veterinary Assistant. She enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and has lived in several states. Claudette is pictured with her Boston Terrier, “Hughey”!
Devon, Certified Veterinary Technician
Devon joined our team in May 2012.She is a graduate of Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. She enjoys going to concerts and watching ANY movie! Devon is pictured here with her Domestic Shorthair, “Camino”.
Rebecca, Certified Veterinary Technician
Rebecca joined our team in March 2014 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She is a graduate of Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology from 2012. She loves horseback riding, kayaking and spending time with her Labrador Retriever, “Bubba”.
Alyssa, Certified Veterinary Technician
Alyssa joined our team in August 2017. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician and graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2015. She loves spending time with her niece and nephews, hiking, going to watch drive-in movies, and chilling at home with her 5 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 guinea pigs.
Ashlee, Certified Veterinary Technician
Ashlee joined our team in April 2018. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology in December 2017. Ashlee is a Certified Veterinary Technician. In her spare time she loves being outdoors, kayaking, and walking her dogs. She also likes to spend time with her two awesome cats!
Mary Kathryn (MK), Certified Veterinary Technician and KPA Certified Training Professional
MK joined our team in March 2014. She is a graduate of Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology. MK is a Certified Veterinary Technician and our KPA Certified Dog Trainer. (See what this means here…www.clickertraining.com/whatis.)

In her spare time she enjoys hiking in Ohiopyle! She is pictured here with her Cocker Spaniel, “Hershey”.

Kelly, Certified Veterinary Technician
Kelly joined our team in April 2014. She graduated with an Associate in Specialized Technology from Sanford Brown Institute in 2009. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician. Kelly enjoys fishing, reading, crafting and spending time with her family. She is pictured here with her old man Chihuahua, “Gizmo”.
Nichole, Veterinary Assistant
Nichole joined our team in May 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Education and worked as a teacher for a short time. Nichole decided she wanted to pursue her passion with animals instead and she is currently enrolled in a Veterinary Technician program working towards her Associate Degree while working here with the team. In her free time, Nichole enjoys hiking with her great danes, riding horses, spending time with her nieces, and kayaking!