Veterinarians
Michelle Bartus, VMD and Peter D. Nelson, MS, VMD
Michelle C. Bartus, VMD and Peter D. Nelson, VMD have been practicing veterinary medicine as a husband and wife team since graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. They took over this practice from Dr. Bartus’ father, the late Dr. Frank Bartus, in 1988. In 2014, their efforts earned them the “Rostraver Business of the Year” award. Both Dr. Bartus and Dr. Nelson are certified in Small Animal Ultrasonography and Dr. Nelson is our resident surgeon.
The doctors have a three-legged kitty, Tri Pod! The doctors’ mission trips, either with their church or Christian Veterinary Mission, have taken them to Mongolia, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic. When not traveling, the doctors enjoy ballroom dancing, watching the Pittsburgh sports teams, and spending time with their grandchildren.
Tiffani L. Crum, MS, DVM, Veterinarian
Tiffani Crum, DVM was born and grew up in Uniontown, PA.
She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology from Saint Francis University in 2003 and her Master of Science degree from Duquesne University in 2005. She graduated veterinary school from the University Of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2012, then joined our team in June 2012.
She has special interests in dermatology and behavioral issues in dogs and cats. She is also a Family Paws certified educator. This is an organization dedicated to helping families successfully integrate life with dogs with life with children.
In her free time, she loves reading, spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and
variety of chickens.
Korin D’Ascenzo, BVetMED
Korin D’Ascenzo grew up in Penn Township Westmoreland County. After graduating from high school, she attended Delaware Valley University earning her bachelors in Large Animal Science. She was then accepted into the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, and graduated from there in 2005 with her veterinary degree. After returning to the United States she worked in various practices on the eastern side of Pennsylvania, eventually taking a Chief of Staff position for Lawrence Animal Hospital in Princeton, NJ. Eventually, family brought her back to Western Pennsylvania where she worked with our team as a relief veterinarian in May of 2016 and then stuck around to fill in regularly at the end of 2016.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, going to Steelers’ games, and traveling.
Management
Julie joined our team in 1999 as a Veterinary Assistant and undergraduate student. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Vincent College in 2001, a Master of Agriculture in Animal and Veterinary Science from West Virginia University in 2003, and learned a Veterinary Practice Management certificate from Purdue: Krannert School of Management in 2015. She is currently the Hospital Manager and is working on her CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) certification. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons outdoors on their farm.
Technicians
Ashley joined our team in 2005 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She graduated with an Associate in Veterinary Medicine in 2004 from Median School of Allied Health Careers. Ashley is our Head Technician. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kids outside on their Angus farm, and camping with her family.
Holly joined our team in 2007 as a Veterinary Assistant. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Biology in 2003 from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Holly is our Inventory Manager and Puppy Pre-School instructor. She enjoys boating with her husband and spending time with their two Pit Bulls, Kali and Sampson, and their cats, Charlie, Letty and Leia.
Susie re-joined our team (after a short stint to Florida) in 1993 as a Certified Veterinary Technician who specializes in surgical assisting. She graduated with an Associate in Veterinary Medicine in 1987 from Median School of Allied Health Careers. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, and her border collie, Captain.
Mary Kathryn (MK) joined our team in March 2014 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She graduated from Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology in February 2014. MK is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training partner and teaches our obedience classes. In her spare time, she enjoys spending with her husband, daughter, and their three dogs!
Kelly joined our team in April 2014. She graduated with an Associate in Specialized Technology from Sanford Brown Institute in 2009 and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. Kelly enjoys reading, going to the movies with her daughter, and teaching her Boxer, Eleanor, new tricks.
Alyssa joined our team as a Certified Veterinary Technician in August 2017. She graduated from Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology in 2015. She loves spending time with her niece and nephews, hiking, going to watch drive-in movies, and chilling at home with her 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 guinea pigs.
Ashlee joined our team in March 2018. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology in December 2017 and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her two super awesome cats, spending time with her dogs at the park, and kayaking!
Devon, Certified Veterinary Technician
Devon originally joined our team in May 2012. She is a graduate of Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician. Devon is currently a full-time Internal Medicine Technician at PVSEC but joins us a few days a week as well! She enjoys going to concerts and watching ANY movie!
Nichole joined our team in May 2018. Nichole received her Bachelor of Education from Slippery Rock University….and then she decided she wanted to pursue her passion with animals! She is currently enrolled in a Veterinary Technician program working towards her Associate in Veterinary Technology. In her free time, Nichole enjoys hiking with her Great Danes, riding horses, spending time with her nieces and kayaking!
Caylee joined our team in September 2019 as Veterinary Assistant. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute with an Associate in Specialized Technology in June 2019. She is currently studying for her Veterinary Technician National Exam to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. She enjoys being outdoors, camping, and hunting. She also enjoys spending time with family, loved ones and of course her English Bulldog Delilah. She is also a huge fan of all Pittsburgh Sports.
Mandy joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant, originally in 2002 after graduating from The Western School with an Associate in Specialized Technology. She left after two years to pursue her passion for wildlife! Mandy worked at Nemacolin with various wild animals for 12 years! Mandy re-joined our team this past year. She enjoys riding her horses, spending time with her husband and 3 children, and working on their farm. She shares her household with several different animals.
Sarah joined our team in January 2020 as a Veterinary Assistant. She graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Communications. Sarah has over 8 years of experience in companion animal husbandry starting with pet sitting initially and developing grooming and boarding skills through various jobs. She also has over 3 years of exotic animal husbandry experience working with all kinds of wild animals! In her free time Sarah enjoys being outdoors and snuggling up with her Golden Retriever, “Bentley” and Dachshund “Mandy”.