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.
Korin D’Ascenzo, BVetMED
Korin D’Ascenzo, BVetMED grew up in Penn Township, Westmoreland County. After graduating from high school, she attended Delaware Valley University earning her Bachelor of Science in Large Animal Science. She was then accepted into the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, and graduated in 2005 with her veterinary degree. After returning to the U.S., she worked in various practices on the eastern side of Pennsylvania, 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 since the end of 2016. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, 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 earned a Veterinary Practice Management certificate from Purdue: Krannert School of Management in 2015. She is currently the Practice 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
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 and her Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner certification in 2020. Holly is our Inventory Manager, Puppy Pre-School instructor and Dog Trainer. 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.
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 joined our team as a Certified Veterinary Technician in May 2012, after a few years with the internal medicine department at PVSEC, she re-joined her VVS Team in May 2022. She earned her Associate in Veterinary Technology from Vet Tech Institute. She enjoys traveling, concerts, and naps with her cats, Camino and Babette. Devon is currently working on specialized ultrasonography training.
Anna joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant in July 2020. She has been caring for animals in some capacity her whole life. She came to us with 8 years of experience in Companion Animal Husbandry as a Kennel Technician and Manager in a boarding/daycare facility, as well as 2 years experience as a Veterinary Assistant at another hospital. She lives on her family farm along with her husband, her two rescue hounds, Scout and Patsy, and her rescue domestic shorthair cat, Wayne. She loves hunting, fishing, drawing, working on her trucks, and doing just about anything outdoors!
Baily joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant in April 2021. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from California University of Pennsylvania in April 2022. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends/family, camping, playing sports, and spending time with her 2 dogs, Oddie and Oakley, and her two cats, Nyx and Percy!
Sierra, Veterinary Assistant
Sierra joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant in August 2022. She came to us with a background in canine and feline grooming, as well as, handling care of pets for a local rescue. Sierra is currently studying in the online Penn Foster program to earn her Associate in Specialized Technology in order to test to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. She enjoys life at home with her 3 pitties: Dug, Margo, and Thor, and her kitty, Spooky.
Marissa R. joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant in September 2022. She came to us with 2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant at another facility. Marissa loves reading books and usually finishes up to 5 per week! She enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, in addition to their pet family including: 2 dogs, 2 cats, and an array of fish!
Marissa C. joined our team in October 2022. She is a recent graduate of the Vet Tech Institute where she earned her Associate in Specialized Technology. Marissa passed her VTNE examination to become a Certified Veterinary Technician in 03/2023! She enjoys spending time outdoors riding her quad, hanging at the drag strip, and attending car shows! Snuggling with her 1 dog and 3 cats is also at the top of her to-do list!