Reading Animal Clinic‘s staff is filled with highly trained and experienced animal lovers who care deeply about their jobs. Everyone makes it a goal to learn everything they can about the field they love in order to give our patients the highest level of care.
Our team is also kind. The members treat each patient, whether healthy or sick, with plenty of love and attention. They educate owners on the importance of preventative care to keep their pets healthy, while doing everything they can to help when their pets are not feeling well.
If you would like to speak to someone on our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (781) 944-1699.
The Fear Free concept is based on recognizing and taking steps to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress associated with visits to the veterinary hospital and requires good communication between the owner and veterinary team.
Dr. Elizabeth Shurland
Dr. Shurland was born and raised in Reading, MA. She attended Tufts University as an English Major and worked in the publishing industry for 2 years. She attended Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1992, then completed an internship at Angell Animal Medical Center. After working in private practice for a year in North Andover, she moved to Philadelphia where she worked in a small animal practice for 9 years while her husband attended medical school and completed his residency. She returned to Massachusetts in 2003 and started working at Reading Animal Clinic in 2004. Dr. Shurland assumed ownership of The Reading Animal Clinic in 2013. She now lives in Reading with her husband, 3 children, and 2 dogs.
Dr. Rose Flynn
Medical Director
Dr. Flynn, our Medical Director, started working at the Reading Animal Clinic as a veterinary technician after obtaining her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She attended Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in May of 2014. After graduation, she was excited to return to the Reading Animal Clinic as a veterinarian. She has interests in teaching veterinary students, internal medicine and ultrasound. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her husband, two daughters, three cats (Bonkers, Triscuit and Mac), and dog (Luna).
Dr. Yoonjin Moon
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Moon developed an interest in veterinary medicine while attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After graduating from UMass with a degree in Pre-Veterinary Science, she attended Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She has interests in soft tissue surgery, dental surgery, anesthesiology, and cardiology. In her free time, she enjoys baking, indoor gardening, yoga, and spending time with her own troublemaker cats.
Dr. Rachel Russo
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Rachel Russo was raised in Peabody, Massachusetts and knew since the age of 5 years old that she wanted to become a veterinarian. She did her undergraduate work at the College of the Holy Cross where she majored in Biology. Dr. Russo received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. This was followed by a small animal internship at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island. Prior to starting at Reading Animal Clinic, Dr. Russo worked as a general practitioner for 14 years at a large general practice and referral hospital. Dr. Russo’s professional interests include preventative medicine as well as internal medicine.
Dr. Russo resides in Middleton with her husband and two children. Her pet family includes a cat, a dog and a bearded dragon.
Dr. Taylor Parsons
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Taylor Parsons was born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. She knew from a young age she wanted to become a veterinarian. Dr. Parsons had achieved a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at Auburn University. Throughout undergraduate and veterinary graduate school, she worked at a local clinic as a veterinary assistant. Dr. Parsons received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. She had completed a 2-week clinical internship at Reading Animal Clinic in August 2022 and fell in love with the clinic, staff and clients.
Dr. Parsons’s professional interests include internal medicine, wellness care and dental care. She currently resides in Peabody with her fiancé. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her French Bulldog, Toby.
Dr. Melanie Bikis
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Melanie Bikis, a New England native, graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. She practiced in California before returning to Massachusetts, where she worked on the South Coast for many years before landing at Reading Animal Clinic. Dr. Bikis has a special interest in internal medicine and supporting the human-animal bond. She is Fear Free Certified and takes pride in helping our pets feel more comfortable in the veterinary setting. In her time off, Dr. Bikis enjoys trail running, travel, kayaking, and has a special place in her heart for the ocean.
Dr. Lauren Bufe
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Bufe was raised in Dracut, Massachusetts. She attended Boston University where she received a Bachelors Degree in Biology with Specialization in Cellular, Molecular, and Genetics. She worked as a laboratory technician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for two years before moving to Arizona where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University. She practiced in Phoenix, Arizona for three years before deciding to move back to her home state and join the team at Reading Animal Clinic. Dr. Bufe’s professional interests include dentistry and dermatology. Her personal interests are running, cheering on her favorite New England sports teams, and spending time at the beach with her husband and their two dogs, Bo and Judy.
Dr. Heck
Dr. Heck is a dedicated veterinary professional with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and community service. Before pursuing her veterinary degree, she worked as a veterinary technician for eight years, gaining valuable hands-on experience in animal care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Stockton University in New Jersey and went on to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, where she developed a special interest in soft tissue surgery, cardiology, and ultrasonography. Passionate about giving back, she is committed to supporting underserved animals and communities through her previous work in shelter medicine. She continually strives to provide the highest standard of patient care and is dedicated to advancing her skills and knowledge within the field. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with her dog, Rocco, while reading a good book.
Keana
Practice Manager
Keana, an established operations professional with a passion for animal care. Her desire to lead teams that deliver a mindful and high-quality experience has led her to be a member of this incredible team. As a dog mom, she appreciates the importance of a pet owner’s relationship with their vet. When our clients are faced with situations in which their pet is ill, the care and sensitivity shown by our medical personnel are essential. Her goal is to maintain the hospital’s approach of treating every animal as if they were our own furry children, while also ensuring that all of our clients have the support they deserve.
Leah
Business Manager
Leah has an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from Becker College and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. She has been at Reading Animal Clinic since 2000. During that time, she has become the go-to person for the other technicians, the doctors, and our clients. She has many responsibilities including animal care, reception, and office management. She became a veterinary technician because it combines her love of medicine and animals. She owns a Yorkie/Silky mix named Rosie who loves to go on hikes
Jenna, CVT
Technician Manager
Jenna is originally from the state of Montana. In 2011, she was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps when she decided to move to Massachusetts with her husband. Jenna graduated from Mount Ida College in 2016 with a Bachelors of Science degree in veterinary technology. A few months later, she joined RAC. Over the years, she has become involved in various daily activities from assisting the doctors with appointments, educating clients, training employees and surgery. Jenna takes great pride in her role as an advocate for both pets and their owners, offering compassionate care and guidance for pet owners.
Ensuring that she stays up-to-date on the latest practices and advancements in the veterinary field she is always seeking out various veterinary conferences or continuing education opportunities.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She also enjoys reading, spending time with her 5 cats, cooking and spending time outdoors. Although a cat person herself, she also has a bloodhound, Doc, who has stolen a place in her heart
Dominique, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
Dominique started working at Reading Animal Clinic in 2018. Dominique was a member and leader in the youth 4-H where she was able to start working in animal care and participate in many community service activities. Dominique graduated in 2013 from NSCC and became a certified veterinary technician the same year. Previously, she worked at a general practice for 5 years and has volunteered as a wildlife rehabber. She has an interest in exotic animal medicine and has owned many species of animals including cats, fish, rabbits, hamsters, ducks, and frogs. She currently has a cat named Squishy and a tropical fish tank.
Samantha, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
Sam started off her journey in veterinary medicine in Fall of 2016 here at Reading Animal Clinic as a client care representative. She has always had a passion for working with animals and also enjoys educating clients. In Spring of 2017, she was accepted into the Animal Care program at North Shore Community College. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she wanted to be more hands on with the patients and working closely with the technicians and veterinarians. Sam went on to working in back as a veterinary technician assistant, which helped prepare her greatly for when she was later accepted into the Veterinary Technology Program in Fall of 2020 at North Shore Community College. During her time in tech school, Sam decided to spread her wings and leave the nest to explore the veterinary community outside of what she knew. In Spring of 2023, Sam graduated from North Shore and went on to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam three months later. Now as a Certified Veterinary Technician with lots of experience under her belt, Sam has happily found her way back home to Reading Animal Clinic where she is excited to be a part of such an amazing team. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending her time with her husband as well as their 3 dogs, 5 cats, and 2 guinea pigs. Sam also enjoys reading and spending time outside especially at the beach or up north with her family in the white mountains.
Fran, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
Fran has always harbored a deep-rooted passion for animal science that has guided her life’s journey. Her devotion to the field ignited during her formative years when she lovingly cared for her cherished childhood companion, Molly, a spirited Jack Russell Terrier. Graduating as a distinguished member of the class of 2023 from Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School, Fran specialized in veterinary science and earned her certification as a Veterinary Assistant. Currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program at North Shore Community College, Fran aspires to become a Certified Veterinary Technician upon completion of her studies. Her love for animals extends to her two beloved Boston Terriers, Lola and Fredo, who she adores wholeheartedly, and they have become a central focus of her life. Fran’s dedication to the welfare of animals shines through her academic pursuits and her unwavering commitment to her four-legged companions.
Vanessa
Veterinary Technician
Introducing Vanessa, our esteemed Senior Veterinary Technician at Reading Animal Clinic, where her passion for animals and unwavering dedication to their well-being shine brightly. With a career spanning back to 2007, Vanessa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, making her an invaluable asset to our clinic. Her journey into the world of veterinary care began more than a decade ago, and her commitment to excellence in animal healthcare has only grown stronger with time. Vanessa’s roots lie on the border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where her love for the great outdoors was cultivated. She’s an adventurer at heart, with a deep appreciation for all things nature. In her free time, you’ll often find her embracing the beauty of the outdoors, whether it’s through snowmobiling down pristine slopes or tearing through the trails on a four-wheeler. But her adventures don’t stop there. At home, Vanessa finds solace and companionship with her beloved feline friend, Dougie Fresh Toes. Dougie holds a special place in her heart, providing comfort and joy in her life. Vanessa’s nurturing spirit extends from her professional life to her personal one, where her love for animals knows no bounds. With her extensive experience, love for the outdoors, and dedication to animal care, Vanessa is an essential pillar of our team, ensuring that the pets we serve receive the utmost care and attention!
Alex
Veterinary Technician
Alex grew up in southern New Hampshire and has always had a passion for small and large animals. Alex attended the University of New Hampshire for Biomedical Science and found her passion for large animals by living on a dairy farm on campus. She is currently enrolled in Penn Foster to receive her associates in Veterinary Technician. Besides her passion for dairy cows, she has a passion for felines and reptiles. Alex joined the team at Reading Animal Clinic in April 2021. Her skills include all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine, with a special interest in feline medicine and dentistry. As a cat enthusiast, Alex owns a munchkin named Mozzie and a Brown tabby named Timber. She also has a household full of 8 reptiles! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, sewing and spending time with her family, and training her cats to do new tricks.
Michelle
Technician Assistant
My journey into animal care began a bit later than most. My adult life began as a Professional Figure Skater and I was fortunate to tour the US and Canada with “Ice Capades” for 6 years. Upon unpacking my suitcases and trunk, I began the honor of working for the Essex County Sheriff’s Dept. for 20 years and retired as a Sergeant in 2012. Finally, I was able to make caring for animals a new career. I have trained in ER and Specialty Vet settings as well as general practice and I am so happy to have finally landed at Reading Animal Clinic. I love learning new skills, especially anesthesia and surgery, and I stay busy taking on-line classes as a vet tech to stay current.
My current menagerie includes a Papillon, 9 chickens, 3 cats and two adult children. Someday I hope to live outside of the city to add ducks, more chickens (because they’re awesome), goats, a koi pond, maybe an Alpaca or two and a horse, all surrounded by a variety of apple trees!
In my spare time you might find me singing and dancing in local musical theatre, coaching and/or skating in competitive Theater on Ice, Synchronized Skating or re-designing the landscaping around the house and chicken coop.
Rachel
Technician Assistant
Ray has always dreamed of having a career path where she felt she was making a difference and helping. She went into nursing school out of high school and quickly realized humans were not her path. Later, she worked at a doggy daycare and boarding facility where she found her passion for working with animals. Finally, she pushed those fields together and pursued a career in the Veterinary field! She is working at the Reading Animal Clinic as a Veterinary Assistant and is working towards become a Veterinary Technician. On her off time, Ray enjoys spending time outdoors, with her friends and family, as well as attending as many concerts as possible!
Shealyn
Technician
Shea has been dedicated to veterinary medicine since 2021, building on her prior experience as a dog trainer. With a lifelong passion for animals and a family background in the veterinary field, she is committed to providing compassionate care. Shea is a strong advocate for Fear Free handling techniques and emphasizes the importance of observing and learning from animal behavior and body language. Outside of work, Shea enjoys relaxing with her cat, Shiva, and exploring her creative side through crafting.
Mary
Technician Assistant
Mary has always known her passion is to work with animals and found her way to Reading Animal Clinic in 1988. Since that time she has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, a Master’s Degree in Education. While she now has a full time job in the pharmaceutical industry, Mary continues at Reading Animal Clinic part time to feed her love for animal and veterinary medicine and to work with the amazing and dedicated team we have here. Mary loves working with both the pets and their people with a special interest in cats and client education. When not working, Mary loves to travel and experience different cultures, cooking, reading, and spending time with her two Turkish Van cats Angus and Rupert.
Jenessa
Technician Assistant
Originally from a small town in Newfoundland, Canada, Jenessa grew up surrounded by family pets and lots of wildlife, which fueled a passion for caring for animals from a young age. In 2017, she completed a Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist program and later worked at an animal shelter. This experience helped her realize how truly rewarding it is to have a positive influence in an animal’s life.
Recently, Jenessa relocated to Massachusetts, where she is eager to learn new skills and provide quality care to animals in her new community.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing trivia games, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends. She also loves relaxing with her two cats, Gemma and Jagger.
Ethan
Technician Assistant
Ethan graduated from Mount Ida College with a degree in Veterinary Technology, and has spent the subsequent years exploring the field of animal care. He has an extensive history of volunteer work, including with the MSPCA, Zoo New England, and wildlife rehabilitation in Thailand and Australia. In his spare time, Ethan enjoys reading, painting, and video and tabletop games.
Marissa
Veterinary Assistant
Marissa was raised in Wilmington, graduating from Wilmington High in 2015. She has been surrounded by fur-siblings all her life and has always wanted to learn to care for them the best she can. Marissa started as a Client Care Rep with us in 2019, then to Assistant Client Care Manager in 2021, and now is a Pharmacy Coordinator. Currently studying in the Penn Foster Vet Tech program, she is looking forward to developing her skills further.
Jared
Assistant
Jared has had a passion for animals for as long as he can remember and has long set his sights on a career in veterinary medicine. He recently graduated from the University of Connecticut and is gaining hands-on experience at the clinic as he prepares to pursue his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in the coming years. Outside of work, Jared enjoys playing video games, exercising, and spending quality time with friends.
Natalie
Assistant
Natalie has aspired to work in animal care since she was little. Animals have been a staple and calling to every stage of her life; whether it was the intricacies of their behavior or the physiology of their bodies. From felines to rodents to reptiles, Natalie is keen to learning and nursing anything that is on four legs. She is currently in North Shore Community College’s Veterinary Technician Certification program and volunteers her time at MSPCA. She is elated to be pursuing a career in the veterinary field and providing assistance to those who need it most.
Cheyenne
Assistant Client Care Manager
Cheyenne was born in Florida but has lived in New England since 2008. After high school, she was unsure of what she wanted to do but soon found a passion in the veterinary field. Over the last 3 years her knowledge and passion have continued to grow. Wishing the next few years, her goals are to earn a degree in animal science and step into the role of a veterinary technician. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her crested gecko, cooking, singing, making funny videos and any outdoor activities.
Teresa
Client Care
Teresa has had pets for as long as she can remember. She is presently the owner of two cats, Oreo and Jasper. Teresa has helped at a cat shelter and is actively enrolled in a veterinary assistant program. In her spare time, she enjoys sports, gaming, reading, and experimenting in the kitchen.