Meet our team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists, We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Amanda Rutter
DVM
Lisa Kiniry
DVM
Mallory Sullivan
DVM
Lisa Weikert
DVM
Brittany Marble
DVM
Rheannon Burris
DVM
Francesca Vadurro
DVM
Bryan Harnett
DVM, DACVIM
Allison Cowan
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Josie Mallinckrodt
Bill Kellner
Courtenay M. Brines
DVM, MS, DACVO
Sarah Stone Hoy
DVM, MS, DACVO
Nicole Farr
Lead Veterinary Technician – Dental & Oral Surgery
Erin Pirkkanen
Emergency
Kristen Keefe, CVT
ER/ICU Nurse & Lead
Jenn Grenier
ICU
Morgan Kirk, CVT
Lead ECC/ICU Nurse
Michelle Senna, CVT
Internal Medicine
Ayla Blyther
Lead ECC/ICU Nurse
Jess Rambo
Ohthalmology Lead
Christina Asher, B.S. (she/they)
Lead Diagnostic & Pharmacy Technician
Trinity Makenrodt
Lead Surgery Technician
James Starr
DVM, MPH
Chauntel Cook
Hospital Director
Katelyn Sorrell, CVT
Clinical Specialty Supervisor
Amy Englefield, CVT
Regional Relationship Manager
Corey Florucci
Inventory & Facilities Manager
Nicole Parent
Client Care Supervisor
Sarah Pollock, LVT
ER/ICU Supervisor
Sydney Day
Nurse Trainer
Amanda Rutter
DVM
Dr. Rutter graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and practiced in Florida and New York before settling in Vermont in 2012. She joined the BEVS team in September 2012.
Dr. Rutter received her veterinary CPR certification in 2016 through the American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care (ACVECC). In 2018, she became a Fear Free Certified Professional, meaning she can not only look out for your pets’ physical health but also their emotional well-being.
Her veterinary interests include emergency and critical care medicine, and ultrasound. In her free time, Dr. Rutter can be found hiking and camping with her children and husband.
Lead Surgery Technician
Bio coming soon!
DVM, DACVS (SA)
Surgeon & Medical Director
Josie grew up in Salt Lake City before heading to Colorado State University to pursue veterinary medicine. She completed a rotating internship in Los Angeles, then went on to gain experience at Sage Veterinary in the Bay Area, BEVS, and a private practice in Colorado before joining the team as a surgeon.
Josie is married with kids and shares her home with 3 dogs. Outside the hospital, she loves skiing, hiking, going on walks, cooking, and reading.
She was drawn to BEVS by the opportunity to help grow a positive, forward-thinking culture alongside an amazing group of staff, and by the chance to make a direct impact in a small, close-knit community. As for Vermont itself — she’s looking forward to the people, the outdoor adventure, the openness, the apples, and a slower pace of life.
DVM
Dr. Kiniry received her veterinary degree from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in May 2004. She completed her internship at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in East Greenwich, RI.
Dr. Kiniry served as medical director and a practicing emergency veterinarian at Bay State Veterinary Emergency Services from 2006 until she joined InTown Veterinary Group in 2008. She became part of the BEVS team in May 2015.
Dr. Kiniry grew up in Shelburne, VT, and is happy to be home.
Lead Diagnostic & Pharmacy Technician
Christina joined the BEVS team in 2022, after graduating from UVM as a Green and Gold Scholar with her Bachelor’s of Science. Her time in the animal science program inspired an interest in companion animal medicine. This interest, paired with her lifelong love of working with animals and living in Vermont, meant that BEVS was the perfect match. Starting in Internal Medicine, she gained invaluable experience and knowledge on-the-job over the years that made her a jack-of-all trades within the hospital. She now proudly leads the laboratory & pharmacy team – troubleshooting equipment, managing the medication inventory system and helping things run smoothly. Folks may not know that the lab and pharmacy department runs many of the hospital’s diagnostic tests, and prepares a large amount of the medications that are sent home with patients. They play a role behind-the-scenes in the care of many of the patients that come to BEVS and allow the technicians to dedicate more time directly to patient care. In her unique role, she also assists each department with hands-on diagnostics such as ultrasounds, radiographs, and CTs as needed. She has a passion for low-stress animal handling, and though she loves dogs, she truly cherishes her time spent with every feline patient. The thing she loves the most about BEVS is the community, and she treasures the friendships she has built with her coworkers over the years. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors, doing nerdy things in costume at conventions and chilling at home with her cats and Shih-tzus.
VMD
Dr. Sullivan joined BEVS in June 2018 after graduating from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a Rotating Internship here at the hospital from 2018-2019 and joined our Emergency Department full time in August 2019.
Lisa Weikert
DVM
Dr. Weikert earned her DVM from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Prior to attending veterinary school, she got her B.A. in Environmental Science from Bard College and spent more than a decade working in various roles in biotech industries. She completed a Rotating Internship here at the hospital from 2022-2023 and joined our Emergency Department full-time in August 2023.
DVM, DACVPM
Board Certified: American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine
Dr. Marble earned her undergraduate degree right here at the University of Vermont before earning her veterinary degree from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She has extensive experience in emergency medicine, and is also ranked as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Department Veterinary Corps. Among her deployments, she provided all routine, emergency, and surgical care to more than 600 active patients as the only veterinarian serving Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and joined the BEVS Emergency team in the summer of 2022.
DVM
Dr. Rheannon Burris grew up in Delaware and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Vermont before earning her veterinary degree from Michigan State University. Following veterinary school, Dr. Burris spent several years working at a 24-hour hospital in Wisconsin before returning to Vermont.
At home, Dr. Burris shares her life with two cats: a formerly ill abandoned singleton kitten who was dropped off to her at work one evening years ago, and a high-maintenance British Longhair.
Dr. Francesca Vadurro
DVM
Dr. Francesca Vadurro is originally from Oaklyn, New Jersey, a small town located approximately 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine and research from Rutgers University, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida.
Dr. Vadurro completed a rotating internship at Garden State Veterinary Services before pursuing advanced specialty training through a neurology internship at Pieper Veterinary, where she developed her expertise in veterinary neurology.
Outside of her veterinary practice, Dr. Vadurro enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and her German Shepherd. In her free time, she stays active through regular workouts, enjoys gaming, and is an avid listener of horror and true crime podcasts.
DVM, DACVIM
DVM: Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Internship & Residency: Animal Medical Center
Board Certified: American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Dr. Harnett is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). He earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, he completed both his internship and internal medicine residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. From 2000 to 2007, Dr. Harnett was a staff internist at Mission MedVet in Kansas City.
In 2007, he moved to Vermont and joined BEVS as medical director and its first veterinary specialist. Dr. Harnett lives in Jericho with his family and their dog and two cats. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, mowing the grass, and plowing the driveway.
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
DVM: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Internships: General Rotation & Neurology/Neurosurgery, Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital
Residency: Neurology/Neurosurgery, Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital
Board Certified: American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
Dr. Allison Cowan grew up in southwestern Vermont. She graduated from Dickinson College with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Following graduation, she worked in New York City for a year before deciding to study veterinary medicine. Dr. Cowan enjoys all aspects of neurology but finds the treatment of inflammatory brain disease especially rewarding.
She shares her home with two cats (Flynn and Duncan) and a mixed-breed dog named Linus. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, yoga, fantasy football, spending time with friends, and cheering on the New England Patriots.
Bill Kellner
DVM, DAVDC
Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist™
DVM: Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Residency: Dentistry and Oral Surgery – AVDC, 2021
Board Certified: American Veterinary Dentistry College, 2023
Dr. Kellner is a graduate of the University of Vermont and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he earned his DVM with honors.
He began his career at a mixed-animal hospital in New Mexico before moving back to Vermont to focus on companion animal care. He joined the BEVS team full-time in June 2019. He has trained under several leading veterinary dental experts and has over 30 years of experience. Dr. Kellner completed a residency in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery under the direct supervision of an AVDC Diplomate Residency Director and has also completed advanced anesthesia and pain management training. He became board-certified by the American Veterinary Dental College in 2023.
Dr. Kellner and his wife have two adult children, two dogs, and one cat. His hobbies include skiing and running.
DVM, MS, DACVO
DVM: Iowa State University
Internships: Louisiana State University (Ophthalmology)
Residency: The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine (Comparative Ophthalmology)
Board Certified: American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Joining the BEVS team in October 2023, Dr. Courtenay M. Brines received her board certification in veterinary ophthalmology in 2020. Prior to completing her DVM at Iowa State University in 2013, Dr. Brines obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont in 2007. Dr. Brines earned her master’s degree in Retinal Physiology following veterinary school and went on to Louisiana State University to complete an ophthalmology internship, a research fellowship as well as a comparative ophthalmology residency at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
Dr. Brines is originally from Connecticut but spent her childhood enjoying the mountains in Western Massachusetts and Vermont. Apart from treating eye disease in dogs and cats, Dr. Brines is also interested in horses with ocular disease.
DVM, MS, DACVO
DVM: University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Internship: Colorado State University
Residency: The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine (Comparative Ophthalmology)
Board Certified: American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
A native of Vermont, Dr. Sarah Hoy earned her DVM from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 and completed an internship at Colorado State University a year later. Before becoming a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist in 2011, Dr. Hoy completed a comparative veterinary ophthalmology residency program and earned her master’s degree at The Ohio State University. Dr. Hoy is a true advocate for animal eye health and started Vermont Veterinary Eye Care in 2009 to offer veterinary ophthalmology services to local pet owners and referring veterinarians. She joined the BEVS team in October 2023.
Lead Veterinary Technician – Dental & Oral Surgery
Nicole Farr is a Lead Veterinary Technician in the Dental and Oral Surgery department at BEVS and has been part of the team for 5 years. She completed her veterinary training at Vermont Technical College.
Nicole has a strong passion for anesthesia and dental procedures, with a focus on keeping patients safe, comfortable, and well cared for from start to finish. She’s known for keeping busy surgery days running smoothly and making sure both her team and patients are set up for success.
What she loves most about BEVS is teamwork, the fast pace, and the ability to make a real difference for patients and their families. She wants clients to know that the Dental team truly treats every patient like their own — with a lot of care, attention, and heart behind every procedure.
Outside of work, Nicole is usually spending time with her puppy, Rioux, getting creative with her pour-paint art business, or making fun content that shows fun moments from life at home and at BEVS.
Emergency
Erin Pirkkanen has been a valued member of the BEVS team for five years and brings over a decade of hands-on experience in veterinary medicine. Through extensive on-the-job training and mentorship, she has developed a strong foundation in emergency and critical care medicine and has become a trusted leader within the department.
Erin is passionate about the fast-paced nature of emergency medicine, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn. She thrives in an environment that pushes her to grow professionally while providing exceptional care to patients during some of their most critical moments. One of her favorite aspects of working at BEVS is the collaborative team atmosphere and the strong relationships she has built with her colleagues.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors and taking advantage of all that Vermont has to offer. She loves hiking, kayaking, and playing tennis, and has proudly hiked all five of Vermont’s 4,000-foot peaks. She also shares her life with her beloved dog, Filbert, an almost 18-year-old Terrier-Chihuahua mix who continues to keep her smiling every day (Pictured here coughing, not angry)
ER/ICU Nurse & Lead
Kristin has been part of the BEVS team since June 2019, working in our Emergency and ICU department, where she now serves as a Lead nurse. Over her years here, she’s become a steady, trusted presence on the floor caring for some of the hospital’s most critical patients and helping guide the nursing team through the fast pace and high stakes of emergency medicine.
Patient care is at the heart of what she does. “What I enjoy most is being able to help patients and their families,” Kristin says. “I wish more people knew that we try to care for each patient like it’s our own pet. We work hard to help them get better.” That perspective treating every animal that comes through the door with the same attention she’d give her own is something she brings to each shift.
When she’s not at the hospital, Kristin stays busy and active. She loves to run, both with her dogs and on her own, and spends the rest of her time with her kids and her cats.
Nurse Trainer
Sydney is a Certified Veterinary Technician, and Lead, in the Emergency and Critical Care department here at BEVS and has been part of the team since late 2018. She left for about 2 years in 2021 to join the team at the University of Florida, and rejoined us again in 2023 and brought knowledge and skill from her time at UF with her. You will often find her in both the ER and the ICU providing fast-paced, dedicated nursing to all animals that walk through the door, whether it be as small as a chameleon or as big as a Saint Bernard.
Sydney has a strong love for training and development, helping those around her elevate and expand their knowledge and skills in a safe, and fun manner. Sydney loves to deep dive into cases, and understand the littlest details about what is going on with your beloved animals to provide them the best medicine and care she can. She finds fulfillment in helping them, knowing that even in difficult moments, her work makes an impact, and gets the greatest joy in seeing the lives touched and improved through her work—both the pets and their owner alike.
What she loves most about BEVS is the culture and team, the fast pace, ever-changing medicine of the ER and ICU, and the ability to make a positive impact and difference.
Outside of work Sydney enjoys spending time with her little zoo of animals at home including dogs and cats and reptiles and spiders, finding and making bewitching and bizarre items, and loves going on adventures outdoors with loved ones (especially when it involves her motorcycle!).
Jenn Grenier
ICU
Bio Coming Soon
Lead ECC/ICU Nurse
Morgan has been part of the BEVS team since September 2017. A graduate of the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, CO, she brings a deep passion for animal care and advocacy to her role as Lead ECC/ICU nurse. Lately, she’s been focused on standardizing interdepartmental communication and protocols, helping the team work more seamlessly across the hospital.
What she loves most about her job is the moment an owner is reunited with their pet. “The sheer joy and happiness both the owner and pet express fills my heart,” she says.
Morgan also wishes clients could see the quieter side of what nurses do the bond that forms once a pet learns to trust them. “There’s a vast difference in behavior when you’re holding a phone up to their face versus giving their pet our full attention,” she explains. “We do it all for the love of animals.”
Outside of work, Morgan loves camping. She’s perfected a breakfast burrito recipe that’s become a staple on every family trip, and she’s currently honing her skills cooking over a firepit.
Michelle Senna, CVT
Internal Medicine
Michelle Senna has been a dedicated member of the BEVS team for 20 years, bringing both deep expertise and genuine compassion to her role as Lead Veterinary Technician in Internal Medicine.
Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Mount Ida College (now part of the University of Massachusetts Amherst) and went on to complete a year-long internship at the renowned Animal Medical Center in Manhattan — one of the country’s leading veterinary institutions. She is a Licensed and Certified Veterinary Technician with a specialty focus in Internal Medicine.
What keeps Michelle energized after two decades in the field is simple: the opportunity to keep learning, to help animals, and to do it alongside an exceptional team. She and her colleagues share a deep commitment to their patients’ wellbeing — not just their medical care, but their happiness and quality of life.
Outside of work, Michelle can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with family and friends — whether that’s hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Client Care Lead
Ayla joined the BEVS team in August 2024, bringing with her a Bachelor of Science in Captive Wildlife Care & Education from Unity College — and, perhaps more notably, a résumé that includes giving Gwen Stefani and her kids a sloth encounter.
At BEVS, Ayla’s focus is on the client experience from every angle. As Client Care Lead, she works to bridge interdepartmental gaps and break down communication barriers so that clients receive quick, accurate information when they need it most. Client Care sits at a unique intersection within the hospital, collaborating across all departments to keep communication running smoothly — and Ayla takes that responsibility seriously.
What drives her most, though, is the human side of the work. “I love being able to be there for people when they need us most,” she says. “I live for the moments when we can make a horrible situation even a little bit easier.”
Outside of work, Ayla is an avid traveler and reader, and she shares her adventures with her cat, Freya — who has logged more national park visits than most people Ayla knows.
Ohthalmology Lead
Born and raised in Vermont, Jess spent nearly a decade in Oregon learning and growing in the veterinary field — and collecting pets along the way. She currently shares her home with 3 dogs and 2 cats, though given her weakness for floppy ears, that number may have grown by the time this bio is published!
She has been with BEVS since October 2024, but has worked alongside veterinary ophthalmologists for most of her technician career. She loves how complex the eye is despite its small size, and how impactful specialized eye care can be for pets and their families.
Outside the hospital, you can find her gardening, reading, and spending time with her family and pets. She’s thrilled to be back in Vermont, helping take care of your pets’ eyes!
DVM, MPH
A proud Massachusetts native, Dr. James Starr is thrilled to return to New England and bring his passion for exceptional emergency care, team development, and community partnership to BEVS.
Dr. Starr is a graduate of Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a Master of Public Health from Harvard University, giving him a uniquely well-rounded lens on medicine, leadership, and patient care.
He comes to BEVS with extensive experience in medicine and leadership, having previously served as a Regional Medical Director overseeing 20+ hospitals across the east coast. Most recently, Dr. Starr was the Medical Director at VEG in Jacksonville, Florida, where he helped elevate clinical standards, guide hospital growth, and mentor doctors in one of the busiest ER settings in the Southeast.
Dr. Starr’s clinical interests include surgery, internal medicine, and critical care, but his true passion lies in doctor development, hospital culture, and empowering veterinary teams to deliver exceptional care when pets and their people need it most. Known for his energy, collaboration, and commitment to elevating both patient outcomes and staff wellbeing, he is excited to bring that same spirit to the BEVS team.
Outside of the hospital, you can usually find Dr. Starr exploring the outdoors, boating, finding a new gym to call home, and enjoying time with his partner, 3 dogs, and family back in New England.
Chauntel Cook
Hospital Director
As Hospital Director at BEVS, Chauntel leads hospital operations with a strong foundation built through multiple leadership roles across the veterinary field. She brings a deep understanding of hospital systems and workflow, with a focus on creating efficient, thoughtful structures that elevate patient care and support a strong, aligned team. She is committed to both day-to-day operational excellence and long-term hospital development.
A native Vermonter, Chauntel’s deep connection to the community is reflected in her commitment to the families and animals BEVS serves. Her background in mental health uniquely informs her leadership style, centering compassion, communication, and awareness of the human side of veterinary medicine. For Chauntel, BEVS is more than a workplace—it is where operational excellence, team well-being, and community connection intersect, and she prioritizes a culture where staff feel supported and empowered, recognizing that strong internal culture is the foundation of exceptional patient care and lasting client trust.
Outside of the hospital, Chauntel enjoys the Vermont outdoors and time with her eclectic family of pets, including a variety of reptiles.
Katelyn Sorrell, CVT
Clinical Specialty Supervisor
Katelyn Sorrell has been part of the BEVS family for 7 years, serving as the Neurology Lead and lending her skills wherever the team needs her most. Her willingness to float across departments speaks to both her versatility and her deep investment in the hospital as a whole.
Katelyn completed her Veterinary Technology degree at Vermont Technical College in Randolph (now Vermont State University) and has since built her career around one of veterinary medicine’s most specialized and complex disciplines.
Her clinical focus is neurology, but what she values most about her work is the people — both the colleagues she collaborates with every day and the clients and patients she has the privilege of supporting. Katelyn approaches every case with honesty and heart, and she wants clients to know that even when a complete cure isn’t possible, there are always options worth exploring. From large interventions to small supportive measures, she and the team are committed to standing by both patient and family every step of the way.
When she’s not at BEVS, Katelyn feeds her creative side through art — and recently added glass blowing to her repertoire.
Amy Englefield, CVT
Regional Relationship Manager
Amy Englefield brings a diverse background and unwavering dedication to her role as Regional Relationship Manager at BEVS. Hailing from California until 2020, Amy’s journey in animal care began with a degree in Biological Anthropology from UC Davis. However, her passion for hands-on work led her to transition to veterinary technology, earning her AS in the field after a brief stint in graduate school at Rutgers.
Throughout her career, Amy has demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare in various capacities. From running high-volume spay and neuter clinics to volunteering in underserved communities and participating in international initiatives in Nicaragua, her dedication knows no bounds. Now settled in Vermont after relocating due to wildfires, Amy brings her wealth of experience to BEVS, enriching the team with her expertise and compassion.
Outside of work, Amy’s life is a bustling mix of managing her household—complete with teenage twin boys, a menagerie of pets, and 12 beehives—and indulging in outdoor activities like snowboarding, kayaking, and biking. Her adventurous spirit and profound love for animals make her not only a valuable asset to BEVS but also a testament to the enduring passion that drives her work in veterinary medicine.
Inventory & Facilities Manager
Corey’s professional journey has been characterized by his role as a former Inventory and Facility Manager agent for a prominent IT company, where he honed a diverse set of technical support and skills. His valuable expertise now graces our bustling specialty and 24/7 emergency animal hospital.
In June 2021, Corey enthusiastically became a vital part of the BEVS team, taking on the pivotal role of Inventory and Facility Management and Equipment Coordinator. His experience and proficiency in procurement and technical matters have seamlessly integrated into our operations, contributing to the seamless functioning of our hospital and ensuring our ability to provide top-notch care to our animal patients. Corey is a key asset to our team, facilitating the essential behind-the-scenes processes that keep our hospital running smoothly.
Nicole Parent
Client Care Supervisor
With 30 years of experience at JCPenney Salon, including 25 years as a Salon Manager, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise in managing daily operations. Skilled in web-based scheduling, recruiting, HR functions, and networking, Nicole excels at creating positive work environments where both employees and clients thrive.
As a District Mentor for new Salon Managers, Nicole has facilitated multi-unit training courses and played a key role in guiding new leaders to success. Nicole’s professional passion lies in seeing people succeed and grow under their leadership, while fostering a dynamic team environment that encourages collaboration and engagement.
Outside of work, Nicole is a proud wife and mom to two amazing young adult children. The family shares their home with three fur babies: Oliver the dog, and Yankee and Halo, the cats. A fun fact about Nicole is that she occasionally moderates on TikTok for a Deer Farm in Kentucky, where she interacts with the farm owners and help facilitate live Q&A sessions while the owners bottle-feed fawns.
Nicole is dedicated to continuing to make an impact in the world of guest experience, employee development, and operational excellence
Sarah Pollock, LVT, ER/ICU Supervisor
Sarah’s educational journey began at San Francisco State University, where she graduated in 2005 with a degree in Psychology, sparking her fascination with the human-animal connection. In 2009, she furthered her commitment to the animal health field by earning her RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) license.
Sarah’s career has been a tapestry of diverse experiences in the veterinary realm. She has donned various hats, serving as a veterinary assistant, relief technician, RVT, and even taking on the role of an RVT emergency charge nurse. In August 2021, Sarah embarked on a new chapter in her professional journey, becoming an integral part of the BEVS team, where her wealth of knowledge and expertise continue to enrich the practice.