Meet our team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists, We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to know our team
Emergency & Critical Care
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.
Jodi Halpin
DVM
Dr. Halpin graduated from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 1998. Following a one-year internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists, she moved to Vermont to work at VCA Brown Animal Hospital. She joined BEVS as one of our full-time emergency doctors in July 2005.
Dr. Halpin lives in Essex Junction with her family, who share their home with a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Fiona), a Great Dane (Libby), and two cats (Puddles and Lars).
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.
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.
DVM
Dr. Weiner joined the BEVS team in March 2021. He earned his veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in 2015. Post-graduation, he provided medical and surgical emergency veterinary care in Florida until he joined us here in Vermont. Prior to his veterinary training, he worked as a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician. Dr. Weiner earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology with a double minor in biochemistry and music from Hofstra University in New York. Dr. Weiner is a third-generation veterinarian.
DVM
Dr. Lummis earned her DVM from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and started her career in a general farm practice focused on caring for dairy cattle. She reinvented herself as a companion animal veterinarian and spent several years honing those skills before opening and managing a feline-exclusive veterinary hospital. Her experience includes many years working with animal shelters, spay and neuter clinics, and humane organizations to treat homeless pets, including as one of two staff veterinarians on the Field Investigations and Response Team of the ASPCA, which oversaw the medical response to large-scale disasters and cruelty investigations. Dr. Lummis joined the BEVS Emergency team in 2022.
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
DVM: Ontario Veterinary College
Internship: Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Rotation, Angell Animal Medical Center
Dr. Alison Bayerle earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology from Northeastern University in 2013 before completing her DVM in 2020 at Ontario Veterinary College in Ontario, Canada. From June 2020 to July 2021, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center. Upon completion of her internship, she went on to provide her expertise as an urgent care/emergency veterinarian where she was one of two veterinarians to launch the urgent care department in a busy, referral-only practice. Dr. Bayerle joined the BEVS team in June 2023.
Internal Medicine
DVM, DACVIM, Medical Director
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, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
DVM: Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1987
Internship: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Sacramento Animal Medical Group, 1988
Residency: Small Animal Internal Medicine, Texas Veterinary Medical Center, 1991
Board Certified: American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (SAIM), 1992
Following Dr. Zenger’s clinical and academic training and achieving board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1992, she completed a formal Ph.D. in Molecular Biology examining cellular mechanisms of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-associated neuropathogenesis. In 1998 Dr. Zenger co-founded Bay Area Veterinary Specialists (BAVS), where she also served as medical director and staff internist. While wearing multiple hats at BAVS, she completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the AIDS Oncology Program at the University of California, San Francisco, and maintained a research appointment in the AIDS Immunobiology Lab at San Francisco General Hospital studying pathogenesis of AIDS-associated diseases such as dementia and lymphoma. She joined the BEVS team in July 2018.
Dr. Zenger’s professional interests include feline infectious disease, oncology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. In addition to her love for clinical medicine, she regularly participates in and lectures at scientific meetings and veterinary schools around the world. She currently shares her home with Chester, a 4-year-old Shollie (Border Collie/Shepherd).
Surgery
DVM (With Distinction), MSc, DACVS-SA
Dr. Ariel Schlag grew up in Campbell Hall, NY, which was home to the first butter factory in the U.S. and a vibrant dairy community at one time. She lived in an old colonial house with her parents, paternal grandparents, sister, and brother. She had always had a fondness for all creatures and was known to spend time catching frogs, dragonflies, and cicadas every summer.
Dr. Eric Evans at Flannery Animal Hospital inspired her to become a veterinarian at the age of 9 when he saved her German Shepherd puppy, Max, who had severe IBD. She has her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Lisa McEwen, to thank for introducing them. Knowing that both her dad and Dr. Evans attended Cornell, she made it her mission to get into their College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and then the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her grandpa, a snowbird, would send her letters from Florida in the winter encouraging her to never give up on her dream.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Schlag is an artist. She has published illustrations in both magazines and veterinary research articles and is currently working on illustrating a children’s book. Her other hobbies include hiking and running with her husband, spending time in nature, antiquing, and baking.
Neurology/Neurosurgery
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.
Dentistry and Oral Surgery
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.
Ophthalmology
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.
Operations Team
CVPM, CCFP
Hospital Director
Karen Hart is a certified veterinary practice manager specializing in change management, strategic planning, operational efficiency, staff development, and team well-being. With a degree in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she believes in the power of data and analytics to help shape systems that support people and animals. She is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional passionate about using creativity and connection to build a sustainable future, focusing on practice culture, team wellbeing, advancement of veterinary professionals, and operational efficiency.
Practice Manager
Chauntel has been passionate about veterinary medicine since stepping into the field in 2023, bringing her dedication and commitment to the role every day. A native of Vermont, she has a strong connection to her community, and her local roots enrich the care she provides to both staff and clients.
With a solid background in mental health, Chauntel brings a unique perspective to her work, ensuring the well-being of both the team and the clients they serve. In her previous role as Office Manager and Supervisor of the Client Care Coordinators team, she developed valuable experience in both administrative and client-facing operations, fostering an environment of support, efficiency, and excellent customer care.
As Practice Manager, Chauntel is instrumental in streamlining hospital operations and driving continuous improvement across the practice. Her focus on cultivating a positive work culture ensures that the practice runs smoothly, allowing the team to provide exceptional care to their patients and clients.
When she’s not at work, Chauntel loves exploring Vermont’s scenic beauty through activities like hiking, camping, paddleboarding, and snowboarding. At home, she shares her life with an eclectic mix of pets, including exotic animals like frogs, snakes, and a gecko, along with her dog Cedar and cat Bubbles.
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 and 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.
ER/ICU Supervisor
Carol is a dynamic and experienced professional who has been an integral part of the BEVS team since June 2019. As a dedicated supervisor, she oversees the crucial emergency and ICU departments, demonstrating a profound understanding and unwavering appreciation for the unique needs of our team and patients.
Carol’s journey in the world of veterinary health spans several decades, reflecting her deep commitment to both clinical care and management. With a career that commenced in 1984, she has served as a veterinary technician and manager in referral and emergency hospitals across the United States. Her extensive experience has honed her skills and insight, making her a respected figure in the field.
Adding to her impressive portfolio, Carol has earned a Business Management Certificate from Manchester Community College. In her role at BEVS, Carol continues to inspire and guide the team, ensuring that our emergency and ICU departments operate at the highest level of efficiency and care. Her wealth of knowledge, combined with her passion for the well-being of both patients and staff, makes her an invaluable asset to our organization.
Ophthalmology Supervisor
Marie was born and raised in Colchester, Vermont, with a lifelong passion for animals and the human-animal bond. She attended Becker College in Worcester, MA, where she dual-majored in Veterinary Technology and Animal Care, graduating in the fall of 2015. The following year, she earned her certification as a Veterinary Technician (CVT).
During her time at Becker, Marie served as president of the Becker College Lambing Team, leading students in hands-on learning experiences by assisting a local farmer during lambing season.
Marie began her career in primary care at Orchard Veterinary Hospital in 2016 before transitioning to Vermont Veterinary Eye Care in 2018. There, she discovered a deep interest in ophthalmology and is now considering pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in the field.
At home, Marie enjoys the companionship of her three beloved pets: Kipper, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi; Kelpie, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi; and Friday the 13th, her black cat.
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.