Dr. Bernat graduated with her VMD from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Her professional interests include surgery, ultrasound, and internal medicine. She is a member of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), and the NYSVMS (New York State Medical Society).

Dr. Biesinger began his veterinary career as a Veterinary Assistant here at Green Acres while pursuing his Pre-Veterinarian degree from Medaille College. He then graduated from The Ontario Veterinary College in 2013. He has assisted in spay/neuter clinics in India and Thailand and plans to return in the near future. Dr. Biesinger’s interests include ultrasound, radiology, and surgery.

Dr. Harack is a Western NY native from North Tonawanda. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biology at Niagara University in 2015, and received her D.V.M from The Ohio State University in 2020. Her experience in school includes: completing a Business Minor at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, being a student ambassador for OSU, assisting in a spay/neuter trip to Costa Rica, and being a Hill’s Pet Nutrition Primary student representative. Dr. Harack’s medical interests include: oncology, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, emergency and critical care. Her professional associations include being a member of AVMA,

Dr. Chloe Karson is a board certified small animal neurologist and neurosurgeon. She studied abroad and graduated with commendation from the University of Glasgow College of Veterinary Medicine.  Following veterinary school she returned to the USA and completed a small animal rotating internship, neurology internship, and neurology/neurosurgery residency at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Copley, Ohio.  Her primary interests include neurosurgery, CNS autoimmune disease, and epilepsy management.

Dr. Mathew MacCormick is from Ontario, Canada and attended the Ontario Veterinary College.  He completed a small animal rotating internship at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services in Rochester, New York, followed by a small animal surgery internship and subsequent residency at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio. In March of 2025, he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal). Dr. MacCormick has been published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association as well as the Veterinary Surgery. Dr. MacCormick has been trained in all facets of veterinary surgery, but holds particular interest

Dr. Hitt graduated from Mississippi State University in 2012 with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include low-stress visits, low-stress handling, canine reproduction, and canine behavior. In her spare time, Dr. Hitt enjoys training and competing with her Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Flat-Coated Retrievers in Obedience, Agility, and Conformation.

Dr. Burkard was born and raised in the Buffalo, NY area. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Daemen College in 2015. Dr. Burkard graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2020 with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include feline medicine and low-stress visits. Dr. Burkard has four pets, 2 dogs and 2 cats, that keep her very busy.

Dr. Lisa Navickas is from New Jersey. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University. She attended veterinary School in Grenada at St. Georges University and completed her clinical year at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include preventative, alternative and sports medicine, as well as pocket pet and equine medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys competing in show jumping with her horse Tuffy , spending time with her rabbit Petrie and hiking with her two dogs, Kahlua a lab mix and Savannah a retriever mix.

Dr. Paul Harper was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He attended the Ohio State University for his undergraduate education and graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Harper returned to the Buffalo-Niagara area to practice small animal medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Western New York Veterinary Medical Association, and the Niagara Veterinary Medical Association. His areas of interest include orthopedic surgery (fracture repair, TPLO, MPL, etc), soft tissue surgery, and emergency/critical care.

As a Western New York native, Dr. Mott is excited to be a part of the Wheatfield Animal Hospital team. After receiving her B.A. in Biology and A.S. in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College, Dr. Mott attended the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine. During her time spent in the United Kingdom, she traveled to several countries to gain further experience in emergency medicine and critical care. Dr. Mott is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Her clinical interests include emergency care, ultrasonography, and surgery.

Dr. Harper was a 1974 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was with the practice for over 25 years. Dr. Harper was a member of the American Animal Hospital Association and the Ohio State Veterinary Association. His professional interests included canine and feline surgery, ophthalmology, and reproduction.

Dr. Spence received her degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2014 at Mississippi State.

Dr. Melanie Hopkins is originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biological Science. She attended and graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She is absolutely in love with the town of Lewiston and is so excited to serve such an amazing community. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Cody Howard was born in Salyersville, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University. His professional and medical interests are in leadership, emergency and critical care, surgery, and endoscopy. Dr. Howard enjoys going on adventures with his wife, daughter, and rescue dog Briar. He enjoys serving at his local Church, and he is an avid weightlifter and gamer. Proverbs 3:5-6

Dr. Rottstock is a graduate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine class of 2007. She completed her clinical studies at Louisiana State University and received a Bachelor’s in Science of Biology from the University of Puerto Rico. She has an interest in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and Anesthesia. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the NYS Veterinary Medical Society. She moved to Buffalo in 2018 with her husband and daughter accompanied by her rescue dog “Nietzsche” and cat “Baby Kitty”. She enjoys spending time with her family hiking, traveling and watching blockbusters.

Dr. Wicks grew up on Long Island, New York. She graduated from Marist College with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. She then went south to attend Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine before moving back north to practice here in Lewiston. She has two dogs, a cattle dog mix named Dallas and a Pembroke welsh corgi named Theodore.

Dr. Tanalski is originally from Long Island, NY but fell in love with western NY after attending the University at Buffalo where she received a degree in Biology with a minor in Medical Anthropology. She then received her D.V.M. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. At Illinois, she worked with the resident wildlife animals, volunteered with the Veterinary Leadership Institute, and enjoyed outreach in the local community. Her veterinary interests include surgery, internal medicine, oncology, and pathology. She is a Fear Free certified professional, recover CPR certified, and a member of the AVMA.

Dr. Gerard graduated from Dickinson College earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and History. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University in 2013. Upon graduation, Dr. Gerard completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Iowa State and an Internal Medicine residency at the Atlantic Veterinary College (Prince Edward Island, Canada). She has previously worked in Massachusetts and Utah. She joins the Green acres family with years of experience in internal medicine, oncology, ultrasound, endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT).

Dr. Shannon Palermo graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Palermo completed her internal medicine residency at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. While in school, she was the president of the Penn Vet Shelter Medicine Club, where she was a recipient of the SVAVMA Community Outreach Excellence Award. Her volunteer work didn’t end there. She also worked with Hand2Paw, working with at-risk youth and shelter animals to help them see a better future. Dr. Palermo has been in the veterinary field for eight years, active both

Dr. Pawlowski grew up in the western NY area where she obtained her bachelor of science degree from Fredonia State University. After college, Dr. Pawlowski joined the BVG team as a veterinary assistant/receptionist before finally completing her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from St. George’s University. Dr. Pawlowski’s area of clinical interest would be preventative medicine as well as surgery. Dr. Pawlowski lives with her two dogs Athena and Maggie as well as her four cats Penelope, Prentiss, JJ and Morgan.

Dr. Derek Haley was raised in Fayetteville, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College in Massachusetts where he studied film and animal behavior. He then received his D.V.M. from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Dr. Haley’s professional interests include emergency/critical care, behavioral medicine, and soft tissue surgery. He is a Fear Free certified professional and a member of the AVMA. Dr. Haley’s personal interests include photography, sailing, and rock climbing. He also enjoys spending lots of time with his German Shepherd named Freja.

Originally from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Dr. Reeder went to Albright College for his Bachelor of Science degree. He then attended the Atlantic Veterinary College (PEI Canada) for his DVM. His professional interests include emergency/critical care and surgery. He has one dog, a 3 year old boxer named Phoenix.

Dr. Irshad Khan was born and raised in Pakistan. After finishing vet school in Pakistan, he moved to France where he completed his masters degree from University of Francois Rabelais Tours. He later moved to Canada and worked at small animal practices in Newfoundland and Ontario. His professional interests include small animal medicine and surgery. In his spare time he enjoys walking trails, riding his bike, and volunteering.

After receiving his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, Dr. Johny graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical year at Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Johny further completed a 1 year Rotating Internship and a 1 year Neurology Speciality Internship at Pieper Veterinary Emergency & Specialty in Connecticut. Dr. Johny’s professional interests include Neurology and Emergency/ Critical Care Medicine. When he is not working, he enjoys hiking, landscape photography, snowboarding, and woodworking.

As a Western New York native, Dr. Kent received his bachelors degree from Daemen College and then went on to pursue his DVM at Lincoln Memorial University. His professional interests include preventative medicine and soft tissue surgery. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking with his dogs, and exploring new restaurants.

Dr. Kaitlin Knaszak (Dr. K) is excited to be back in western New York after spending years down in the south. Dr. Knaszak graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. After college Dr. Knaszak practiced emergency medicine and eventually general practice down in Virginia for the past six years. Her clinical interests include emergency medicine, ultrasonography and dermatology. She is a member of American veterinary medical association, and is fear free certified. She is looking forward to building relationships with your pets and their family members. Outside of the office Dr. Knaszak enjoys spending time outside

Dr. Schnier grew up here in Western New York and has been with Buffalo Veterinary Group since 2016, where she started as a receptionist, became a veterinary technician, and now returns as a veterinarian. She obtained her A.S./B.S. in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College in 2019 and her Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Health Care Management and Leadership Strategies from Davenport University in 2023. She then attended St. Matthew’s University where she completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and finished her clinical rotations at Mississippi State University in 2023. Dr. Schnier’s clinical interests include exotic animal medicine,

Dr. Murray attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2001.  She received the Auxiliary to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association prize and the Small Animal Award.  Dr. Murray completed her residency in small animal internal medicine at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 2002-2004.  She also completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery from 2001-2002.  Dr. Murray is a member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Dr.  Murray’s professional interests include hepatic disease, gastrointestinal disease, and immune-mediated disease. 

Dr Susan Schneible graduated from Cornell University in 2000, and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004.  Her interest in veterinary work began early as she was often found trailing behind her father who practiced as a large and small animal veterinarian for over 50 years.  Dr Sue grew up raising cows, pigs and working with horses, but found her keenest professional interest in working with dogs and cats.  She particularly enjoys helping them with their surgical and dental needs, although she also thoroughly enjoys listening to pet parents discuss their concerns as well. Outside of work, Dr.

Dr. Shevlin first worked at Green Acres Veterinary Center as a Veterinary Assistant while pursuing her Bachelors degree in Biology.  She moved on to get her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Shevlin continued her studies with a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell animal hospital.  She has since moved back to Buffalo to work as an emergency doctor and has professional interests in critical care and ultrasound.

Dr. Kessler is originally from Fredonia, NY. She obtained her Associate’s degree in Biotechnology from Jamestown Community College in 2018. She then attended SUNY Fredonia to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics in 2020. She then went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University in 2024. Her professional interests include cardiology, emergency medicine, and surgery. She is Fear Free certified and a member of the AVMA. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Kessler enjoys playing golf, tennis, and watching Buffalo sports.

Dr. Potalivo graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in 2023. Her professional interests include behavior, shelter medicine, and preventative care. She is a member of the AVMA. Her rescue pup is named Gus, and she is actively involved in fostering animals.

Dr. Wentland is local to the Buffalo area: she grew up in Hamburg, NY and attended Medaille college for her undergraduate. She then pursued her doctorate at St. George’s University, and completed her clinicals at Ohio State. She is Fear Free Certified, and has helped with high volume spay/neuter clinics at the Columbus Humane Society and in Grenada. Her clinical interests are in shelter medicine and feline medicine. Dr. Wentland is the proud pet parent to three cats: Guacamole, Chip, and Pico, and outside of work she enjoys kayaking, reading, and hiking. She was also scuba certified while living

Dr. Trojanowski hails from Queens in New York City. She went to SUNY Oswego for her undergraduate before pursuing her doctorate at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her areas of clinical interest include preventative medicine, shelter medicine, and soft-tissue surgery. She has 3 cats: Maddie, Potato, and June, as well as a Chihuahua mix named Yoshi. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and cooking.

Originally from Toronto, Dr. Toth attended the University of Guelph in 2013 before attending Ontario Veterinary College for her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a small animal rotating internship at IndyVet Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her clinical interests include emergency and critical care, and she is the proud pet parent to two cats and one dog. Outside of work, Dr. Toth enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking with her dog, keeping active at the gym, and traveling.

Dr. Erin Griffin grew up right here in Buffalo, NY and is excited to continue caring for pets in the community she calls home. She began her veterinary journey at Medaille College, where she earned her A.S. in Veterinary Technology and B.S. in Biology, before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Griffin worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, bringing years of hands-on experience and compassion into the exam room. She is Fear Free Certified, Veterinary CPR Certified, and has special interests in neurology and feline medicine. Outside of the hospital,

Dr. Miska earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Florida. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with both her patients and the families who love them. Dr. Miska believes that partnering with pet owners is the foundation of helping animals live long, healthy, and happy lives, and she is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care through every stage of a pet’s life. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Miska enjoys spending time with her husband, their two sons, and their lively household of pets. Their furry family

Originally from Ontario, Canada, Dr. Taylor earned her Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree from the University of Western Ontario before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Minnesota. One of the highlights of her time in veterinary school was completing a shelter medicine internship in Greece. As a Fear Free Certified Professional and member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Dr. Taylor is dedicated to making every veterinary visit as positive and stress-free as possible for pets and their owners. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Taylor enjoys spending time at home with her two cats, Frankie and Fiona, and exploring the outdoors with

Dr. Matteo Cascio grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and earned his Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Zoology from the University of Guelph before completing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Cascio enjoys many aspects of veterinary medicine, with particular interests in primary and urgent care, surgery, dentistry, and exotic animal medicine. During his training, he volunteered in Zanzibar, Tanzania, where he participated in spay/neuter clinics and helped provide veterinary care to both companion animals and farm animals in rural communities. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Cascio enjoys reading, hiking, watching and

Christopher Christia Jr. grew up in the Town of Tonawanda and is returning to the area after 7 years away.  He’s always had a passion for veterinary medicine: he worked as a veterinary assistant before becoming a licensed veterinary technician through Medaille College, and then pursuing his doctorate of veterinary medicine at the Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine. His already well-rounded education was complemented by internships at Brighton-Eggert Animal Clinic and Veterinary Dentistry Specialists in Chadds Ford, PA, among others. His areas of clinical interest include Internal Medicine, Clinical Pathology, Surgery, Preventative Medicine, and Anesthesia. Outside of the hospital,

Dr. Jessica Maxwell grew up in Batavia, NY and is excited to be back in Western New York caring for pets in the community she calls home. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Syracuse University, graduating magna cum laude, before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University in 2023. After veterinary school, she spent time in Los Angeles gaining additional experience, including working closely with veterinary dermatologists. Dr. Maxwell has special interests in dermatology, surgery, and autoimmune disorders. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys hiking, going to concerts, and spending time with her husband, son,

Dr. Leys hails from Penfield, NY and graduated from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She is a clinical instructor for World Vets, and has taught surgery to veterinary students in Nicaragua. Her areas of clinical interests include urgent care, emergency medicine, behavioral medicine, and exotic animal medicine. She is a bonafide animal lover, with 2 dogs, 2 blind rescue cats, a Quaker parrot rescue, 2 horses, sheep, and chickens! Outside of work, she loves to volunteer with the National Ski Patrol at Kissing Bridge and is a 4H equine advisor. Dr. Leys is currently training her border

Originally from Springville, New York, Dr. Sydney Popovski earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Equestrian Studies from Alfred University before pursuing her veterinary degree at the University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine in Ireland. During veterinary school, Dr. Popovski completed her clinical rotations throughout Ireland while gaining hands-on experience through several externships in small animal, large animal, and equine general practice. She also completed an externship at the renowned Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, and volunteered with Seal Rescue Ireland, where she helped care for rescued marine mammals. Dr.