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

Practice Owner

Dr. Shurland is the owner of Reading Animal Clinic. She 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 became the owner of The Reading Animal Clinic in 2013. She now lives in Reading with her husband, 3 children, 2 cats, and 3 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 exotic small mammals as well as internal medicine and ultrasound. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her husband, two daughters, two cats (Little Man and Bonkers), 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 Animal Science, she attended Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She has interests in ultrasonography, fear free care, client communication, anesthesiology, and soft tissue surgery. In her free time, she enjoys indoor gardening, yoga, running, and spending time with her own troublemaker pup, Mosey.

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.

Kristin

Practice Director

Kristin joined the RAC team in 2020 as the Practice Director. Kristin has been in the veterinary industry for over 25 years. 13 of these years were at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She has held a variety of veterinary roles throughout her career. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). When she is not at RAC she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, her dog, Karma, and her two cats, Merlin and Roxy.

Keana Hull

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. In her spare time, you will find her with her husband and two dogs, Sadie and Snoopy.

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

Veterinary Technician

Jenna was born and raised in Montana. After high school, she decided she wanted to serve her country by joining the Marine Corps. During her service, she met and married her husband. In 2011, she was honorably discharged and decided she needed to pursue a college education. Being from Montana, her love for animals became embedded in her life. She actually wanted to be a veterinarian in her younger years but decided she preferred the responsibility of a technician. In May 2016, she graduated from Mount Ida College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. In her spare time, she enjoys playing legos with her daughter and cooking for her family. She also enjoys watching movies while her Yorkshire terrier, Milli, and cats, Spartacus and Zorro snuggle on her lap.

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.

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!

Jess, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Jess has been working professionally in the veterinary field since 2017 and joined the team at Reading Animal Clinic in June 2020. She has a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from Mount Ida College, and she passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination and became certified in 2017. Jess enjoys participating in continuing education courses each year to further her knowledge in veterinary medicine. Her skills include all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine, with a special interest in surgery and client education. In her spare time, she loves to be outdoors exploring what nature has to offer, camping, traveling, listening to music, reading, trying new foods, meeting new people, spending quality time with the ones she loves, and petting all the animals she can! Jess’s pride and joy is her Golden Retriever, Chuck, who is pictured in her bio photo with her. Jess is known as our “Golden Inspector”, as Golden Retrievers are her favorite breed of all time!

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.

Alicia, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Alicia was born and raised in northeastern Massachusetts. She has always had a love for animals, large and small. Alicia received her Associates degree in Animal Science from Holyoke Community College in 2014. After taking time off to start a family, Alicia joined Reading Animal Clinic in 2021. When not spending time with her husband, son and pug, Molly, Alicia can be found playing Dungeons and Dragons, doing puzzles and hand crafts such as sewing, knitting, and cross stitch.

Tanya, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Tanya has always known she wanted a career working with animals. She interned at the New England Aquarium and Stone Zoo, before deciding her passion was in veterinary medicine. In 2010, she began working as a kennel tech which led to her role working alongside the hospital staff a year later. After deciding this was the path she wanted to pursue, she went back to school to receive her degree in Veterinary Technology to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. Tanya started with Reading Animal Clinic in 2016 before taking a break and adding some human babies to her family. Tanya returned to the practice in 2023. In her spare time, Tanya enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 boys, dog, Zion and cat, Duncan.

Nancy, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon!

Heather

Technician Assistant

Heather was born in raised in the Northshore as an only child. Her love for animals started at a young age, growing up with many farm animals such as ducks, chickens, cats and a pony. Heathers journey at RAC started in September 2020. She previously graduated from NSCC with an Associates in Animal Science, as well as a Cosmetology License. When she is not at the clinic, Heather enjoys walking her chihuahua, taking photos of nature and spending time on the beach with friends. She looks forward to always continuing her education.

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 Assistant

Shea grew up on the border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire and has spent her entire life spending time in both states. Growing up, two of her aunts worked in the vet field and inspired Shea to join in her early 20’s. Shea has a passion for learning about both animal behavior and medicine and is a Certified Fear Free professional. Her mission is to make the vet less scary for both pets and owners! Shea currently resides in Salem, NH with her family and pets. They include her 2 dogs, (Holly and Hamilton) 2 cats, (Hope and Alta) 4 ducks, (Harry, Helen, Laverne, and Squiggy) and her hedgehog, Gnocchi.

Jacqueline

Technician Assistant

Jacqueline has had a passion for animals since a very young age. However, she initially pursued a career in electrical construction in high school and for several years after. Electrical did not satisfy her heart’s desire to help others and make the kind of differences she wants to make in her lifetime. She attended Salem State University at night pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a chemistry minor while simultaneously pursuing her Journeyman Electrician’s license in both the state of Massachusetts and the state of New Hampshire. In 2020, Jackie made the career leap into the veterinary field and finished her degree at Salem State University in 2022. She has worked in emergency and critical care for the past few years and is finding comfort in also working in general practice with preventative care. Jackie hopes to one day attend veterinary school and be a veterinarian herself.

In her spare time, Jackie loves spending time with her family and friends including her best friend, Whiskey (her dalmatian), and her leopard gecko, Spot. Jackie also enjoys hiking, yoga, gardening, kitchen experimenting and various arts/crafts projects.

Fran

Technician Assistant

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.

Sophia

Technician Assistant

Sophia, a lifelong lover of animals and nature, has been captivated by their life and beauty since her early years. Her deep-seated passion for the animal kingdom led her down the path of veterinary care. After initially majoring in Biology at Keene State College, she realized her desire for a more specialized career and is currently dedicated to obtaining her Veterinary Technician Degree for certification. Her enthusiasm for animal behavior shines through, as she is a Fear Free certified professional, committed to guiding pets through stressful situations. At home, Sophie shares her life with Courage the dog, Zuko the Bearded Dragon, and Musk Turtles named Myrtle and Coral. On her free time, she enjoys baking, painting, tending to indoor plants, and indulging in a good Gordon Ramsey show. A proud native of New Hampshire, Sophie is on a mission to make a positive impact in the world of veterinary care.

Elizabeth

Technician Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Alexis

Technician Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Patrick

Client Care

Patrick is a North Shore native and his mother would tell you he was born barking based on his love and respect for animals. Patrick has 35 years of professional animal-related experience and was happy to join the RAC team in 2021. In his “spare” time, Patrick cares for his many pets and has a particular passion for shelter animals considered harder to place. His compassion for people and animals shines in his always present smile and heart.

Cheyenne

Client Care

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.

Laura

Client Care

Laura joined the RAC team in September 2021. After working in the legal field for many years, Laura decided to make a career change and pursue a job where she could be surrounded by animals and their people. She loves helping our clients with any support they may need to communicate with their veterinarian and other staff members. Laura grew up in Medford and moved to Reading in 2001. She lives with her husband and her two Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, Ernie and Chip. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, reading, hiking with her dogs, and spending time with friends.

Alyssa

Client Care

Alyssa has lived in Reading since she was 4, and has a passion for animals her whole life. She currently has 3 dogs, 2 birds, and a cat. She went to North Shore Community College for Animal Care and has always wanted to work with animals. She is also very passionate about artistic expression; she loves to do anything creative that allows her to express her ideas. Alyssa loves being able to work in an environment that allows her to help others while being able to help animals.

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.

Kinsey

Client Care

Kinsey joined the RAC team in October of 2022 as a way to combine her love for animals with her passion for caregiving. She graduated in 2020 from a medical assisting program and has worked in both a doctor’s office and a nursing facility. In her free time, Kinsey enjoys reading, making jewelry, baking and spending time with her cat, R2D2.

Judy

Client Care

Bio Coming Soon!

Jennifer

Client Care

Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Reading, having spent her entire life in the community. Over the course of two decades, she dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mom, successfully raising four children. Among them is her adult son with autism, who remains an integral part of her life and continues to reside with her. In her free time she loves to garden, swim in the pool, go to estate sales, and during the winter do lots of 1000-piece puzzles and play scrabble.

Marissa

Pharmacy Coordinator

Marissa was raised in Wilmington with her dad and younger brother. She graduated Wilmington High in 2015. She has been surrounded by fur-siblings all her life, and has wanted to care for them all the best she can. She currently has an 11-year-old, diabetic cat that has been with her for the past 2 years. Marissa started as a Client Care Rep with us in 2019 and has since been promoted to Assistant Client Care Manager and is looking forward to her future within the company. In her free time, she enjoys bowling, Paint Nites, traveling up and down the coast, and being surrounded with friends and family. She hopes to someday in the future to open her home to other cats with medical needs.

Kaitlyn

Pharmacy Coordinator

Kaitlyn has always had a love for animals ever since she was little. Her dad always told her that he could see her working with animals when she was young. She graduated high school in 2018 on her way to art school until she realized her true passion, caring for animals. She grew up with cats, birds, hamsters, and a big tank of all kinds of fish. She currently has a tuxedo cat named Finn, and can’t wait to have her own farm of animals when she has a house of her own. When she’s not working, Kaitlyn loves hiking and camping with her two best friends, baking, and spending time with the people she loves.