-
Meet our Veterinary Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Harackiewicz!
Dr. Jennifer Harackiewicz is thrilled to be joining the dedicated team at the Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic. Born and raised in Sterling, Massachusetts, she received her undergraduate degree from Worcester State University and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University. During her time at Tufts University, she received the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) Award for Excellence in Primary Care as well as the Faculty Award for Excellence in Surgery.
Dr. Harackiewicz comes from our program partner, VCA Sterling Animal Hospital, where she has served as Medical Director. Her interests include Dermatology, Surgery and Pain Management. She hopes to pursue additional education in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, as well as Acupuncture.
Dr. Harackiewicz is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association.
-
Meet our Veterinary Science Instructor, Dr. Elizabeth West!
Dr. West joined the Monty Tech community, bringing her passion and talents to help shape the popular Veterinary Science program, writing curriculum, developing partnerships with area practitioners, and recruiting students into the exciting field of veterinary care. Her breadth of knowledge is unparalleled, having graduated from Ontario Veterinary College, practicing in Wantagh, NY, and eventually opening her own animal hospital. Her work with the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, doing shelter and community medicine and surgery, led to a passion for community care, which is why the Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic is such a perfect fit for Dr. West!
Her students enjoy her patient and engaging approach, and we are delighted to have her on our team!
-
Meet our Veterinary Science Instructor, Dr. Lauren Shell!
We are delighted to have an outstanding upperclassman instructor, who will work closely with students as they transition from the classroom to the clinic floor. As a student at Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine, Lauren Shell worked closely with faculty and staff as part of the Veterinary Emergency Team (VET), providing veterinary medical support for animals in disaster situations.
After graduation, Lauren worked for several years in general practice, and soon transitioned to providing doing hospice and end-of-life care for dogs and cats. It was there that she found her calling, and has since worked to provide high quality pet owner education, feline medicine, and geriatric medicine with an emphasis on quality of life. Her experience as an adjunct faculty member as Nashua Community College and professional memberships are complimented by her long history of compassionate care for pets in need. Our students will benefit from her guidance and leadership, and we couldn't be happier that Dr. Lauren Shell has joined the Monty Tech community!
-
Meet our Grooming Instructor, Katie Heikkila, MGBS!
Katie Heikkila has an extensive background in AKC showing, handling, and training and was a licensed AKC Earthdog Judge. In 2005 Katie turned her attention to the pet grooming industry. She started a career path that led to her becoming a Lead Instructor and helping with the foundation and start-up of The Whole Pet Grooming Academy.
Katie is a Professional Master Groomer, Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, CATCH Certified Professional Dog Trainer, certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, an ABKA certified Pet Care Technician, AKC S.A.F.E certified, and Fear Free certified. A large part of her career focus has been the study of dog behavior and body language with industry leaders like Susan Bulanda, Chris Murphy, Susan Briggs, and Robin Bennett. Katie has also competed at national grooming expos in creative styling, winning the Novice Challenge at Intergroom in 2018.
Katie is currently working at Monty Tech High School as a grooming instructor in their Vet Clinic. She enjoys sharing her knowledge, skills, and experiences with students from the high school and the apprentice stylists she has trained throughout the years. Now she will share her passion for grooming with our next generation and continue her role at the WPGA, offering continuing education advancement courses.
-
Meet our Veterinary Technician, Kylee Stout!
Kylee has been working in the veterinary field for over 12 years and is an integral part of our team. Kylee has spent most of her career focused on community-based medicine and working in high volume spay and neuter clinics. She has a passion for client education and teaching team members new skills. She started as a veterinary technician and worked her way up to Practice Manager before joining Monty Tech's veterinary team. She is excited to be teaching the students new skills and preparing them for the workforce, and we are delighted to have her!
-
Meet our Veterinary Technician, Kim Clark, CVT!
Kim is a Certified Veterinary Technician and graduated from Becker College with an Associate's degree in Veterinary Science. Kim has worked in various areas of the animal science field throughout her career, including animal focused retail, grooming, boarding/daycare, emergency medicine, animal shelter volunteerism, and has spent most of her career in small animal medicine. Kim has a professional interest in surgery and anesthesia monitoring, as well as client education.Kim joined the Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic team in 2022 and has thoroughly enjoyed helping our students learn and gain confidence on the clinic floor. Kim is proud to be a part of the Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic and be able to give back to the community.
