Kim Broadhead, Lic. Veterinary Technician, Patient Care Coordinator: 

Kim is originally from the small city of Ogdensburg New York located along the St. Lawrence River.  She was lucky enough to have SUNY Canton just a short drive from her home.  In 1990 she graduated from their veterinary technology program and moved to the Capital District to start her career. Her first job in the field was as a technician at CapitalLand Animal Hospital.  She followed this by coming to Wynantskill Veterinary Clinic until 2007 when it was sold to Dr. Wiggins.  At that time she became a key member of the veterinary team at 4 Paws Animal Hospital and continues to help care for medical and surgical patients.  She lives nearby in Wynantskill with her husband Thom and daughter Leah. They also have a large furry four legged family which consists of two  Labs, Melody and Gator, two orange and white cats named Wabbit and Bubba , two Peruvian Guinea Pigs named Jackson and Oliver and an array of fish.

Tonia Guyer, Veterinary Asst, Patient Care Coordinator:
Tonia was born in Albany and raised  in the small city of Rensselaer. Tired of city life, Tonia and her husband, along with their three children April, Dylan and Autumn moved to Wynantskill. 

Throughout her life Tonia has always had a deep connection and love for animals.  Tonia' s  parents were not fond of animals but allowed her and her sister Trina to keep a sweet, little black poodle/terrier mix named Scruffy. They became inseparable.             

In 1986 Tonia graduated from Rensselaer high school and then attended Herkimer County Community College for 1 year and Schenectady Community College for 1 year where she received her associate's degree in Travel and Tourism. Her first job was as a bus escort for Yankee Trails. She also took care of people's pets while they were away.     

In 1994 Tonia was appointed the animal control officer for Rensselaer. She shared this responsibility with her husband Robert Guyer Jr.  In 1996, she was awarded Outstanding Performance of Duty by the Rensselaer Police Department.  Working as an animal control officer, Tonia frequented the Mohawk Hudson River Humane Society where the strays were brought until owners redeemed them.  It was there that she received her "calling".  She saw so many opportunities to better the lives of the animals that were harbored there.  So many dogs in the adoption area were in such horrible condition that potential adopters would pass by due to their appearance.  So, the first thing she wanted to do was to bathe them and help the many surrendered stray and abandoned animals that needed homes.  

Tonia contacted a groomer that was on the board of directors and inquired about getting some used grooming equipment and to give her some grooming tips.  From there, Tonia taught herself how to groom so the animals would be more appealing to adopters.  In 1996, she was hired by the humane society.  She started the volunteer program, foster care program and rescue group network. With the help of well known trainers, Tonia implemented an assessment program to evaluate the temperament of dogs and cats prior to being made available for adoption.  Tonia also was the event coordinator and regularly visited schools as a humane education instructor. Spending time with the students and educating them about animals was extremely close to her heart.  She later went to work at Menands Animal Hospital as a vet assistant until the practice moved.    

In 2006 Tonia was hired as dining room manager for the Towne Tavern, a local restaurant. It was there Tonia recognized a patron to be Dr. Lisa Wiggins, her veterinarian.  During their conversation Tonia learned that Dr. Wiggins was purchasing Wynantskill Veterinary Clinic.  Dr. Wiggins offered her a position as a groomer and veterinary assistant.  She didn't have to twist Tonia's arm as Tonia knew working with animals is where she wanted and needed to be.  

Tonia's special interests are senior animal care and client education.  When not at 4 Paws Animal Hospital, Tonia loves to spend time with her family and her animal friends that include a French Bulldog, three Chihuahuas, an Australian shepherd, five cats, a sugar glider, two mice and fish. Other interests include animal rescue, rehabilitation, sailing, hiking with her husband and gardening.

Jocelyn Lyons, Senior Patient Care Coordinator: 

Jocelyn has worked in veterinary hospitals throughout the country for many years.  Her first job was in New Jersey where she grew up.  She moved to Oregon in the 1980's where she lived for five years with her husband and son.  They then moved back east to Pennsylvania where her parents lived and eventually ended up here in 1996.  She worked at Wynantskill Veterinary Clinic for 13 years, and is now enjoying her most recent work at  4 Paws Animal Hospital.  Jocelyn has 5 cats, 1 dog, 1 horse, and 1 silly rabbit!  Jocelyn is extremely experience in veterinary medicine, focused on her commitment to your pet and enjoys bonding with the clients and getting to know each pet that comes here.

 

Stacie Moseley, Veterinary Asst and Patient Care Coordinator:

I love Freck!!!!!

Stephanie Kehn, Practice Manager:  

Stephanie Kehn is the Practice Manager here at 4 Paws Animal Hospital.  She started in April of 2007 working part time evenings to help with the transition of ownership.  She came on board full time in January of 2008.  She was hired to fulfill personnel duties, coordinate marketing functions, supervise personnel, order inventory and supplies, accounts receivable and payables and computer administration.

Previously she worked at Wells Communication Service, Inc. in Troy, NY managing the operation of Wells Communications Troy Office.  Stephanie attended Averill Park High School and Hudson Valley Community College.  She has 4 dogs that vary in size from "tiny" to "huge"...they are all wonderful and part of her family!

Amanda Alexander, Professional Petstylist (groomer):

Amanda has been grooming since 2005 and she LOVES it!  She was professionally trained and has spent time teaching others to groom.  She is an incredibly talented stylist/groomer and has showcased her work in competitions and parades.  She is skilled in breed specific styles, "all-american" mixed dogs, puppies and cats.  But, she also enjoys using her creativity with color to design something fun for the animals.  She has a pug named Francis Bean and has fun using various color to "dress" her up..."Bean" loves the attention that she gets with it!  In addition to "Bean", she lives with her best friend Mark and his a hound dog named "Tessa".  Amanda joined the 4 Paws team in 2010 but she and Francis Bean very quickly became part of the family and clients love her, too!

Jo-Anne Mortimer, Patient Care Coordinator:  Jo-Anne grew up in Colonie and has loved animals her entire life.  She grew up with Dachshunds and the ever present cat.  As a teenager, she learned to ride horses and competed in local horseshows.  After graduating from Hudson Valley Community College and getting a full time job, she bought her first horse that she thoroughly enjoyed for many years.  She currently owns a spoiled rotten Appaloosa.  She also has two Siberian Huskies and two cats (along with a very understanding husband!!).  She has titled her Siberians in agility, obedience, and rally, and enjoys training using positive reinforcement methods.  In her free time, Jo-Anne enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, vacationing in the mountains, hiking, and wildlife-watching.

Lori Winslow, Kennel Care Giver, Kennel supervisor: Lori was a client for many years always asking if help was needed.  In 2000 her dream came true and she was hired to care for clinics animals in the morning before she went to her job at RPI.  Lori was hired as a kennel assistant and receptionist.    She helped care and comfort the sick and spent much time coaxing them to eat.  Her love of animals and her special bond with each one is very rewarding for her.  Animals are at ease with her and her with them.  Lori works well even with nervous and anxious animals.  She says that even a challenging pet needs love and she loves challenges and being able to win them over is her greatest reward.  Patience and perseverance and allowing the animal time to adjust is her formula.   If asked who she loves the most, she says everyone she cares for.  Lori is patient, caring and spends a lot of time with each boarder when they are here.  If you listen closely you will often hear her say to each boarder “be good now and Lori will see you tomorrow and Lori loves you” as she assures that they are taken care of before she leaves for the day.  She makes a point to know each pet’s likes and dislikes and leaves notes to inform the rest of the staff.  Lori will not rest until each and every boarder seems content and satisfied and comfortable away from home.  She and her father learned sign language together and even trained her deaf dog with sign language until he became blind. She then resorted to signing the language on his body and it worked well.  He knew what she was “saying” just by her touch.  She says that what she does is so rewarding.

Bret Cunningham, Kennel Care Giver:  Bret was born in Cambridge NY and grew up in Averill Park.  He is now living in Wynantskill and graduated from Averill Park High School in 2010 with a regents diploma.  He is one of six kids, two brothers and three sisters.  He currently attends college at HVCC studying liberal arts for archaeology.  He has always loved being around animals and is thrilled to help care for them while they are in the kennel until their “parents” return.