Meet the Staff

	Dr. Pat Mahoney Role at American: Veterinarian/Hospital Director Personal information: Dr. Pat purchased the clinic in 1979. He is active in the community, particularly in Rotary, the UCC church and in projects working with youth. Dr. Pat has 3 stepchildren and 6 step grandchildren. He loves bike riding, swimming, reading and local theatre productions. Pets: Dr. Pat has 2 Dogs: Blondie, a golden retriever, Misty, a long haired miniature Dachshund and a cat named Ruby, a long hair shelter rescue. What Dr. Pat likes best about working at American: "I really enjoy the relationships that develop in and around the practice. We get to meet and help such a wide variety of people and patients. I am privileged to work with so many special and talented teammates and to live in such a wonderful community."
	Dr. Carrie Harness Role at American: Veterinarian Personal Information: Dr. Harness joined AAH in June 2007 and is a recent graduate of Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to joining American Animal Hospital, she lived in Roland, IA. She loves the Fox Valley because it has the conveniences of a large city with the friendly atmosphere of a small town. Dr. Carrie enjoys reading, crafting, soccer, home renovation projects, photography and she has a passion for classic movies, especially musicals. Dr. Carrie also volunteers with Saving Paws and Orphan Animal Rescue, two local no kill rescues. She is a big advocate for adopting "previously loved pets" and giving them a second chance at a forever home. Pets: Dr. Carrie is the proud pet parent of six beautiful cats. Casper is the grey and the oldest. He takes his job as big brother very seriously. Dakota and Lily are the twins. Kody is a white and brown tabby, while Lily is a black and white tuxedo. Together they keep Carrie and Clint on their toes. Alex was adopted from the Fox Valley Humane Association and has slimmed down to a handsome white and grey boy. Sierra is a calico and the youngest. She came into the home as a feral, but has quickly turned into a love bug. Last, but not least, is a brown tabby named Bear. He showed up on their doorstep cold, hungry and FIV positive. Since then he has become fat and sassy. He is responsible for overseeing all outdoor activities as well as welcoming guests. What Dr. Carrie likes best about working at American: "I enjoy the opportunity to practice high quality medicine with the best quality clients, patients and staff. Every day offers a new opportunity for learning as well as developing lasting relationships."
	Dr. Melissa Gaywont Role at American: Veterinarian Personal Information: Dr. Gaywont joined American Animal Hospital in October 2008 as a recent graduate of Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She grew up in Green Bay and moved back to the area to be closer to family. She is active in the local SCA (a medieval history group), costuming and teaching Renaissance dance. She also enjoys reading, hiking and weaving. Pets: All of her furry family members are rescues and shelter pets. Two cats ­ Chiisai ( means "little" in Japanese) is a big, diabetic, black cat and a little tortie with eye problems named Mila Nevidomy (Mila for short) which means "blind love" in Czech. Mila spent several years at Saving Paws Animal Rescue because of her eyes before finding her forever home with Dr. Gaywont. Two birds- Rasu is a Nanday Conure and Kuri is a Green Cheeked Conure. They were rescued together from an owner who couldn't keep them because of the noise. Rasu is particularly talkative! The newest member of the family is a 6' coastal carpet python named General Zizka. He's a little shy and was neglected early in his life. Dr. Melissa took him when needed to find a quieter home without small children. And before you ask- his rodent meals are already frozen. What Dr. Melissa likes best about working at American: "I'm proud to work at a hospital that practices such high quality medicine and encourages the special bond between pets and their owners. The entire staff has shown themselves to be enthusiastic and compassionate-and the clients are fabulous."
	Sara Role at American: Office Manager Personal information: Sara has been working at AAH since July 2004. Before that, she attended UW-Oshkosh and received her BBA in Business Administration. She lives in Neenah where she was born and raised. Outside of work, Sara enjoys being with friends and family, playing pool/darts and watching TV. Pets: Sara has 6 pets. Two dogs - Bernese Mountain dogs named Boo and Autumn, and four cats - a tortie named Twixie, two Siamese mixes named Rolo and Reese and an older kitty named Camille. What Sara likes best about working at American: "I actually look forward to coming to work. The people I work with, our clients and the new people and pets I meet everyday is the best thing about being part of a "family"."
	Laura Role at American: Receptionist Laura moved to WI in 2003. She has been with AAH since May of 2004. Before being with AAH, Laura was a dental assistant for many years, but her love for animals and people led her to the veterinary field. Laura has two grown children: one in Florida and one in Washington DC. She just got married in August of 2009 to Paul, a lifelong resident of Appleton. Pets: Laura has Filbert, a rescue beagle/shepherd mix who she adopted in 2005 and a cat she rescued named Chip from the Fox Valley Humane Assoc. in 2007. What Laura like best: I enjoy developing relationships with our clients and spoiling their pets with treats when they come in. I also love working with such an awesome team of professional and highly skilled co workers.
	Shelly Role at American: Receptionist Shelly is a lifelong resident of Neenah and has been with AAH since early 2004. She has been married to Scott, the love of her life since 1994. They like to ski, boat and spend time with friends and family. Pets: Shelly's oldest pet Dusty is a rescued Siamese mix and she's a mama's girl. She also has a Rottweiler named Gunner who was adopted from Smiling K9's Rescue in Indiana. Gunner loves to run and have fun. Shelly loves the Rottweiler breed and has had 3 so far: Duke, Bear and now Gunner. What Shelly likes best: Highest standards of care, awesome clients and coworkers and meeting the pets that comes in everyday.
	Susie Role at American: Certified Veterinary Technician Personal information: Susie graduated from MATC in 1997. She recently moved back to the area from Madison. She loves the peace and quiet of country living. She has a significant other, Todd and she enjoys reading, knitting, watching movies, making soap and lip balm. Pets: Susie has three cats - Cleo, Luna and Norm. Norm is a little troublemaker, Luna is a sweet little girl with a big voice and Cleo is the pretty princess. She also has Eddie her Yorkipoo, who love to dance for Greenies. What Susie likes best about working at American: "AAH practices very good medicine. They really do treat the animals as if they were their own. The staff is also awesome. I am very lucky to have found a clinic as caring and compassionate as AAH!"
	Linda Role at American: Certified Veterinary Technician Personal information: Linda has worked at AAH for over 30 years. She grew up on a farm near Antigo and graduated from MATC. When not at work, Linda enjoys going "up to the log cabin" with her husband Tom. She enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, photography, horseback riding and traveling. She is an advocate for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, each year riding the scenic shore, 150 mile bike ride, marathon or half marathon to raise money and awareness for blood cancers. Pets: Linda's Chocolate Labrador "Fox" and Yellow Labrador "Rohn" make great hiking partners. Both dogs are named after towns in Alaska. What Linda likes best about working at American: "The level of medicine practiced here cannot be beat, which is why I have been here for so many years. The people are caring and compassionate."
	Julie Role at American: Certified Technician Personal information: Julie joined the American Animal Hospital team in June 2007 after graduating from the Veterinary Technician Program at MATC in May 2007. She enjoys traveling, scrapbooking/crafting, shopping, reading and spending time with her family and friends. Pets: Julie has four cats; Squeakers: a brown and white tabby, Chanel: the Queen Persian, Dolce: the energetic tiger stripe and Gabbana: the lovable tortie. What Julie likes best about working at American: "American Animal Hospital practices the very best medicine. I love working with such a knowledgeable and caring staff. I also enjoy meeting all the wonderful clients and their pets."
	Amber Role at American: Veterinary Assistant Personal information: Amber joined AAH in 2002. She completed her education via a distance learning institute after graduating from Menasha High School. Amber enjoys art, music, home the garden and camping. Summers are mostly spent "in the nort' woods" at a cottage (the dogs love this) but nothing is better than a full house of friends here at home. Pets: Amber started out with 2 cats, but found her work at the clinic made it easy to collect additional animals! She now has 3 cats and 2 dogs. Dogs include Loki, a shepherd mix and Black Dog, a lab mix rescued from a cold Wisconsin winter. Amber's first two cats, Gabriel and Monster, are joined by Harley Andrew Davidson, a blind cat, nicknamed Blinky. What Amber likes best about working at American: "Working with animals and caring, compassionate people."
	Rachel Role at American: Veterinary Assistant Personal information: Rachel joined the American Animal Hospital team in February 2008 after graduating from Horizon School of Veterinary Assisting in May 2007. She has been a life long resident of Neenah. In her free time Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, movies and traveling. Pets: Rachel has two cats: Gizmo - the white and tabby polydactyl and Kya - the mischievous black cat. She also has a gerbil named Titan. What Rachel likes best about working at American: "American Animal Hospital practices the highest quality medicine and the staff is caring and knowledgeable. I really enjoy meeting the new clients and patients everyday."
	Dori Role at American: Veterinary Assistant Dori is the newest addition, just having started in May 2009, right after graduating from the Horizon School for Veterinary Assisting. Since 1993, she and her husband, Tim, have been calling Neenah home while raising their four children, Parker, Paige, Hannah and Harrison. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, camping and getting out into nature. Pets: Skitty and Tessa are Dori's two cats. They make life interesting especially when they wake up at 5am. She also has a cute little guinea pig named Pumpkin, who eats much healthier than she does. What Dori like about working here: Even though I live in Neenah now, I feel as if I'm a part of the community more than ever. I love the people that come in as clients and leave as friends. Our well educated and caring team can't be beat.
	Alison Role at American: Veterinary Assistant Alison joined AAH in early 2009. She is a graduate of the Horizon School of Veterinary Assisting. Alison is married to Don and they have 2 teenagers, Alex and Emma. She was brought to the vet field through her love for cats and providing foster care for the Fox Valley Humane Assoc. She is active as a parent representative for the Fox Valley Youth Orchestra in Appleton, where her kids both play violin. In addition to petting her kitties, Alison enjoys walking, needlework, interior design, floral design and spending time with family. Pets: Alison and her family have 2 cats: Jack the bird watcher: an outspoken, demanding black lap cat and James: an easy going grey and white fuzz ball who relaxes while watching Jack go through his crazy kitty phases. Likes Best: I enjoy talking with the clients to understand the patient's needs and being part of a veterinary team that shows care and compassion to every pet that comes through the door.
	Kathy Role at American: Part-time Bookkeeper Personal information: Married to Dr. Pat, Kathy retired in 2003 from her job as Outagamie County Register in Probate/Probate Court Commissioner. Kathy has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. She is active in the UCC Church and in the community as a member of Rotary, of the Neenah/Menasha Emergency Society, the Theda Clark Auxiliary and as a mediator for the Winnebago County. In her free time she enjoys going up north, riding her moped, biking and water exercise. Kathy has been involved with dogs all her life, having been an obedience instructor with Winnegamie Dog Club for 25 years and is a lifetime member. Pets: She shares with Dr. Pat a Golden Retriever, Blondie and a long hair miniature Dachshund named Misty. They also have a cat named Ruby, who is a rescue from the Neenah Shelter. Kathy has bred four golden retriever litters and shown several retrievers in obedience and conformation over the years. What Kathy likes best about working at American: "I enjoy working with an outstanding staff and meeting clients, many of whom have become friends. I also enjoy working with the numbers and financial transactions and being able to work with my husband."