BEAVER COUNTY ANIMAL CLINIC STAFF

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM
Practice Owner
Hi, I'm Dr. Doug. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and have always loved animals. I received my veterinary degree from Ohio State University in 1987 and have operated several veterinary hospitals in the Beaver County area of Pennsylvania (north of Pittsburgh) ever since. I am especially proud to have served as the veterinarian for the Beaver County Humane Society for five years.

After being in practice for several years, I began to feel discouraged by the limitations of conventional veterinary medicine and sought to broaden my training beyond traditional approaches. This led me to participate in an acupuncture course offered by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). I was immediately captivated by the 150-hour class and immersed myself in learning this ancient system. After receiving IVAS certification in 1995, I quickly put my new knowledge to work helping previously hopeless clinical cases.

I have since expanded my knowledge of holistic veterinary care by attending continuing education courses on Bach Flower Remedies and Clinical Nutrition. I am certified in animal chiropractic and veterinary Chinese herbology, and have completed the 150-hour Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy offered by Dr. Richard Pitcairn.

In 1998, I introduced Pittsburgh-area veterinarians to the use of veterinary acupuncture by lecturing on the subject at the Western Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. That same year, I assisted teaching veterinarians at the IVAS certification course in Calgary, Canada. In 2001, I accepted an invitation to present at the European ARE congress in Prague.

I love giving public talks on veterinary acupuncture and other aspects of holistic pet care. I also offer a four-hour workshop on do-it-yourself pet acupressure. Since January 1999, I have by-lined a weekly pet health column in The Beaver County Times and The Allegheny Times, two local dailies near Pittsburgh. I am also the author of Stand by Me, A Holistic Handbook for Animals, Their People, and the Lives They Share Together (ARE Press, April 2003).

Dr. Kosturek, DVM
Associate Veterinarian - 1998
When I was a little boy in Poland, I helped my uncle and cousin care for animals in their veterinary clinic. This sparked my interest in veterinary medicine. I attended the University of Lublin School Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1978. Later on, I developed a special interest in small animals, especially in the areas of internal medicine and surgery.

I worked for 10 years in Poland before moving to Canada in 1984. There I lived with my wife, Dr. Anna Kosturek and my two daughters Marta and Margaret. In 1990, I moved to the United States and worked in a veterinary clinic in Allentown. In 1998 I accepted the position at Beaver Animal Clinic. That same year, my oldest daughter Marta enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh majoring in pharmacy. Margaret, my youngest daughter is also attending the University of Pittsburgh.

I am accredited by the Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2003 I completed course work in the area of dermatology and internal medicine. Also in 2003, my wife and I moved to our new home. It is very rewarding working here at Beaver Animal Clinic with our patients, clients and dedicated staff.

Dr. Leanna Dohanich
Associate Veterinarian - 2009
Born and raised on a Jersey dairy farm, Leanna’s interest in animals began at a young age.  Showing cows and hiking with her dogs around the countryside were just a few of her activities growing up.  Her interests in animals were eventually noticed by the local veterinarians who took an interest in her potential and employed her as an assistant.  She loved this work so much that she decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.  After graduating from undergraduate studies at Delaware Valley College and a Master’s of Science at Virginia Polytechnic and State Institute in animal nutrition, she was accepted into veterinary school (at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine).  Veterinary school was very hard but excedingly fun, and it went extremely quickly.  Leanna was known in her class as a holistic-minded person who knew how to bake!  She met her now-husband Jonathan Dohanich during veterinary school and they began dating soon after spaying cats together during Jonathan’s first year of vet school.  They married one week after Leanna’s graduation in May 2006.  She has been employed with Animal Care Center of Salem and Clevenger’s Corner, both in Virginia as a clinician and surgeon.  She is excited to have to opportunity to move forward with providing holistic options and care as well as traditional medicine at Beaver Animal Clinic!  She has a cat “Annie” and border collie ‘Ruby”.  Today Leanna and Jonathan have a son, Jarren, and are happy to be back home in Pennsylvania! 

Judy Knueven
Hospital Administrator - 1994
Hi, I'm Judy Knueven and I manage our practice. Basically my job involves keeping track of the entire goings on at the office and managing the team members, finances and client relations.

Some of my earliest memories revolve around my beloved pets. In fact, instead of playing with dolls like other little girls, I played with my dog Cuddles. I can still remember the tea parties complete with cups, saucers and table around which Cuddles and I enjoyed our imaginary tea and cookies.

I have been working with animals since 1980, first at the Beaver County Humane Society, then at Center Animal Clinic, and since 1994, at Beaver Animal Clinic. I worked my way up through the ranks, doing everything from cleaning cages to receptionist and veterinary assistant work to my current position. I find my job rewarding but sometimes miss the contact with the companion animals and their people.

Dr. Doug and I share our home with three cats (Blaize, Sugar and Spice) and one dog (Katy). In my spare time I love to garden and work with stained glass.

Debbie
Veterinary Technician - 1992
I became a veterinary technician because I was always bringing animals home, and I have always wanted to work with animals. I started at Center Animal Clinic in 1992 and transferred to Beaver Animal Clinic when the two clinics merged in 1998. The best part about my job is when sick animals get better and are able to go home to their families. I also enjoy educating people about their pets.

I currently live with 6 cats (Whiskers, Whitey, BooBoo, Sidewinder, Mrs. Beasley, and Romeo), 2 dogs (Bruno and Abby), my fiance (Greg), and my baby girl (Nevada Lee, who was born on October 6, 2003). Occasionally, I have additional companions because I foster animals for the Beaver County Humane Society. In my spare time, I pet sit and try to grab a nap when Nevada gives me a second.

Jody
Veterinary Technician - 1993
Hi, my name is Jody Benedict and I have been with Beaver Animal Clinic since 1992. I reside in Beaver County and have two children (Brandi and Chelsea). My wonderful husband (Ron) understands how much I enjoy the career I have chosen. We share our home with a poodle (Basil), and a large black cat (Petunia).

When people ask what inspires me to work in the veterinary field, I have to say that it is because animals never ask for anything, but kindness and companionship. They ask us for our help and as we help them, we learn from them.

You might not believe that my favorite television show is Emergency Vets (my husband calls it Emergency Vet Techs). I stay active by getting involved with any fund-raiser that helps others improve their lives.

Candy
Head Receptionist - 1995
When I first started working at Beaver Animal Clinic I started as a nurse. After holding that position for a year I was moved up to the reception area. Within 5 years I became a Head Receptionist and have held that position since. Along with my duties of running the front desk area, I am also responsible for training new employees.

I grew up in Center Twp, Beaver County and now live in the College Hill Beaver Falls area with my husband Brian. We own two boxers Butkis and Bella. In December 2004 we added another addition to our family, (human this time), a little girl named Sidney Paige. She definitely makes our lives busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Working at Beaver Animal Clinic is rewarding in so many different ways, I wouldn't know where to begin describing why I love coming to work every day.

Cheryl
Certified Veterinary Technician - 2000
Hi, my name is Cheryl Holcomb. I graduated from the Median School of Pittsburgh in January 1980 as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). I've worked at a few other clinics prior to starting my employment in 2000 with Beaver Animal Clinic.

I reside in Economy Borough with my husband, Jack. We share our home with our Standard Poodle (Beaumont), our two cats (Mabel and Mel) and one Cockatiel (Mr. T).

Around the age of sixteen, I decided to pursue a career with animals because of our family pet Jock. Jock was a miniature poodle that developed a severe disc problem, which he surprisingly recovered from after not being able to walk.

In my free time, I enjoy being outside in the sun (when we do have some), going to concerts, and fiddling with my computer.

Ann
Veterinary Technician - 2001
Hi my name is Ann, I started working at Beaver Animal Clinic in 2001. I enjoy the challenging and varied nature of my position. I have two German Shorthair Pointers, Mela and Teke and two cats, Kim and Banjo.

Marci
Veterinary Technician - 2002
My love for animals is why I'm at Beaver Animal Clinic. I have a degree in Animal Science. My pets include one horse (Sonny), two Akitas (Samson and Moka), one dog of mixed breed (Buddy), three rabbits (Chip, Walker, and Cinnamon), one cat (Leelah), one hamster (Gremlin), and twenty-one chickens, all who have names.

My hobbies are my animals. They take most of my time. I have a daughter, Julia, who enjoys helping me take care of them. I'm a marshmallow when it comes to all animals

Nancy
Veterinary Technician- 2003
Hi my name is Nancy McKenna. I live in Beaver County with my husband of 25 years and 4 children, 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 1 rabbit. I have been working at Beaver Animal Clinic since May of 2003.

It has been a very exciting year for me in this career. I have learned more than I ever thought I could in such a short period of time and I know more is yet to come. I have always loved animals and I enjoy being able to help and care for them. The doctors and the staff at Beaver Animal Clinic are wonderful people and mentors.

A few of my hobbies other than my pets include gardening, and antique collecting. One of my most memorable experiences at the clinic is the day I rescued a terrier mix named Nay Nay. Her owner could no longer care for her and she needed a home. She's "My Girl" now.

Lori Boguszewski
Practice Manager - 2004
As the Practice Manager I have the pleasure of being involved in all areas of managing the Beaver Animal Clinic.

I starting working here April, 2004. Previously, I had worked 14 years as a manager for a large corporation. This position was a wonderful transition, to work among the animals and with such caring and compassion people. My days are filled with helping employees, clients, animals and learning something new everyday. I tell everyone how lucky I am to share my office with Dr. Doug's dog, Katie, she make coming to work fun!

I live in Beaver with my husband, Barry and our two boys, Kevin and Alex. We share our home with 3 cats, Snowball, Chucky, Marie and our dog, Roxy.

Michele
Certified Veterinary Tech - 2004
Hello, My name is Michele. My job is exciting & unpredictable and very rewarding. I have three pets of my own which include a Sheltie "Tag" and two cats, "Paisley" & "Tinker".

Martina
Receptionist - 2005
Hi my name is Martina. I have 4 cats, Tess, Leo, Livi and Luke. Working with animals has been very rewarding and the staff and clients at Beaver Animal Clinic make coming to work very enjoyable.

Shelley
Receptionist - 2005
Hi my name is Shelley. I came to Beaver animal clinic after graduating from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Environmental and a minor in Biology. I live in Beaver County with my family, our five cats (Cleo, Chloe, Felix, Saiber, Fluffy) and one dog, Amber. I became interested in working with animals after doing volunteer work at the Beaver County Humane Society for a college project.

Working with the animals and staff at Beaver Animal Clinic, has been both a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Brenda
Bookkeeper -2006
My entire working career has been in the legal field, but my passion has been animals. Now thanks to Beaver Animal Clinic, my passion is my work. In the time I have been here, I have come to admire, respect and genuinely care for the wonderful people here. Their commitment to the patients and to each other is inspiring to say the least.

My husband, Mark and I reside in Calcutta, Ohio with our rescued dogs, Joey, Molly, Sam, Lizzie, Dixie, Petey and Angie the cat. I look forward to seeing you at our wonderful facility.