About Us - Our Staff
Our Staff
Jessica S. Young, D.V.M.
Jessica Young, D.V.M. was raised on a family-owned horse ranch in North Carolina. Caring for many animals at an early age, she developed a strong love for all creatures. Her interest in the health and welfare of animals was cemented late one night while working with a veterinarian at a local animal hospital where she met one particular kitty that needed desperate medical attention to save its life. It was at this moment the future “Dr. Young” knew exactly how she wanted to serve the animals she loved - as a veterinarian. She was hooked and spent the next several years working with animals, regularly reaffirming her love of veterinary medicine and her patients, as well as developing a sincere passion for helping the families connected to their animals.
Dr. Young graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2005 and then pursued a fellowship at the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences where she researched corn allergies. She then attended North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she developed an interest in internal medicine, especially diseases of the eye. Dr. Young graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from NC State University in May of 2011, realizing her dream of becoming a veterinarian and furthering her passion and commitment to care for those who care for their animals.
Dr. Young recently moved to Massachusetts with her husband, Dr. Sam Young, an Intern at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Clinic where he is pursuing his interests in zoo and wildlife medicine. The Drs. Young live with their Chihuahua "Winnie", pug-mix "Arugula", cat "Minnow", and a Tiger Black snake named "Beasty". While new to New England, they are very excited about their new community and already enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, cooking, as well as visiting friends and family.
Dr. Young's mission statement is to practice high-quality, intelligent and compassionate veterinary medicine focusing on outstanding patient care and excellent communication with clients - building a partnership with families to foster the best care for their animals.
Karen Colonair, Veterinary Technician
Karen graduated from Becker College, Leicester, MA in 1988 with an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. She resides in Sutton, MA with her husband, Brian, their two boys, Nickolas and Garrett and their dog and cats. Karen has been a veterinary technician for over 21 years and has worked at several veterinary hospitals in the Blackstone Valley.
Kayla Patton, Veterinary Technician
Kayla just moved to Grafton from Overland Park, KS with her fiancé' Danny, an Intern at Tufts-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 2009 with a B.A. in Biology and from Veterinary Technician school this May. Kayla has a schnauzer/dachshund mix named "Sookie" and a leopard gecko named "Stewy". In her spare time she likes to cook, shop, read, and run.
Brianna Carey, Veterinary Assistant
Brianna attended Northbridge High School and received a B.S. degree in Animal Science from the University of Rhode Island in May of 2011. She started veterinary school in 2011 at the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in the fall. She has been riding horses for 12 years. Brianna shares her home with her dogs "Molly Do" and "Rosie the Big Square Dog", rats "Lt". "Aldo Rained" and "Dominick Decoct", and her fish "Tyler Darden".
Meghan Daniels, Veterinary Assistant
Meghan joined PawSteps Veterinary Center in April of 2009 after previous work in pet grooming and childcare. Following her dream, she is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Holyoke Community College where she plans on graduating in 2011 with an Associates Degree. She resides in Grafton with her husband, Rick and her two boxers, "Dolly" and "Lenny". When she finds free-time from work and studying, Meghan enjoys taking her dogs for long walks and watching them swim in the local lake.
Melissa Kewley, Veterinary Assistant
Melissa lives in Holland with her husband, Donald, and two sons, Thomas and Donny, and three dogs, 4 cats, 2 rabbits, and 2 birds. Melissa will graduate in 2012 from Holyoke Community College with an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology. Melissa is a long-distance runner and enjoys reading, working in her garden, and spending time with her family.
Jeanne Pennell, Office Manager/Receptionist
Jeanne lives in Uxbridge with her husband, Bob, and daughter, Erin, along with her cat "Mickey" and "Sophie" and her dog "Cayden", from BayPath Humane Society. Jeanne is a graduate of Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She serves on the Board of Directors for Dog Orphans, a no-kill shelter in Douglas, MA and is also a board member of the Northbridge Education Foundation.
Liz Lamberson, Receptionist
Liz joined PawSteps Vet in September 2010 as a receptionist. She is a graduate of Milford High School and has previous experience as a receptionist and office assistant in a small dental practice. Liz lives in Uxbridge with her husband Charlie and their two sons, Brandon and Joshua. The latest furry addition to the family is "Dunkin" the crazy kitten who runs circles around Maggie, a Labrador/shepherd mix from Dog Orphans. Meanwhile, "Snickers", their 11-year-old cat, is still the queen of the house.
