Emergency - Doctors

Kenton D. Rexford, VMD

Dr. Rexford, a native of western Pennsylvania, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in animal bioscience from the Pennsylvania State University. He completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and work as a mixed animal practitioner for 18 months. Following his work as an animal practitioner, Dr. Rexford practiced small animal medicine while working part-time at Veterinary Emergency Clinic (PVSEC-Emergency). Dr. Rexford accepted a full-time position with Veterinary Emergency Clinic  in 1998 and has been with them ever since.

In his spare time he enjoys snowboarding and whitewater kayaking. Dr. Rexford is the proud owner of Pork Chop, a tabby cat, and Rogan, a Dogue de Bordeaux.

Rebecca A. Miller, DVM

Originally from Trumansburg, New York, Dr. Miller received her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 1991. Dr. Miller began her career in Rochester, NY where she split her time between an AAHA small animal practice and an equine ambulatory practice. She moved to the Pittsburgh area in 1995 and continued to practice small animal and equine medicine and surgery. In 1998, Dr. Miller began to practice small animal medicine exclusively, working part-time at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic (PVSEC-Emergency). In 2001 Dr. Miller accepted a full-time position at Veterinary Emergency Clinic.

Dr. Miller enjoys spending time with her husband, five-year-old son, Golden Retriever Augie, and three cats, Lilly, Rudy and Dave.

Jennifer Wooderson, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Wooderson was born and raised in Louisiana, and graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She began practicing veterinary medicine at a small animal primary care hospital in Pittsburgh shortly after graduation. In June 2006, Dr. Wooderson started working for the Veterinary Emergency Clinic (PVSEC-Emergency).

In her spare time, Dr. Wooderson enjoys diving, gardening and cooking.

Elissa Allen, VMD

Dr. Elissa Allen graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000 with a degree in biological sciences. She received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, happily returning home to Pittsburgh to start her career with Veterinary Emergency Clinic (PVSEC-Emergency) upon graduation. Dr. Allen enjoys helping people and their pets and the excitement of emergency medicine.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her three cats, Mika, Linkin and Oki. She also enjoys home improvement projects, traveling, exercising and reading.

Jaime Griffin, VMD

Dr. Jaime Griffin is a graduate of Grove City College, where she majored in biology and minored in communication. She later earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia. She and her husband were delighted to return to western Pennsylvania when Dr. Griffin joined Veterinary Emergency Clinic (PVSEC-Emergency) in 2006.

Dr. Griffin and her husband reside in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with their two dogs, Taylor and Annie, as well as a cat, Erin, and fish, Katie. Dr. Griffin enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, and values the people and pets she connects with daily.

Outside of work, Dr. Griffin spends most of her time with friends and family. She enjoys making jewelry, home improvement projects, gardening and reading.

Joey Kallem, DVM

Dr. Joey Kallem graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary School in 1993. She began her career at Veterinary Emergency Clinic (PVSEC-Emergency) in 2005 and has since enjoyed the many challenges of a busy ER. She has a special interest in exotic animal medicine.

Dr. Kallem's large family consists of two dogs, three cats, two birds, two lizards, one sugar glider, two boys, and one husband. In the rare moments she is not cleaning up after some one, she enjoys reading fiction and training in martial arts.

Stephanie Nelson, DVM

Dr. Nelson received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 2003 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She completed her rotating small animal internship at Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, Maryland and joined PVSEC in 2008.

Originally from Colorado and Maryland, Dr. Nelson enjoys hiking, horseback riding, camping, art, and spending time with her husband and three dogs.

Robin Dutra, DVM

Dr. Robin Dutra obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 1999. Following graduation, she spent a year in Holland practicing as an associate veterinarian. She later returned to the United States to accept a position at a small animal practice while working part-time at an animal emergency center in upstate New York. Dr. Dutra was drawn to emergency medicine and accepted a full-time position with an emergency animal hospital in Saratoga, New York. She simultaneously worked part-time performing spays and neuters for the Upstate SPCA and did per diem work with another small animal practice. Dr. Dutra moved to the Pittsburgh area in 2004, working with a small animal general practice and emergency veterinary hospital before joining PVSEC in 2008.

In her spare time, Dr. Dutra enjoys scuba diving, skiing, hiking, sailing and traveling to the Caribbean.

Steven Smolen, DVM

Dr. Smolen grew up here in Pittsburgh.  He was first inspired to become a veterinarian at his family's veterinary practice.  In 2000, he earned his veterinary degree from Ross University.  He has experience in both private practice and emergency medicine, and returned to work with PVSEC Emergency in 2009.

In his free time, Dr. Smolen enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, painting and is an avid gardener.  He enjoys the company of his dog and 5 cats.

Kristi Sowers, DVM

Dr. Kristi Sowers is originally from Winston-Salem, NC.  She attended Appalachian State University, where she earned a degree in graphic arts.  After college, Dr. Sowers realized her lifelong dream of being a veterinarian while working as a veterinary technician in Winston-Salem.

She attended the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2009.  Dr. Sowers moved to Pittsburgh in 2009 and loves everything about it!!  She has a special interest in exotic pets (especially turtles and ferrets) and loves emergency medicine.  Dr. Sowers is also a member of several veterinary medical associations: the AVMA, PVMA and WPVMA.

Pamela Bollinger, DVM

A native of Latrobe, PA, Dr. Pamela Bollinger is a 2010 graduate of the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.  Prior to attending OSU, Dr. Bollinger obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Pennsylvania State University in 2006.  Dr. Bollinger's school breaks were spent working as a veterinary assistant at a private practice in Derry, PA and as a kennel assistant at an animal shelter in Latrobe, PA.  While at the Ohio State University, she coordinated the first year of the "Safe Summer Program", which found permanent homes for pets who might otherwise be abandoned at the end of the OSU school year.  Dr. Bollinger's clinical interests include both small animal internal medicine and shelter medicine, and she aspires to pursue a residency in internal medicine or work in private, general practice.

Dr. Bollinger spends her spare time painting, running and enjoying time with her three dogs.

Hope Chisnell, DVM

Hope Chisnell, DVM graduated in 2010 from the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.  As an undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology at the College of Wooster, Dr. Chisnell worked as a veterinary assistant in small animal general practice hospitals and interned at the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center's Good Zoo.  Both her clinical research experience and externships during veterinary school have focused her clinical interests in the fields of orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, emergency medicine and oncology.  After completing her internship with PVSEC, Dr. Chisnell plans to pursue a surgical residency.

In her spare time, Dr. Chisnell enjoys water-skiing, swimming and running.

Matthew Cleveland, DVM

Originally from Hailey, Idaho, Dr. Matthew Cleveland has lived and studied in a variety of places.  Prior to obtaining his veterinary degree from St. George's University Veterinary Medical School in 2010, Dr. Cleveland attended Dartmouth College.  While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry, he also spent a semester studying in Mexico.  After graduating from Dartmouth College, Dr. Cleveland then spent several years working for orthopedic implant vendors before enrolling in veterinary school.  His clinical interests include small animal surgery and he plans to pursue a surgical residency upon completion of the internship program at PVSEC.

In his spare time, Dr. Cleveland enjoys reading, skiing, fishing and other sports.

Catherine Havemann, DVM

Dr. Catherine Havemann earned her undergraduate degree in studio arts and sociology at Smith College and obtained her veterinary degree from the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.  During veterinary school, Dr. Havemann gained clinical experience in emergency medicine, avian and wildlife medicine and equine researcy through several internships.  By way of externships completed during school breaks, Dr. Havemann also gained experience studying wild and zoo animals in Thailand and both soft-tissue surgery and radiation oncology in university settings in the US.  After completing the internship program at PVSEC, Dr. Havemann plans to pusue a residency in either surgery or emergency and critical care.

In her free time, Dr. Havemann enjoys running and cooking and creative pursuits such as sewing and sculpture.

Sarah Clay, DVM

Dr. Sarah Clay joined PVSEC Emergency in 2010 after completing a Small Animal Rotating Medicine and Surgical internship at North Carolina State University.  Prior to this year-long internship, Dr. Clay attained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia.  Her clinical interests include cardiology, emergency medicine and critical care. 

When she is not working, Dr. Clay enjoys yoga, listening to live music, hiking and spending time with her mixed-breed dog, "Joey".

Support Staff

Clinical Supervisors: Shelly Chesmer, Laura Heidinger, Christine Snyder, Shana Roberts

Technicians:   Amanda, Ashley, Becky,  Billie Jo, Cheryl, Christine, Courtney, Danielle,  Debbie, Ellie, Heather, Jamie, Jeff, Jen, Jessica, Josh,  Julia, Julie, Kellie, Kyle, Lacie,  Lauren, Lesley, Leslie, Lina, Linda, Matt, Melanie, Melissa, Rachel, Renee,  Rob, Rose, Stacie, Stephanie, Stephanie, Tanya, Teresa, Thrisha, Traci