4117 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135

(216) 252-4500(216) 252-4500

Open Monday – Sunday 8am–1am

Staff

MEET OUR CARING TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL VETERINARIANS & MANAGEMENT STAFF

WEST PARK ANIMAL HOSPITAL PARTNERS

 

BORYS PAKUSH, DVM
Borys Pakush, DVM

Dr. Pakush was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. Being of Ukrainian descent, Dr. Pakush was raised with many special traditions and customs and speaks fairly fluent Ukrainian. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1988 and his DVM in 1992, both from The Ohio State University. As a partner of West Park Animal Hospital, Dr. Pakush concentrates on the daily operations of the practice and takes pride in providing excellent service to all of his patients. Dr. Pakush and his wife, Leslie, have two children, Maksym and Natalia.

 

KANE HENDERSON, DVM
Kane Henderson, DVM

Dr. Henderson was born and raised in Beloit, Ohio. He received his BS from Marietta College in 1992 and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 1996. He has been a partner of West Park Animal Hospital since 2000. His interest lies in veterinary surgery with a special interest in pet orthopedics and rehabilitation. Dr. Henderson is married with two children, Alexys and Brayden, and lives in Medina. He has a yellow lab, a chocolate lab and a cat. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his family, doing yard work, and enjoying the outdoors.

 

KARI SWEDENBORG, DVM
Picture of Dr Kari Swedenborg
Kari Swedenborg, DVM

Dr. Swedenborg was born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where she attended the University of Akron for her bachelor’s degree in biology. She then attended The Ohio State University and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She has been a partner at West Park Animal Hospital since June 2006. She currently resides in Rocky River with her two children. In her free time, she enjoys time at the lake, gardening, watching hockey, and lacrosse, and playing piano!

 

MEGAN CULLER, DVM
Megan Culler, DVM

Dr. Culler was born and raised in North Olmsted, Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University, where she received her bachelor of science degree in 1996 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in June 2000. She joined West Park Animal Hospital in June 2001 and became a partner in October 2006. Her special interests include general practice, ultrasonography and internal medicine. She currently resides in Olmsted Falls with her husband, Tom, and her daughters Claire, Caitlin, and Caroline. She also has two cats named Coogee and Calvin. In her free time, she enjoys camping, spending time with her family, and enjoying the outdoors.

 

SCOTT ZIELINSKI, DVM
Scott Zielinski, DVM

Dr. Zielinski joined West Park Animal Hospital in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. He is a native of northeast Ohio, having been born in Cleveland and raised in Copley. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1996 and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2003. His special interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. He lives in Solon with his wife, Kathleen; son, Kelan; two daughters, Hazel and Josie; dog, Pedro; and cat, Pearl. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, and golfing.

 

ASSOCIATE DOCTORS

NICOLE PLANTNER, DVM
Nicole Plantner, DVM

Dr. Nicole Plantner was born and raised in North Olmsted, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2003 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She was the recipient for the AAHA Student Achievement Award and the Award for Excellence in Small Animal Community Practice in 2009. Her interests include soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and preventative medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Plantner enjoys jogging, camping, hiking and cooking.
BETH LORENZ, DVM
Beth Lorenz, DVM

Dr. Beth Lorenz was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. She graduated from The University of Findlay with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2007 and from The Ohio State University with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Her interests include internal medicine, dermatology, and feline behavior issues. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as hiking, visiting National Parks, gardening and reading.  Their four-legged kids include one dog, one cat, two tortoises, two geckos, and four hermit crabs.

Kristie Thompson, DVM
Kristie Thompson, DVM

Dr. Thompson grew up in northeast Ohio, received her Bachelor of Science in biology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2000 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2006. Dr. Thompson worked at West Park Animal Hospital her first year out of veterinary school and then moved to the Kruger National Park in South Africa with her husband where she lived for thirteen years before moving back to Ohio in 2020.  Dr. Thompson received her registration to practice in South Africa in 2008 and while there, practiced in mixed animal clinics and practiced wildlife medicine.  Dr. Thompson is excited to be back at West Park Animal Hospital. She currently resides on the east side of Cleveland with her husband, Charles, their three children Andrew, Zoe and Kyle and two cats Poppy and Turtle. In her free time, Dr. Thompson enjoys traveling, exercising, baking and spending time with her family.

Michelle leathem, DVM
Michelle Leathem, DVM

Dr Michelle Leathem was born and raised in Huron, OH.  She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 2007 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.  Dr Leathem has previously practiced in both Columbus, OH and the Sandusky, OH area.  Her interests include dentistry and feline medicine.  Outside of work Dr Leathem enjoys baking, gardening, and traveling along with spending time with her husband, 4 cats, and 2 dogs.

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KRISTEN MIERZWIAK, DVM
Kristen Mierzwiak, DVM

Dr. Kristen Mierzwiak grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Findlay in 2007 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2011. Dr. Mierzwiak enjoys orthopedic medicine and surgery, soft tissue surgery, and caring for patients through all stages of their lives. She currently lives in Medina with her husband Aaron and three sons. They also share their home with two dogs, Max and Owen; and three cats, Mo, Toby, and Sage. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, campfires, and hiking in Northeast Ohio.
Rebecca Lazarus, DVM
Rebecca Lazarus, DVM

Dr. Lazarus was born and raised in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. She Graduated from Kent State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She then achieved her Doctor of Veterinary  Medicine in 2016 from The Ohio State University with a special interest in behavior, preventative medicine, low stress veterinary visits, and feline medicine. Before joining West Park Animal Hospital in 2019, Dr Lazarus practiced in Springfield, Ohio and South Euclid, Ohio. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog Truly and 3 cats Lucie, Vinnie, and Peepers. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, cooking, and cheering on the Cleveland Indians in the summer.
Anna Miller, DVM
Anna Miller, DVM

Dr. Anna was born and raised in Canton, Ohio. She attended both the College of Charleston in South Carolina as well as The Ohio State University. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Her interests include preventative medicine, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry. Currently, she resides in Ohio City with her husband and her dog named Limerick. In her free time, she enjoys  traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Natalie Sywyj, DVM
Natalie Sywyj, DVM
Natalie Sywyj, DVM

Dr Natalie was born and raised in Parma, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 2016. She then received her Doctor of Veterinary  Medicine from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Her special interests include oncology, dentistry, and rehabilitation. Dr. Sywyj is happy to return home to northeast Ohio with her dog Sadie and her cats Delilah and Darcy. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, working out, reading, and watching Browns football in the fall.
Meghan Studds, DVM
Meghan Studds, DVM

Dr. Meghan Studds grew up in Western Pennsylvania, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Saint Francis University in PA before attending The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Studds graduated from veterinary school in 2019 and practiced as a mixed animal veterinarian before joining West Park. Her veterinary interests include dentistry, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery. In her free time, Dr. Studds enjoys spending time outdoors jogging or biking and attending concerts. She currently resides in Cleveland Heights with her husband, her dog, Annie, and her cat, Julep.
MELISSA ROHRS, DVM
Picture of Dr. Melissa Rohrs
Melissa Rohrs, DVM

Dr. Melissa Rohrs is a 2013 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys seeing dogs, cats, and small mammals, and is especially interested in dentistry. In her free time, she enjoys various artistic endeavors, sewing clothes with mixed success, and starting (but rarely completing) home improvement projects. She shares a home with her husband, two German shepherds (Panzer and Louie), three bunnies (Ingrid and Biggest Bunny, and Humphrey), and an assortment of goldfish.
Gwen Gross, DVM
Photo of Dr. Gwen Gross
Gwen Gross, DVM

Dr. Gwen is from Northeast Ohio. She attended Cleveland State University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St Kitts in the West Indies, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, rehabilitation and acupuncture, and chronic pain management. In her free time, Dr. Gwen enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, free diving, kayaking, cycling, and doing Spartan races. She has a dog named Raven and a boa constrictor named Ramona.
Yesenia Garcia-Vega, DVM
Dr. Yesenia Garcia-Vega
Yesenia Garcia-Vega, DVM

Dr. Yesenia Garcia-Vega was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2022. Her veterinary interests include preventative medicine, emergency medicine, neurology, dermatology and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Garcia-Vega is excited to make the move to the Cleveland area along with her husband, their basset hound Droopy and their cat Pirata. In her spare time, she enjoys binge watching Disney movies, exploring local restaurants and hosting game nights with family and friends.

EMERGENCY DOCTORS

JESSICA MURPHY, DVM
Jessica Murphy, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Jessica Murphy was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton in 2009, and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Dr. Jess has always had a special interest in small animal emergency medicine, and joined West Park Animal Hospital as an Emergency Veterinarian in 2016. Outside of work, Dr. Jess enjoys puzzles, cheering on Cleveland sports teams (Go Tribe!), and spending time with her husband and their two little boys.

Christine Danish, DVM
Christine Danish, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Christine Danish was born and raised in Olmsted Falls Ohio. She served in the military (Army) as a combat medic and preventive medicine sergeant. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ohio State for Veterinary school where she graduated in the spring of 2021. She has a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Charlotte and a black cat named Sable both rescued. When she is not at work, she enjoys being outdoors, live music and spending time with her family.

Nicole Sypert, DVM
Nicole Sypert, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Nicole Sypert was born and raised in North Olmsted, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences with a minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences and from Midwestern University in Arizona with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Her interests include emergency and feline medicine, neurology, and anesthesiology. Currently, she resides in the Cleveland area with her husband. They have a one-eyed rescue dachshund mix named Copper as well two rescue cats named Spooky and Stout. In her spare time, Dr. Sypert enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling.

Sophie Cressman, DVM
Photo of Dr. Sophie Cressman
Sophie Cressman, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Sophie Cressman grew up in Ohio and went on to received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2022. Her interests include emergency and shelter medicine with a special interest in international volunteerism. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the globe to explore different cultures (and food), spending time with loved ones, and going on outdoor adventures!

Allison Wise, MVB
Photo of Dr. Allison Wise
Allison Wise, MVB
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Allison Wise was born and raised in Westlake, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University. She went on to earn a veterinary degree from University College Dublin (Ireland) in 2022. Her veterinary interests include emergency medicine and surgery. She enjoys spending time on the lake, cheering on Cleveland sports, and traveling in her spare time.

Part-time / Relief EMERGENCY DOCTORS

JENNIFER KINNEY, DVM
Jennifer Kinney, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Kinney grew up in Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Since her graduation, she has practiced in Northern Ohio as both a large and small animal veterinarian. Preventative care and Emergency Medicine are Dr. Kinney’s primary passion in this practice. Outside of the work, Dr. Kinney has four children who keep her busy with after school activities and a doodle named Coconut.
KIMBERLY PARKER, DVM
Kimberly Parker, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Kimberly Parker was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Albion College in 2000 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2006. She joined West Park Animal Hospital as an emergency veterinarian in 2008. She relocated to beautiful Arizona for 1.5 years, but returned home in 2018 to rejoin the emergency staff. Dr. Parker is passionate about hospice and end-of-life care for companion animals. In October 2017, she became the first veterinarian in Ohio to become certified in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPV) through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). Dr. Parker resides in Wellington, Ohio with her husband James. They share their home with many critters including 6 dogs, 3 cats, 2 cockatoos, and a lizard. In her spare time, she enjoys attending live music events and traveling.

Management staff

Lacey  |  Customer Service Representative Manager
Lacey, CSR Manager

Lacey has been a team member at WPAH since 2012.  She started off as a client service rep, worked her way to a shift lead and now the CSR manager. One of her favorite things while working is to take a few moments to love on the pets who are staying in the hospital away from their families. Cleveland born and raised, Lacey shares her home with her husband David and their 7 rescue fur babes. An English Bulldog and six crazy cats.   During her free time, she loves being with family and friends, listening to music and enjoys the spookier side of matters.
Katie  |  Daytime Head Technician
Picture of Katie Keeling, Daytime Head RVT
Katie, Daytime Head RVT

Katie graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with an Associate of Applied Science with a focus on Veterinary Technology in 2013. She did an internship here at West Park Animal Hospital that year and has been working here ever since. Katie has a special interest in emergency, phlebotomy, low stress handling, and rescue. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading books, weight lifting, and spending time with animals and in nature. Katie resides in Cleveland with her 6 cats, 2 pit bulls, frog, and 3 fish.
EMILY  |  Daytime Head VET ASSISTANT
Picture of Emily Head Daytime Vet Assistant
Emily, Head Daytime Vet Assistant

Emily was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She currently lives in Olmsted Falls and started at WPAH as an assistant in September of 2016. Emily was later promoted to shift lead in 2019 and become the Head Daytime Vet Assistant in 2022. Her special vet medicine interests include providing optimal patient care, diagnostics and laboratory, watching critical rescue cases improve medically and find a loving home, and developing team members to their full potential. Outside of work Emily loves to go hiking with her dogs, tend to her house plant collection and garden, and rides her brand-new purple, genuine buddy125 scooter. Emily has 3 rescue dogs that she fell in love with at work and adopted through mutts in a rut- her bloodhound Clementine, miniature dachshund Clifford, and Bull Terrier Poncho. She also has a cat named Rue that she found in a dumpster eating pizza.
KELLY  |  EMERGENCY Head Technician
Picture of Kelly Hagy, Emergency Head RVT
Kelly, Emergency Head RVT

Kelly was born and raised in Parma, Ohio. She received her Associates degree in Applied Sciences from Manor College in 2004 and received her Vet Tech license in 2005. After being the WPAH’s Head Daytime RVT for many years, Kelly transitioned into her new role as the Head Emergency RVT in 2022. She currently resides in Parma with her 3 children, dogs Georgie & Grayson, and kitten Moe. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, and hiking.
Julio  |  Animal Care Team Manager
picture of Julio Torres, ACT Manager
Julio, ACT Manager

Julio was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Julio has been a team member at WPAH since 2020.  He started off as a client service representative, worked his way to a shift lead and is now the Animal Care Team manager. Julio is also one of our Rescue Coordinators. His favorite part of the job is working with different local rescues and helping provide care for rescue patients. Julio shares his home with his two rescue kitties , Julius and Sir Catthew. In his free time, Julio enjoys watching movies, listening to music, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends and family.
Callan  |  Administrative Manager
Callan, Administrative Manager

Callan has been a part of our team since 2014. She’s started her career with us a receptionist and has developed her experiences and knowledge base since. Her ability to help guide our team in the right direction as we continuously grow has moved her into her current position. Her favorite parts of her job are getting to see patients go home with their families after a long hospital stay and creating trusting relationships with our clients. Callan’s fur family consists of 3 kitties, 1 dog, and a leopard gecko named Toast! In her free time, she enjoys exploring the Metroparks with her dog and spending time with friends and family.
Jason  |  Human Resource Manager
Picture of Jason Eller, HR Manager
Jason, HR Manager

Jason was born and raised right here in West Park! He started coming to West Park Animal Hospital as a client where he realized his passion for helping animals. He has been an employee here since 2015, starting off as an assistant and working his way up to becoming Diagnostics and Kennel Manager in 2021. Jason is now in the process of developing the Human Resources department while going to school to be certified in Human Resource Management. His family includes his wonderful wife, Rhiannon, their 7 dogs and 3 cats. In his spare time he enjoys watching movies, listening to music, cuddling his fur babies and laughing with his wife.
Tiffany  |  Marketing & Media Manager
Tiffany, Marketing & Media Manager

Tiffany grew up in Lakewood, Ohio and was a client at West Park before becoming part of the WPAH family in 2020. Starting as a receptionist, Tiffany worked her way up to her dream career as the Marketing and Media Manager in 2022. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications in 2013 and Associates degree in Marine Mammal Behavior Care and Training in 2016, where she realized her passion for working with animals. After living in Chicago and the Florida Keys, she returned home to be close to friends and family. She currently resides in Cleveland with her German Shepard/Boxer mix Mason and Tabico kitten Penelope. Tiffany enjoys nature photography, traveling, and pretty much anything outdoors.  
Heather, RVT  |  Inventory Manager
Photo of Inventory Manager Heather Knerem
Heather, RVT Inventory Manager

Heather grew up in Brooklyn, Ohio. Heather has worked in the veterinary field since 2013.  She obtained her veterinary technician’s license through PIMA Institute in San Diego, CA.  In the field, she has experience with specialty, emergency and zoo medicine. Outside of work she enjoys photography and crafting for her Etsy.  Heather loves spending time with her mini Australian Shepherd, Ellie and her fluffy cats, Mia and Meow Meow.  
Andrea  |  Diagnostics Manager
Picture of Andrea Hinkley-Kinder, Diagnostics Manager
Andrea, Diagnostics Manager

Andrea was born and raised in Southeastern Ohio. She worked at an animal rescue for four years prior to starting with us as an assistant in 2020. She worked her way up as an assistant shift lead before becoming diagnostic manager. She shares her home with two cats, Maverick and Emma. Her special interests are feline medicine and rescue work. She’s currently pursuing a degree to become an RVT. In her spare time she likes to read, watch movies, and spend time with her family and friends.

ABOUT US

Thank you for your Cleveland Hot List votes. We were voted #1 again for the 5th year in a row! We are happy to continue to serve the community and appreciate your support.

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“Anytime we call or come in, they are welcoming and very helpful! To us, this is important when choosing a doctor. So high five West Park; job well done!!!!”

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“West Park is by far the best place for our pets! From the doctors to the techs to the staff. They all have always had the best interest, care and confidence in treating our four legged friends!”

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“Our daughter takes her dog there and it's wonderful! The vet is great and their prices very competitive and it's always clean. The staff is friendly and always willing to help you with any questions that you have.”

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“Over the last 10 years they have always delivered on their service! From late night calls, last minute visits when we had a sick pup, a quick question because our dog had eaten a whole box of fundraiser candy bars, or the annual visits, the staff at West Park has been fabulous!”

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“I used to bring my dog here when we lived closer - I loved the people working there. They're all animal lovers and truly enjoy what they're doing. They keep it well maintained and clean, and their prices are outstanding compared to their competition.”

 

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CONTACT US:

(216) 252-4500

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DOCTOR’S HOURS:

Every day 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.

 

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