Dr. Jean Meade, DVM, MD, PhD - Jean grew up on a dairy farm in rural Virginia where her love for animals and fascination with veterinary medicine began. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the College of William and Mary and then went on to obtain her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia and her Ph.D. in Zoology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She conducted the field studies associated with her dissertation research in the Amboseli National Park, Kenya working on a primate parasitology project involving Masai tribesmen and two species of non-human primates, baboons and vervet monkeys. She spent the last year of her Ph.D. program working in the neurobiology and behavior lab at Cornell University.

Those years working with animal behaviorists and ecologists gave her an appreciation for conservation biology and sparked her interest in wildlife biology. After graduation, she worked as an associate in a small animal practice in Richmond, Va. (That’s where she and Tom Shriver met! He was her mentor during that first year of practice.)

In 1985, Jean bought her first practice in a small town in North Carolina, two years later she bought a second practice in Asheboro, NC. (She tried to get Tom to join her in the practice there, but no luck.)

She became very involved in the communities where she served on the Board of Directors for the Montgomery County Health Department, the Randolph County Humane Society and the American Raptor Propagation Project. She was awarded the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Conservation Award of Merit for her volunteer work in wildlife rehabilitation. She also worked with church and scout groups educating children in the proper care and appreciation of animals.

In 1992, due to her parents failing health, Jean returned to Richmond, VA with the intention of starting a new practice there. As an interim position, she accepted a research faculty position at the Medical College of Virginia in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Much to her surprise, she fell in love with research and teaching and continued there while doing some relief veterinary work to maintain her clinical skills.

In 1997, she was offered a position here in Morgantown in the new Health Effects Laboratory Division of NIOSH where she became the team leader of the Immunotoxicology research group. The group’s research focuses on the effects of chemical exposure on the immune system in the areas of allergy, autoimmunity and immune suppression. She holds an adjunct faculty position at West Virginia University in the Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Cell Biology where she continues to mentor graduate students.

Once settled in Morgantown, she began looking for a mechanism to get back into clinical practice and to become involved with the Humane Society here. When the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital became available in 2000 it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. She re-opened the hospital with an associate, Dr. Julie Gibson and six months later Tom decided to move back to West Virginia and join the practice!

Jean continues to hold a position with NIOSH, is in med school at WVU, and is at the practice on an as needed basis.  It has turned out to be the perfect blend of research, learning, and practice.

Dr. Thomas Shriver, DVM -Tom is part-owner and full-time veterinarian of the clinic.  He sees patients on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and every other Saturday.  Tom was born and raised in South Charleston, West Virginia, graduating from South Charleston High School in 1960.  He obtained a B.S. degree from West Virginia University in 1964 and a Veterinary Degree from Ohio State University in 1968. 

 Tom came home to Gateway Animal Hospital St Albans, West Virginia and Avalon Dog and Cat Hospital in South Charleston to practice.  From there he went to Dudley Avenue Animal Hospital in Parkersburg , West Virginia.  It is here that Tom met his wife Mary.  Having practiced about 2 years in Parkersburg, he changed states and went to the Boulevard Animal Hospital in Richmond, Virginia where he practiced for 26 years.  Tom sold his half of the practice and came back to his parent's and grandparent's hometown, Morgantown, West Virginia in the summer of 2001. 

 Tom likes the outdoors. Over the years, he has played a lot of golf. Now he enjoys hiking with Mary and his dogs and cats.  That’s right, their cats accompany them on short hikes.  Both mountain and road biking are a large part of his entertainment.

Stephanie Shepherd, DVM - We are pleased to have Dr. Stephanie Shepherd as a full-time veterinarian working on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Saturday.  She moved to West Virginia from Iowa.  Dr. Shepherd began working with the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital on Monday, June 20, 2005.  She is currently working on becoming certified in canine rehabilitation and we look forward to her implementation of the Canine Rehabilitation Center here at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital.

Carrie Dixon, DVM - Dr. Dixon has returned to the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital!!!!!!  Her first day back was June 3, 2006.  She had moved away for about one year, but she and her husband decided to move back and establish their roots in Morgantown.  We are very happy to have her back as one of our full-time veterinarians!  She will be seeing appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and every other Saturday.

Amy Nicewonger, DVM - Dr. Amy was born and raised near Ebensburgh, PA.  She went to college at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA and graduated in 1998.  She then went on to veterinary school at The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2003.  Dr. Amy worked at a clinic in Duncansville, PA for 4 years before moving to Uniontown, PA and working for Geary Veterinary Services.  She started working at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital on June 30, 2008.  Dr. Amy enjoys behavior medicine (especially cat behavior) and am currently starting a weight loss program for dogs called "Waggin' for Weight Loss".  She enjoys working with exotic and pocket pets including birds, rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs to name a few.  Her husband, Ray, and she love being outdoors and spending time with their 3 Australian Shepherds, Clover, Finn and Stanley.  They also have 2 cats, Callie and Willow.  When not working she enjoys cooking, knitting, cross-stitching and scrapbooking.

WELCOME DR. AMY!!!!!!

Albert Munson, PhD-As with so many individuals involved in veterinary medicine, Al spent his early years on a dairy farm and was in awe of the veterinarian coming to treat the sick animals.  Although he had an interest in veterinary medicine he went into the armed forces at the end of the Korean War and became a Medic.  Having spent many hours as a medical, surgical and laboratory technician at the head quarters of the 3^rd army, he continued his education started in the military and completed a B.S., M.S., and finally a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology.  Al entered an academic career at the Medical College of Virginia where he spent 30 years teaching and doing research.  He came to West Virginia in 1996 as Director to the new division at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  This new division is a research laboratory which performs basic and applied research related to worker health and safety.  He recruited Dr. Jean Meade to West Virginia also from the Medical College of Virginia to direct a laboratory of Immunotoxicology.  Al and Jean married in 1999 and live in the Cheat Lake area.  Since Jean had several years experience as a veterinarian, together they purchased and reopened the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital.  Al's background in pharmacology, a long history of work in  human emergency rooms, and his teaching and administrative experiences are all used in the practice, but mostly he enjoys seeing our patient's health improve.  Both Jean and Al work full time at NIOSH, and Cheat Lake Animal Hospital is their place to come and help animals and their owners.  They look forward to many exciting years ahead where they plan to work hard on the MISSION.

Kelli Geswein, Practice Manager, Reception & Boarding Team Leader - Kelli obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Fairmont State College in 2002.  She has been working in the veterinary field since 1996.  Kelli was originally trained "on-the-job" as a veterinary assistant, worked as an Assistant Office Manager at another local clinic, and has integrated her business education into a position as Cheat Lake Animal Hospital's Practice Manager and Team Leader. She has been employed by C.L.A.H. since August 2000.  Kelli has had experience around animals since she was young.  She grew up with a dog, hamsters, a lizard, and a rat.  She resides in Pisgah, WV and has 3 dogs and 1 cat of her own.  Along side of caring for animals, she enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, music, and volunteering for local non-profit agencies.

Tammy Rowan, RVT -Tammy has been a Vet Tech since 1990.  She received her degree in Animal Health Technology from Median School in Pittsburgh, PA.  In January 2005 she was promoted to Head Technician at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital.  Tammy shares her home in New Salem, PA with her husband Ted, their two children Teddy and Hannah, and several dogs.  Tammy's love and compassion for animals has led her to become a vital part of the Western Pennsylvania National Wild Orphanage located in Smock, PA.  This orphanage is home to 35 large cats that have been abandoned or abused by previous owners.  At the orphanage Tammy has been involved in hand-raising many of these cats that have come in as cubs and been a crucial part in planning and organizing events to raise funds for the care of the cats.  In her spare time she loves spending time with her family and spoiling her children.

Diane Brozik - Receptionist:

Diane started as a part-time receptionists in July 2003 and became a full-time employee in January 2004.  Diane has had previous experience as a veterinary hospital receptionist, and resides in the Cheat Lake area.  Diane is a true dog lover and has several of her own at home.  Ask Diane about our S.O.L. (Save Our Lives) Fund!

Liz Bureau - Clinic and Kennel Assistant: Liz started as a part-time boarding and grooming assistant in October 2003.  She became a full-time employee in January 2005.  She had previous kennel experience working at another local business, several years ago.  Liz is wonderful with all of the dogs that stay with us, always giving them the utmost of attention and care.  Liz and her husband have four dogs and two cats at home.  They enjoy fishing and camping in their free time.  Liz has a special fondness for German Shepherds, a love of hers since she was two years old.

Raschel Pecjak, RVT -  Raschel became a full-time Veterinary Technician in August 2004.  She graduated in May 2004 from Fairmont State College with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology.  She did her preceptorship with us and then started as a permanent employee in March 2004.  She obtained her Registered Veterinary Technician certification in August 2004.  Raschel enjoys camping, hiking swimming, and warm weather.  She is especially fond of Giant Schnauzers and adopted her own puppy in September 2004.

Kristina Sausen, RVT - Kristina did a preceptorship with the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital while attending Fairmont State University in the Vet Tech program.  She did such a great job that we asked her to work with us!  She started as a full-time technician in February 2005.  Kristina will not only assist in the hospital during the day, but she will be our primary staff member to check on our hospitalized patients during the night.

Part-Time Employees and Volunteers

Kim Hellen - Receptionist

Kim has been a part-time receptionist, clinic assistant, and kennel helper since May 2001..  She started a full-time position teaching at Albert-Gallatin High School in Fall 2003.  She acquired her B.A. in Psychology and her M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from West Virginia University.  She received her M.A. in Counseling in May 2003.   She and her husband Damon have a great love of animals.  They are life-time residents of Gans, Pennsylvania and have 5 dogs and 4 cats (all adopted strays) at home.  Kim, along with caring for animals, loves to play softball and go shopping!

Sheri Metz - Kennel Assistant

Sheri began working with us in the beginning of summer 2003.  She is currently helping part-time as a kennel and grooming assistant.  She loves animals and has three dogs of her own.  Sheri lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.  We love having her take care of our dogs in the boarding facility!

Kim Carr - Receptionist - Kim began working part-time in the Reception are beginning October 2005.  She works full-time for the WV LTAP, a grant funded program housed at West Virginia University.  As the program coordinator she is responsible for managing the WV LTAP's marketing, public relations, and partnering efforts, event planning, expanding current outreach, and presenting various communication skill sessions nationwide.  Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism, with a concentration in advertising and a minor in psychology from West Virginia University.  She also holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling and is a National Certified Counselor.  Kim is very fond of dogs, and is the proud owner of Molly, a former pound puppy.

Erick Shriver - Clinic Assistant - Erick began working again at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital in the summer of 2005.  He had worked with us a few years ago before joining the Air Force and relocating to Iraq for a couple of years.  He served his time overseas and has now returned to West Virginia to finish his education.  Erick hopes to attend vet school and follow in the footsteps of his father, Tom.  It is great to have Erick back safe and sound, and the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital staff would like to express our gratitude to all of our brave soldiers!!!!

Lauren Metz - Receptionist and Kennel Assistant - Lauren has been employed by the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital since March 2006 as a member of the boarding staff.  Prior to her employment she did volunteer work a the hospital for about 2-1/2 years.  Lauren is currently a freshman at California University of Pennsylvania where she is majoring in Business and Human Resources Management.  She has always loved being around animals so she loves having the opportunity to come to work and care for all of our client's pets!  She keeps busy at home with her family's "mini-kennel" of three dogs, Dolly, Daisy, and Scrappy, and their one cat, Rusty. 

Tiffany Wilmoth - Clinic Assistant: Tiffany will be graduating in May 2007 with a B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science from WVU.  She will either be going to veterinary school or graduate school for reproductive physiology.  Her background is mainly with horses; she barrel raced and showed horses during high school and the beginning of college.  Tiffany has been working in veterinary clinics since she was 16 and this has largely contributed to my small animal experience.  Tiffany has 2 horses, 2 dogs and 1 cat.  She has been working at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital as a clinic assistant since June 2006.

Heidi Livengood - Kennel and Clinic Assistant

Holly Reagan - Clinic Assistant:  Holly graduated from Connellsvile Area High School in June 2004.  She attended Westmoreland County Community College for Accounting for 3 semesters and then started the Vet Tech Institute in July 2005.  Holly spent a week at Hog Heaven, a rescue farm for hoofed animals in July 2006 to complete her large animal rotation.  She did her externship at New Stanton Veterinary Service from September to October 2006, where she was offered a full-time position and worked until August 2008.  During that time, in May 2007, Holly received her degree as an Associate in Specialized Technology.  She began working at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital on August 4, 2008.  She resides in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania with her 7 year old rabbit named Butterscotch, a 14 month old cat named Batley, 2 Hermit crabs, 5 mice, and 5 tropical fish.  She likes to camp, fish, and swim.  Her favorite TV show is House.  She collects porcelain dolls and bells.  Her favorite band is Def Leppard and her favorite singer is Keith Urban.  Welcome HOLLY!

Katie Penco - Puppy Class Trainer, Kennel/Clinic Assistant, Receptionist:  Katie is originally from Parkersburg, WV.  She came to Morgantown for college and graduated with her BS in Animal and Nutritional Sciences from WVU in December 2007.  She attended a 6 week dog training course in Columbus, Ohio at National K-9 and became a Certified Dog Trainer.

Katie started working at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital on July 28, 2008 and has taken on many roles here, in every area of the facility, including conducting the training for our Puppy Basics Course.

Katie loves dogs and works very closely with the Hearts of Gold Service Dogs.  She is the instructor for the WVU course that helps train the service dogs and she loves it!  It involves most of her spare time.  When she is not working with CLAH or the service dogs, Katie loves to read, hang out with her friends/family, and travel.

Audrey Tate - Kennel Assistant

Susan Nemeth - Receptionist

Howie Franks - Kennel Assistant

Claire Roberts - Clinic Assistant:  Claire has lived all over the state of West Virginia.  She resided in Martinsburg prior to moving to Morgantown to finish her Biology degree at West Virginia University.  In her spare time, she likes to go hiking and camping with her husband and 2 dogs.

All of the employees and volunteers here at the Cheat Lake Animal Hospital have a great love for and devotion to animals of all kinds.  If you have any questions concerning your pet, please do not hesitate to ask anyone from our staff!