Sara Dupré, DVM

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from University of Connecticut

DVM from Iowa State University

Fear Free Certified Professional

I’m a Connecticut native, born and raised in Southington where my love for animals began at a young age. My parents supported this love by allowing me to care for any animal I wanted, from newts, crayfish, frogs and fish to cats, dogs and all the pocket pets in between. I gravitated toward the special needs pets. I hand-picked a one-eyed cat with bad hips as my very first one. A tailless gerbil followed and then various injured birds, bunnies and other species joined the household

Upon graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Animal Science, I took my first step into the veterinary field working as a receptionist at a veterinary emergency hospital and a technician at a clinic in Plainville. After gaining several years of experience, I was ready to follow my dream and I enrolled in veterinary school at Iowa State University. After graduation I came back to Connecticut and have worked at different small animal clinics where I discovered that owning a practice is my ultimate goal. Practice ownership is the only way I can fully practice the way I want to: quality medicine that feels good. I have developed special interests in dermatology and dentistry and am looking forward to providing those services along with many others at Pawsome Vet Care.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my 2 cats (Raya and Mo), along with my Poodle (Sunny) and my energetic daughter, Ellie. Outside of spending time with my daughter and furbabies, I enjoy time with my nephews and niece, reading, cross stitch, and being outside at parks or the beach.

Courtney Snyder, DVM

Education:

Bachelor's of Science, Biology and Chemistry, Trinity college of Vermont

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University in St. Kitts and Missouri

Fear Free Certified Professional

When I was five years old, I went to visit my grandparents in Ohio, who lived on a farm in a very rural area. It should have been idyllic, but my uncle’s Labrador, who had always been a sweet dog, attacked me. That event left me with permanent scars on my legs and a deep-seated fear of dogs.

Before that point, I was one of those kids who always answered the age-old, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” question with an enthusiastic, “I want to be a vet!” Afterwards, I thought I was going to have to set that goal aside. But despite my fear, the desire to help animals never left me.

My mother saw my dream being derailed. As she is close friends with Doctors Atz and Babuska, then owners of Manchester Veterinary Clinic, she put in a good word for me. They took a chance and offered me my first job at their hospital when I was sixteen. With their help, I learned how to read animals and work with them, and ultimately that allowed me to overcome my fear.

That summer was the first time my dream seemed like it might be able to become a reality.

My education and life took me on quite a journey after that, I studied chemistry and biology at Trinity college of Vermont and then earned my DVM Degree from Ross University in St. Kitts and Missouri, then back to Massachusetts and Connecticut. I have had the privilege to work with many different types of people and animals and to constantly keep learning. I have now become somewhat of a “cat lady”, sharing my home with four cats: the mischievous Daisy; a brother and sister pair, Walter and Lulu; and my sweet little Millie.

I am so excited to begin my next journey working with 3 amazing colleagues, Erika Collier, Alexis Soutter, and Sara Dupre. They have all helped me grow both professionally and personally. I am so proud to have them as colleagues and more importantly as friends.

Alexis Soutter, DVM

Education:

Bachelor's of Science, Animal Science, Michigan State University

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University

Fear Free Certified Professional

I don’t remember a time when my heart was not owned by animals. First, it was the cats that populated the house when I was born; there are pictures of me as a toddler, sitting with them in the sun. My mother lost me one afternoon when I was maybe two or three and panicked, only to find me at the neighbor’s, petting their horse through the fence. The day I learned in nursery school that there were such things as doctors for animals, I came home and announced to my father that that’s what I was going to do when I grew up, and that determination never wavered.

I have been without a doubt very fortunate that I was able to make that happen. My path has frequently taken me in directions I would not have foreseen, whether that was raising orphaned squirrels for the Roaring Brook Nature Center or training dogs and horses and learning how to reinforce good behavior (and finding the patience to work through the bad). I started my first “real” job as a kennel assistant at Avon Veterinary Clinic the day I turned sixteen, and got to witness close up the incredible work a good veterinarian could do by observing Doctors Feibel and Morganti. They gave me the foundation I needed to get through vet school and beyond.

It hasn’t always been easy. This profession is full of joy and grief, of laughter and challenges, and if you do it right you never stop learning. Finding a community to support you and make you the best person and doctor you can be is vital. While I was working at Manchester Veterinary Clinic, I found that community, and now I am so proud to be establishing Pawsome Vet Care with some of my best friends: Sara Dupre, Courtney Snyder, and Erika Collier. Together, we are embarking on a mission to provide vet care that feels better for our community, furry and otherwise.

Right now I am lucky enough to share my Willington home with two ridiculous cats, Aelin Catathynius and Pretzel; two dogs with outstanding senses of humor, Audrey and Mitra; my beautiful and opinionated horse, Sprite; and one incredibly kind and supportive husband, Matt.

Erika Collier, CVT, CCFP, FFCP

Certified Veterinary Technician

Fear Free Certified Professional Level 2

Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional

My journey in veterinary medicine has had many unexpected turns over the last 25 years.

Early on in my working career I would have never predicted the path I’d walk down. I knew I wanted to be around animals, but wasn’t exactly sure how to make that happen. A walk by Manchester Community College’s Career Center led to a placement test that only came back with one field suggestion: veterinary. I have to admit, it wasn’t what I wanted, and I almost didn’t take the leap.

I spent my first couple years in the field as a Customer Service Representative, sticking close to the front desk. Eventually I realized in time I wanted to learn more and become a Certified Veterinary Technician. That brought me to Manchester Veterinary Clinic, where I spent over 22 years working in all non-doctor roles and ultimately becoming their practice manager.

This is where I met some of my favorite people in the world; Courtney Snyder, Alexis Soutter, and Sara Dupre (in the order I met them!). This is where I thought my last job would be.

Things don’t always work out quite like we expect. After a change in ownership, it became clear that it was time for me to move on, but after so many years, it was terrifying to consider. I still have the drive to help make a clinic be the best it can be, for the team, the patients, and the clients, but I didn’t know where I would be able to put my skill to use. What might come next?

The most amazing thing is what! Pawsome Vet Care.

With my favorite people, we have embarked on a journey of building a veterinary practice that feels better for our team, our patients and our clients. I cannot wait for the day we get to welcome our first pet and pet parent through our doors.

Shauna, FFCP

Fear Free Certified Professional

I have been dedicated to animal care for over 21 years, working in multiple animal hospitals and gaining experience in every aspect of the field. From front desk operations to hands-on animal care, I take pride in ensuring both pets and their owners receive the best possible experience. My passion for animals extends beyond work—I share my home with a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, small mammals, a snake, and a bearded dragon. I also have a special love for fostering kittens, especially bottle babies.

Outside of work I love crafting, gardening, and spending time with my husband and 2 children.

Emma, CVT, FFCP

Certified Veterinary Technician

Fear Free Certified Professional Level 2

My love of animals started at a young age. My family always had dogs and they taught me from the beginning that animals can make anything and everything better.
This realization quickly led to me wanting to constantly surround myself with all of the animals (much to the dismay of my parents who never heard the end of it).

I spent a lot of time with my aunt up in Maine, helping with her pack of 7 dogs and herd of alpacas. As I got older I began to explore the world of horses as well and while I am not the most comfortable in the saddle, I found that I truly enjoyed simply working with the horses and caring for them.

This love of animals developed into a passion that would eventually lead me to the Veterinary Technology program at Northwestern Connecticut Community college and the wonderful world of veterinary medicine. I have been in the field for about 11 years and am so excited to join this amazing team at Pawsome.

In my free time I enjoy hiking, spending time at the barn, reading and spending time with my own fur babies; Luna, a great pyrenees mix, Ginny, my spitfire of a calico and Percy, my troublemaking tuxedo boy. (PS: if you recognize those names from Harry Potter you would be correct :) it's a mild obsession of mine)

Shanell

Penn Foster Technician Student

My lifelong love for animals, encompassing everything from furry companions to the more unique and exotic, led me directly to the rewarding world of veterinary medicine. Playing a crucial role in the health and happiness of beloved pets and supporting the dedicated professionals who care for them, from offering comfort to a nervous patient to assisting with procedures, is incredibly fulfilling.

My experience spans a diverse range of species, providing me with a unique perspective on animal behavior, husbandry and their needs. While I cherish my work with cats and dogs, I've had the incredible opportunity to care and work with exotic animals, from vibrant birds and reptiles to small mammals like mice, and even working with venomous creatures. I strive to combine the best care possible with love for every creature one paw, scale, and feather at a time.