Dr. Brian Silvis

Dr. Brian is the Medical Director of Allegheny North Veterinary Hospital, Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital (Wexford), and Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital (Zelienople).

After completing his B.S. in Biology at Westminster College, Dr. Brian earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University in 1999. He worked in Erie, PA after graduation and helped found an emergency veterinary clinic before moving to Pittsburgh.

Dr. Brian's family includes his wife, Kate (a professor at LaRoche College) and two beautiful children, Phillip and Clara. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending baseball games, rooting for OSU, and playing video games.

The Silvis home also includes a furry family of two Pugs (Floyd & Forest) and two cats (Tigger & Siamese rescue Lilly).

Dr. Lisa Macom

Dr. Lisa completed her B.S. in Biology at Gannon University in Erie, PA before earning her Veterinary Medical Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. She has practiced veterinary medicine for over 25 years, spending the past 16 here at Allegheny North Veterinary Hospital.

She appreciates the bond formed with her clients and their pets. Dr. Lisa especially enjoys seeing new puppies and kittens and providing lifelong care into their geriatric years.

In her free time, Dr. Lisa enjoys hiking, reading, the beach, and baking. Her family includes her husband James (who is also a Pittsburgh veterinarian) and their two cats, Jelly & Pickles.

Dr. Nathaniel Gaiser

Dr. Gaiser earned his B.S. in Biology from Penn State Erie, the Behrend College in 2004 and his M.S. in Biology from Clarion University in 2005 before completing his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Ross University in 2009.

Dr. Gaiser has been in the veterinary field for the past 13 years. Passionate about his work, his favorite aspect of veterinary medicine is focusing on ultrasounds, surgeries, and chemotherapy treatments.

His free time is spent enjoying family time with his wife, Kasey and their daughter, Nora, biking, golfing, and hiking. He is an avid Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers fan. The Gaisers share their home with Truffles, a 13-year-old mixed breed dog adopted from St. Kitts, and Tito, a 7-year-old Chihuahua.

Dr. Amy Ruyak

Dr. Ruyak completed her B.S. in Business Administration at Miami University. She went on to further her education at Oklahoma State University, earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009.

From 2010 to 2014, she lived in Northern California, where she completed an internship at a veterinary medical and surgical group. She has been a part of the Allegheny North Veterinary Hospital team since 2014.

In her free time, Dr. Amy enjoys cake decorating, wine tasting, running, and spinning. She shares her home with a 9-year-old black cat named Simon.

Veterinary Support Staff

Rachael Sprajcar

Rachael, our Office Manager, joined the Allegheny North team in 2014. She has worked in the veterinary field since 2004 and is a member of NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America). She is a graduate of the Median School of Allied Health Careers (now known as the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh).

Her favorite part of being a Licensed Veterinary Technician is continuously learning the science behind veterinary medicine in a field that is always evolving. She has continued her education in a variety of topics, including behavioral management, geriatric care, and training to promote relaxed visits so she can help reduce patients' stress in the veterinary hospital.

Why does Rachael love working at Allegheny North? "Working with a team that truly puts the patient's needs first. The days are busy and no matter how tired they are, they put their heart into every appointment, every phone call, every patient to provide the best care we can. Also our clients, as they are a big part of the team in providing for their pet. They are always working with us in the best interest of their furry family members."

Rachael shares her home with husband Jesse, daughter Olivia, and two pets: the ever-comical Archibald, a 2-year-old Boxer/Lab mix adopted from Paws Across America and a 14-year-old Red-Eared Slider Turtle who begs for food just as well as Archie does! In her free time, she enjoys family time, reading, and the great outdoors: camping, hiking, and gardening.

Paul J. Balint

Paul has been a veterinary technician at Allegheny North Veterinary Hospital since 1989. He holds an Associates Degree in Electronics.

Paul's favorite part of his job is keeping pets healthy and educating clients about their companions' care.

In his free time, he enjoys walking in the woods with his 3 German Shepherds: Haiti, Malkin, and Igor Iron Paws. Paul also shares his home with 3 cats, multiple fish, and an African Grey Parrot named Nefertiti.
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Chelsea Hess

Chelsea earned her Associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Sanford Brown Institute. She has worked in the veterinary field for 12 years.

Her favorite aspect of the job is client education, and she has a special interest in dentistry.

Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband Cliff, her niece, and pets that include 2 Boston Terriers, 4 cats and multiple fish.

Jamie Wallace

Jamie is our Head Technician. She holds both a B.S. in Veterinary Technology and an Associate of Science: Veterinary Technician. She is currently licensed to practice in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.

She has worked in the veterinary field for 12 years, and is a current member of NYSAVT and NAVTA. Jamie's favorite aspect of the job is nutrition, dentistry, and client education.

In her spare time, Jamie enjoys reading, hiking/exploring, watching the Big Bang Theory, visiting family and friends, and traveling. She likes watching her favorite hometown sports teams: the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills.

Jamie shares her home with 4 cats: Tipsy, Holden, Indy and Mittens.
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April E

April attended the Median Health and Allied Careers, now known as The Vet Tech Institute. April has enjoyed the last 15 years working in the veterinary field both in the emergency clinic and smaller animal hospital environments.

Her favorite aspect of being veterinary technician is educating and talking to clients about their pets and demonstrating her love of cats!

In her free time, April enjoys watching movies with her husband, Erik, and playing with their cats. They also share their home with a bearded dragon.

Annie Hixenbaugh

Annie earned her Bachelor of Science from Grove City College before continuing her education at the Vet Tech Institute. She has been working in the veterinary field for the past year and a half, but has shadowed veterinary professionals since she was in middle school.

Her favorite aspect of being a vet tech is to watch the kittens and puppies grow into adulthood and forming relationships with the families.
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When she is not working, Annie likes spending time outside, being with her family and friends, reading, and eating ice cream.

Shania

Bio coming soon!

Mary Pat

Mary Pat is a Client Service Representative (CSR). She has worked in the veterinary field for 13 years, spending the last 5 here at Allegheny North Veterinary Hospital.
 
She loves working with pets, and enjoys getting to know all of the animals that walk through our door. Mary Pat also knows how special each pet is to their owner and enjoys seeing their bond.

Mary Pat shares her home with her husband, Mike, dogs Louie and Dayton, and 3 cats: Lola, Gidget, and Jack.

When not at work, Mary Pat enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Lynn Maurer

Lynn is our lead Client Service Representative (CSR) here at ANVH. She is also our resident guru with Hills Prescription Diets.

Lynn has obtained degrees in Corrections Administration and Criminal Psychology from Allegheny Community College and an Associates degree in Architectural and Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Lynn has worked in the veterinary field for 6 years. Her favorite aspect of the job is interacting with clients both in the routine care of their pets and in the difficult times. She also considers her co-workers here at ANVH as part of a family.

Lynn shares her home two rescued Boxer mixes: Bubba and Angel (they're brother and sister!), as well as Crazy, her feline buddy that found her.

When Lynn is not working, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, family and her pets. She also enjoys traveling and reading.​

Erin

Bio coming soon!