Veterinary Technicians and Assistants

Head Veterinary Technician Amy Shaw has been with York Animal Hospital since August of 1998, but began her career in the animal care field in 1993.

Licensed to practice in the state of New York, Amy says, "Working at York Animal Hospital has been a wonderful experience. The doctors and staff work very closely together and the degree of care and compassion that is shown every day makes this a great team to be part of."

At home, Amy has a Lab named Olivia, another Lab that is a certified therapy dog named Wilma, Boxer named Lucy, Lab mix named Mic, Poodle named Louie, two goats named Gertrude and Millie, and five cats named Louis Le Chat, Emma Jean, Phoebe Badcat, Peep, and Al. Amy's interests include working with her dogs—she breeds Labs and is a member of Therapy Dogs International—hiking with her dogs and goats, reading, boating, gardening, and spending time with her husband and kids.

Licensed Veterinary Technician Staci Finn has been with York Animal Hospital since May of 2004 and began her animal care career in 2002. She earned both her certification as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Service Management from the State University of New York at Canton. Additionally, she is an experienced dog and cat groomer.

"Working with my co-workers in the best part of my job," she says. "I love teaching clients how to best care for their pets. I also love the immediate satisfaction the cats and dogs feel after their grooming." She adds, "Client education is very important to me. I love teaching clients how to best care for their pets. I work with a wonderful group of people and that makes me love my job even more."

At home, Staci has a Golden Retriever named Brodi, Boxer named Gracie, Yorkie named Daisy, and eight cats named Todd, Terrance, Rita, Chloe, Mrs. Bocephus, Louie, Bobscinta and Mario. She enjoys spending time with her animals, camping, photography and scrapbooking.

Licensed Veterinary Technician Samantha Olin has been with York Animal Hospital since January of 2006. She first began working in the animal care field in 2004.

Asked what she enjoys most about her work, she says the list is rather easy, "Great boss, great co-workers, and I love what I do."

At home, Samantha has two Rottweilers named Monte and Maura and two cats named Tink and Caz. Her hobbies include horseback riding, camping, and hanging out at her family’s cabin on Keuka Lake.

Licensed Veterinary Technician Burgundy Smith joined the York Animal Hospital staff in October of 2010, but began her career in the animal care field in 1998. She is licensed to practice in New York state and holds an Associate's in Science/Veterinary Technology from Medaille College.

Asked what she enjoys most about being with us, Burgundy says, "Everyone here truly loves animals and is compassionate. They are so committed to the animals' wellbeing, which makes it so easy to be part of this great team."

Burgundy's love for animals extends well beyond the workday as at home she has an American Staffordshire Terrier named Harley, a beagle named Cricket, two Guinea Pigs named Clover and Dandelion, two goats named Carman and Tweek, an Arabian mare named Tsecret, and a huge aquarium filled with many fish. Her hobbies include horseback riding, camping, snowboarding, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her husband Mike and their animals.

Veterinary Technician Assistant Jennifer Barnhart has been with York Animal Hospital since August of 1998.

"I love this job because everyone else here loves animals as much as I do," she says, "and we all want what is best for them."

At home, Jennifer has a German Shepherd named Astro; four Yorkies named Zoey, Charlie, JJ, and Tessa; and five cats named Red Bear, Brother Lewis, Boots, Wedge, and Dino. New additions include Isaac and Islee.

"My hobbies are spending time with my pets, my husband of 28 years and my daughters, ages 26 and 23" she says. "I also enjoy hiking and biking with my dogs and family."

Veterinary Assistant Amy Sheflin has been with York Animal Hospital since 1996. In addition to her years of experience, she also holds an Associate’s Degree from Finger Lakes Community College.

Amy says that the key to what keeps her happy in her work is the many great people she is able to interact with throughout the day. "I love working with the animals and their people," she says.

Amy has a number of animals at home, which include two dogs named Meg and Hank; five cats named Seth, Ridler, Boy, Donna and Mike; two goats named Dusty and Butterscotch; and three horses named Coal, General and Gold. She also spent many years showing horses and worked with therapy dogs through Therapy Dog International.

Her life beyond caring for various animals includes being very busy with her two teenage sons and husband Kurt as well as baking and gardening. However, she says she doesn’t have the greenest thumb.