PETCON PET & EQUINE EXPO SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS
PET SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS
Lisa M. Sepesy MPH, VMD, DACVIM Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center
Dr. Sepesy is a native of Pittsburgh, who completed her undergraduate degree at Allegheny College and her Master’s of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Sepesy then earned her veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania. After several years in general practice, she then completed an oncology internship at Purdue University, followed by an internal medicine residency at Cornell University. Dr. Sepesy’s clinical interests are diverse, including oncology, and hematology, as well as endocrine and liver disorders. Dr. Sepesy enjoys swimming, boating and biking in her free time, and shares her home with two golden retrievers, “Emma” and “Piper” and a cat named “Andy”
John T. Payne DVM, MS, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Dr. Payne is a 1982 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an internship at Grady Veterinary Hospital in Cincinnati, followed by a surgical residency at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine from 1986 to 1989. Dr. Payne became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1991. He served on the surgery faculty of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine from 1989 to 1998, when he returned to private surgical practice at Tennessee Avenue Veterinary Hospital in Cincinnati. He joined Pittsburgh Veterinary Surgery in September, 2001. Dr. Payne is an author of many scientific articles, is published in several veterinary textbooks and is a nationally known speaker in orthopedics, especially in the field of canine arthroscopy. In July, 2011, Dr. Payne accepted a faculty appointment with the University of Pittsburgh, College of Medicine. Dr. Payne will still remain at PVSEC full time as a veterinary surgeon, and will assume additional duties with the University of Pittsburgh, Department of orthopedic surgery. As an Adjunct Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Payne will present periodic lectures to interns and residents in the department of orthopedic surgery, consult on the department’s research on knee surgery, and participate in teaching rounds with the department’s interns, residents and fellows. In his spare time, Dr. Payne enjoys the outdoors, fly fishing and flying.
Kenton D. Rexford VMD Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center Dr. Rexford, a native of Western Pennsylvania, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in animal bioscience from the Pennsylvania State University. He completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and work as a mixed animal practitioner for 18 months. Following his work as an animal practitioner, Dr. Rexford practiced small animal medicine while working part-time at Veterinary Emergency Clinic (PVSEC-Emergency). Dr. Rexford accepted a full-time position with Veterinary Emergency Clinic in 1998 and has been with them ever since. In his spare time he enjoys snowboarding and whitewater kayaking.
Doug Knueven DVM DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Beaver Animal Clinic
When I graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987, my idea of health revolved around the mechanistic, Western model of medicine where there is a drug or surgery for just about every condition (never mind the side effects and surgical risks). After a few years in practice I realized that things didn’t always go the way the text books said it would. I realized there had to be more to health and healing than what I was taught in vet school. This realization started me on my journey into holistic medicine. I started with veterinary acupuncture as I had an interest in this therapy that was sparked by an after-hours lecture in vet school. After seeing the benefits of this strange healing modality, I completed courses in homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine and chiropractic. I also joined the American Holistic Medical Association and through their conferences, continue to learn more about holistic pet health. Today, for me the word health is more about lifestyle and less about what you go to the doctor to get. As excited as I am about alternative medicine, I have not thrown the baby out with the bath water. I do see the value of Western medicine for certain situations. I practice integrative veterinary medicine which involves the use of the most appropriate treatment for the individual animal. As an integrative medicine practitioner, I have more tools in my kit to treat the many patients I see. Along the way I also realized that any given patient was not going to heal if they were not being fed properly. This led me into my own research into animal nutrition. I soon abandoned much of what I had been taught about nutrition in veterinary school, as that information is highly influenced by the major pet food companies. From my research and decades of experience it is obvious to me that pets benefit from an evolution-based diet rather than the starchrich, highly processed convenience pet foods most pet caregivers currently feed. Animals simply cannot be healthy if their bodies are not provided the raw materials and nutritional signals that are needed.The longer I have practiced veterinary medicine, the more convinced I am of the value of the Holistic-Integrative approach to pet health care. My passion for pets and for true healthphysical, mental and spiritual.
Andrzej Zielke, MD writes in the Wellness for Guardians section. He is an animal lover, and as a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist, Pain Management and Critical Care Specialist and a Board-Certified Head and Neck Surgeon in Poland, he has a passion for helping people. For the last few years he has been involved in the research on drug free medical approaches relevant to Pain Management, Anti-aging Medicine, Arthritis and Wound Care. In his research he has referred to well established modalities of modern medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, as well as new emerging European technologies. His main focus is on medical application of Laser Therapy. This work has been the foundation of many successful treatment protocols. Dr. A. Zielke believes that the medicine of the future will emerge from regenerative medicine where medical laser will play a central role. He founded Medical Frontiers, LLC in 2004 which since then has rapidly expanded the number of services provided, patients served, and office space. The company is mainly focused on clinical applications and research of Laser Therapy. Dr. A. Zielke is also the Medical Director for USA Laser which is involved in the introduction of the new generation of lasers to the US market.
Sheryl Blumenthal
Sheryl brings the Human-Animal Bond to an entirely new level her gift of communicating with animals. Our animals love being “truly heard and understood”. Sheryl has studied in England , Japan and the US for many years. She serves on a number of panels, including the board of directors for the non-profit Global Healing Foundation, the Global Council of Spiritual Teachers, an associate of the International Association for Spiritual Coaches (IASC), the Taskforce for Humanity, the Self-Worth Coalition-Global Initiative, and others. She has been the keynote speaker in numerous forums, a presenter at Columbia University , the UN, retreat centers, fellowships and many other programs. Sheryl holds a number of ministerial licenses and certifications.
EQUINE PRESENTERS
Kristin Hermann – I have been writing for PetConnections magazine for over four years in the Equine section. I have over forty articles published in national equine magazines including Dressage Today, The Chronicle of the Horse, Dressage & Ct, Horseplay and had a series in the USDF Bulletin before it was Dressage Today. I own a barn in Washington PA called Coventry Equestrian Center and I have been at Coventry for 23 years. I teach riders how to train their horses, because I don’t train the horses for the riders anymore. And I feel my teaching is different because I teach the how and why not just the do this and do that. This is what I write about, the horse and why of training a horse and I call it Home School Your Horse. I ride an incredible Spanish Norman named Bracchus, and last year we showed Second level at national shows with an averaged score of 70%. Two years prior, we won the USDF All Breed Award for First Level (2014) and Training Level (2013). My Home-Schooled student was also AQHA USEF AllBreed Award winner in 2015 Junior Young Rider. Another student was Half Draft USEF AllBreed Winner the year before. Dressage is my passion, but it simply means, “The Gymnastic training of the horse.” So, my soapbox is that all riders should learn the biomechanics of training the horse and train “dressage” because all horses benefit with gymnastic training. You do not have to show dressage to stretch your horse, ride your horse straight, or get it to canter as well to the left as it does to right.
Andre Picou Over the past 20 years Andre’ has been working with horses of various breeds and disci-plines with the goal of developing safe, dependable mounts. He has applied his talent for working with troubled horses to helping people with horses with behavioral issues such as bad ground manners, bucking/rearing under saddle, trailer loading problems, etc. Andre’ has helped riders of all experience levels better understand and work with their horses, with a goal of making the relationship between horse and rider an enjoyable one. His teaching methods include utilizing practical principles that work for every horse and every rider. Currently living in Columbus, Ohio, Andre’ conducts clinics and seminars throughout the Midwest and Northeastern United States.
Evon Montgomery A full-time Equine Education Specialist who owns and operates HorseLovers Guide, LLC at Saxony Farm in Saxonburg, PA. Her love for horses started at the age of 9 when she spent countless hours riding and caring for them. “Bitten by the horse bug” she was eager to learn so she started assisting at local stables with equine professionals. Along with spending countless hours trail riding, working difficult horses and building a foundation in dressage, she worked for a Grand Prix show jumper, Arabian farm and as a trail guide at a local resort and still continues to spend time riding with well-established professional trainers to further her education. She “officially” began instructing riders and training horses in 1985 when she opened her own boarding and training stable. With 40 years of studying, riding, giving instruction and training all breeds of horses, Evon has an exceptional wealth of knowledge of horse and human behavior. Evon has created a program called “HORSES 1-2-3 Riding System” which is comprised of DVD’s, Skill cards and Cone System as a curriculum for learning how to advance your riding and horsemanship skills. Evon has produced numerous DVD’s to include the Horses 1, 2, 3 Riding System-- her common-sense, step-by-step teaching method for working on the ground and in the saddle. Her “Whole-istic” approach emphasizes safety; emotional and physical aspects; in combination with a horse’s needs and the human’s ability; plus proper tack fit. This “Whole-istic” attitude creates a program designed to help all level of riders. She is the author of Horse Behavior and Body Language, Horse Ownership Basics, Travel and Camping with Horses and has been a contributing writer for ACTHA’s Joomag Magazine, Horse Connections, Infohorse.com, Sport and Trail rider blog in addition to her own personal equine blog https://evonmontgomeryhorsemanship.wordpress.com/.
Dr. Jennifer Friend, DVM Dr. Jennifer Friend grew up in the mountains of Colorado. Attending Colorado State University to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Equine Science. She then continued on at Colorado State to achieve a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Friend practiced general veterinary medicine in both Colorado and Florida, before making the move to Pennsylvania 11 years ago. Dr. Friend has always had an interest in creating a specialty practice. Her interests developed in the performance of equine and canine athletes, equine dentistry, and improving the quality of life in all pet animals. After researching the uses and benefits of laser therapy, Dr. Friend began a mobile veterinary practice: Peak Performance Laser Therapy LLC. She continues to provide other general veterinary services with a focus on improving the quality of life and health of equine and canine athletes as wells as pets of all sizes. Dr. Jennifer enjoys many outdoor activities including competing in Eventing with her daughter and friends from Deer Creek Stables. Dr. Friend and her husband David also own and operate Deer Creek Stables LLC in Washington PA, where they care for and enjoy the company of their own horses, dogs, and cats.
Dana Flaherty In-Stride with Therapeutic Riding, Inc. was founded in 2006. Since that time, we have been providing horse related activities to physically, mentally and emotionally disabled children and adults. Our organization is run completely by volunteers and many of our horses are rescues. Lessons take place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and all day Sundays March through November. For more information about In-Stride, please visit our website (www.
instridetherapeuticride.org), facebook page (In-Stride w/Therapeutic Riding, Inc.), e-mail (instride@hotmail. com), call 412-302-5393 or come visit us on a Sunday at 637 Valley View Road in Nottingham Township.
George Felder USEF George Felder from Sonador Equestrian Center has been actively studying riding, teaching, competing, and writing since his teens. He has touched upon many disciplines from saddle seat to fox hunting, to hunters and jumpers, to combined training, dressage and reining. The last twenty years have been dedicated to dressage and a rekindling interest in the Haute Ecole. He competes and performs in exhibitions. Dr. Felder has been instructed by many famous international coaches in both the German competitive ideas and the French Classical styles.He has trained in the Alexander technique and is a certified Yoga Alliance Yoga Instructor. He has written numerous articles discussing the integration of body principles to horsemanship. Dr. Felder has won the USDF Bronze and Silver medals and is currently riding at the FEI level.
Kim & Kelly Manon Producers of the Manon’s Farm Kids Riding Show, “Riding to the music of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”, Kim & Kelly provide children riding lessons at their private facility in Washington, PA.
Scott Downs, presenter, started using the Clinton Anderson method in 2007. He completed both the Fundamental and Intermediate level. He spent two years touring the country with Clinton as a member of the road crew for his Walkabout tours. Scott has been able to use his skill and knowledge of the method to start colts successfully under saddle. He has taught the technique in multiple venues and clinics. His goal is to encourage horse owners to deepen their understanding and expectations of the relationship with their horse through knowledge.
Glenn Robison has had a love for horses from a young age. It wasn’t until his early 20’s that he was able to pursue his dream and own horses. Approximately six years ago, his daughter needed help with a young horse she owned and was starting to train. Glenn reached out to high school friend Scott Downs for help. He since has become a serious student of the Clinton Anderson Horsemanship program and works with Scott at many clinics. Glenn has used his 30+ years of horse experience to serve as the Vice-president of Second Chance Equine Association for the last two years and has been a member of the board of directors for four.
Pam Paletta, 4-H Educator in Washington County, has been teaching youth for the past 32 years and in 2016 Washington County had over 800 youth enrolled in 4-H and over 2,600 youth enrolled in the 4-H school enrichment program. Pam received her Master Degree in Extension Education in 1995. Pam’s focus over the past few years has been service learning in 4-H and develop a 4-H curriculum entitled “Stepping Stones to Citizenship”
Ingrid McNamara has ridden in the art of dressage for over 25 years and enjoys teaching students young to old and at various levels in riding. Her passion and love for horses is reflected in her training and teaching of students and horses. She has competed in USDF/USEF recognized dressage shows up to
fourth level successfully and has earned her USDF Bronze Medal (2009). In addition, she has received several honorable high point awards from Oregon Dressage Society (ODS), ACAAP (’08-’09 Year-End Top Ten Finalist in Dressage) and with the Western Pennsylvania Dressage Association (WPDA). She also received awards with the USDF All-Breed program for Appaloosa in 3rd and 4th level dressage. Ingrid has also successfully shown and trained horses in Western Dressage, Hunters/Jumpers and gaited horses. Mrs. McNamara’s students have not only shown successfully but have also been able to overcoming difficult training obstacles with their horse(s) using non-invasive training techniques. Mrs. McNamara has trained and competed, while continuing her education as an equestrian. She has worked and trained with many prominent trainers within the industry, such as Peter DeCosemo (1999-2001), Mike Osinski (1999-2000), Cary Evans (large “R” Judge, 1989), Alexandra Mayer-Tarr (USDF Silver Medalist, 2004), and Ryan Yap (judges program and FEI level rider/trainer, 2005-2008). Ingrid has recently enrolled in the USDF L-judges program and intends to continue her education and certification, while moving up the levels in dressage. Outside or riding, Ingrid worked in research for over 9 years studying the nervous system. Her experience in Neurosciences gave her a better appreciation and understanding of the importance of the nervous system in relation to animal behavior and movement. Please visit Equestrian Eden website (www.equestrianeden.com) to learn more about what Ingrid has to offer.
Sonya Bell, certified head trainer at Sunni Bell Stables in Burgettstown, Pa. specializes in children’s riding lessons and ponies. Sonya has always been interested in ponies and miniature horses since she bought her first pony 22 years ago. In her children’s lessons, along with her 4H program, she uses almost exclusively rescue ponies and miniature horses. Most of her ponies come from Heart of the Phoenix Rescue in West Virginia. When miniature horse jumping was introduced to 4H in 2016, Sonya was quick to create a 4H miniature horse program and began expanding her miniature horse training. Sonya and her 4H team specialize in 4H miniature horse jumping, miniature horse in hand trail and miniature horse showmanship, in addition to her children’s lesson program at Sunni Belle Acres.
Tracy Eisenman Tracy Eisenman has been using essential oils since the seventies. She is certified in aromatouch she is also a Reiki master trainer. Her purpose in life is to find natural solutions that support health and wellness. She believes that in nature you can find the answers to all of your health questions, you just have to know where to look. In 2012 she found the doTerra brand essential oils to be superior to any of the other oils she had tried. These oils have been scientifically tested and vet approved.Tracy loves to share the history of these oils, to explain why these oils will work for you and your pets; and how to save money in the long run. Essential oils of this quality must be used with care. She can teach you how to use them safely and effectivly.Tracy Eisenman lives in Washington county and teaches public and private classes. www.Tracylinn.com Telephone 724-263-0304
the Southpointe Chamber
The Southpointe Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1992 for the purpose of promoting the business park and provides the greater Pittsburgh region opportunities to network in and around Southpointe. The high tech park is located in Cecil, Pennsylvania, just 17 miles South of Pittsburgh. It is home to large corporations including CONSOL Energy, Ansys, Range Resources, Halliburton, Rice Energy, and Mylan Labs. The high tech complex stretches over 3 miles adjacent to interstate 79 and is home to over 300 businesses. If you are interested in chamber events check out their website at www.southpointe.net or call 724-873-7777.
It only takes one day to save a life.
May is 31 Days of Compassion at Animal Friends!
At Animal Friends, every day is full of compassion. Through our progressive pet-focused programming we’re changing and improving the lives of the people and pets in our region each and every day.
So for the 31 days of May, we need you to turn your compassion into action. And, there are so many ways to do that … adopt a pet, donate a bag of pet food or join us for …
Cat Crawl
| 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Check in at PNC Bank (4101 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201)
We invite you to a “cat crawl” through Lawrenceville to visit our adorable adoptable cats and kittens, who will be spending their day at the unique shops and eateries along Butler Street. To access specials at each participating business, purchase your $10 shopping pass at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/CatCrawl. And, all proceeds benefit Animal Friends! Shop, eat, cuddle – a purr-fect Saturday in Pittsburgh!
LAWRENCEVILLE
AnimalFriends’
Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania 9950 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090, Shelley Bates, 724-443-4485, 412-767-5433
Glade Run Adventures PO Box 70, Beaver Road, Zelienople, PA 16063, 724-452-4453 x1249, cmoll@gladerun.org
This list has been provided from internet search only and may not be all-inclusive
in your
WHERE PETS ARE TREATED LIKE ROYALTY
nemacolinwoof.com
At Nemacolin Wooflands Pet Resort & Spa in Farmington, PA and Nemacolin Wooflands Pet Care Center in McMurray, PA, we pride ourselves in offering the best in luxury dog boarding. From plush bedding, to daily maid service, our welcoming associates will make sure your pet is treated like royalty.
Diagnosed with FCE, Skip’s left leg was dangling dead for over a week. Mom Bethany was given limited choices: 1. Medicate and wait 2. euthanize.
That was not good enough so she started searching and found Dr. Savko. Skip had marked improvement after one visit and was almost fully functional after one month!
With a FCE somehow the material from the inner part of the vertebral disc enters the blood flow and is carried to the spinal cord where it causes a blood vessel obstruction. This area of the spinal cord can actually die. The process is not painful but complete recovery is not likely. Whatever neurologic loss has occurred within the first 24 hours is likely to be permanent.
Skip was seen 7 days afterwards and still recovered fully after seeing Dr. Savko.
“When I saw Skip his back left leg was barely functioning. His nails were worn down and bloody. We had significant improvements AFTER ONE VISIT! He was lifting his leg on his own that very first night. Ever since Skip has gradually regained more function, and after a month he is running, jumping, and walking more normally. His left leg is still mildly weak, and he has not been seen using it to scratch, but other than that he is back to normal. So much in fact the veterinary technicians were shocked to see him trot right out of the office, when he was such a mess just a few weeks ago.”
