BEAVER COUNTY ANIMAL CLINIC STAFF

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM
Practice Owner
Hi, I'm Dr. Doug. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and have always loved animals. I received my veterinary degree from Ohio State University in 1987 and have operated several veterinary hospitals in the Beaver County area of Pennsylvania (north of Pittsburgh) ever since. I am especially proud to have served as the veterinarian for the Beaver County Humane Society for five years.

After being in practice for several years, I began to feel discouraged by the limitations of conventional veterinary medicine and sought to broaden my training beyond traditional approaches. This led me to participate in an acupuncture course offered by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). I was immediately captivated by the 150-hour class and immersed myself in learning this ancient system. After receiving IVAS certification in 1995, I quickly put my new knowledge to work helping previously hopeless clinical cases.

I have since expanded my knowledge of holistic veterinary care by attending continuing education courses on Bach Flower Remedies and Clinical Nutrition. I am certified in animal chiropractic and veterinary Chinese herbology, and have completed the 150-hour Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy offered by Dr. Richard Pitcairn.

In 1998, I introduced Pittsburgh-area veterinarians to the use of veterinary acupuncture by lecturing on the subject at the Western Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. That same year, I assisted teaching veterinarians at the IVAS certification course in Calgary, Canada. In 2001, I accepted an invitation to present at the European ARE congress in Prague.

I love giving public talks on veterinary acupuncture and other aspects of holistic pet care. I also offer a four-hour workshop on do-it-yourself pet acupressure. Since January 1999, I have by-lined a weekly pet health column in The Beaver County Times and The Allegheny Times, two local dailies near Pittsburgh. I am also the author of Stand by Me, A Holistic Handbook for Animals, Their People, and the Lives They Share Together (ARE Press, April 2003).

Dr. Kosturek, DVM
Associate Veterinarian - 1998
When I was a little boy in Poland, I helped my uncle and cousin care for animals in their veterinary clinic. This sparked my interest in veterinary medicine. I attended the University of Lublin School Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1978. Later on, I developed a special interest in small animals, especially in the areas of internal medicine and surgery.

I worked for 10 years in Poland before moving to Canada in 1984. There I lived with my wife, Dr. Anna Kosturek and my two daughters Marta and Margaret. In 1990, I moved to the United States and worked in a veterinary clinic in Allentown. In 1998 I accepted the position at Beaver Animal Clinic. That same year, my oldest daughter Marta enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh majoring in pharmacy. Margaret, my youngest daughter is also attending the University of Pittsburgh.

I am accredited by the Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2003 I completed course work in the area of dermatology and internal medicine. Also in 2003, my wife and I moved to our new home. It is very rewarding working here at Beaver Animal Clinic with our patients, clients and dedicated staff.


Dr. Ingrid Rhinehart, DVM
Associate Veterinarian 2012
I grew up in a small town in Western New York. Being a veterinarian is a second career for me and I am loving every minute of it. I have earned a Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in Ohio and a Master’s degree from Cornell University in Agricultural Economics. Before making the decision to go back to school, I was a development economist working with farmers in East Africa.


I earned my veterinary degree in 2011 from Cornell University. During my
time in veterinary school, I took advantage of every opportunity to enrich
my education and expand my horizons, including activities that brought
veterinary medicine to low-income families, helping people cope with the
loss of a pet by volunteering on the Pet Loss Hotline, organizing
community education events and helping to bring holistic and complementary
medicine to the college and the veterinary students. While in school I
began the Chi Institute Small Animal Acupuncture class and I am now a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. I look forward to expanding my training in integrative modalities to include
herbal medicine, food therapy and Tui-Na (Chinese manual manipulation or
‘body work’).

I share my life with my amazing husband and our furry and not-so-furry
family members. We have three fabulous Great Danes (Aurora, Lucky and
Harry), one smart and sassy Doberman (Ace), and a very entertaining
Hermann’s tortoise (Scooter). We’ve also had the pleasure of sharing
our home with a multitude of ferrets, but do not have any currently. Life
can be a bit chaotic at our house, but is certainly never boring and we
wouldn’t trade it for anything. When I’m not working or just hanging
out with the family, I enjoy dog training, quilting and traveling.

I look forward to getting settled in Western Pennsylvania and meeting you
all!

Judy Knueven
Hospital Administrator
Hi, I'm Judy Knueven and I manage our practice. Basically my job involves keeping track of the entire goings on at the office and managing the team members, finances and client relations.

Some of my earliest memories revolve around my beloved pets. In fact, instead of playing with dolls like other little girls, I played with my dog Cuddles. I can still remember the tea parties complete with cups, saucers and table around which Cuddles and I enjoyed our imaginary tea and cookies.

I have been working with animals since 1980, first at the Beaver County Humane Society, then at Center Animal Clinic, and since 1994, at Beaver Animal Clinic. I worked my way up through the ranks, doing everything from cleaning cages to receptionist and veterinary assistant work to my current position. I find my job rewarding but sometimes miss the contact with the companion animals and their people.

Dr. Doug and I share our home with three cats (Blaize, Sugar and Spice) and one dog (Katy). In my spare time I love to garden and work with stained glass.

Debbie
Veterinary Technician - 1992
I became a veterinary technician because I was always bringing animals home, and I have always wanted to work with animals. I started at Center Animal Clinic in 1992 and transferred to Beaver Animal Clinic when the two clinics merged in 1998. The best part about my job is when sick animals get better and are able to go home to their families. I also enjoy educating people about their pets.

I currently live with 6 cats (Whiskers, Whitey, BooBoo, Sidewinder, Mrs. Beasley, and Romeo), 2 dogs (Bruno and Abby), my fiance (Greg), and my baby girl (Nevada Lee, who was born on October 6, 2003). Occasionally, I have additional companions because I foster animals for the Beaver County Humane Society. In my spare time, I pet sit and try to grab a nap when Nevada gives me a second.

Jody
Veterinary Technician - 1993
Hi, my name is Jody Benedict and I have been with Beaver Animal Clinic since 1992. I reside in Beaver County and have two children (Brandi and Chelsea). My wonderful husband (Ron) understands how much I enjoy the career I have chosen. We share our home with a poodle (Basil), and a large black cat (Petunia).

When people ask what inspires me to work in the veterinary field, I have to say that it is because animals never ask for anything, but kindness and companionship. They ask us for our help and as we help them, we learn from them.

You might not believe that my favorite television show is Emergency Vets (my husband calls it Emergency Vet Techs). I stay active by getting involved with any fund-raiser that helps others improve their lives

Cheryl
Certified Veterinary Technician - 2000
Hi, my name is Cheryl Holcomb. I graduated from the Median School of Pittsburgh in January 1980 as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). I've worked at a few other clinics prior to starting my employment in 2000 with Beaver Animal Clinic.

I reside in Economy Borough with my husband, Jack. We share our home with our Standard Poodle (Beaumont), our two cats (Mabel and Mel) and one Cockatiel (Mr. T).

Around the age of sixteen, I decided to pursue a career with animals because of our family pet Jock. Jock was a miniature poodle that developed a severe disc problem, which he surprisingly recovered from after not being able to walk.

In my free time, I enjoy being outside in the sun (when we do have some), going to concerts, and fiddling with my computer.

Ann
Veterinary Technician - 2001
Hi my name is Ann, I started working at Beaver Animal Clinic in 2001. I enjoy the challenging and varied nature of my position. I have two German Shorthair Pointers, Mela and Teke and two cats, Kim and Banjo.

Lori Boguszewski
Practice Manager - 2004
As the Practice Manager I have the pleasure of being involved in all areas of managing the Beaver Animal Clinic.

I starting working here April, 2004. Previously, I had worked 14 years as a manager for a large corporation. This position was a wonderful transition, to work among the animals and with such caring and compassion people. My days are filled with helping employees, clients, animals and learning something new everyday. I tell everyone how lucky I am to share my office with Dr. Doug's dog, Katie, she make coming to work fun!

I live in Beaver with my husband, Barry and our two boys, Kevin and Alex. We share our home with 3 cats, Snowball, Chucky, Marie and our dog, Roxy.

Michele
Certified Veterinary Tech - 2004
Hello, My name is Michele. My job is exciting & unpredictable and very rewarding. I have three pets of my own which include a Sheltie "Tag" and two cats, "Paisley" & "Tinker".

Martina
Receptionist - 2005
Hi my name is Martina. I have 4 cats, Tess, Leo, Livi and Luke. Working with animals has been very rewarding and the staff and clients at Beaver Animal Clinic make coming to work very enjoyable.


Sandy
Receptionist - 2007
My name is Sandy, I have 3 dogs Storm,Tucker & Gracie & 2 cats Caleb &
Sophie.  I have worked at Beaver Animal Clinic since 2007.  Working here
has been a very rewarding job.  I have met so many wonderful people.

Jamie
Certified Veterinary Technician - 2010
Hi, my name is Jamie.  I graduated from the Vet tech Institute of
Pittsburgh in June 2010.  I live in Beaver County withmy family, 4 dogs (
Cuddles,Gucci,Boo Boo and Lilly), and 1 cat ( Bebe).  My experiences
working at Beaver Animal Clinic have been both rewarding and joyful;I have
learned a greal deal working with the others who are just as passionate
about animals as I am.. In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time
outdoors.


Pam
Certified Veterinary Technician - 2011

I am a transplant to the Beaver area and originally from Alabama. I
graduated in 2010 with a degree in Veterinary Technology from Jefferson
State in Birmingham. AL. An animal lover since childhood, I decided on a
career in animal care and love working with pet's every day. I have had
the fortune of being able to experience different aspects of animal care
ranging from volunteering at an exotic animal sanctuary where I took care
of lemurs and tigers, working at a mixed animal practice with horses and
liverstock, to my current position where I get to observe Dr. Knueven and
the holistic medicine that Beaver Animal Clinic offers. My family
includes myself, my husband Mark, my son Skyler, and our three dogs,
Pac(lab mix), Caeser ( boxer/pitbull), and Lollie ( siberian husky). In
our spare time we enjoy doing outdoor activities and attending sporting
events.