Amy Hinton, D.V.M
I grew up in Center Valley, PA. My Father was a Metallurgical Engineer who started a consulting business for the pathology of metal failure. This is where I get my Love of diagnostics and problem-solving. My mother is a fifth-generation of teachers, this is where I get my educational skills of teaching people in the veterinary practice. My 11 week early, brother inadvertently is responsible for giving me my first dog. My father picked up Tramp the border collie while coming home from seeing him in the incubator at the hospital. I have a BS in Biology from University of Illinois and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee. I wanted to practice in a family-oriented agricultural community. Shippensburg is a great fit with historic and cultural places galore.
I have always been fascinated by the Biology of non-human creatures. I believe all of us are stewards but some of us have a calling to medically care for them. I love the challenge of solving animal health issues. This brings together animal history, husbandry, anatomy, and physiology, as well as pharmacology All of these working to have the best life for the animal.
I enjoyed my thirty years in practice. I have always tried to follow the golden rule with my clients, offering them my medical opinion and compassion to diagnose and to treat as a team.
I am an advocate for mentoring new veterinarians and assistants. Someone taught me this and it is the most important “thing” to leave with the profession. I also believe that every profession needs an association to extend knowledge of all facets of the trade and any political issues. I was involved with the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association for many years and served as President in 1999.
I enjoy time with my Tennessee walking horses trail riding. We also have raised golden retrievers and miniature American shepherds with the goal always of producing a better quality animal based on its breed standards. I have appreciated all the wonderful people who have worked with me through the years I am currently dealing with some health issues which have inhibited my veterinary career, I am currently not practicing.
Trent L. Lartz, D.V.M
I grew up in northwest Illinois working on dairy farms at an early age. I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. After working for a couple of mixed animal practices in Pennsylvania, my wife, Amy Hinton, D.V.M., and I started Mountain View Veterinary Services in 2003. My focus was on dairy herd management, health, and profitability. Since 2008, I’ve been providing independent consulting to dairy and beef operations across Pennsylvania. From 2016 to 2020, I also worked for Milk Specialties Global Animal Nutrition as a Dairy Technical Specialist. Today, I continue to be a managing part of the mixed animal practice with my wife.
Veterinary medicine has allowed me to become an integral part of agriculture. It brings great joy to me to work closely with dairy herds to improve health, which in turn increases the production and profitability of the farm operation. I enjoy being challenged by dairy farmers to come up with practical solutions to their herd’s issues or shortcomings.
I knew this was the right profession for me when I was able to bring together my love of biology and agriculture and use this knowledge to improve the well-being of the animals in the herd and the dairy farmer’s life.
Outside of managing the veterinary practice, I enjoy traveling with my wife, working on our farm, and time with our friends.
Andrew Bullis, D.V.M
Dr. Andrew Bullis grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York. Early in life he fell in love with science and nature and knew from an early age he wanted to enter medicine. Dr. Andrew attended Connecticut College earning a degree in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology in 2016. During his freshman year of college, he became interested in veterinary medicine and spent his summers working with equine veterinarians in Saratoga Springs. Dr. Andrew then attended the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2020. He has a passion for rural medicine and working with local agriculture. Dr. Andrew’s professional interests include equine medicine, small animal surgery and dentistry, and dairy production medicine. He is excited about joining our practice and getting to know the local community.
When not working, Dr. Andrew enjoys reading, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family.
Rebecca Leach, D.V.M
I grew up in a small town called Paw Paw, WV. I attended West Virginia University and graduated with a bachelor of science in animal and nutritional sciences in 2016. I then attended Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and received my doctorate of veterinary medicine in 2020. Directly out of vet school I worked as an ambulatory, large animal veterinarian in central PA where I attended to multiple species including dairy, small ruminants, beef, porcine, equine, as well as some limited small animal work on the farm.
I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian at a very young age, based on my love for animals large and small. I spent a lot of my childhood on my grandfather’s small cow-calf farm/hobby farm, and as I got older I also spent time with my father at the large apple orchard he managed as a horticulturist. These experiences gave me a love for agriculture and I soon decided that I wanted to be the type of veterinarian that provided services for rural farmers and community members. I love knowing that as a veterinarian I make a difference in not just the lives of animals but the lives of their owners.
I knew I was in the right profession when I started veterinary school and I began to meet and work with amazing people who had the same passions as myself. I get reminded that this is the right profession for me every time I have a successful case or a successful client interaction.
I am a member of the AVMA, AABP, and AASRP. I have a passion for small ruminant (sheep and goat) medicine, as well as herd health, and preventative medicine for all species. My goal is to keep small animals happy, and healthy, and for herds to be happy, healthy, and productive.
My husband is a history teacher. We met at West Virginia University as we both played in the college marching band where I played clarinet, and he played baritone saxophone. We currently have two pets, Ivy a domestic shorthair that I adopted as an adult from the local shelter when I was in vet school, and Rye, a husky mix that I took home with me after one of my emergency rotations in veterinary school.
I enjoy spending time with family, reading, crafting, playing and listening to music, and enjoying the outdoors.
Claire Kepner, D.V.M
I grew up on a farrow-to-finish hog farm in northwestern Illinois and always loved the small rural community. I was often outside exploring nature and the farm. Veterinary medicine always seemed to be the perfect combination of science, animals, and people for me. After graduating high school, I attended college a couple of hours south of home in Illinois, loving my courses, giving back to the community whenever possible, and getting ready for vet school. I graduated in 2017 with my bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in english and public health. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the 2+2 collaborative DVM program with the University of Alaska Fairbanks through Colorado State University.
I began in the field because of my own compassion for animals, the importance of caring for and protecting the food supply, and the ability to lend a helping hand in caring for a furry member of the family. My favorite thing about working with animals has always been their ability to surprise us; they keep us on our toes and never fail to make any day interesting.
Professional Interests, Awards, Associations:
- Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society
- The Phi Beta Kappa Society
- Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society Mortar Board National College Honor Society
- Jo Daviess County Beef Assoc. Scholarship Award Judith Nelssen Scholarship Award
- Dr. William Howarth Scholarship Award
- Hummel Family Scholarship Award
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- American Association of Swine Veterinarians
- American Association of Bovine Practitioners
- American Association of Equine Practitioners
My interests in vet med are currently innumerable but if I had to pick one I’m passionate about, it would be dentistry. This is such an important aspect of pet health that is very easily, and often has been, historically overlooked.
Outside of work, I love to explore the outdoors just as much as I like to curl up inside with a good book. My adventure crew consisting of my boyfriend Jordan, two dogs, Ace and Zoe, join me on most of these excursions! At home, my two cats Luna and Gemma hold down the fort. We love getting outside, enjoying nature, and all the amazing things the area has to offer.
April
Hospital Administrator and Certified Veterinary Technician
As a child, I wanted to be a herpetologist. In high school, I shadowed technicians and assistants drawing blood, placing IV catheters, monitoring anesthesia and performing lab work in a veterinary hospital. This experience led me to a career in veterinary medicine. After graduating from Manor College in 1997, I gained experience at several private practices as well as a referral and emergency medicine veterinary hospital. I joined the MVVS team in 2007 as a licensed veterinary technician. I love science! I love to see a treatment protocol take effect within a patient’s body and see them come back for a recheck exam feeling better. I also enjoy client education. My passion for anesthesia and dental care led me to the lead surgery technician role for several years. I now hold a managerial position and I am enjoying the challenge of management!
My husband and I reside in Fayetteville, PA with our daughter, golden retriever, and red-footed tortoise. We enjoy outdoor activities including hiking and camping. We enjoy time spent with extended family and friends.
Tasha
Certified Veterinary Technician, Lead Surgery Technician
I am a certified veterinary technician and surgery technician here at MVVS and have been here since August of 2016.
I grew up in Gettysburg area, completed VTNE for my certification/license, and then moved to the area looking to work for a mixed animal practice and enjoy the countryside.
Growing up I thought I wanted to work with animals in some way, the show Animal Cops was always my inspiration. In high school, I got side-tracked and took another path. A few years in the culinary industry made me realize my true calling was being a veterinary technician.
After a few months of working at this practice, I realized I was so lucky to have randomly applied and been taken in by such a great group of coworkers. This clinic gives me the ability to participate in every aspect of the veterinary field and has shown me how much I enjoy the variability of this career. There isn’t a true way to become complacent. There is always room to learn, grow, and better your skills. I love that. I have grown and moved up and I can’t think of any better place to be.
Outside of work I am pretty much a homebody who enjoys spending time with my husband and family. I come from a large family and enjoy spending my time with them. My husband and I are both foodies and love to go out and try new places to eat. We both share a healthy love for the culinary arts.
Emily
Certified Veterinary Technician
Born and raised in Path Valley, I graduated from Fanett-Metal high school in 2017. I continued my education at Wilson College in Chambersburg. I earned my bachelor of science in veterinary medical technology in the spring of 2021.
I began working in the veterinary industry because I not only love to work with animals, but I also like to learn how the different body systems work in the animal. I also like to see animals get better and be a part of the healing process. Seeing clients smile and leave happy with their pets is very rewarding. My favorite thing when working with animals is to see their different personalities and make it a good experience for them when they come to the clinic. I like to see their quirks and personalities come out.
I knew I was in the right profession after completing my large animal internship during the summer of 2020. Going out to the different farm calls, seeing small animals, and assisting in small and large animal surgeries made me want to be a veterinary technician even more. It all made sense to me right there because I felt that I could be in this profession for the rest of my life and not feel like I’ve worked a day in my life. I like the business and the ever-changing schedules and days, it keeps me on my toes and keeps my mind sharp. Being in this profession makes me happy and I wouldn’t see myself doing anything else.
When I am not at work you can find me taking care of the animals my boyfriend and I have. Whether it would be chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, cows, horses, or donkeys, there is always something to be done on the farm. I also like to help my Mom in the flower beds during the summer and go snowmobile riding with my Dad in the winter. In the summer I show Holstein cows at the Franklin County and Shippensburg Fair and play fetch in the yard with River and Sam.
Megan
Certified Veterinary Technician
I am a certified veterinary technician and have been with MVVS since May of 2017.
Growing up on a dairy farm in Chambersburg, I’ve always had a passion for helping animals. I decided to give veterinary medicine a try during my senior year of high school with an internship at MVVS and the rest is history. I continued my education at Wilson College graduating with a bachelor of science in veterinary medical technology in May of 2021. I knew I was in the right profession when going to work didn’t feel like a job. I love nurturing sick patients back to health.
When I’m not at work, you can find me on the family farm and with our 3 dogs: Pepper, Mocha, and Trixie. I enjoy baking, going on outdoor adventures with my boyfriend, and showing cows at local fairs.
Tami
Veterinary Assistant & Lead Laboratory Technician
I am a veterinary assistant and I have been working here since 2012.
I began my career in animal health when I was living in Colorado many years ago. Originally from South-Central PA, I started at MVVS in 2012 – 2016. I recently moved back to this area from Florida and love that I am back at MVVS!
I started in this industry as a customer service rep. I became more interested in the treatments and hands-on aspects within the hospital and have enjoyed every minute. My favorite thing about working with animals is that every day is different. Never a boring day in the clinic.
I knew I was meant to be in this profession when the Dr/Owner of the clinic I was working at in Durango, CO, came to me and said he recognized my interest and commitment to the health and well-being of animals. From then on, I was lucky and privileged to work not only with dogs and cats but other forms of wildlife such as bears, bobcats, and eagles. I have loved every minute!
I’m married to my husband Chris and we have 2 cats and a dog. Bodhi is a 6 yr old border collie mix who loves paddleboarding, kayaking and trail running with me. Our cat Mini is Bodhi’s best friend, while our other cat Tucker is 19 years old. I love being outdoors, traveling and backpacking and like playing guitar around a campfire.
Grace
Certified Veterinary Technician
I am a certified veterinary technician and I have been working here since August of 2017.
I reside in Shippensburg with my husband and son. I am a 2021 graduate of Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician program and have an associate’s degree in science.
Ever since I was little I have enjoyed caring for and working with animals. My favorite part about working with animals is that they are always happy to see you (most times). It is also a very rewarding career and makes me feel good when I can help a pet feel better. I knew I was in the right profession when going to work didn’t feel like a job!
I enjoy traveling, the beach, kayaking, going to concerts, spending time outside and watching my son play sports.
Ashley
Certified Veterinary Technician
I work as a Certified Veterinary Technician at Mountain View Veterinary Services. I rejoined the team in August 2022, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of such a dedicated group of professionals.
My educational background includes graduating from Wilson College with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medical Technology and a minor in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. A few years ago, I made the decision to move to Shippensburg to be closer to my job, and I have always felt a connection to this area since my childhood.
My journey in the veterinary industry began in 2015 when I was completing my internship in McConnellsburg. That experience fueled my passion for veterinary care, and after graduating from college, I sat for the VTNE and became a certified vet tech. Throughout my career, I have pursued various opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. I have always been impressed with the care and guidance provided by Dr. Amy and Dr. Trent, whom I relied on for the health of my horses. In fact, I had the chance to job shadow at MVVS when I was still in high school, and it was a dream come true to join the team when I moved back to Pennsylvania from North Carolina in 2018. Although life took me on a different path for a while, I am grateful that I have been able to come back part-time since August 2022 and reunite with my incredible colleagues at Mountain View Veterinary Services.
My favorite aspect of working in the veterinary field is the opportunity to help animals and their owners achieve their goals for happy, healthy, and long lives. Whether it’s assisting with weight loss and dietary goals, training objectives, or providing compassionate hospice and palliative care, I find great fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of our patients and their human companions.
From a young age, I knew I was destined to work with animals. I have always loved animals and had an innate drive to help every creature I came across. As I witnessed the joy and gratitude of pet owners when we achieved their pets’ well-being through weight management, training, and end-of-life care, I knew without a doubt that I was in the right profession. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the health and happiness of animals and their families.
Outside of work, I cherish the time I spend with my 21-year-old foundation Quarter Horse named Rose. We embark on long trail rides with friends and participate in ranch sorting and team penning activities with cattle, which is always an exhilarating experience. I am also deeply involved in the life of my 5-year-old Pit mix, Titan. Due to a few negative experiences, he struggles with anxiety and fearfulness around other dogs, so we engage in positive reinforcement and behavior modification training together. We also enjoy going for runs and hikes to stay active and bond. When I’m not with my animal companions, you can often find me spending time with my boyfriend, working on vehicles, repairing and fixing up houses, and immersing myself in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing.
One of my passions within the veterinary field is fear-free training and handling of animals. After experiencing the challenges with Titan, I am determined to help as many fearful and anxious pets as possible. In the future, I aspire to become fear-free certified and collaborate with various positive reinforcement trainers to expand my knowledge and skills in this area.
Working as a Certified Veterinary Technician at Mountain View Veterinary Services allows me to combine my love for animals with my dedication to their well-being. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families every day.
Maddie
Veterinary Assistant
I am a veterinary assistant and I have been working here since February of 2016.
I was born and raised in the area and I have always loved being around animals. It was during my high school internship at Mt. View that I realized I wanted to pursue a veterinary career. My favorite thing about working in the veterinary field is seeing improvements in patients at re-checks.
I knew that this was the right career choice for me when during my internship I helped with happy visits with a puppy that was very shy. At the visits, I fed her treats and gained her trust. To this day, that dog remembers who I am.
My husband and I were married in August 2019 and we welcomed our first child, a baby boy in the fall of 2022. We have a beautiful chocolate Labrador named Willow. I enjoy making crafts, hiking, and spending time with my family.
Jennifer
Veterinary Assistant
I’m a veterinary assistant and have been working here since February of 2015.
Born and raised in Chambersburg, PA. After graduating high school I started working at a humane society and joined the Mountain View team in 2015 bringing over 20 years of experience with companion animals and heifer calves.
Working at Mountain View gives me daily challenges where no two days are ever the same. I get the most enjoyment from nursing care of hospitalized animals as well as learning my patients’ personalities.
When I am not at work, I am at home taking care of my two disabled parents, my Great Pyrenees/ Bernese Mountain Dog Kaylee, 4 cats, several fish, and a dart frog. Other than animals, I am passionate about everything entertainment. I am devoted to music, movies, and TV shows. I love to use my hair color and style to celebrate different holidays and seasons. I release my creativity by upcycling and repurposing items and by designing a wide range of things from brochures to landscaping.
Heather
Veterinary Assistant
I am a veterinary assistant and I have been working here since 2015.
My family lives in the Chambersburg area and I ended up going to college at Delaware Valley College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree.
I have been working as a vet assistant since 2010. I love to provide education to clients and hear about their fur baby stories.
My husband and 2 daughters and boxer dog. We enjoy reading, doing crafts, and spending time outside.
Mckenzie
Veterinary Assistant
I joined the Mountain View Team in February 2022 as a veterinary assistant. I will be finishing the veterinary technician program at YTI and take my boards in late 2022 to become a licensed veterinary technician
Born and raised in the Cumberland Valley, I am a graduate of Big Spring High School. I have experience working with animals of all sizes. My personal dog had quite a few medical issues. Watching the veterinary staff work with my pet led me to this career. I enjoy seeing pets live their best quality of life. Providing care to make a pet feel better is important to me.
I knew I was in the right profession when I saw the relief on an owner’s face after we helped his pet get back to good health and the client was able to take him back home.
Outside of work I can be found spending time with friends, family, and my dog, Jelly. In the spring and summer, you can find me at drag races and car shows.
Madison
Veterinary Assistant
I was born and raised in Fayetteville, PA. From an early age, I knew that working with animals was my true calling. In high school, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Veterinary Assisting program at Franklin County Career and Technology Center, which only fueled my passion further. Continuing my education at Wilson College as a Veterinary Medical Technology major has been an incredible journey. I am eagerly looking forward to graduating this December. After completing my education, my next step is to take the veterinary technician exam and become a certified professional in the field.
What drew me to the veterinary industry were my inspirations and passions. Throughout high school and college, I always found myself deeply fascinated by learning about different diseases and engaging in hands-on work with animals. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being able to contribute to their health and well-being. However, my absolute favorite aspect of working with animals is getting to know them on an individual level, understanding their unique personalities, and building a connection with each one. The moment I knew I was in the right profession was after completing my internship at MVVS (Mountain View Veterinary Services). It was an eye-opening experience that solidified my belief that this was where I truly belonged. The dynamic nature of the profession, with its ever-changing challenges and excitement, made me realize that I could envision myself working in this field for a lifetime.
Outside of work, I find joy and fulfillment in my personal life. I am happily married, and my husband and I reside in Chambersburg, PA. Our household is filled with love and the company of our adorable dog, two cats, and two goats. When I’m not immersed in my veterinary endeavors, I cherish spending quality time with my family, indulging in crafting activities, and accompanying my husband to drag races, which has become an exhilarating shared hobby for us.
Hannah
Veterinary Assistant
I am currently a Junior at Wilson College. I am majoring in VMT with the Equi-Assist concentration and minoring in Equine Management. I went to Carlisle High School. I live in Carlisle and I always passed the Clinic when driving to school.
I began working in the veterinary industry because I love working with horses. My favorite thing about working with animals is their personalities. Every animal has a different personality and you can never find the same one twice. I knew I was in the right profession whenever I started college in my first year.
I did very well in all my classes and especially my VMT classes. I never got bored in my VMT classes. I also train horses on the side and help out with numerous 4H clubs in Cumberland county. I have a farm of my own with goats, minis, horses, a babydoll lamb, a dog, and cats.
Morgan
Customer Service Representative
I am a customer service representative at MVVS. I have a bachelor’s in biology and had worked in Carlisle for years before having the opportunity to work here in Shippensburg.
I began working in the veterinary industry because I love animals, love learning, and enjoy helping clients and their pets feel confident in the care we provide. I knew I was in the right profession when I got to know the regular pets and had the opportunity to care for them and their families like they were part of my own extended family.
My family consists of 3 cats, 2 guinea pigs, and many many indoor plants. I have 4 sisters a brother and a large extended family. I enjoy reading and taking on new crafting projects and of course, spending time with my family
Amanda
Customer Service Representative
I rejoined the Mountain View team in February 2022. I have been a Certified Medical Assistant since 2002. Animals are my passion. I enjoy working with them and their owners. Talking to people about their animals is a passion.
My husband and I have lived in the Shippensburg area for 25 years where we have raised our 3 sons.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, four dogs, and a cat. I love dachshunds and have taken an interest in preserving this breed. I enjoy showing dachshunds for conformation. I plan to add more to my program in the next few years. In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy traveling, and horseback riding.