Dr. Mike Nelson, DVM
Dr. Mike Nelson, DVM is the veterinarian and owner of Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital. With a passion for animal care, Dr. Nelson plays a pivotal role in educating clients on all things animal-related, performing surgical procedures, guiding you in making informed decisions about your pet’s health, and ensuring the highest standards of care throughout every stage of your pet’s life.
Dr. Nelson earned his degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Wisconsin in 2003. He is dedicated to continuous learning, regularly attending seminars and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in products, medications, and surgical techniques. While he doesn’t have a particular favorite breed, Dr. Nelson’s love for animals spans all species, big and small. His desire to become a veterinarian stems not only from his deep love for animals but also from his fascination with the science behind veterinary medicine.
Dr. Nelson has been happily married to his best friend, Kristen, since 1996. Together, they have six children: Dani, Joe, Sam, David, Maddie, and Abby. When he’s not working, Dr. Nelson enjoys spending quality time with his family, being actively involved in his church, and volunteering with the Boy Scouts. In his personal time, he’s an avid cyclist, woodworker, and has a passion for raising snakes and other reptiles.
Dr. Nelson’s pets include two chocolate labs, Teancum and Emma, a tortoise named Tank, and several unnamed snakes.
At Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital, clients don’t just walk in as visitors – they leave as part of the family. This is the level of care and compassion that Dr. Nelson and his dedicated staff strive to provide every day.
Stephanie Prutzman- Office Manager, Veterinary Assistant, Receptionist, Inventory Manager
Stephanie has been a dedicated team member at Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital since 2011. With her extensive knowledge of the clinic, she truly “wears many hats.” From scheduling appointments and assisting the doctor during exams, to providing support during surgeries and offering comfort to clients in times of need, Stephanie plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations at the hospital.
As the office manager, she is responsible for creating schedules for both the doctor and staff, managing social media and blog content, and staying current with the latest veterinary products and trends. Additionally, Stephanie oversees the online store and pet portals, offering assistance to clients with these resources as needed.
Stephanie’s favorite tasks at the hospital include observing foreign body surgeries, C-sections, new puppy and kitten visits, and engaging with clients. She says, “I love coming to work every day—every day is an adventure, and the saying ‘you learn something new every day’ certainly applies here.”
Outside of her role at MVAH, Stephanie works as a PCA at a local personal care home. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Leon, and their children, Austin and Leah. Stephanie is also a proud pet parent to five dogs (a miniature poodle, a Heinz 57, a Doberman, and two Rottweilers), two ferrets, an African Grey Parrot, and nine cats.
Stephanie has a wide range of interests, including camping, baseball, football, hockey, tubing down the Lehigh River, supporting the local music scene, country line dancing, hiking, kayaking, traveling, reading, watching her daughter play softball, boating, fishing, riding rollercoasters, and attending concerts. On Sundays, you can also find her teaching Sunday school, playing bells, and singing with the choir.
Her favorite dog breeds are the Poodle and the Rottweiler, with the Poodle being her top choice.
Cathy Hartz- Veterinary Technician
Cathy Hartz has been an integral team member at Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital since 1990. Starting as a receptionist, Cathy’s passion for learning led her to become the lead technician. With her extensive knowledge of the hospital’s equipment, including the anesthesia machine, digital x-ray, blood chemistry analyzer, and dental equipment, Cathy plays a crucial role in the clinic’s daily operations.
Her responsibilities at MVAH include performing nail trims, administering vaccines, drawing blood, placing IVs, and serving as the lead surgical technician, assisting the doctor during surgeries. Though Cathy is often quiet, her wealth of knowledge allows her to address many questions regarding your pet’s health with expertise and care. Additionally, Cathy is an experienced French Bulldog breeder and can offer valuable insights for anyone interested in breeding.
Outside of the clinic, Cathy enjoys recreational carriage driving and caring for her horses. She also takes pride in touring with her 1912 antique car and cherishes her vacations in Disney World. Cathy is starting to embrace the joy of retirement as she is only here a few hours a week. This gives her more time to enjoy her horses and hopefully more time for vacations. Cathy’s favorite breed is the French Bulldog.
Megan Mcfarland, CVT
Stacy Lehman- Veterinary Assistant
Stacy has been a valued team member at Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital since 2020, bringing with her extensive experience in the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant since 2002. While Stacy enjoys working with all kinds of animals, she has a special fondness for cats.
Outside of her work at MVAH, Stacy loves spending time on her farm with her husband, where she has recently developed a passion for raising chickens. On her days off, she enjoys quality time with her daughter. At home, Stacy shares her life with a cat named Minerva, affectionately known as Mini.
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Tia Tyson- Receptionist
Tia has been a valuable team member at Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital since March 2021. She initially joined as a veterinary assistant but now serves as a receptionist, managing the role with efficiency and dedication.
Since 2011, Tia has been an active member of The Carbon County 4-H Livestock Club, where she breeds and raises market goats. She holds a degree in business management from LCCC. Outside of her work at MVAH, Tia also helps her parents run a concession truck.
In her free time, Tia enjoys riding her four-wheeler, photography, and attending country music concerts. At home, Tia is the proud owner of two rescue cats, Remi and Lyndy, who found her and became part of her family.
Carolyn Valitsky- Veterinary Assistant
Carolyn has been a valued team member at Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital since October 2021, bringing with her 15 years of experience in the veterinary field. Over the course of her career, she has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, reptiles, and wildlife. Carolyn enjoys every aspect of veterinary care, especially interacting with both the patients and their owners. She describes each day as an adventure, with new learning opportunities constantly arising.
Outside of work, Carolyn is an avid lover of the great outdoors. Recently, she opened her heart and home to a new kitty in need, named TC (Tiny Cat). TC has quickly bonded with her other rescue cat, Autumn, and the two are becoming the best of friends.
Jessica Farley, CVT
Jessica Farley has had the privilege of working as a certified veterinary technician for over twelve years. Prior to relocating to Carbon County, Jessica spent much of her career in emergency animal medicine in both Northampton and Bucks County. During this time, she gained experience working with a wide range of animals, including large, small, farm, and exotic species. These experiences fueled her passion for anesthesia administration and assisting in surgery, and, more importantly, deepened her appreciation for the well-being of every dog, cat, lizard, bird, cow, and hamster under her care.
A lifelong animal lover, Jessica grew up riding horses, competing in dressage, and participating in other equestrian sports. Today, she cares for two horses, Festus and Gracie, and spends her weekends training them. Outside of the barn, Jessica is a dedicated pet parent to four cats, one guinea pig, and a special needs chihuahua named Peanut. You may also find her exploring the local trails or climbing the switchback trail in search of wildlife.
Alicia Delp, VMD
Dr. Alicia grew up in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, and earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology from Delaware Valley University. She then went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. Dr. Alicia is excited to join the team at Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital on a part-time basis, where she shares the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional, lifelong care for your pets.
Outside of work, Alicia enjoys running, hiking, horseback riding, and spending quality time with her dog, Zola, and her husband, Justin.
Denise Kehm-Jones, DVM
Dr. Jones developed her love for animals while growing up on her grandparents’ farm in Lehigh County, PA. After graduating from Northwestern Lehigh High School, she earned her degree from Delaware Valley College, graduating among the top three in her class. She then went on to Cornell University, where she received her veterinary degree with honors.
Dr. Jones began her career as a mixed animal practitioner before transitioning to focus primarily on equine medicine, driven by her passion for equine reproduction. However, recognizing the physical demands of equine practice, she shifted her focus to small animal care. She has a particular interest in dentistry and internal medicine, and she enjoys approaching each pet as a whole to provide comprehensive care that helps them feel their best.
Dr. Jones joins us after selling the practice she owned for 19 years. In her free time, she enjoys trail riding, cutting cows, hiking with her dogs, archery hunting, and reading. She is the proud owner of six horses, three cats, and two dogs.
Dr. Jones will be with us as her schedule permits, as she also provides relief work for other veterinary hospitals in the Lehigh Valley area. She is more than capable of providing wellness exams, sick visits, dental cleanings, and general surgery. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting her, we’re confident you will soon.