Kurt Krusen, DVM – I have been a general small animal practitioner here in Central PA since graduating from Kansas State University in 1985. Originally from Kansas, I finished high school in Pennsylvania. My 30 years of practice are a great mix of valuable experiences. I worked with a solo practitioner for 7 years, started a housecall practice, worked at two emergency clinics, performed surgeries for several area clinics, and provided relief work for over 20 clinics in the area before starting my practice in 1994. I have also served on veterinary missions trips where I lecture, teach surgery, and perform elective surgeries in Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the Navajo Nation.

I developed my practice and business style, and philosophy over many years based on the following. 1. Pets are a very important part of families’ and individuals’ lives. 2. Veterinarians are an important part of communities and public health. 3. I love what I do, am fulfilling my dream, and feel very fortunate and grateful to do so. 4. We should all surround ourselves with positive people and activities in our lives and careers. 5. ...not to mention, The Golden Rule. It is over simplifying for me to say, “we will treat your pets as our own”, which is true. However, I treat the pet owner as if they were my Mom or Dad, which is with the care and respect that they are due. I often say to clients, “if you were my Dad I would suggest that you...” You can’t get better consideration than what I would want to give my parents. Many vet students and veterinary practices forget that we are in the people business. Working with people and helping to keep their pets happy and healthy is what I love about veterinary medicine. I have a special interest in surgery, geriatrics, and arthritis, areas where I concentrate much of my continuing education.

Nancy Mack – Nancy has worked in the veterinary field since 1999 when she was hired to work part time by her veterinarian who was working hard to establish his own practice in Camp Hill. Who was the doctor? Dr. Kurt Krusen! Nancy was his first employee until 2003 when she moved to California. She returned to Pennsylvania in 2015. When Dr. Krusen called to offer her a full time position in March 2018, she was thrilled for the opportunity and thankfully accepted his offer. She is excited to further her knowledge and skills working alongside Dr. Krusen. A 1991 Messiah College graduate with a degree in Home Economics, Nancy self-published a book in 2013 about a very special kitty named Lagniappe who greatly impacted her faith and life. Nancy owns one cat, enjoys reading, cross-stitching and regularly wins ribbons at the Dillsburg Farmers Fair for her baking, cross-stitching, and gardening skills. Her family lives in Mechanicsburg and Dillsburg so she loves being back home in Pennsylvania involved in their lives once again, and part of a great veterinary team and rejoining the practice that she helped to start!

Dr. Krusen says, “Nancy is one of the nicest persons you could ever meet. That’s why I hired her in 1999. 20+ years later, she’s just as personable, but now with years of vet reception and technician experience. Great at customer service and getting tasks done. Nancy would get voted most likely to always be in a great mood. I get so many compliments from clients about how much they appreciate Nancy.”

Amanda Bonetti – Amanda was raised in Norwalk, CT and graduated in 2010 from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology. She started her veterinary career working as a receptionist and vet assistant at Banfield Pet Hospital in Bethesda, MD. For the last 6 years, she was working in shelter medicine, first for the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC, and then for HSWC in Hagerstown, MD. Amanda loves assisting with surgeries and building relationships with clients (something she missed while working for so long with homeless pets). In 2018, she participated in HSUS’s Spayathon for Puerto Rico, assisting with spaying and neutering over 900 pets on the island. This experience holds a special place in her heart, as she and her mother are Puerto Rican. Amanda lives in Mechanicsburg with her husband Matt (a Camp Hill native) and their cat, Honey Badger. When not at the clinic, she enjoys baking, playing board games, and all things science fiction.

Dr. Krusen says, “Because of our practice growth and my personal commitment to provide good customer service, as well as good patient care, I needed to hire a 3rd full time employee. Well, I found another superstar in Amanda! She brings 10 years of knowledge and experience, with a unique and useful background of corporate and shelter veterinary medicine, and a super upbeat and positive personality! Amanda would get voted most likely to lie on the floor and hold a whole litter of puppies, or to steal one and carry them around the office as her assistant!”

Jen Gillis, CPDT-KA – A graduate of Penn State with a B.S. in Wildlife & Fisheries Science in 1993, Jen has worked as a Veterinary Assistant in several clinics in North Carolina and Central PA. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and has a strong interest in working with clients and dogs that have behavioral difficulties. Currently Jen offers individual in-home consultations for clients wanting assistance with behavior troubles. She enjoys spending time in outdoor activities with her husband, son, and daughter, and with her two dogs. Dr. Krusen says, “I am glad to have Jen to help us prevent and treat behavior issues. I try to schedule at least one puppy appointment when Jen is working so she can give some valuable training guidance. Jen’s personality is such that she’s always looks for ways in which we can improve, and she is also an excellent researcher on V.I.N.”

Dr. Krusen says, “I’ve always tried to hire assistants who are positive, pleasant, and provide great customer and patient care. I feel we have a great team in place and are doing a good job. Each one has their own strengths. I appreciate my staff greatly, and they really enhance how enjoyable our clinic and my profession is. My goal is to have high standards when it comes to customer service (being on time, processing medications, etc.), my team all do well to achieve this. Jen has become our top Veterinary Information Network nerd, always searching for new diagnostic or treatment information whether I ask her to or not. Her dedication to finding an answer or solution for our clients is unmatched!”

Jarah Spahr – Jarah grew up on a small family farm in Lewisberry. Throughout high school she was active in Future Farmers of America and 4-H. She even showed dairy and market goats, angora rabbits, and alpacas through her 4-H program! Jarah started working in the veterinary field in kennels when she was 16, cleaning cages and feeding pets. Eventually she was trained as a Vet Tech, and has been serving as a Tech in general practice ever since. At home she has a menagerie of pets, including 4 dogs, 1 cat, 3 ferrets, multiple farm animals, and 2 fish tanks. Her hobbies include gardening, anything outdoors, and making hats or blankets.

Dr. Krusen says, “Jarah began working in the veterinary field in high school and has worked at several vet clinics, so she brings to us a variety of experience. She is extremely conscientious, never lets the ball drop, and is persistent with me until she gets the answers she needs so that she can provide great customer service. She has great tech skills and is always upbeat and easy to work with.”

Emily Dennis – A Boiling Springs native, Emily graduated from Bloomsburg University with a B.S. in Biology in 2011. As an undergraduate student, Emily worked several years as a Veterinary Assistant in Carlisle. Emily attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine for three semesters. Her vet school experience makes her a unique, dynamic, and integral part of our team. She enjoys researching and helping Dr. Krusen on complicated cases. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her sons, Jarrett and Everett, and her husband Josh and their three cats. Emily also is an experienced equestrian, showing in local schooling and rated hunter – jumper shows. Dr. Krusen says “Emily’s unique background and ability to research on my Veterinary Information Network makes it easier to stay current and find new and better ways to practice medicine. She provides great customer service and is very positive and friendly. Her broad knowledge has enhanced my ability and efficiency to practice medicine!”

This past summer Emily graduated as a Registered Nurse and is now working in Labor and Delivery at Harrisburg Hospital. We will miss seeing her smiling face every day, but she will be back periodically to perform dental cleanings (her favorite activity here) and see her favorite patients!