Our Team
Meet the Team at Veterinary Surgery Center of Western New York.
Kathy Collins, DVM, CCRP, DACVS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgery
Dr. Kathy Collins is the proprietor of Veterinary Surgical Services, PLLC. Dr. Collins is a specialist in small animal surgery, achieving Board Certification from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in 2001. To attain this level of expertise and recognition requires completion of an internship and a 3-year surgical residency, followed by passing a rigorous certification examination administered by ACVS. Dr. Collins has been working in specialty surgical practice since completion of her residency in July 2000.
Olivia
Olivia is our Buffalo connection! She graduated in 2015 from Medaille College with a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Technology. After working in general practice for several years she fell in love with specialty surgery and made her way onto the team. She is a versatile go-getter that loves to care for your pets like they are her own! In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with her own fur child "Scout".
Maggie
Maggie is the team sherpa and surgical conductor, meaning she carries and sets up the equipment and helps the day flow as smoothly as possible. When she isn’t juggling patients she spends time with her two dogs, Gryffendog a 100lb mixed breed, and RosiePosie a 15lb king Charles spaniel. She has 2 barn cats but has an open-door policy and often invites homeless cats to come home with her. Recently having discovered her green thumb she spends most of her spare time working on her budding flower farm or tending her extensive plant collection.
Joan
Joan is a true O.G. She has been with Dr. Collins almost from the start. She came with a background in leadership in FDA manufacturing and quality control, and over a decade of experience in the veterinary field. These led her to becoming the first integral component of the team Dr. Collins built to provide specialty surgical care for your pet. She keeps all the pieces moving by providing support at home base, managing equipment, inventory, bookkeeping and all the other loose ends that keep the team together!
Shannon
Shannon completed her education at SUNY Delhi State University and has dedicated 27 years of her life to caring for animals as a licensed veterinary technician, showcasing her longstanding passion for their well-being. Her life encompasses much more than her professional endeavors; she is a devoted wife and the mother of two children and four dogs. In her personal time, she enjoys the simple pleasures of life, such as gardening, reading, photography, and watching Hallmark movies. Shannon is often described as a “boy mom” with a “free spirit.”
Jenna
Jenna is a transplant from Colorado, via Florida! She received her technician training at both Cedar Valley College and Penn Foster. Since 2010, Jenna has been working in veterinary medicine in various capacities. She has a particular interest in rehabilitation therapy, surgery, pain management, and caring for senior patients. Jenna lives with her husband, two children, four dogs, and a lively kitten. Despite her busy life, she makes time for her other passions, which include cooking, photography, horseback riding, and attending dog shows.
John
John, a Rochester native, earned his bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Mercy College in 2010. Throughout his career, he has specialized in anesthesia and pain management, working in both specialty and emergency settings. His experience includes caring for a wide range of patients—from pets undergoing complex orthopedic surgeries to critically ill animals requiring life-saving interventions.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his family and pets. He also loves hiking, cooking, and watching movies.
Barb
Barb graduated from the Medaille Veterinary Technology program in 2000 and has since dedicated her career to a large private veterinary practice. Throughout her tenure, she has taken on various responsibilities, including providing anesthesia support during advanced surgical procedures conducted by Dr. Collins at her hospital. Barb is PennHIPP certified (hip dysplasia screening), and is also a certified Fear Free veterinary technician, ensuring a compassionate approach to animal care.
Outside of her professional life, Barb enjoys a fulfilling lifestyle on her farmette, where she raises and trains German Shepherds. She is passionate about horseback riding and loves spending time with her farm animals. Barb cherishes moments with her family, sharing her life with her husband and their two children, creating a nurturing and vibrant home environment.