Dr. Mike Nelson, DVM
Dr. Mike Nelson, DVM, is not just the veterinarian and owner of Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital—he’s someone who truly cares about every pet that walks through the door. His passion for animal care shines through in everything he does, from educating pet owners to performing surgeries and guiding families in making the best decisions for their furry (or scaly) friends. Dr. Nelson ensures that each pet gets the highest standard of care at every stage of their life.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Nelson is a family man. He has been happily married to his best friend, Kristen, since 1996. Together, they’ve raised six amazing children: Dani, Joe, Sam, David, Maddie, and Abby. When he’s not working, Dr. Nelson cherishes time with his family, gets involved with his church, and volunteers with the Boy Scouts. He’s also an avid cyclist and woodworker and has a special place in his heart for raising snakes and reptiles. Dr. Nelson’s family at home includes two chocolate labs, Teancum and Emma, a tortoise named Tank, and several snakes (whose names remain a mystery).
Dr. Nelson graduated from the University of Wisconsin with his veterinary degree in 2003. He’s committed to learning and growing in his field, constantly attending seminars to stay current with the latest advancements in medications, surgical techniques, and products. While he doesn’t have a favorite breed, his love for animals stretches across all species—big and small. His journey to becoming a vet was driven by a deep love for animals and a fascination with the science behind caring for them.
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
Beyond her role at MVAH, Stephanie is also a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) at a local personal care home, where she brings her same level of passion, compassion, and care to her patients. Outside of work, she values quality time with her husband, Leon, and their adult children, Austin and Leah. Stephanie is also a devoted 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. Her favorite dog breeds are the Poodle and Rottweiler, with the Poodle being her absolute top choice. Her love for animals is evident in every part of her life.
Stephanie’s interests are as dynamic as her work ethic. She enjoys camping, sports (especially baseball, football, and hockey), tubing down the Lehigh River, supporting local music, and line dancing to country music. Whether she’s hiking, kayaking, traveling, reading, or cheering for her daughter at softball games, Stephanie is always on the go. She also enjoys boating, fishing, riding roller coasters, and attending concerts. On Sundays, you’ll often find her teaching Sunday school, playing bells, and singing in the choir—always bringing her energy and enthusiasm to everything she does.
Stephanie has been an indispensable part of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital team since 2011, where her extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment have earned her a reputation as someone who truly “wears many hats.” Whether she’s scheduling appointments, assisting the doctor during exams, providing vital support during surgeries, or offering comforting guidance to clients in times of need, Stephanie plays a crucial role in keeping the hospital running smoothly.
In her role as office manager, Stephanie is the organizational force behind the clinic. She manages schedules for both the doctor and staff, oversees social media and blog content, and ensures the clinic stays up-to-date with the latest veterinary products and trends. She also takes pride in managing the online store and pet portals, providing clients with assistance whenever needed.
What truly excites Stephanie about her work at the hospital is the variety. She thrives on the challenges that come with her favorite tasks—foreign body surgeries, C-sections, new puppy and kitten visits, and interacting with the clients who rely on the clinic’s care. As 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.”
Cathy Hartz- Veterinary Technician
Outside of the clinic, Cathy enjoys her time with her horses, especially when she’s out on the road driving her carriage. She also loves taking her 1912 antique car out for tours and looks forward to her regular vacations to Disney World. Now that she’s embracing a more relaxed schedule, Cathy works just a few hours a week, giving her more time to enjoy her horses—and hopefully more time for those magical vacations. Cathy’s favorite breed will always be the French Bulldog, a breed she holds close to her heart.
Cathy Hartz has been a dedicated and valued member of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital team since 1990. She started as a receptionist, and her eagerness to learn and grow quickly led her to become the lead technician. Over the years, Cathy has become the go-to expert on the hospital’s equipment, including the anesthesia machine, digital x-ray, blood chemistry analyzer, and dental tools, and she plays a key role in the clinic’s daily operations.
Cathy’s day-to-day responsibilities include performing nail trims, administering vaccines, drawing blood, placing IVs, and serving as the lead surgical technician, where she works closely with the doctor during surgeries. Though she’s often a woman of few words, her depth of knowledge allows her to provide expert answers and guidance for any questions you may have about your pet’s health. In addition to her technical skills, Cathy is an experienced French Bulldog breeder, and she’s always happy to share her insights with anyone interested in breeding.
Megan Mcfarland, CVT
When she’s not at the clinic, Megan loves spending time with her husband and their lively crew of five dogs and two cats. She’s also an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying activities like hunting, archery, and hiking. In her downtime, Megan is an avid reader and writer, always finding time to connect with her creative side. She’s also part of Valkyrie Squad, a group that shares her passions and hobbies. Megan’s heart belongs to the pug breed, which will always be her favorite.
Megan has been an important part of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital team since 2019. She graduated from the veterinary technician program at LCCC in 2015, eager to put her passion for animal care into practice. At MVAH, Megan works closely with Dr. Mike, assisting with exams, surgeries, and running diagnostics. She particularly enjoys performing dental procedures and takes pride in helping pets feel their best.
Stacy Lehman- Veterinary Assistant
When she’s not at the clinic, Stacy enjoys spending time on her farm with her husband, where she’s recently discovered a new passion for raising chickens. On her days off, she loves spending quality time with her daughter. At home, Stacy shares her life with her beloved cat, Minerva, or “Mini,” who has earned a special spot in her heart. Whether it’s caring for animals at work or at home, Stacy’s love for them shines through in everything she does.
Stacy has been a valued member of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital team since 2020, bringing with her nearly two decades of experience as a veterinary assistant, having started her career in 2002. While Stacy enjoys working with all types of animals, she has a special place in her heart for cats.
Tia Tyson- Receptionist
When she’s not busy with work, Tia loves riding her four-wheeler, capturing moments through photography, and attending country music concerts—her favorite way to unwind. At home, Tia shares her life with two rescue cats, Remi and Lyndy, who found her and became an inseparable part of her family. Tia’s warmth, both in and outside of work, makes her a cherished member of the team.
Outside of MVAH, Tia has been an active member of The Carbon County 4-H Livestock Club since 2011, where she breeds and raises market goats. She also holds a degree in business management from LCCC, which she applies to her work both at the clinic and when helping her parents run their concession truck.
Tia has been a valued member of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital team since March 2021. She started as a veterinary assistant but now brings her dedication and efficiency to her role as a receptionist, where she’s a friendly and welcoming face for all who visit the clinic.
Carolyn Valitsky- Veterinary Assistant
Outside of work, Carolyn is an avid lover of the great outdoors. She recently opened her heart and home to a new kitty in need, named TC (Tiny Cat). TC has quickly bonded with Carolyn’s other rescue cat, Autumn, and the two are becoming the best of friends. Whether she’s caring for her furry family members or exploring the outdoors, Carolyn brings her compassionate spirit everywhere she goes.
Carolyn has been a valued member of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital team since October 2021, bringing with her 15 years of experience in the veterinary field. Throughout her career, she’s had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of animals, from dogs and cats to ferrets, reptiles, and even wildlife. Carolyn loves every aspect of veterinary care, especially the chance to interact with both the animals and their owners. She describes each day as an adventure, filled with new opportunities to learn and grow.
Jessica Farley, CVT
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.
Jessica 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.
Alicia Delp, VMD
When she’s not at the clinic, you can find Alicia running, hiking, horseback riding, or enjoying time with her dog, Zola, and her husband, Justin. She values the moments spent outdoors and with loved ones, and she’s excited to bring that same warmth and care to her work with your pets.
Dr. Alicia is thrilled to be part of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital team, where she works part-time and shares the same dedication to providing compassionate, lifelong care for pets.
Dr. Alicia grew up in the town of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, and always had a passion for animals. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Delaware Valley University, where her love for animal care deepened. In 2023, she proudly graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, ready to make a difference in the lives of pets and their families.
Denise Kehm-Jones, DVM
Outside of work, Dr. Jones enjoys trail riding, cutting cows, hiking with her dogs, archery hunting, and reading. She’s also a proud owner of six horses, three cats, and two dogs. If you haven’t yet had the chance to meet her, we’re sure you’ll have the opportunity soon—and you’ll quickly see how much she cares about both animals and their people.
After owning her own practice for 19 years, Dr. Jones is now excited to join us. She balances her time between our clinic and providing relief work for other veterinary hospitals in the Lehigh Valley area. Whether it’s wellness exams, sick visits, dental cleanings, or general surgery, Dr. Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Dr. Jones’ deep love for animals began on her grandparents’ farm in Lehigh County, PA, where she spent her childhood surrounded by animals. After graduating from Northwestern Lehigh High School, she earned her degree from Delaware Valley College, graduating among the top three in her class. Her passion for veterinary medicine led her to Cornell University, where she graduated with honors, ready to make a lasting impact in the field.
Dr. Jones started her career as a mixed animal practitioner but soon found her true calling in equine medicine, particularly equine reproduction. However, recognizing the physical toll that equine practice took on her, she transitioned to focus on small animal care. Her interests lie in dentistry and internal medicine, and she takes a holistic approach to care, ensuring each pet receives the comprehensive attention they need to feel their best.