Meet Our Friendly Staff
Patrick Riel, Practice Manager

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Patrick has been a member of our practice since the early months of 2016. He studied Political Science at UMass Amherst, focusing on electoral systems and political history. He spent a year interning for a State Senator in Boston, after which he joined our staff full-time. He does not assist with appointments very often, but he enjoys talking with clients about their pets when he has the chance.
Patrick enjoys European and American history from 1789 - 1919. He lives in Easthampton with his wife Kasey & their daughter Hazel. They have two cats, Comet & Earl (Connie & Pearl).
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Sheila Andre, Veterinary Technician

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Sheila grew up in Bondsville, a village in the town of Palmer and has lived her entire life there. She currently resides not far from the house she grew up in. Sheila attended Mt. Ida College in Newton, Ma. where she received an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology. Sheila has been working at the Monson Animal Clinic for the past 39 years! She started working here as a sophomore in high school, during every school break and summer vacation. Sheila spent as much time here as she possibly could to learn the trade that would define her future. There isn’t one aspect of the job she doesn’t like! Assisting in surgeries, taking medical histories, x-rays, handling medications and venipuncture are all parts of the overall big picture in being a Veterinary Technician. Sheila's favorite part about going to work each day is sharing her passion for this career with her equally caring coworkers. She loves being able to interact with each client and their furry family members. Sheila has been with her partner Gary for the last 25 years and together they are the proud parents of two twelve year old cats, Lil G (pictured) and Boonilla. Sheila's hobbies include flower gardening, reading and shopping.
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Matt Mott, Veterinary Technician

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Matt grew up in Monson and has lived there all his life. He has been working as a veterinary technician for 14 years. He has always been very passionate about his job and loves helping animals. Matt enjoys going on hikes and walking his dog, Kuma, around town in his free time. He also enjoys playing video games. He has 3 pets, Kuma, Bran, and Noah. Kuma is his dog, Noah is his geriatric cat, and Bran is his special needs cat.
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Cara Chenaille, CVT
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Cara was born and raised in Western MA. After nearly a decade in the food service industry she decided she needed a change. Having always had a passion for animals she enrolled in the Associates Program for Veterinary Technology at Holyoke Community College where she graduated with honors in Spring of 2018 and became a licensed technician the following summer. Cara came to Monson Animal Clinic after working in an Emergency Hospital for a little over a year and is very happy with the change of scene. She greatly values the opportunity to form long lasting bonds with clients and patients alike. And between assisting in surgeries, same day emergencies and routine visits, her days are never boring! Cara currently resides in Holyoke with her Boxer Pogo, her cat Maize and her 3-legged terrier Burt. When she's not at work she enjoys running, spending time with family and friends, and hiking with her crazy dogs.
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Sarah McCandlish, Veterinary Assistant

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Sarah has lived in East Longmeadow, MA her entire life. She went to Becker College in Leicester, MA where she graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors in Biology. After working for a few years at a boarding kennel down the road from her, she got the opportunity she has always wanted, to work in a vet clinic. She has been with us since January 2019 and has loved every moment of it! Taking radiographs, monitoring anesthesia and taking patient histories are some of her favorite things to do at work. She always has a smile on her face thanks to her amazing co-workers!! When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family & friends, snuggling with her kitty Danny (pictured), hiking & reading.
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Betty White, Clinic Cat

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Betty was an unexpected addition to our clinic in November 2019. Everybody loved her from day one! She was not our biggest fan at first but after a very short time she has adjusted and now loves everyone. She enjoys sleeping on the couch, reclining on the carpet in the reception area, stealing our chairs, and chasing after her treats. She dislikes dieting and being held. You may catch a glimpse of her snoozing in her favorite red chair when you come to our reception window!
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