Meet Our Terrific Team

Jay Rowan, VMD

Medical Director, Veterinarian, and Practice Owner

Dr. Jay Rowan treats all pets as if they are his own. Stop in to check out Dr. R’s collection of veterinary antiques and vintage advertising featuring dogs and cats. Clients appreciate his exceptional “petside” manner. For example, he is happy to get down on the floor to examine the big dogs, so they remain as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Rowan attended Pennsylvania State University, graduating with a BS in Biology, with distinction, in 1985. He graduated from the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 as a member of The Society of Phi Zeta, the honor society of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Rowan became the owner of Paoli Vetcare (previously Tredyffrin Animal Hospital) in 1996. Drs. Rowan and Downes are the proud parents of two young men — Conor Rowan, PhD candidate in aerospace engineering at UC Boulder, and Keefer Rowan, PhD candidate in pure mathematics at NYU’s Courant Institute. Dr. Rowan lives on a historic farm (circa 1764) in Chester County, PA with a myriad of pets and his wife and co-practice owner, Dr. Erin Downes.

Nicknamed “Doc” by his staff—he enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, especially working around his farm, backpacking, and canoeing. Be sure to click the button to read Dr. Rowan’s interview to learn more about him.

Read our client reviews and request an appointment today to meet 5-star veterinarian Dr. Jay Rowan.

“We’re here to cure!”

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Erin Downes, VMD

Practice Owner and Hospital Administrator

Dr. Erin Downes is a compassionate pet enthusiast, enthusiatic educator, and her problem-solving skills are one of Paoli Vetcare’s greatest strengths. Creating a highly-skillled professional, healthy, and joyful workplace for Paoli Vetcare’s staff is her number one priority.

A lifelong lover of all types of animals, Dr. Downes has spent three decades putting both people and pets first. She is a Fear Free® Certified Veterinary Professional because decreasing fear, anxiety, and stress — especially during the veterinary exams — is important to the wellbeing of all animals. She is also a USDA Accredited Veterinarian which allows her to issue international health cetificates endorsed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

In addition to dogs and cats, Dr. Downes has owned, cared for, and treated a huge variety of animal species, including snakes, iguanas, Komodo dragons, turtles, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, chinchillas, rabbits, chickens, ducks, parrots, finches, crows, emus, ostriches, lemurs, bobcats, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, horses, cattle, miniature horses and zebus, llamas, alpacas, buffalo, and others!

Dr. Downes graduated with a BS in Physics from Pennsylvania State University, summa cum laude in 1986 and as valedictorian of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine class of 1992, summa cum laude. After veterinary school, Dr. Downes obtained additional specialized training in equine and agricultural animal medicine and surgery by obtaining a highly-competitive internship position at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Paoli Vetcare has become a cornerstone of the community and a highly-regarded primary care veterinary hospital on the Philadelphia Main Line. That is due to the excellent medical care provided by the veterinarians, the extraordinary customer and patient care provided by the staff, as well as the diligent management and positive work culture championed by Dr. Erin Downes.

She has made it her mission to uplift and educate and her love for all animals is infectious. When she’s not engaging in her passion for animals and practice management, she enjoys vacations exploring the outdoors with her two twentysomething sons and her husband, Dr. Jay Rowan.

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Lauren Trusa, BVetMed

Associate Veterinarian

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Lauren Trusa will be joining Paoli Vetcare this summer as a full time associate veterinarian. She graduated cum laude from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia in 2009 then moved to England to complete the rigorous, accelerated Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine graduate program at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 2014. Dr. Trusa loves developing relationships with clients and working with their pets in general practice — and says that dentistry and surgery are her “happy place.”

Since graduation, Dr. Trusa has been working as a small animal veterinarian in Sheffield, England where she gained experience working under pressure in fast-paced environment balancing both routine first opinion and urgent care cases, often as sole duty vet. She developed a special interest in and advanced skills performing small animal dentistry, dental radiography, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Trusa is proficient in performing routine and emergency surgical procedures, simple and complex dental extractions, and diagnostic imaging including x-rays and routine ultrasound.

With almost ten years of experience Dr. Trusa was responsible for mentoring new graduates in complex medical and surgical cases. She is a certified Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Counsellor and a registered Veterinary Acupuncturist with the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists. Dr. Trusa has post-graduate certification in leadership and management developing team-based approaches to working and supporting high performance in teams. During her time at Abbeymoor Veterinary Centres, she especially enjoyed working with the local animal rescue organizations and the Sheffield city shelter to provide veterinary services to pets on pro bono basis.

Dr. Lauren Trusa is excited to join the Paoli Vetcare team soon! She has made it her life’s work to care for pets and their families, and her deep love and appreciation of animals is an inspiration to us all.

Chelsie Reeves

Practice Manager

Chelsie, our Fear Free® Certified practice manager, has been a catalyst for positive change at Paoli Vetcare since her promotion from ClientPatient Care Coordinator in 2021. Her mission includes providing exceptional care for both clients and patients; fostering a healthy and happy work environment; and ensuring the longterm viability of the practice. Chelsie manages the staff and the day-to-day functions of the hospital; assists the technicians and the doctors; manages and purchases inventory; and troubleshoots any issues that arise in a professional and empathetic manner.

Chelsie graduated summa cum laude from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her passion for helping people evolved to include a passion for helping animals. Chelsie is a huge foodie so you can usually find her cooking or trying a new restaurant. She also enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and rooting for the Phillies and the Eagles. She has a St. Bernard/Bernese Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever mixed breed dog named Casey.

Sydney Lloyd, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Sydney earned her associate’s degree from Manor College in their Veterinary Technology program. She passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination in December 2023 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Sydney’s favorite part of veterinary medicine is watching her patients grow up and helping to keep them healthy through each and every stage of their lives. 

Outside of work she enjoys going to the gym, cleaning, and spending time with her Rottweiler dog, Diesel, who is a calm and confident companion. 

Nancy Malsbary-Denbow

Veterinary Assistant

Nancy started working at Paoli Vetcare many years ago as a Kennel Assistant and with on-the-job training acquired the skills to become a Veterinary Assistant. Her talents are diverse and she is an integral part of our hospital. Nancy assists technicians and doctors; draws blood and places catheters; preps patients for surgery; monitors anesthesia; performs dental prophylaxes; oversees the health and well-being of boarders; and even occasionally helps out in reception — Nancy can truly do it all!

Nancy’s love of animals began when she took horseback riding lessons when she was just 8 years old. She has passed down her love of animals to her son, Chris, who works at Paoli Vetcare as a Kennel Assistant. In her spare time, Nancy loves to workout at her gym, go running with friends, and participate in organized road & obstacle races. She shares her home with her children and her Shih Tzu, Missy.

Brandon Gooden

Veterinary Assistant

Brandon brings a wealth of experience to our team, with years of dedicated service in the field. He is an experienced veterinary assitant and served as practice manager of the Brandywine Valley SPCA. He graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in political science in 2011.

A cherished moment in his career was the unexpected twist of becoming a “foster failure” when he couldn’t resist adopting his beloved German Shepherds, Saint and Magic, after attempting to foster them. Beyond his professional pursuits, Brandon finds joy in following Philly sports, delving into literature, and exploring the art of screen printing. He holds his grandmother dear as his hero, whose lessons in kindness and passion for reading ignited his own lifelong love for both.

Varinder “Vin” Singh

Veterinary Assistant

Vin earned his degree in Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences from Penn State University in 2023. He holds certifications as a Fear Free® Veterinary Professional and in Veterinary CPR through Cornell University’s RECOVER Basic and Advance Life Support program.

With his passionate ambition to become a veterinarian, Vin dedicates himself to this noble pursuit. In his leisure time, he cheers for his alma mater’s Nittany Lions football team. Alongside his academic and professional endeavors, Vin finds joy in watching horror movies, developing culinary skills, and cherishing moments with his beloved companions: Romii, a lively Pomeranian mix, and Lilly, an elegant white Siberian Husky.

Vin Earned the Elite Fear Free Certified Professional Designation

Becoming an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional is for veterinary members who go above and beyond in their commitment to Fear Free®.

Elite Fear Free Certified Professionals are individuals who are continually committed to a higher level of education — setting themselves apart from the rest.

Courtney Price

Patient Client Care Coordinator

As you step through our front doors, you’ll be met with the vibrant energy of Courtney, whose bubbly personality radiates warmth and enthusiasm. Certified in CPR and First Aid Training, Courtney finds immense joy in her work within veterinary medicine, particularly in witnessing the growth and development of puppies under our care, mirroring the journey she’s shared with her beloved Chihuahua, Gator.

Her goal is to channel her exceptional communication skills and dedication to animal welfare into a dynamic role within the veterinary industry — always aiming to deliver outstanding experiences for both pets and their owners.

Beyond her professional commitments, Courtney enjoys outdoor pursuits like hiking and embarking on adventures with Gator by her side. Her father serves as a profound source of inspiration; despite facing adversities, he exemplifies a spirit of gratitude and unwavering happiness. Reflecting her outlook on life, Courtney embraces the mantra, “No such thing as a life that’s better than yours,” as her favorite guiding quote.

Katelyn Lardon

Client-Patient Care Coordinator

Katelyn is pictured above with her three-year-old German shepherd dog, Kai, who inspires her to do better everyday. She says working with Kai encourages her to be more active and compassionate.

Katelyn is currently in dog training school and her favorite quote is, “just do it!”

If she could be any animal, Katelyn would be a wolf because they are both elegant and always on the move.

Chris Malsbary

Kennel Assistant

Chris is our Veterinary Assistant Nancy’s son and he too has worked at Paoli Vetcare for many years. He feeds, cleans, and takes the dogs out to play. One of his favorite memories is when Dr. Rowan’s dog, Greta, had her five male puppies and they all lived at the hospital until they were old enough to go home.

#happylife is how Chris would describe his job. Morgan Freeman is his hero because his selflessness, dedication to work, and will to follow his dreams are inspirational. Chris’s hobbies include building computers, drawing, and doing impressions. If he could be any animal, he would be a lizard.

Samantha Resendiz

Kennel Assistant

We are excited that Sam is the first staff member to take advantage of our Paoli Vetcare Penn Foster Partner Program tuition-reimbursement benefit — she is working now to attain a NAVTA-Approved Veterinary Assistant Diploma.

Previously, Sam attended Harcum College and graduated with an associates degree in Animal Center Management. She loves to see dogs joyously leap over the car seat when they spot her coming out to get them for daycare! Sam enjoys rooting for the Washington Commanders, watching Disney movies, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Sam’s dog is a cross between a Beagle and an English Bulldog or Beabull named Maisey, who loves looking for rabbits in the backyard. If Sam could be any animal, she would be a Rottweiler because they are kind, hard working, and lovable (just like Sam!).

Alex Stein

Kennel Assistant

Alex graduated in 2023 from Susquehanna University with a B.S. in psychology where he was the ice hockey team captain. He consistently infuses our team with his infectious positivity, readily lending a helping hand wherever needed. A true animal lover, he shares his home with an array of furry and aquatic companions: Bauer, a silver lab; Nikki, his Siberian husky; Kentucky, a Labrador mix; Mommy, the love bird; and Meek and Toby, African clawed frogs.

When not tending to his beloved pets, Alex finds solace and excitement in cheering on his favorite sports teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies, along with the Washington Commanders—a shared passion cultivated through cherished family moments.

He holds his parents in the highest esteem, recognizing their unwavering support and countless sacrifices that have shaped his journey, making them his ultimate heroes.

Meghan Meyer

Kennel Assistant

Meghan is one of our dedicated kennel assistants. She graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. in Psychology. It has helped her tremendously as she has always been passionate about helping and understanding others. She loves getting to know and make new connections with everyone! 

Meghan grew up in a very pet-friendly family. She currently lives with her dog, Charlie, a King Charles/Cocker Spaniel mix and her adopted cat, who she actually named Leonardo DiCatrio 😹

Meghan enjoys spending her free time either at the gym or with family and loved ones. Her mom is her hero and biggest inspiration due to her unconditional support, love, & strength. 

Meghan is working towards becoming a Veterinary Technician and finds the most rewarding moments in her job when she earns the trust and affection of especially timid or shy animals!