Paul J. Smith, DVM-
Dr. Smith is the President of Kennebec Veterinary Services, Inc. He was raised on a dairy farm in New Hampshire. He received his Associates and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of New Hampshire in 1983 and 1986 respectively. Paul then received his DVM degree with honors from Ohio State University in 1990. His primary interests are in the fields of dairy production medicine and emergency services. Paul is a member of the MVMA, AVMA, AABP, Phi Zeta veterinary honor society, Alpha Zeta agriculture honor society and a Alpha Gamma Rho brother. Dr. Smith resides in Oakland with his wife Kathy, son Kyle (Special Assistant to the President) and two fiesty cats, Anson (rescued from a farm in North Anson) and Paddy ( a one eyed monster!)
Matthew C. Townsend, DVM-
Dr. Townsend was raised on a small, family dairy farm in Waldoboro, ME. One of four children, including an identical twin brother, who is also a veterinarian. Matt attended the University of Maine where he received his B.Sc. degree, and Auburn University in Auburn, AL where he received his DVM degree. He resides in Fairfield Center with his wife Diane, and 4 daughters, Evelyn, Lydia,and twins Sarah and Abigail. He keeps himself out of trouble by keeping busy with recreational sports, and farming. His pets include 2 beagles(Patches & Olive Oyl),Remy (a mix breed), and 1 cat(Max), and a growing herd of alpacas. He serves on the board for the Waterville Area Humane Society. He is a past President of the Maine VMA as well as the New England VMA. Additionally, Dr. Townsend serves on the steering committee for the Maine Cattle Health Assurance Program, and the Maine Department of Agriculture's task force dealing with the shortage of large animal veterinarians in Maine. He is also a member of the AVMA, MEVMA, AABP, AASRP.
Erin L. Flood, DVM-
Dr. Flood grew up in New Brunswick, Canada. She attended the Nova Scotia Agriculture College for undergrad. She graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island in 2002. She practiced as a mixed practitioner in Virginia until joining our team in May of 2004. She lives on a large family dairy in Clinton with her husband, Tim and daughter Meara born in April 2007 and son William born in June 2008. Other than cows, their pets include: three cats, Mallory, Clive & Wally; and Gus, a robust black labrador retriever. She enjoys many outdoor activities and is loving Maine. Dr. Flood is a member of AVMA, CVMA, MeVMA and AABP.
Candace A. Erker, DVM-
Candace Erker grew up outside St. Louis, Missouri before attending high school outside Chicago. She studied French language at the University of Colorado in Boulder and, loving the area and the mountains, lived there for 10 years. After returning to undergrad to finish Vet school prerequisites, she attended Vet school at the University of Minnesota, graduating in May 2007. She moved to Maine in late June, 2007 and has settled in with fiance Scott and her 2 cats, “Ralphie" ( the tripod) and “Van.” When not working, Candace is usually trying to do something active outdoors, something crafty indoors, or is cooking.
Danielle L. Davignon, DVM-
Dr. Davignon was born and raised in northwestern CT. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA in 2002 with degrees in Biology and Spanish. She obtained a Master’s degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Reproductive Physiology from Cornell University in 2004. A love of cows led her to pursue veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, from which she obtained her D.V.M. degree in 2008. She is happy to return to her New England roots, accompanied by her dachshund Oscar and cat Miles. Danielle is particularly interested in small ruminants and camelids, as well as the promotion of companion animal wellness. Danielle is a member of the AVMA, MVMA, AASRP, AABP, and Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society. When not at work Dr. Davignon can usually be found playing ice hockey or pursuing outdoor activities.
Karen Hale, DVM&S
official biography pending!
Laurie Boulanger, LVT-
Laurie has worked for Kennebec Veterinary Services since 1978 first as a Vet Tech & then as the office manager. She was born in Waterville, and graduated from Lawrence High School, and then went on to UMO, where she entered the Animal Medical Technology program. From there she trained at the Animal Medical Center in New York City for half a semester. Laurie graduated with an Associates degree in Animal Medical Technology, and is a licensed Veterinary Technician with the State of Maine. She resides in Fairfield with her husband Jeff, daughter Brooke, and the wonder dog (Mystic).
Heidi Wessels-
Heidi started working at KVS in June 1999, initially as a receptionist/non-licensed technician, then as the Operations Manager. She has been in the veterinary business for approximately 31 years, starting as an Administrative Assistant and Vet Tech at various practices in MD & PA, including two 24-hour emergency hospitals. She worked training dogs in obedience and tracking, volunteered at humane societies, had her own pet-sitting service, & created a rescue league known as "Barely Made It Rescue". At one point she shared her life with 23 cats & 10 dogs, including her first Pit Bull Terrier. "Rugby" won the hearts of many & demonstrated the many admirable attributes of the breed; enough to pave the way for other PBT companions. Now, instead of rescuing animals, Heidi's enjoys salvaging & renovating old buildings, collecting & selling antiques, landscape design, traveling, & interior design.
Renee Blodgett LVT-
Renee came to KVS as an extern student from the veterinary technology program at UMA and stayed on as an employee upon graduation in May of 2005. Renee lives in Skowhegan with her daughter, Alicia. She also has 3 cats, a collie named Captain, and a Sheltie named Kipper, who is a frequent visitor at the clinic. Renee worked for 12 years as an elementary school teacher, before returning to school herself to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a licensed veterinary technician. According to Renee, "This is absolutely the most wonderful job anyone could ever have! Animals enrich our lives in so many ways- it's rewarding to be able to give something back to them in terms of healthcare, to make their lives happier and more comfortable."
Cara Tibbetts LVT-
Cara was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. After attending college at Iowa State University for 2 years, she decided to trade cornfields and flatlands for lakes and lobster by moving to Maine in December 2001. Cara returned back to school in 2004 and came to KVS as an extern student during the Spring of 2009. She stayed on as an employee upon graduation as a veterinary technician in May 2009. Cara resides in Belgrade Lakes with her husband Peter, son Grady and 2 dogs, Asia and Oliver. In her free time, Cara enjoys playing with "G" Baby, singing, dancing, traveling, laughing and going to the movies.
Abby Rust LVT-
Abby is a 2009 graduate of the University College of Bangor's Veterinary Technician Program. She lives on Unity Pond with 5 cats, 3 dogs and 3 horses.
Angela Rumney-
Angela became an integral member of our Receptionist/ Administrative Assistant team in November 2004. In May 2004, she and her family moved to Maine from Grand Rapids, MI where she operated her own childcare/preschool business for nine years. From her love of animals, Angela decided to make a career change to the veterinary field and has created another entrepreneurial endeavor in "My Best Friend" Pet Photography. She has been officially appointed as KVS' clinic photographer, so don't be shy if she wants to photograph you and your pet for our new computer system! Angela lives in Clinton with her four children, Kaleigh, Amelia, Colin & Jake, and a menagerie of critters: three dogs, "Sammy, Chip, & Seamus"; four cats, "Abby, Phoebe, Milo, & Lola".
Beth Bailey-
Beth joined us the KVS family November 2005. Previously, she had spent three years working for the Franklin Co. Animal Shelter in Farmington, ME as one of their animal care technicians, looking after the many hundreds of animals that came through their doors each year. Although the decision to leave the shelter was a very difficult one, she does not regret the choice. Being in the veterinary field has been a welcomed change. The people at Kennebec Vets have been an inspiration for facing difficult trials everyday, and for still being able to smile at the end of that day, and she is proud to call them her co-workers and friends. Thanks to her years at the shelter, Beth has been a foster mom to a wide variety of animals, ranging from cats, dogs, guinea pigs, fish, gerbils, lizards, turtles and rabbits. She is currently resides in Waterville, with her three permanent "kitty kids" Stumbalina, Shy Guy and Dora.
Angie Cunningham-
Angie was born in Waterville and grew up in Winslow. She attended Mid-State College in Augusta. She currently lives in Winslow with her husband Randy and their two children, son Dakota and daughter Brooke, and their menagerie: dogs, "Pepper & Titan", & two cats, "Damon & Diva". Angie is an avid shopaholic, enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.
Judy Rice -
Judy came to our clinic in October 2006 as a kennel technician. She moved to Maine with her husband Bill in April of 2005 after raising their son Billy and daughter Alyssa in Massachusetts. With their children grown and moved out, it was time for Judy and Bill to find their own secluded place. They now reside in Benton. Besides loving her job, she loves spending time outside in nature and spending time with her own little entourage of pets: her dogs Colby, Cujo, Jesse, & Dodge and her four cats, Reba, Raven, Salem and Merlin.
Nicole Savasuk-
Nicole joined the practice in March 2009. She is a graduate from Lawrence High School. She worked during her high school years at Fairfield Kennels. She plans to continue her education in the future to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Growing up Nicole spent lots of time caring for other prople's pets while they were away. She currently lives in Fairfield Center with her boyfriend, Nick, their puppy, "Dakota", a one-eyed rescue cat, "Wonder", & two bearded dragons. Hopefully, there will be many more animals in the future.
Ben Kenney-
A Fairfield Center resident, U Maine Orono Pre-Vet/Animal Science student and (hopefully) future veterinarian has worked part-time and school breaks, volunteered and job shadowed for several years at KVS. When not at school studying hard, he is at home with his growing herd of mini-goats and cows on the farm. He is an avid hunter, and can't wait for snowmobile season.
