Staff

Practice Owner

  • Dr. Douglas M. Poorman, DVM - I am a 1997 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I have been practicing veterinary medicine for 14 years and have had the opportunity to work on large and small animals, as well as a variety of exotic pets. Petplex Animal Hospital opened in November of 2003, and I have enjoyed the generous support of the Buckeye Lake community. We moved into our current facility in March of 2010 and have been excited to be able to offer our clientele improved services because of the additional space in the new hospital.I grew up in a rural community similar to Buckeye Lake and enjoyed spending time in the summer on my grandparent’s farm. I have always had a variety of pets (dogs, cats, etc.) and spent a good deal of my childhood working with livestock and horses. These experiences have always drawn me toward the field of veterinary medicine and helped me appreciate the human animal bond.I am pleased that my staff and I are able to provide exceptional care for the pets in our community. As we get to know our clients it becomes more and more obvious that the pets we see are more like members of family and that when they hurt, we hurt too. We always try to treat our patients with the same care and concern that we would want for the loved ones in our lives.
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Veterinarians

  • Dr. Jessica Williamson, DVM – I started at Petplex in April of 2007. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgetown College, and received my veterinary degree from The Ohio State University. I have been working in the Licking County area since 2005. I am married and have a son. We have 3 dogs, 2 guinea pigs and 1 fish. I enjoy reading, cooking, shopping, and spending time with my family.
  • Dr. Julie C. Mestemaker, DVM - I just recently began working at Petplex in March of 2011 and have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful clients and their pets! I am a two time graduate of The Ohio State University, completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology in 1994, followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1997. I have a special interest in preventative medicine and dentistry.I am married and am the proud mother of four incredible children. I enjoy the company of my beautiful dog, Ziggy, a four year old Vizsla, and my very affectionate cat, Sweetie. When I find some free time, I like to garden, read, play various sports, and cook for my family and friends.
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Management Staff

  • Dawn S. Faught – I am the Office Manager and have worked here since we opened in 2003. I have worked in the veterinary field for 20 years. I attended Ohio Dominican University and Ohio State School of Cosmetology. This area has been my home for 25 years. My daughter, Amanda, is a student of Ohio University. Charm and Rocky are my two horses, and I also have six cats—all rescues or special needs babies. Hairy, my Scottish terrier puppy, is the latest addition and my best buddy. I enjoy riding my horses, being outdoors, doing anything from baling hay to camping, truck and tractor pulls, and cooking.
  • Charity Butler - I graduated from Zane State College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Parks, Recreation And Wildlife. Since that time I have been working towards a Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies Degree at Ohio University as time and finances allow. I am ¾ of the way done! While attending Zane State College, I interned on a local dairy farm, and ended up staying on three years, both milking and helping with herd management.I have been with Petplex since August of 2010. Before that I worked in the areas of customer service and agricultural retail. Currently I have two dogs and a cat. Briar is my black lab and Betty is the special little lady I rescued after working at Petplex for only a month. Griz, my cat, and I have been together for about ten years. I am very active with Relay for Life in Perry County. My boyfriend and his teenage children keep me very busy with 4-H, band and golf. In my free time I like to bake, work in my flower beds, and spend time with my niece, Lilly.
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Technician Staff

  • Amanda Swick – I am a 2007 graduate of the Vet Tech Institute at Bradford Schools. I have an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, and have successfully completed the Veterinary Technician National Exam. I currently reside in the country with my husband, five horses, and two Australian Shepherds named Tater and Wrangler. I have been working in the veterinary field for the past four years. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering for the Pony Express, (horseback riding program for disabled children), competing at horse shows and spending time with friends and family. I have always enjoyed working with animals and love my occupation as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
  • Tiffany Davis – I graduated in 2007 from the Vet Tech Institute at Bradford School with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, and have successfully completed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam). Currently I live in the country, on my small horse farm with my two quarter horses, an Australian Shepherd and three cats. Horses have been a passion of mine my entire life. I started barrel racing at the age of eight. This year I am starting my horse, Beau, on learning how to maneuver around cattle. Currently my two year old gelding, Tucker, is in training. Rowdy, my Aussie, enjoys chasing the 4-wheeler daily, and swimming in the pond, while my cats (Houston, Glenn, and Angus) defend my barn. I chose this field of work because of my great passion for animals. Lots of my free time is spent helping find homes for animals in need. I have treated, fostered, and homed many animals in the past seven years of working here and hope I can continue to give back to the animals.
  • Sierra Johnson – I am a 2009 graduate of Northridge High School. In 2011, I graduated from the Vet Tech Institute at Bradford School with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. In the fall I will be taking the Veterinary Technology National Exam (VTNE). My Chihuahua, Lexi, and Beagle mix, Henry, love living in the country with me. I have shown lambs for 17 years and now I help current 4-H members get their lambs ready for the fair. In the past I have also shown pigs and had a grand champion pool steer. I enjoy my job very much and look forward to giving back to animals and the community.
  • Megan Welch – I have worked as a technician here at Petplex for the past four years. I graduated from Lakewood High School and the Bradford Vet-Tech Institute with a degree in Veterinary Technology. I have 3 cats named Sampson, Apollo and Selene. Like most people in this field, they were adopted when in need of a good home. In my spare time outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and our son.
  • Allie Krofft – I am a recent graduate of Bradford School with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. In November I plan to take the VTNE to become a registered technician. Currently I live on my family farm with 4 dogs and 5 cats.
  • Natashua Allen – I am a graduate of Lakewood High School. I have always loved working with animals since I was very young. I have experience with anything from small pocket pets to large farm animals. I have worked as a veterinary assistant for six years. It is always full of excitement. I have a cat, a ferret, and a dog. As a child, my family raised Cockers and Labs. Always having little pups running around was exciting. My hobbies include horseback riding, spending time with my husband and wonderful son, and family.
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Reception Staff

  • Matthew Harvey - I am a receptionist, technician and care-giver in the boarding kennels at Petplex Animal Hospital. I am a 2003 graduate of Watkins Memorial High School and a 2008 graduate of Ohio Northern University, with bachelor of Science in Biology. While attending college, I worked as a veterinary assistant at Petplex during the summers.Having grown up around animals all my life, I know the joy and benefits of having them in my life. I have a golden retriever named Teah, and two cats, Jenkins and Binks.
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Grooming Staff

  • Tracy Gray - I have been a dog groomer for 18 years, and have participated in competitions against 20-30 people. I have a black Standard Poodle named Sayzar, who has been loyal to me throughout the competitions. I enjoy grooming dogs and cats, and look forward to going to work everyday. It is a plus to take an animal and make it look pretty. Working within a clinic atmosphere is great because if there is a skin or ear issue it can be addressed while the animal is here for grooming.My hobbies are grooming competitions and horseback riding. I own one horse—they are great animals. I have raised dogs most of my life and take pride in quality dogs. Cocker Spaniels were my first breed, and Labradors were my second. I enjoy working with all animals and their parents.
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Training Staff

  • Gayle Mulvey- I first started training dogs at the age of 14, got my first CD (companion dog) title at 16, as young as the AKC allowed at the time. I went on to get open and utility titles with my Sheltie and took her with me to college. At Denison University I met my husband, Tom, who also lived off campus with his dog, a Doberman. We have been married 28 years, have three children and have lived in Granville for 20 years. We currently have 8 dogs ranging from a Great Dane to a longhaired Chihuahua.Over the years I have competed and/or participated in AKC obedience, Schutzhund, field trials, agility, Rally-O and freestyle. I am well known on the north side of Columbus as I have participated in many” “dog related” functions. I worked at PetSmart for the past ten and half years as the Area Trainer (training trainers), and taught approximately 16 classes a week. While I loved the job and the people, I decided last fall to join the Petplex team!My passion for training and watching people really enjoy their dogs is my priority. I use positive reinforcement and create an upbeat and fun atmosphere in my classes. I have trained well over 100 dog and pet parent “teams” to become Canine Good Citizens and Therapy Dogs and relish having my former students bring joy to others. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Poorman and his wonderful staff teaching group and private classes.
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Boarding Staff

  • “K” Fell - I am a graduate of Bexley High School and I received an associate degree in Applied Sciences of Veterinary Medicine from Columbus State Community College to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I graduated from Capital University, earning 2 Bachelors Degrees in General Studies with a focus on the human/animal bond. I designed a human/animal bond course as my senior project which ultimately was taught to honor students at Columbus State Community College.I have practiced as a Registered Veterinary Technician for over thirty years in Columbus and Granville. I have been employed at Petplex Animal Hospital in Buckeye Lake for the past seven years. Douglas Poorman, DVM provided me with the opportunity to redirect my interests and I have been the manager of the Buckeye Lake Pet Club boarding facility since March, 2010. With my years of experience as an RVT and the depth of my interest in studying the human/animal bond; you can be assured that your pet(s) will be cared for as if they are a respected member of my family.On a personal note, I have 3 dogs, Happy, Roo, and Fly Boy and one cat, RJ and a frog, Froggy. I have volunteered at Second Chance, a prison program which instructed inmates in the care of rescued dogs to be placed in permanent, loving homes. I am also very active in environment issues and organizations in the Buckeye Lake community.