Our Veterinary Team Petcare Veterinary Services
Dr. James E. Clevenger, DVM/Medical Director
He is a proud member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Clevenger earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2000, where he was a Pathobiology Scholar and Research Assistant, co-authoring numerous scientific publications. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois (1998) and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University (1994).
Outside the clinic, Dr. Clevenger enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, golfing, working in his yard, and caring for his beloved pets—including two cats, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and a thriving collection of tropical fish.
Dr. Clevenger is thrilled to join a team-oriented clinic that values a positive workplace culture and a shared commitment to high-quality veterinary medicine. His passion for patient care, leadership, and continuous professional growth makes him a valuable addition to our veterinary team.
Dr. Jacqueline Desagun, DVM
We welcomed Dr. deSagun to Petcare in January 2018. She is well-rounded in general medicine and surgery and her knowledge and skills are a tremendous asset to our practice. She has been warmly received by our staff and clients. When asked to comment on her first year and thoughts about Petcare, she notes “Working in a small practice, my colleagues become family. And we project that welcoming family feels to our clients and patients. It is this kinship that can be missing in a larger clinic and makes us unique as a practice.”
Dr. deSagun was born and raised in New York. She attended Saint Anselm College in Manchester NH for her undergraduate degree and majored in Biology. Dr. deSagun felt very lucky to get accepted into vet school right after college and attended Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1994. After vet school, she was accepted into a private practice small animal internship in New Haven, CT and has been practicing in CT since. Dr. deSagun is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, and the Veterinary Information Network.
Outside of her work life, Dr. deSagun is an avid tennis player. She is definitely more of a warm-weather gal and enjoys paddle boarding, the beach, and boat fishing with her boyfriend. She also loves Broadway Musicals. 2 cats, Catsby and Simon, round out her family.
Fun Fact: Dr. deSagun took tap lessons for 20 years, performing in recitals with costumes and all!
Kathryn, Practice Manager
Kathryn has been at Petcare since 2012. She started out as an assistant and evolved (self-taught) into a practice manager who has become a master at keeping the Petcare train on the tracks and running smoothly. We would fall apart without her organization and skill! She is also a daily example of the kind and caring attitude we strive for at Petcare. She comes with the added bonus of having the most contagious laugh ever.
Kathryn notes many favorite things about Petcare, including that “her main favorite is working for someone she truly trusts and admires as a doctor, boss, and friend. Another favorite is being part of a team that feels like a second family. And, the personal relationships we make through our job with our clients and patients as they become family as well.” When not at Petcare, Kathryn is a proud baseball Mom and has been road-tripping to catch as many games as possible for both of her boys for several years. And when not at the field, she loves spending time with her (large) extended family and friends (“there is always a party for something!”). Her pets include a cat named Chadwick (the handsome Black Panther) and a fearless warrior cat, Violet.
Kathryn is a member of the Veterinary Management Council of Connecticut.
Fun Fact: Kathryn worked in the corporate insurance environment for 15 years before being able to fulfill her lifelong dream of working in a veterinary office. And she won a dance contest with her husband (Petcare’s PC guy)!
Lexie, Lead CSR
Cindy, Veterinary Assistant
Cindy has been practicing for 5.5 years and graduated from Tunxis Community College. She prides herself on her team player attitude, compassionate care with clients and patients, and experience in the specialty surgery/sterilization department.
In her free time, Cindy likes to spend time with her cats, take her dog, Bentley, on scenic trails for walks, and go to the gym.
Jessica, Veterinary Assistant
Jessica has been practicing for 14 years and attended CT K-9 Grooming School. She prides herself on like treating patients as if they were her own and making pet families feel comfortable.
In her free time, Jess likes to be with family and hang out with her feline and canine sons, which includes “Chip” our famous staff model. She also likes listening to music, skiing, boating, and dancing.
Amanda, Certified Veterinary Technician
Amanda has been dedicated to the veterinary field since 2017, following the completion of the Veterinary Assistant Course at MCC. She began her career in the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine, transitioning into surgery where she further honed her skills. In 2021, Amanda joined the Petcare team, bringing her expertise and passion for animal care.
In 2024, Amanda proudly achieved certification as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) through the CT Veterinary Technician Association, reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of care. Her professional interests include phlebotomy, surgery, and anesthesia, where she excels in delivering quality, compassionate care to every patient.
Outside of the clinic, Amanda enjoys playing kickball and softball, immersing herself in Dungeons & Dragons adventures, and working on puzzles. Her love for problem-solving extends beyond the workplace, making her a valuable part of the Petcare family.
Cory, Veterinary Assistant
Cory brings a fantastic blend of technical know-how and warm, approachable communication. She especially values client education and loves helping pet owners feel confident and informed about their pets’ health and care.
Fun fact: Cory has a deliciously themed pet family! Her dog is named Chowder, and her four cats—Sake, Tater, Nacho, and Marshmallow—are just as uniquely named as they are loved
Chernell
Megan
Retired Founder / Now Favorite Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Lauren Mascola, Retired Founder / Now Favorite Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Mascola has practiced veterinary medicine for 18 years. After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1990, she then attended Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1996. She began her veterinary career at Newport Animal Hospital in Rhode Island before relocating with her family to West Hartford to open her own practice at Petcare in 2005. She lives with her husband, three sons, two dogs, Sally and Shelby, and has cats, Cash and Lanie.
Dr. Mascola is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, and the Veterinary Information Network and is a proud member of the Advisory Board for Our Companions, Domestic Animal Sanctuary. She attends one weeklong continuing education conference and six evening conferences yearly to keep her veterinary knowledge current.
In her free time, Dr. Mascola enjoys watching all 3 boys play hockey, yoga, and running with her run club.