– An Excellent Team of Dedicated Professionals –

Sourcing the BEST & Most Experienced

We are extremely proud of our dedicated team. Our Big Valley family is the most experienced, friendly and caring staff you will find anywhere.  Our team is filled with highly dedicated animal lovers who are well trained at their jobs. They will do anything possible for their patients and the owners who love them.

Learning and education are very important here at Big Valley Animal Hospital. We have a state of the art hospital with a caring staff trained in the latest medical advances. Our patients deserve the very best veterinary care.

Basically, our team is full of animal lovers. They make it a goal to treat each patient like their own. They give each patient plenty of love and attention. They are prepared to discuss preventative medicine so that every pet can stay as healthy as possible. They will also do everything that they can to provide your pets with the care they deserve.

Anthony Potorti, DVM

Veterinarians

My wife Julie and I started our family-owned practice in 1998 out of our home. I attended The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary medicine and earned my DVM in 1987. I am a native of WV and received my undergraduate training at West Virginia University majoring in Animal Science. I usually introduce myself to new friends I meet in our practice as a “West Virginia farm boy who went to college”. I was a mixed-animal practitioner for over 30 years, and absolutely loved being out of the farms working on primarily dairy cattle, while also relishing the opportunity to also be a companion animal practitioner. I am grateful to be able to provide care to those who have become part of our BVAH family, and I value the personal relationships that have developed through our many years of service to our community.

I love all areas of veterinary medicine, but enjoy out-patient care and surgery most of all.

My family is the most important thing in my life. Our daughter Mandy is our assistant office manager, and also runs our in-house pharmacy, Dr. Kristi, and son Dr. Matthew, both of whom are also veterinarians. I am blessed to be able to have a career that allows us all to be together. I currently have 3 grandchildren. We have far too many critters to list!

When I am not practicing, I cherish my time with our grandchildren more than anything else. You might also find me on a tractor, making hay, planting crops, feeding cattle, or working on a piece of farm equipment. I enjoy country and bluegrass music, and everything that has to do with country life.

Kristi Potorti-Bedelyon, DVM

Veterinarians

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi. I began practicing as a veterinarian at BVAH in May 2016 after earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

My favorite aspects of BVAH are forming relationships with clients and being able to be there for them in happy times such as first puppy visits, and the hard times of losing a beloved pet and family member. I enjoy being able to work with my family every day, while working in a field that I love.

I have a very strong interest in Soft Tissue Surgery and Dentistry, and also enjoy Internal Medicine.

I live in Reedsville with my husband (Tyler), daughters (Vivian & Scarlett), and our herd of animals. We have 6 cats and 5 little rescue dogs.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time at home with my family, reading, and being outdoors.

Jaden Dickinson, DVM

Veterinarians

My favorite aspect of BVAH is the inviting family-like atmosphere. I enjoy trading stories with clients of the goofy things our animals have done. I enjoy discussing general care and preventative medicine during wellness appointments, and am humbled to be responsible for clients’ pets during the difficult sick appointments.

My favorite areas of medicine include soft tissue surgery, neurology, and dermatology.

I live in Yeagertown with my 2 golden retrievers (Flynn and Clu) and 2 cats (Quorra and Beck).

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my dogs, watching sports, and doing anything outdoors.

Julie

Administration

Hello, my name is Julie. My husband Anthony and I started Big Valley Animal Hospital in 1988, and I’ve been involved in the practice ever since.  I serve as our hospital administrator.

I graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in elementary education, but changed direction after starting our own business.

I live in Reedsville with my husband Anthony. We have 3 grown children, Mandy (our pharmacy manger) Dr. Kristi, and Dr. Matt.  We also have 3 grandchildren who I enjoy spending time with more than anything else in my life.   

I have many animals, including three dogs, many cats, cows, and sheep.

I enjoy walking, cooking, shopping, reading, watching college football, and spending time with my family.

My favorite thing about working at BVAH is being able to make a difference in a pets’ life, and the lifelong relationships with their humans. I also enjoy working with the caring, compassionate, animal lovers that are teammates here.

Tyler

Administration

Hello, I’m Tyler. I graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Business Administration.

I joined the BVAH team at the end of 2016 as the Administrative Assistant.

I live in Reedsville with my wife, Kristi, daughters Vivian & Scarlett, and our many animals. As of right now we have 6 cats and 5 dogs.

When I am not working, my time is spent coaching Mifflin County High School Wrestling, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and relaxing with my family and friends.

Jen

Client Relations Staff

Hello, ľ’m Jen. I started at Big Valley Animal Hospital 23 years ago as a receptionist.

I live in Lewistown with my husband, Bret. We have a daughter, Briette and a son, Braden. We also have a border collie named Prada.

My favorite things about BVAH are making our clients and pets feel as if they are part of our family and having a close knit family feeling every day that I come to work.

Outside of work I enjoy shopping and spending time with my Mom and spending time with family and friends. 

Beth

Client Relations Staff

Hi, my name is Beth. I’ve been with Big Valley Animal Hospital for 19 years and I currently live in Reedsville.

I have two children, Matt and Alexis. We have a 2 cats (Maggie & Milton), and a dog named Buddy.

My favorite things about BVAH are getting to know and help so many people and their pets, and having BVAH as my second family.

Outside of work I enjoy camping, antique shopping, baking, attending sporting events, and DIY projects, and milking cows with my fiancé’ Travis.

Natalie

Outpatient Coordinator and Scribe

My name is Natalie and I’m BVAH’s outpatient coordinator. I’ve been with BVAH since July of 2021. My favorite part of my job is interacting with our clients and their fur babies! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two dogs Buckaroo and Charlie.

Courtnie, Veterinary Technician

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, I’m Courtnie, and I’ve been a veterinarian technician at Big Valley Animal Hospital since 2012, when I also graduated from Wilson College with my BS and a studio art minor. 

I’m from McVeytown, and live on my version of a ‘funny farm’ with my 5 cats, 4 horses, 3 guineas, 2 peacock, 2 goats, 1 bunny, my Blue Heeler Shaylie, and my French Bulldog, Frankie.

I love traveling with my horses and dog to barrel races to compete. I also enjoy reading and listening to audio books, loving and caring for all of my animals, and midday naps with my eldest cat, Minnow. 

Brittany Hawn, CVT

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, my name is Brittany.

I grew up on a dairy farm. I went to Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh for my 2 year associates degree. I then went on for my certification. I enjoy working with all kinds of animals. I have multiple animals myself. Outside of work I like spending time with my family and friends.

Nicole, Veterinary Technician

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, my name is Nicole. I started working at Big Valley Animal Hospital in April of 2013. I attended Harcum College for a 2-year Veterinary Technician program and also studied in Germany for 1 course.

I live in McClure with my husband John. We have 3 of the most loving little boys, Jadon, Aden, and Coen. We also have 1 dog (Chloe Mae), 3 horses (Maggie, Skidd, Triple T), some chickens, and a couple of barn cats.

My favorite thing about working at BVAH is the devotion for one another, the compassion to our animals, and that we are the most down to earth clinic clients could ask for.

Outside of work I enjoy family time, shopping, DIY projects, and horse riding events. I also enjoy running my own small business “Cole Cutts” which includes pet grooming, sitting, and stay-n-play.

Kirstie, Veterinary Technician

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, my name is Kirstie. I graduated from YTI in York with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. I started working at Big Valley Animal Hospital in September of 2021.

I live in McVeytown. I have 5 cats (Boo, Kai, Ollie, Remi & Goose) and 1 dog (Baylee).

My favorite things about BVAH are my amazing coworkers and working with animals. Outside of work I enjoy coming home and spending time with my fur babies.

Kayla, Veterinary Technician

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hello, my name is Kayla. I have been at Big Valley Animal Hospital for 5 years. I graduated from Harcum College with an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology.

I currently live in Beavertown, PA. I have 2 cats (Junior and Burnard).

My favorite thing about BVAH is that we provide the best care we can for our patients/clients. I also love the yummy treats we receive from our amazing clients and our boss Julie!

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my son, hanging out with friends, riding my jeep, shopping, and reading.

Elizabeth, Veterinary Assistant

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, my name is Elizabeth. I have been at Big Valley Animal Hospital for 8 years. I graduated from Delaware Valley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Large Animal Science.

I currently live in Allensville, PA with my husband, Tyler. I have 1 horse (Baby), a Golden Retriever (Sheba- whom I rescued from BVAH), a cat (Leo- whom I rescued from BVAH), 1 barn cat (Bart), and 5 sheep.

My favorite thing about BVAH is that we are all like family here.  My co-workers and bosses are all so nice to work with. I also love that I get to help people and their pets which is very important to me.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband, being outside, and hanging out with my friends.

Kendra, Veterinary Technician

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, I’m Kendra. I started working at Big Valley Animal Hospital in May of 2017. I graduated from YTI Career Institute.

I currently reside in Three Springs with my fiancé (Lex) and our sons (Henry & Leland). We also have 2 cat (Molly & Sally) and a bunny (Toodles).

My favorite part about BVAH is getting to meet the different clients and their animals.

When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and gardening.

Mandy, Pharmacy Manager

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, I’m Mandy. I started working at BVAH in February of 2018. I graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor’s of Biobehavioral Health.

I currently reside in Belleville. I have 3 dogs and too many cats to count.

My favorite things about BVAH are working around animals & my friendly coworkers. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family and fur babies.

Andrea, Veterinary Technician

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hi, my name is Andrea. I started working again at BVAH in May of 2018. Prior to that, I worked here for 12 ½ years.

I currently reside in McClure with my boyfriend (Marty) and our 2 kids (Emerson & Isla). We also have 2 dogs, Sophie (Shihtzu-Poodle) and Darcy (German Shepard mix).

Outside of work I enjoy gardening, reading, and spending time with family.

Amber, Veterinary Technician

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

I currently live in Madisonburg, Pa with my husband, Caleb. We have twins, Adam and Lilly. I also have a dog (Sage) and a cat (Luna).

My favorite things about working at BVAH is being in surgery and meeting all the clients and their pets.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, and going to truck/tractor pulls.

Kristy, Veterinary Assistant

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Hello, my name is Kristy. I started working at BVAH in May of 2018. Prior to working here, I served in the United States Airforce and received a B.A in psychology from Ashford University. 

I currently reside in Lewistown with my husband and two kids Ali and Luke. We have a Saint Bernard named Grizzly, a husky named Libby, and a cat who thinks he is a dog named Bubb.

At BVAH I enjoy the family like atmosphere and working with animals. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and being outdoors.

Christopher, Veterinary Assistant

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

I’m Christopher Prince, and have been a vet assistant at BVAH since July 2021. I love big dogs & cute cats. When not at BVAH I can be found at home reading, or hanging out with my own big dogs & cute cats.

Amy

Inpatient/Outpatient Staff

Joe

Facility Engineer

Hello, my name is Joe. I have been at Big Valley Animal Hospital for 24 years. I graduated college with a Bachelors in Engineering.

I currently reside in Mill Creek with my wife Cammy. We have 2 dogs (Annie & Chrissy).

My favorite thing about BVAH is the work environment and my co-workers.

Outside of work I enjoy gardening and traveling.

Garfield

Clinic Supervisor

Meow! I’m Garfield. My journey started when I showed up at the Potorti barn one summer day as a handsome Tom Cat. I played hard to get at first, and then decided I would let the hand that was feeding me also pet me (but only on my terms of course). All was going great until one day when I found myself stuck in a trap. My right paw was stuck and after struggling and struggling to get loose I finally got free and made my way back to the barn. Although I didn’t’ realize it at the time, I was mighty lucky to have picked a veterinarian’s barn to show up at. They captured me and next thing I knew I was waking up from surgery and missing the lower part of my injured right front leg. Ever since then, I have been residing at BVAH and have become rather famous around here.

Throughout the day I usually stay out at font desk in the morning, sleeping on my throne and supervising Jen and Beth. I also spend part of my day roaming around the treatment area laying on the numerous desks right in front of the keyboards and annoying everyone!

My favorite part about BVAH is all the treats the staff members feed me. I am supposed to be on a diet but it is hard for them to resist my begging.

Outside of Supervising the clinic, I enjoy eating, napping and just being downright annoying to everyone….it’s what cats do. I am known to hop in a cage and eat anyone’s left over food if given the chance! I hope the staff realize how lucky they are that allow my presence to be felt throughout the hospital!