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Animals are a passion shared by all of our students and educators. It’s the unique combination of shared enthusiasm and shared aims that fosters a family-like atmosphere and deep friendship relationships. Faculty members of the Vet Tech Institute include:
Dr. Allison Kiser is the new Program/Medical Director at Vet Tech Institute. Her schooling includes a B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Medicine & Biology from the University of Findlay in 2006 and a D.V.M. from Iowa State University in 2010. In 2011, Dr. Kiser completed a comparative theriogenology internship at Iowa State University and a residency in equine theriogenology at Texas A&M University. She became the program director at another AVMA-accredited institution in 2018 after practicing as an equine/mixed animal veterinarian in Ohio, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. She’s a native of Western Pennsylvania, and she’s brought two horses, a dog, and a cat with her. She is also a die-hard Pittsburgh Penguins supporter!
Dr. Sara Hurst earned both a B.S. in Animal Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University, before going on active duty as a Captain with the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. Stationed at West Point, NY, she was the official veterinarian for the U.S. Army Mascot Mules. Dr. Hurst then worked in private practice for 4 years in Texas before moving to the Pittsburgh area and joining the Vet Tech Institute faculty. Dr. Hurst and her husband own many pets, including 2 French Bulldogs, a cat, 3 horses, a cockatoo, an African grey parrot, a cockatiel, a panther chameleon, and a bearded dragon.
Lisa M. Szafranski, CVT, Program Coordinator, SCNAVTA Advisor, is a graduate of the Median School of Allied Health careers and has been working in the veterinary field for over 30 years–still working part-time at VCA Duncan Manor Animal Hospital. She is certified in Canine Obedience from the National Canine College in Columbus, has taught obedience classes, and has competed in agility and obedience trials with her dogs. “Mrs. S” brings her enthusiasm and love of the field of veterinary medicine into the classroom, and her “Mrs. S-isms” are a helpful way to retain the important terminology words. Mrs. S shares her home with her beagle, Ike (whom she adopted from the school); a Parson Russell terrier, Lily (who is a certified therapy dog that goes on pre-school visits and has been in two of our commercials); a rescue Rottweiler, “Bean”; and two amazing cats, Dottie and Obi (also adopted from the school).
Nicole DiMichele, CVT,has taught at Vet Tech Institute for 13 years, and was at one time the school’s on-site kennel manager. Nicole earlier worked as a certified veterinary technician at both a busy veterinary emergency hospital and a non-emergency/routine veterinary clinic. Nicole received her B.A. in Psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her A.S.T (in veterinary technology) from Median School of Allied Health Careers; she also is a current and active member of the NAVTA, PVMA, and CVTEA organizations. Nicole is the proud owner of two dogs (an Akita and a Pit-Bull mix) and most consider her to be an avid enthusiast of the Akita Breed.
Amy Geramita, RVT, Kennel Manager,has a passion for large animal medicine, and still helps her father on their family farm, raising beef cattle, swine, and poultry. Graduating from Vet Tech Institute in 2011, her externships were at Cleveland Equine Hospital in Ravenna, Ohio and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Amy then was the head veterinary technician during 3 years at a small animal and equine practice in Landrum, South Carolina. Moving to Pennsylvania to be closer to family, she spent a year as an ICU veterinary technician at Animal Emergency Clinic (now MedVet – Mahoning Valley) before joining the faculty at Vet Tech Institute. Amy and her husband have 5 animals in their home: Rowdy, a rat terrier; Belle and Brie, chihuahuas (both adopted from VTI); and 2 cats, Missy (adopted from VTI when Amy was a student) and Gus.
Nikki Girimonti, LVT, joined the faculty at Vet Tech Institute in 2007. She started by working at the local equine facility as a trainer and riding instructor while she was still in college, graduating from Duquesne University with a major in biochemistry. She began her career working overnight shifts and monitoring anesthesia in an emergency practice, eventually finding her passion in anesthesia and exotic animal medicine. She then became technical supervisor at a large referral practice where she spent countless hours in surgery. Mrs. Girimonti feels so fortunate to be able to share her variety of experiences with VTI students. She currently lives west of Pittsburgh with her husband, two children, and numerous pets.
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