Happy Tales Veterinary Hospital Team

Dr. Charles Yurkon has been in vet medicine for over 20 years with a Master’s in Toxicology and Business from Colorado State University. He has a special interest in internal medicine, especially endocrinology, cardiology, and surgery. He has a big passion for sharing his knowledge with future vets.

When Dr. Yurkon is not at Happy Tales, he is spending time with his family, teaching Charley and Emmett all sorts of outdoor activities, working with his power tools, bucking trees, fishing, and hiking. He is owned by his dog Hoagie, 3 cat, Stinger, Stella, and Peaches as well as a few chickens.

1. What you like?
   Feelings of accomplishment in both my personal and work life.
2. What you dislike?
   Ignorant people.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   I liked math and science growing up and medicine was a very appealing career choice for me.  Since people are gross and I like animals, I ended up in veterinary medicine.
4. What is your education?
   – Bachelor of Science in biology from Wilkes University.
   – Masters of Science in epidemiology (toxicology specialization) from Colorado State University.
   – Masters of business administration from Colorado State University.
   – Doctor of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University.
5. Your superpowers?
   Being a father.
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Helping animals to feel better.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   My family.
8. What is your favorite animal?
   In no particular order: big cats (lynx, tigers, lions), honey badger, dogs, little cats.
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   Mostly working on the homestead.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Loyal, goofy, gentle.

Dr. Brown grew up in the East Pittsburgh area and went to undergraduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. She attended veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has furthered her education and passion by studying Chinese Veterinary Medicine at the Chi Institute. She is also a Certified Animal Chiropractor. She has a special interest in herbology, nutrition, nutraceuticals, and alternative therapy.

When Dr. Brown is not at Happy Tales, she loves to travel, concerts, play sports, hike/camp, forage, and garden. She is owned by her 3 kitties Luna, Sol(Boogie), and Ru as well as her 2 dogs Sage (English Bulldog) and Quin (German Short-Haired Pointer).

1. What do you like?
   Music, hiking, sustainable living, playing sports, and plant medicine.
2. What do you dislike?
   Spicy food and cold weather.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   My dog was my best friend as a child and I’ve always had an affinity for animals so I wanted to be their voice and advocate, and promote wellness and healthy lifestyles for domestic animals.
4. What is your education?
   – BS Biology- Pittsburgh
   – DVM- University of Wisconsin Madison
   – CVA- Chi Institute
   – CAC- Health Pioneers Institute
   – Comparative Biomedical Research- Biofilms
   – Certificate in Public Health
5. Your superpowers?
   Long-term planning and multi-tasking.
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Educating clients and soft tissue surgery.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   Independence and work ethic.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Pandas, Beluga Whales, Goats, and Ducks.
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   Outside gardening/hiking and building something.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Direct, Independent, ambitious.

Dr. Taylor O’Malley was born and raised in Sharpsville. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology, complemented by a minor in Chemistry from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to beginning her career at Happy Tales Veterinary Hospital, she excelled as a manager at the prestigious Avalon Golf Course & Country Club.

Dr. O’Malley recently graduated from Colorado State University, earning a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and an accompanying Master’s in Business Administration. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys quality time with her loved ones. Among her cherished family members are two endearing feline companions named Oliver and Fletcher, who bring joy to her life.

Jennifer attended veterinary technician school at SUNY Delhi to become a certified veterinary technician. At some point in her career, she began leading veterinary hospitals. She met her husband at a practice in Dallas, Pennsylvania, where they worked together as veterinary technicians. They then moved to Colorado for him to pursue his doctorate in veterinary medicine. They found their way back to Pennsylvania and landed in a great location. Soon, Jennifer became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. She is now in her 4th year of owning Happy Tales Veterinary Hospital, has 2 beautiful children, and loves her team!

1. What do you like?
   Spending time with family, animals, outdoors.
2. What do you dislike?
   Hard conversations and difficult people.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   Attended veterinary technician school at SUNY Delhi to become a certified veterinary technician. At some point in my career, I began leading veterinary hospitals. Met my husband at a practice in Dallas, Pennsylvania, where we worked together as veterinary technicians. During this time we moved to Colorado for him to pursue his doctorate in veterinary medicine. We found our way back to Pennsylvania and landed in a great location. During this time, I became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. We are now on 4th year of ownership of Happy Tales Veterinary Hospital and have 2 beautiful children. We have a great team!
4. What is your education?
   – 2-year college degree as Certified Veterinary Technician.
   – Lots of hours and courses for my Certified Veterinary Practice Manager.
5. Your superpowers?
   Intuition, raising 2 kids as well as running a veterinary hospital.
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Animals and our team.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   Intuition and my compassion.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Cats/Horses, Dogs/Frogs, Turtles, and everything.
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   Home with family, gardening, cleaning, or at the practice working on projects.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Responsible, hard-working, compassionate.

Tracy wanted to get out of the food industry after high school. She worked at Boardwalk Fries and Arby’s outlet mall. She applied to a nursing home for the laundry department and Grove City Veterinary Clinic. Got a job offer for both. The nursing home laundry department had better hours, but the deciding factor was the offer of vacation and 401K at Grove City Veterinary Clinic. She spent 24 years with Grove City Veterinary Clinic before it was closed permanently. Since then, she’s spent 4 and half years at Happy Tales Veterinary Hospital.

1. What do you like?
   Sunshine, beach, and camping.
2. What do you dislike?
   Coconut, mean people, and snow.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   Actually, I wanted to get out of the food industry after high school. Worked at Boardwalk Fries and Arby’s outlet mall. Applied to a nursing home for the laundry department and Grove City Veterinary Clinic. Got a job offer for both. The nursing home laundry department had better hours but decided with the offer for vacation and 401K to try Grove City Veterinary Clinic. 24 years with Grove City Veterinary Clinic before it was closed permanently. Now 4 and half years at Happy Tales Veterinary Hospital.
4. What is your education?
   Graduated High School with high honors.
5. Your superpowers?
   I believe I can always see the good in people.
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Being able to interact daily with clients and pets both.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   My loyalty
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Dog
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   At home or at a softball game.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Friendly, Loyal, and Compassionate.

Pam likes being outside, planting flowers, and spending time with her kids. She also loves kayaking, swimming, long walks, hiking, and flowers. Pam had worked in the ophthalmology field for 8 years and needed a change. She saw an ad for a veterinary hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. She feels that helping animals and owners was where she needed to be. She loves being part of a team, helping clients and her team out, and seeing animals get the care they need.

1. What do you like?
   I like being outside, planting flowers, spending time with my kids, kayaking, swimming, long walks, hiking, and flowers.
2. What do you dislike?
   People who are not honest, people who hurt animals, and not being able to have your own opinion around certain people.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   I had worked in the ophthalmology field for 8 years and needed a change. I saw an ad for a veterinary hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. I feel that helping animals and owners were where I needed to be.
4. What is your education?
   My education in school was mainly business. I have a 2-year degree in business. Your superpowers?
   I am still figuring that out as it is a work in progress.
5. What is the favorite part of your job?
   I love being part of a team, helping clients and my team out, and seeing animals get the that they need.
6. What do you love about yourself?
   That I don’t give up, I keep trying to work on myself and I love that I am willing to try new things, get out of my comfort zone, I am beginning to “like” myself not in love yet.
7. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Kitties, horses, and dogs.
8. Where would we find you on your day off?
   The gym if the weather is not good, nice seasons the park, hiking in the woods, flea markets, kayaking, and spending time with my kids and grand dog Kooper and grand cat Bella.
9. Write 3 words that describe you.
   Hardworking, loyal and caring.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Hardworking, loyal and caring.

Lauren loves helping people and her pets more than anything. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, antiquing, exercising, and doing outdoor activities. She’s always loved animals since she was a kid. She grew up around farm animals and would bring home strays, even as a child. She especially loved all the barn cats! She’s excited to be your Certified Veterinary Assistant.

1. What do you like?
   I love spending time with my family, traveling, antiquing, exercising, and doing outdoor activities.
2. What do you dislike?
   Not having sunshine every day, disease and suffering, and evil.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   I’ve always loved animals since I was a kid. I grew up around farm animals and have brought home strays even as a child. I especially loved all the barn cats.
4. What is your education?
   Certified Veterinary Assistant.
5. Your superpowers?
   Empathy and organization.
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Helping people and their pets.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   I can talk to anyone and anywhere at any time.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Boxers are my favorite breed and I love Big cats, especially leopards.
9. Where would we find you on your day off? Running errands.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Thoughtful, giving, and active.

Renne has always wanted to work with animals since she was young. She is currently enrolled at PennFoster Veterinary Technician school. She loves interacting with patients and hearing their stories. She has a passion for animals, she’s caring, and she wants to expand her knowledge.

1. What do you like?
   Intelligent people and hard workers
2. What do you dislike?
   People who do not work to their capabilities and dramatics.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   Have always wanted to work with animals since I was young.
4. What is your education?
   Currently enrolled at PennFoster Veterinary Technician school.
5. Your superpowers?
   No superpowers that I am aware of
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Interaction with patients and hearing their stories.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   Passion for animals, caring, and wanting to expand my knowledge.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   No particular favorites, like most animals but birds.
9. Where would we find you on your day off?Studying.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Committed, inquisitive, factual.

Alana was working at a dead-end job and was miserable. Her partner convinced her to go back to school and she ended up at VTI of Pittsburgh. Once she graduated in 2020, she sat for her boards and became certified. If she had to pick a superpower, it would be her ability to draw blood on fat dogs. The best part of this job is being able to provide help for every animal, even if that “help” means letting them go. Alana loves reading, cross-stitching, video games, camping, and bowling.

1. What do you like?
   Reading, cross-stitching, video games, camping, and bowling.
2. What do you dislike?
   Big parties and hot weather.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   I was working at a dead-end job and was miserable. My partner convinced me to go back to school and I ended up at VTI of Pittsburgh once I graduated in 2020 and I sat on my boards to become certified.
4. What is your education?
   Veterinary Technical Institute in Pittsburgh with an Associates in Specialized Technology Degree.
5. Your superpowers?
   The ability to draw blood on fat dogs.
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Being able to provide help for every animal we see, even if “Help” means letting them go.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   That I am slowly proving to myself that I am a better person than I thought I was.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Dogs of all kinds.
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   On my computer or out in the woods!
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Blunt, Loyal, Fast.

Delaney’s dad used to bring home turtles and frogs from work (PennDot bridges) and then return them. She’s had dogs her whole life as well as other animals. She’s always cared for them. Originally she wanted to be a veterinarian but definitely enjoys being a veterinary technician better. She received a 2-year college degree as Certified Veterinary Technician. She excels at wrangling bad cats and loves her fellow team members.

1. What do you like?
   Dogs and cats.
2. What do you dislike?
   Mean people
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   My dad used to bring home turtles and frogs from work (PennDot bridges) and then return them. I’ve had dogs my who life and other animals. I always cared for them. Originally I wanted to be a veterinarian but definitely enjoy being a veterinary technician better.
4. What is your education?
   2-year college degree as Certified Veterinary Technician.
5. Your superpowers?
   Bad cat wrangler.
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Good teammates.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   Funny and caring.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Cats
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   At home with my cats.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Funny, caring, and smart.

Molly loves hiking, walking her dogs, kayaking, swimming, and video games. She always had a love and passion for animals. She has an associate’s degree from Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh. If she were to have a superpower, it would definitely be handling difficult Chihuahuas. Her favorite part of the job would be the compassionate and comforting effects you can have on people and their pets.

1. What do you like?
   Hiking, walking my dogs, kayaking, swimming, and video games.
2. What do you dislike?
   Untidy homes, lying, and laziness
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   Always had a love and passion for animals.
4. What is your education?
   Associates degree from Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh.
5. Your superpowers?
   Handling difficult Chihuahuas
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   Compassion and comforting effects you can have on people and their pets.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   Ability to work and improve myself everyday and ability to stand up for myself and what I believe in.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Chihuahua
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   Outside with the dogs, sleeping, playing video games.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Loud, upbeat, and energetic.

Becca loves exotic pets and learning about husbandry. She also loves creating better environments for her pets. Becca became interested in veterinary medicine when she was 13 years old, and her guinea pig Daisy became ill. An exotic veterinarian took such good care of her, and it made her realize her love for exotics could be applicable in a profession. Fast forward to 2020, and through a close friend, she found out Happy Tales was hiring and applied. She is currently studying her undergraduate at YSU, majoring in Pre-Veterinarian. Her favorite part of the job is caring for others; her coworkers, pets, and clients.

1. What do you like?
   I love exotic pets and learning about husbandry. I also love creating better environments for my pets.
2. What do you dislike?
   I dislike driving in busy areas and having a messy space also when my cats fight.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   I became interested in veterinary medicine when I was 13 years old and my guinea pig Daisy became ill. The exotic veterinarian took such good care of her and also us and it made me realize my love for exotics could be applicable in a profession. Fast forward to 2020 and through a close friend I found out Happy Tales was hiring and applied.
4. What is your education?
   High School- Mercer High School
   Undergraduate- YSU majoring in Pre-Veterinarian ( Biology BS).
5. Your superpowers?
   How I always give 110% effort
6. What is the favorite part of your job?
   My favorite part is caring for others; my coworkers, pets, and clients.
7. What do you love about yourself?
   I like how responsible I am, especially when it comes to my pets.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Fancy mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
9. Where would we find you on your day off?
   In my pet room.
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Driven, adaptive, and caring.

1. What do you like?
   I like being outdoors, spending time with my son, and reading a good book.
2. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   I have always loved animals. I’ve been trying to help them ever since I was little.
3. What is your education?
   I went to Vet Tech School right out of high school. I’m currently enrolled at Westminster College pre-med. Then after that, I plan to apply for Vet School at Ohio State.
4. Your superpowers?
   I can juggle many things in my life. I am also great at multitasking and working.
5. What is the favorite part of your job?
   I like to help animals when they are sick and watch them get better and thrive again.
6. What do you love about yourself?
   I love being a mom, it’s my favorite job!
7. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   I do not have any favorites as I love all animals. I can’t pick just one!
8. Where would we find you on your day off?
   I like to spend time with my son or study for school. I also love being outside.
9. Write 3 words that describe you.
   Hardworking, accepting, and driven.

During her leisure hours, Morgan indulges in various outdoor pursuits. Her wit, intelligence, and caring nature make her an awesome team member.

Candus graduated from Fairmont University with a degree in Allied Health (Vet Tech). Her superpower is her empathy, and she prides herself on her problem solving and quality patient care. She loves all animals, and in her free time enjoys journaling, hiking with her dogs, and making soap at home.

1. What do you like?
   To sing, be one with the universe, antiquing, making organic products, farmers markets, hiking, camping, spending time with my dogs, and watermelon.
2. What do you dislike?
   Snarky people, closed minded people, and avocados.
3. What is your personal story of why you are in veterinary medicine?
   I chose to go into the animal field because running off to LA to be a singer was a little out of my reach and animals were my second passion.
4. What is your education?
   I graudated from Fairmont University with an Associate Degree in Allied Health (Vet Tech)
5. Your superpowers?
   My empathy
6. What is your favorite part of your job?
   Solving problems, patient care, medical billing when I did it
7. What do you love about yourself?
   That I’ve finally learned to like myself, I’m grounded and balanced.
8. What is your favorite animal(s)?
   Love them all
9. Where would we find you on your days off?
   Journaling, hiking with my dogs, or making soap at home
10. Write 3 words that describe you.
    Positive, generous, loyal.

Becky has always loved rescuing animals and helping them. She has just graduated from high school and wants to be a tech and is still deciding where to go to school. She enjoys playing with animals and eating food. She prides herself on being a good listener and taking care of several animals at one time. Her favorite part of her job is seeing all the animals and helping them feel better.  Her favorite animals are raccoons and dogs. In her free time, Becky likes to run around in her backyard with her dog. Becky is compassionate, hardworking, and determined. 

Julia is a junior attending Sharpsville High School and has joined our team to explore different career paths with a job that will always keep her on her toes.  She also loves spending time with all the different kinds of animals that visit us every day. In addition, she loves being able to learn new skills, gain knowledge, and build relationships as a part of the team. Her ability to pick up new skills and her curiosity helps her in many ways in the veterinary field.

In her free time, she enjoys crafting, DIYing, kayaking, and taking naps. She loves the beach, Newfoundland dogs, baby cows, and goats. Overall, she is a confident, ambitious, and caring person.

Outside of her professional life, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, often engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. Her kind, loving, and patient nature shines through in all aspects of her life.