Hillside Veterinary Clinic

We are a family-owned private practice in Mount Vernon, Ohio that seeks to provide the best in medical, surgical, and dental care. Our Mission to provide Loving, Expert Care enhances the human animal bond and promotes a longer, happier, healthier life. 

Hillside Veterinary Clinic strives for excellence in all aspects of veterinary medicine.  Please contact us today to learn more about our veterinary practice and to find out how the doctors and staff at Hillside can serve your needs and those of your cherished pet.
  • Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:00 - 5:30
  • Tues: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • After Hours Emergency: (740) 392-6891

  • David M. Dubusky, DVM

    In January 2014, Dr. David M. Dubusky took ownership of Hillside Veterinary Clinic.  Previously, Dr. Dubusky had been an associate veterinarian at Hillside since April 2005.

    Dr. Dubusky is a transplant to the Mid-Ohio area. He spent the early years of his childhood in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Lexington, Ohio in 1988. Dr. Dubusky is a 1995 graduate of Lexington (OH) High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 1999. While attending MVNU, Dr. Dubusky completed a preceptorship at Hillside with Dr. Gregg. In June of 2004, Dr. Dubusky received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His specific areas of interest include small animal internal medicine, dermatology, parasitology, radiology, and surgery.

    Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Dubusky enjoys hiking, camping, lifting, running, biking, golfing, and family excursions. He is an avid fan of both collegiate and professional sports and also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

    Dr. Dubusky currently resides in Mount Vernon with his wife Amy. They have two children. Amy is also a MVNU graduate (2000). She taught first grade in the Gahanna-Jefferson school district and preschool at the Mount Vernon YMCA. She spent time as the Graduate Workshop Coordinator at MVNU and is now a faculty member in the MVNU department of education. The family pets include a clowder of cats (Marte, Meeko, Milo, Mojo, and Maisy), two Beagle-JRTs (Bruce and Bella) and a Terrier-Boxer (Kipper). The Dubusky's also have two clinic cats (Jaso and Coco).
    Years in Practice:
    Jun 01, 2004
    Education:
    Mount Vernon Nazarene University,The Ohio State University

  • Jessica Volzke, DVM

    Dr. Volzke spent her early years in central Ohio. She graduated from Houghton College in upstate New York in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada to attend the Atlantic Veterinary College. She graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2020. During the pandemic, she stayed in Canada to work at an urgent/ER veterinary clinic. 

    In late 2021, Dr. Volzke moved back to Mount Vernon to be near family. She has one dog, a two-year-old springer spaniel named Winifred (Winnie for short). She has an interest in small animal internal medicine, alternative therapies (chiropractic and acupuncture), rehab, and preventative care. She also enjoys seeing pocket pets. Outside of work, Dr. Volzke enjoys gardening, hiking, and traveling. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2020
    Education:
    Atlantic Veterinary College

  • Michelle Kozel, DVM

    Dr. Michelle Kozel grew up in Fremont, Ohio, where she showed horses and sheep in 4-H and FFA. She also showed horses on the Paint Horse circuit.

    Dr. Kozel graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1983, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1992.


    After residing near Johnstown, Ohio for 20 years, she recently moved to Gambier with her husband of 40 years (Bob), horses (Ike and Mack), cats (Oliver and Midnight), and an Australian Shepherd (Teddy).

    On a professional level, Dr. Kozel has a special interest in preventive medicine and nutrition. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys bicycling, hiking, kayaking, music, and reading.

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1992
    Education:
    The Ohio State University

  • Kris Cannon

    Kris joined the Hillside staff in October 2021. Kris had been self employed and a small business owner in Mount Vernon for 22 years.

    Kris shared that a career change to accept the Office Manager position at Hillside, while unexpected, has allowed her to use her administrative skills in a different and very exciting industry.

    In her free time, she enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with her 5 grandchildren.  Kris has a ten year old lab named Lexi and two cats named Bullet and Cash.


    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2021
    Education:
    East Knox High School

  • Elicia Pittenger

    With over 20 years experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician, Hillside was thrilled to add Elicia to the staff in March 2020. Elicia has special interests in dentistry and client education.

    Elicia remarks that "when you treat a pet suffering from dental disease and see their improvement during subsequent visits, it is personally and professionally satisfying".

    Elicia loves outdoor adventures with her family including SxS riding. She loves camping and being outdoors. Elicia has four cats and three dogs, a goldfish pond that she loves tending, and an interest in flower gardening.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1998
    Education:
    Columbus State Community College

  • Jessica Carnes

    Jessica returned to the Hillside staff in August 2021. She has been a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2000 and spent 6 years with Hillside between 2007 to 2013.

    Jessica has a love of animals and people. Her mission is to "educate owner to enable the best care for their pets."

    Jessica's home life includes three children and multiple pets. Her hobbies include outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2000
    Education:
    Columbus State Community College

  • Heidi Kuhlman

    Heidi joined the Hillside team as a Veterinary Assistant in 2012.  During high school and college (1999-2004), Heidi also worked as a kennel assistant at Hillside. 

    Heidi has an interest in animal behavior and is also a people person. "I love the people I work with".  Heidi enjoys running and participates in the Earth Day Challenge with the Hillside crew.

    Years in Practice:
    Feb 20, 2012

  • Ashley Hinkle

    Ashley joined the staff at Hillside in October 2018 as an extern from Ross Medical College. After completing her education she accepted a position as a Veterinary Assistant. She is looking forward to receiving her Registered Veterinary Technician license soon.

    Ashley chose her field because of a love for animals and a desire to help them. "I chose to work at Hillside because the staff is nice and was very helpful during my externship." Hillside looks forward to Ashley spending a long and happy career here.

     Ashley has a chocolate lab, Arrow, and a yellow lab named Luke. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially time outdoors.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2018
    Education:
    Ross Medical College

  • Jess Lyon

    Jess joined our team as a veterinary assistant in July 2019. Jess has been working with animals since she was fourteen years old. She has worked in several Ohio shelters as well as for the Humane Society of the United States. Jess has assisted in over 4000 spays and neuters.

    "I've always been drawn to helping animals. Even as a child I never played with baby dolls, I was interested in pets." Jess enjoys working at Hillside where she can help provide the best in compassionate care.

    Jess lives outside Gambier on a small farm. Her hobby is raising cleft palate puppies. 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2009

  • Cassie Oscar

    Cassie joined Hillside in September 2020. She started her career in veterinary medicine in 2014 in Kodiak, Alaska. Cassie is a graduate of the Penn Foster College where she earned an Veterinary Technician Associate Degree. 

    Cassie enjoys the nursing aspect of her work. “I love making pets feel better. It is rewarding to see a patient recover from an illness or injury.” 

    Cassie has enjoyed traveling with her family through the military, but is happy to be home in Ohio now. Her newest adventure is adopting a special needs bulldog, Squishy, pictured above.

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2014
    Education:
    Penn Foster College

  • Lelia Severns

    Lelia joined the Hillside team in October of 2021. She is studying at Penn Foster to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. 

    Lelia said “I have always loved animals, but after being involved in 4-H for 5 years I knew I wanted to continue to care for animals. I enjoy working at Hillside because I am surrounded by staff that share the same passion for animals.”

    Lelia has multiple pets at home and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

        

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2021

  • Alyssa Peters

    Alyssa joined Hillside in August 2023 as a veterinary assistant. She is planning on studying at Penn Foster to become a registered veterinary technician.

    Alyssa told us, “I have always wanted to do something with animals ever since I was little. Animals hold a special place in my heart. I enjoy keeping animals healthy”. 

    Alyssa has a family dog and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2023

  • Dawn Mandich

    Dawn joined Hillside in 2024 as a veterinary assistant. She has 5 years of experience working with animals.

    Dawn said, "I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up but have since decided to be a veterinary assistant. I love learning new things in the veterinary field and being able to help owners keep their pets happy and healthy.”

    Dawn has a dog, a cat, and 12 fish. She enjoys traveling with her family to different places and outdoor adventures.

    Years in Practice:
    May 03, 2024

  • Suzanne Hopkins

    Suzanne Hopkins joined the staff at Hillside in October 2018 as a Receptionist. Suzanne is Reception Manager, a position Hillside created just for Suzanne.  Her love for animals brought her to Hillside Veterinary Clinic. 

    “I love servicing the Community, helping people and their pets.  The staff at Hillside are the most caring people". 

    Suzanne and her husband Brock have been married for 31 years and live outside of Gambier.  Suzanne enjoys camping and traveling with Brock and their rescued medium mix breed, Mavis.  

    Years in Practice:
    Oct 25, 2018

  • Judy Wolff

    Judy Wolff is a Receptionist and Veterinary Assistant at Hillside. She has been working for HVC since October of 1996. Judy has attended continuing education courses through the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) for the past twenty two years. She has also attended various seminars and has twenty two years of on the job training.  Judy is a graduate of the Business Educational School in Imperial Beach, CA.

    Besides assisting with medical procedures and appointments, Judy enjoys the social aspect of working at Hillside.  "I love going to work.  I have so many good friends on staff and lots of our clients have been coming here as long as I have.  I can stay in touch with everyone and work, too."
     
    Judy has been married to Randy Wolff for almost 50 years. She has one daughter, Carly. Her hobbies are gardening, water sports, and painting.
     
    Judy has a cattle dog mix (Piper), a chihuahua/terrier (Frannie) and a granddog (Anna).

    Years in Practice:
    Apr 05, 1996
    Education:
    Business Educational School, California

  • Carol A Holtrey

    Carol Holtrey is a Receptionist at Hillside. She has been working for HVC since May of 2002. Carol has attended the Ohio Veterinary Conference and has participated in other veterinary seminars and staff development activities. 

    When Carol was in school she was interested in studying veterinary medicine, but instead she spent 22 years in the insurance industry as an agent and office manager.  "When I retired, I returned to my original plan and joined the staff at Hillside Veterinary Clinic.  I like it because I learn something everyday and I love the challenge of the medical field.  Our clients are fabulous and I like to make their visit the best it can be."
     
    Carol is married, has two children and four grandchildren. She enjoys golf, gourmet cooking, and flower arranging. Carol shares her home with two rescued brother-sister littermates picture above, Jamie and Claire. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2002

  • Kathy Bussard

                   

    Hillside welcomed Kathy as our new kennel assistant in July 2016.  Kathy had 20 years experience in caring for pets at a training, day care, and boarding center in Chesapeake, Virginia before she came to Hillside.

     

    Kathy says "I bring the assurance to all clients at Hillside that I will care for their pets like my own".

     

    Recently returning to the area, Kathy resides in Howard with her grandson. They enjoy football season and are Seattle Seahawk fans. They also enjoy sharing their five acres with their dogs: Elly, a Mini Aussie, and Scarlet, a Maltese mix. Kathy has a eight adopted cats. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1998

  • Chloe George

    Chloe joined the Hillside staff in 2023.  She works as a kennel assistant. Chloe spent her high school summers volunteering at 2 different horse camps.  She is currently enrolled in pre-veterinary medicine at MVNC.

    Chloe said “I love taking care of all the pets that come in and I like how kind everyone is. I want to make sure any pet that comes in is well taken care of and all their needs are met.”

    Chloe has 2 dogs named Benji and Lady.  In her free time Chloe enjoys swimming and spending time with family and friends.

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2023

  • Janyll Maxwell

    Janyll is a certified Professional Pet Stylist, has been grooming since 2018, and absolutely loves what she does! Besides grooming, Janyll enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs, and an occasional motorcycle ride. She has two dogs (pictured)...a German Shepard named "Lilith" and a black lab named "Lucy". 
    Years in Practice:
    Feb 14, 2024