Our Team

At Alpha Veterinary Hospital, you will find that our knowledgeable and friendly staff is ready to help you with all aspects of pet care and education. We truly form a bond with all our clients and patients: we get to know you, we remember your pet’s personality (and little quirks).  Pet ownership is a joy, and we share that joy with you!

Take a moment to meet the Alpha family …

Dr. Gret Rumetsch

Dr. Rumetsch received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1978 from the University of Zurich, and completed a surgical internship at Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Canada, in 1981. Immediately thereafter, she started Alpha Veterinary Hospital with her husband, Dr. Eugene Barnsteiner (who passed away in 2005). Her interests include orthopedic surgery, behavioral modification, and sports injury rehabilitation. Put simply, she loves to make a difference in people’s lives, and in the lives of their pets. When not at Alpha, she engages in dog sports, spending quality time with her dogs in obedience and agility training and at trials. Several of her canine and feline friends are always wandering around Alpha!

Dr. Maria Vitello

Dr. Vitello received her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 at Purdue University. For over 20 years, she has worked in private small animal practice. She joined Alpha Veterinary Hospital in 2008, bringing extensive expertise in internal medicine, cardiology, dentistry, holistic medicine, and behavior modification. She also has a special interest in geriatric care, and is skilled at providing older animals with maintenance of chronic conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes, etc. While not at work, she spends time hiking in the woods with her daughter, engaging in volunteer youth and music ministries at church, and caring for her five cats.

Tracey

Tracey is both receptionist and technician at Alpha since 2000. She cannot remember a time in her life when she was without animals. Growing up, she always had something “stirring” in her room: little did she know that this childhood hobby of rescuing pets would evolve into a lifetime of dedication to animals! Tracey began working as a technician in 1991, and has wide experience with both companion pets and exotic animals. Her free time consists of tending to her menagerie of exotic animals, goats, mini horse, birds, and reptiles, as well as her many dogs and cats. She also enjoys her work with children doing educational animal programs as entertainment for birthdays, schools, and special events.

Danielle

Danielle joined Alpha as a veterinary technician in 2007. With over 13 years of experience, she is constantly in the middle of things: helping Drs. Rumetsch and Vitello during appointments, with surgery, performing lab work, grooming cats, providing treatments, and generally keeping things running smoothly. She truly enjoys helping pets as well as caring about the people who love them. Several dogs, cats, and bearded dragons share their home with her.

Trish

Trish has been with Alpha since 1992 as a veterinary technician. She is committed to the well-being of the patients: treating them, caring for them, and monitoring their condition. She has opened her home to many rescued pets over the years, both as a result of disasters like hurricane Katrina, and from local and out-of-state shelters. While not working, Trish enjoys spending time with her two daughters, riding horses, and volunteering at a therapeutic riding facility teaching people with disabilities how to ride.

Dawn

Dawn has been giving clients a welcoming smile at Alpha since 1986. At the front desk, she is one of our wonderful receptionists; behind the scenes, she handles all the details of billing and payroll. She loves to see the bond between Alpha’s clients and their pets, and notes that the people who come through Alpha’s door are some of the nicest imaginable! Dawn has quite a full house to tend to when not at the office: with three children, two dogs, and multiple cats, goats, and mini-horses! 

Chelsea

Chelsea may be found anywhere in Alpha: welcoming people as receptionist, assisting Drs. Rumetsch and Vitello in appointments as a veterinary technician, and doing lab work in the back. She loves to get to know Alpha’s clients and their pets on a personal level – one of the key advantages of a small veterinary practice environment. After leaving each day, she goes home to her family and two beagle mixes, who always bring her a smile!

Let our family become part of your family!