Dr. Katti Strahsmeier-Stoller is the owner and head veterinarian of BelaCoop Animal Hospital of North Park. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Dr. Stoller grew up with a love for animals and by the age of 7, she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. After graduating high school, she left to start her career as an Animal Science/Pre-Vet major at Virginia Tech University. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, she continued onto graduate school in Poultry Nutrition at Virginia Tech University. After leaving her Master’s program, she relocated to the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean and furthered her education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She subsequently returned to the United States to finish her clinical year of study at Purdue University, obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2006. From there, she worked on Cape Cod at Sandwich Animal Hospital for 3 years, met the love of her life, and moved back to Pittsburgh. She obtained a job working in emergency medicine for the next 3 years and married her husband, Sam. Katti then went on to do relief work in shelter medicine for the Western PA Humane Society and White Oak Animal Safe Haven. Katti and Sam decided to make Katti’s dreams come true and opened their own animal hospital in July 2013. They wanted to make the animal hospital special and name it after their two beloved dogs, Bela and Cooper, that have both passed away. A few years later, they opened BelaCoop Beauty Bar, a pet grooming facility, and plan on opening their boarding facility in the year 2023. Dr. Stoller has also been working on writing her first book, “For the Love of Dog” which will be published and available by the summer of 2021.
Sam and Katti currently have two cats, Liamuiga who was rescued from the island of St. Kitts, and Kittniss, a local rescue. They also have two dogs, a Golden Retriever/Hound mix named Pepper, who they adopted from the Western PA Humane Society, and a rescued Pit Bull named Zen. Katti and Sam also have a daughter, Siena, and a son, Rainer. Dr. Stoller’s hobbies include spending time with her family, gourmet cooking, interior decorating, and shopping. Dr. Stoller has also been featured in the hit TV show “My Dog Ate What!” on National Geographic Wild. She also had an honorable mention in the Veterinary Practice News magazine as well as the Pittsburgh Magazine.
Dr. Liz Knabe joined the BelaCoop family in January 2022. She studied Animal Science at Penn State University and earned her doctorate in 2015 from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a 1-year small animal rotating internship at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Nashville. In 2016, she moved to Pittsburgh and began her career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Liz has a particular interest in dentistry, feline medicine, and geriatric medicine.
Dr. Liz and her husband live in O’hara Township with their son, Miles. Their current pets include Bean, a young chocolate labradoodle, and Calypso, an elderly tuxedo cat. Outside of the office, Dr. Liz enjoys spin class, hiking with Bean, reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Dr. Pich knew at a very young age that animals were her passion. Growing up in an environment where animals were treated as family members, she quickly learned the value and understanding of the human-animal bond. It was no surprise to anyone that knew her, that she’d choose veterinary medicine as her profession.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Pich completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2009 at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Furthering her education in 2011 she graduated with her degree in Veterinary Medical Technology. Dr. Pich found a passion in zoo and wildlife medicine, during her 7 years as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, she cared for the medical needs in a variety of animals including birds, reptiles, exotic mammals and aquatic species in well recognized zoos across the country. Her academic achievements include being a published author in respected veterinary journals such as JAVMA, AJVR and JZWM. In 2018, she completed a Master’s degree in Veterinary Biomedical Science from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Dr. Pich graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2022.
Shortly after graduating veterinary school, Dr. Pich moved to Pittsburgh to be with her now husband, Mike (a Hampton native). When she is not traveling to visit family and friends, Dr. Pich enjoys baking, running, being outdoors, shopping, and reading (when she has time). Her love for animals is not only evident in her work but also in her home, where she enjoys the company of her fur children, a Pyrador named Booker and a black cat named Gus.
Dr. Pich joined the BelaCoop family in July 2023. Her special interests include, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, dermatology, and senior-wellness. Dr. Pich hopes to foster a supportive environment for pet owners, and values strong relationships with both pets and their families, ensuring they receive the best care possible. If you have any specific questions about Dr. Pich or her work, feel free to ask!
My veterinary journey began with a business degree from Miami of Ohio, where I started my career as an accountant. After moving to Seattle, I worked for REI and the Seattle Times, but my true passion was always volunteering with animal rescues. The more I worked with dogs and cats, the more I realized that’s where my heart belonged.
I later served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Eastern Europe in the early 2000s, and upon returning to the U.S., I pursued pre-vet courses at the University of Pittsburgh. I graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, followed by an internship in Ventura, CA. I spent some time in Northern California before returning to Pittsburgh to be closer to family.
Professionally, I enjoy many aspects of veterinary medicine, with a special interest in internal medicine, caring for older pets, dental procedures, and building relationships with the dedicated caregivers in our community. Outside of work, my husband and I have three rescue dogs who are as demanding as they are lovable. We love wine tasting and traveling—though we always miss our dogs while we’re away!
Dr. Tom Lampl joins the BelaCoop family after recently earning his DVM at Tufts University. As a Pittsburgh native, Dr. Tom planted his roots in veterinary medicine as a volunteer and intern at the Humane Animal Rescue (formerly Animal Rescue League) Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Verona, PA where he cared for a wide range of Pennsylvania wildlife species. Dr. Tom went on to complete his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Elon University in 2015. Following his undergraduate education, he spent several years working different jobs, including cutting-edge neuroimaging research at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Tom ultimately returned to his passion for animals when he moved to Cambridge, MA in 2019 and worked as a veterinary technician before and during vet school. He developed special professional interests in both diagnostic imaging and animal behavior which he carries enthusiastically into his work.
When Dr. Tom isn’t in the hospital, you can find him pursuing his hobbies or spending time with his cat, Mervin. He is an avid automotive enthusiast and you will likely spot him at your local cars & coffee, and he has been practicing guitar with goals of writing his own album. And be careful or else he will gladly talk your ear off about his favorite new board games!
Dr. Gabrielle Pettinato has been practicing human chiropractic care since 2022. In early 2024, she began shadowing Dr. Shannon and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the wide range of services BelaCoop provides to support the health and comfort of our furry patients. She is excited to continue this new and rewarding journey with the team.
Dr. Gabrielle is a devoted cat mom and lifelong animal lover who enjoys helping pets live happier, more comfortable lives. When she’s not in practice, you’ll likely find her with her nose in a good book or enjoying a great cup of coffee. She is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Haley joined the BelaCoop team in September 2024 and is excited to grow with the practice, staff, and clients. After growing up in western New York, where she completed her veterinary technician schooling/licensing, she moved to Pittsburgh in January of 2015. Her career began in low-cost/high volume spay and neuter, where it was normal to complete anywhere from 30-80 surgeries per day. In 2018, she moved into general practice where she found a love for building relationships with not only the pets, but the clients that came along with them. In the clinic, you can find her kissing (and probably trying to steal) all of the labradors and big brown tabbies, running appointments, and keeping spirits high with her sense of humor.
When not at work, she can be found reading the latest psychological thriller, doing a puzzle, at the gym, or trying the newest local coffee shop. Her pets include a sassy long haired gray tabby, Tulip, a big brown tabby, Maddox, and a chocolate lab, Wesson. Hopefully one day that lineup will include a Quarter Horse that she can ride and show, returning to her favorite childhood pastime.
Jess has a diverse background, blending a lifelong passion for animals with years of hands-on experience. Growing up in Clarion County, PA, with a range of both domestic and farm animals, she knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinary technician. Nearly 20 years into her career, Jess has worked in both General Practice and Emergency and Critical Care, as well as in Obedience Training for several years.
Outside of her professional life, Jess is an active mom, attending her son’s soccer and baseball games and finding time for personal activities like reading, traveling, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys. She resides near Pittsburgh with her husband, Dave, and their two sons, Deacon and Elliott. Their family also includes a mix of beloved pets: an English Bulldog Mix named Lottie, a Vizsla Mix named Edgar, a bearded dragon named Olive, and a cat named Stanley.
Rose Flaherty, Client Liaison at Belacoop Animal Hospital thinks that the world would be a better place if everyone owned a dog! Rose has been in the veterinary field for almost 20 years, and with Belacoop since 2015, She has enjoyed every moment of helping pets, and their families navigate through all stages of life.
Rose has 6 children, ranging from 33 to 5 (nope that is not a typo, yes I have a 5-year-old!) Three dogs share her home, 1 Rottweiler mix, and 2 CRAZY French Bulldogs.
Rose hopes to see a cancer-free world for all pets one day.
Hannah went to school at the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh and graduated as a Veterinary Technician with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2018. She took her VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) in 2019, and became a Certified Veterinary Technician.
In January 2021 Hannah became part of the BelaCoop family, working full-time as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She has grown to love working in surgery and monitoring anesthesia, as well as working with feline patients.
Hannah has three cats at home; Kessel who she adopted in 2017 from the Vet Tech Institute, Rupert who she adopted in 2020 from Animal Friends, and Louise who she adopted in 2024 from a client. She also has two Great Pyrenees; Eleanor, who was born at BelaCoop Animal Hospital in 2023 and is one of the puppies from Betty’s “Donuts” litter, and Arrow, who was adopted from the Great Pyrenees Club of Western Pennsylvania in 2024. When she’s outside of the office, you can find her walking her dogs and enjoying nature at North Park (especially in the snow), cuddling with her cats at home while binging Netflix, or pet sitting for family and friends. Her favorite part about working at BelaCoop is being able to make a difference in each pet’s life no matter how big or small.
Alisha’s love for animals began with her first cat, Peppy, who was the kindest kitty she had growing up. Peppy sparked a lifelong passion, and over the years, her collection of animals grew to include frogs, guinea pigs, a Jack Russell Terrier, a Beagle, and even a few stray kittens. Today, she has a Dachshund named Bentley and three cats: Tux, Meep, and Sara.
Alisha graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2012 and earned her certification as a veterinary technician after passing the VTNE in 2013. Her dedication to animals led her to Belcoop Animal Hospital in February 2024, marking an exciting new chapter in her career. Between managing her clinic and caring for her pets, Alisha has truly created a life centered around her love for animals.
Sara went to vet tech school in 2011 after being honorably discharged from the army and started working as a vet tech in 2012. She started working at BelaCoop in March of 2022.
Outside of BelaCoop, Sara works for a cat rescue organization. She currently has 3 dogs and about a dozen rescued (but non-adoptable) cats. She’s passionate about wildlife and her hobbies include; singing, volleyball, wildlife photography, and giving gifts to anyone in need.
Jess graduated from the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh in 2014 and has since gained experience at various veterinary clinics. She joined BelaCoop in July 2023, where her passion for surgery and anesthesia led her to transition into the role of Surgical Technician. Jess especially loves performing dental procedures, where she can give pets fresh, clean, pearly whites to show off.
Outside of work, Jess is the proud owner of five rescue cats, forming a clowder of furry companions. She also has a Pomsky named Yoshi, who she adores and considers her best friend. Yoshi’s presence at the clinic always brings joy, and Jess loves seeing his wagging tail and the smiles he brings to her coworkers, who he affectionately calls his aunts.
From a young age, Connie has always had a strong love for animals. After losing her first cat, she has since wanted to help as many animals as she can. She went to A.W. Beattie for 3 years for Veterinary Sciences. After, she graduated with an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from the Vet Tech Institute. Connie started working with Belacoop in January 2023, her favorite thing being her coworkers and the cats she gets to help. She now has 2 cats of her own, a tabby named Milo and a black and white cat named Peach. Outside of work you can find her painting, crocheting, and taking care of her many plants. You can also find her eating what she loves most, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and chips.
“For anyone wondering, yes, I am old enough to work here.”
Mandi graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2009 and began her career as a vet tech in 2010. After working in several clinics, she joined BelaCoop in January 2023, where she continues to make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.
When she’s not at work, Mandi loves spending time with her three children, painting Warhammer miniatures, and baking. At home, she has two dogs and six cats, creating a lively household full of love.
Mandi has a special passion for senior pets. Over the past few years, she’s opened her heart and home to two sweet senior dogs, providing them with comfort and care during their golden years. She hopes to rescue more senior pets in the future and spoil them with all the love they deserve. There’s something about their wrinkly faces and stinky breath that she can’t resist. If you ever bring in a senior pet, don’t hesitate to ask for Mandi—she’d be thrilled to snuggle them and make their visit a little extra special.
Always wanting to try new things, Shania started working here in the spring 2022. She loves getting to learn about different pets and seeing all of their personalities. Before working here, Shania worked as a DSP in a daycare school for adults with special needs. She has also worked at Walmart and as a teacher for ages 2 and up. Out of work, she enjoys shopping, concerts, spending time with her family and friends, doing outdoor activities such as quad riding,
hammocking, and swimming. Owning a zoo of her own, her pet family includes 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and 1 leopard gecko. Her biggest dream for the future is to become a psychologist for kids.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain!”
Mandy went to school at the Median school and graduated as a veterinary technician in 2004. She has been in the field since then working in several small practices and emergency clinics. Mandy became part of the BelaCoop team in March 2014 working as a certified veterinary technician. Since then, Mandy has become a mother to 3 children and has pursued her true passion, taking care of her kids. She is now a member of our client service representative team and works part-time. Her hobbies include anything to do with her kids. Mostly being outdoors exploring nature, hiking or camping, having movie nights, and dance parties. Her favorite part about BelaCoop is greeting and getting to know all of our amazing clients and patients that she has grown to know and love.
I’ve been lucky to spend nearly 30 years in the veterinary field, working in many different roles along the way. Now, as a receptionist, I enjoy being the first friendly face clients and their pets see—though trust me, it’s not as easy as it looks! Before starting my career in veterinary medicine, I proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. When I’m not at the animal hospital, you’ll usually find me enjoying time with my family (husband and 2 teenage daughters) or playing with my puppy, Gonzo.
Nicole dreamed of working with animals from early childhood and has always felt a deep connection and love for all animals. This also includes rodents and lizards, much to her mother’s dismay.
She started her grooming career bathing dogs at a large corporate pet store chain in 2013. She completed their grooming academy in 2014 and never looked back. Wanting to leave corporate grooming behind for more personal pet relationships, Nicole started at BelaCoop Beauty Bar in 2019 when they opened.
Nicole’s favorite thing about grooming is the relationships she builds with her furry clients, “There is no better feeling than when a pet that is anxious begins trusting you and watching that trust grow with every visit. Grooming is more than just haircuts, we love our clients and want them to be happy and healthy.”
When she isn’t grooming, Nicole enjoys spending time with her own dogs Hank and Georgie, listening to podcasts, and caring for her ever-growing indoor plant jungle.
As a child, Sara always wanted to be around animals and always had dogs growing up. In 2012, she went to Pampered Pet grooming school which kickstarted her grooming career. After working with a couple of other salons, Sara found an open position at BelaCoop Beauty Bar and started working there in 2020. She really enjoys getting to know clients and their families, working with the dogs she grooms, and the entire team at BelaCoop.
“I would say my favorite part about grooming is seeing an owner’s reaction to their pet’s haircut, especially if it’s a dramatic transformation.”
When she’s not grooming, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband going antiquing, and working on their home together. She has 2 corgis, Oscar and Pete, and loves spending time with her family.
Growing up surrounded by pets, it’s not hard to see why Ashley would gravitate towards a career involving animals. She’s always been pulled towards any place that would have animals and now lives on a farm so she understands animals very well. She is a true animal lover, passionate about every single animal whether they have 0 legs or 1,000. Her future dream is to open her own farm and exotics animal rescue. Even now, Ashley lives on a farm and has 3 horses, 14 chickens, 2 rabbits, 1 dog, a fire skink, ball python, leopard gecko, kenyan sand boa, tarantula and many fish. She graduated from Deer Lakes School District and is canine specialist certified through Stratford Career Institute.
When covid hit and everything shut down, Ashley went into landscaping, a job she really enjoyed (especially getting to play with all the bugs!). She has done volunteer work for many organizations and continues to volunteer whenever possible. June 2023 she found her place at BelaCoop Bed & Biscuit! Her favorite things about working here are learning about different breeds of cats and dogs, seeing their individual personalities and quirks. Getting to see pets warm up and open up to staff as they really get to know them. Outside of work, you can find her crocheting, horseback riding, gardening, terrarium decorating, cooking, and baking. Being an extremely creative person, her hobbies will always revolve around using her imagination.
“I hope to have a world one day where bugs and reptiles can be more understood and loved rather than feared. They are truly amazing creatures.”
Passion is something we are all born with, but not everyone is fortunate enough to turn that passion into a path forward. For as long as Alexandria can remember, her heart has been drawn to veterinary medicine, art, and connecting with people. As a child, her favorite shows were ‘Animal Cops: Houston’ and ‘Too Cute’ on Animal Planet. More recently, her work in veterinary medicine has given her a newfound appreciation for ‘Monsters Inside Me,’ a show she discovered during her first job in the field.
Today, Alexandria proudly calls BelaCoop Animal Hospital her professional home. There, she has found not only a deeper love for animal care but also a surprising joy in building relationships with clients. The bonds she has formed with pet owners and the inspiring veterinarians at BelaCoop have solidified her dream: pursuing veterinary school. Alexandria hopes to one day walk the halls of the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, turning her lifelong passion into a fulfilling career.
My name is Greyson, and I’ve been part of the grooming industry since I was 17. I’ve always had animals in my life—dogs, cats, a bird, a few reptiles, and even fish—so caring for them has always come naturally. I’m passionate about creating a calm and comfortable space for the dogs I work with, focusing on working with them rather than against them. I’m also dedicated to learning and growing, both personally and professionally, to give my best to the people and pets around me.
Outside of work, I love staying active by hitting the trails with my dog, Eugene, and exploring the area with my boyfriend. When I’m relaxing at home, you’ll usually find me crocheting, painting patches, or listening to music.
With a deep passion for animal care and years of hands-on experience in pet boarding and veterinary support, Angela is a dedicated Pet Services Manager committed to ensuring the highest standards of comfort, safety, and well-being for all animals under their care.
Bringing 20 years of experience in animal welfare and veterinary facility management, Angela specializes in overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring a clean, secure, and enriching environment for pets. Her background ensures that every pet receives compassionate and professional attention
Outside of work, Angela lives with her husband of almost 10 years and their beloved four rescue pets—two adopted cats and two adopted dogs, all of whom were originally fosters that never left. She enjoys taking the dogs for walks and relaxing on her deck in her free time with a good book.
Being raised by a family full of animal lovers including her childhood dog, Trooper, it was inevitable for Shea to want to be in the daily presence of animals. She began volunteering at a dog shelter after school hours. After graduating from high school, she worked for a boarding facility, then moved to working for an in-home pet care company. Shea started working at BelaCoop Bed & Biscuit in early August 2023. Her favorite thing about working here are all of her coworkers who have a genuine passion for animal care that makes for a mutual understanding of the work environment. When not working, Shea enjoys spending her free time with her dog Raelynn, going antique hunting, or taking day trips with friends and family. She also loves to express herself through her tattoos. Her future dream is to buy an old historical property to call her own and house her overflowing collection of antiques.
Abbey has been working in animal care for 10 years and has a 10-year-old Pitbull mix named Chewy. She graduated with a degree in English from the University of South Carolina in 2018. Abbey has been with BelaCoop for 9 months and is excited about the opportunity to grow with the company.
With four years of experience in animal hospitality, Alexis Riggs has developed a deep passion for making pets feel at home while they’re away from their families. Her journey into the field was inspired by her Rottweiler, Rory, who sparked her dedication to animal care.
Outside of work, Alexis is an avid equestrian and enjoys hiking. She is a proud dog mom to five furry companions and actively fosters animals in need. Committed to expanding her expertise, she plans to study Equine Science, blending her love for horses with professional education.
Alexis has a special appreciation for animals with a bit of “spice,” finding great fulfillment in earning their trust and building meaningful connections. Whether she’s outdoors or curled up with a four-legged friend, her passion for animals is always at the heart of what she does.
Elsa has been working with animals her entire life, beginning on the farm where she grew up. She is a certified dog trainer with grooming experience and has been working with dogs professionally for over three years.
Outside of work, Elsa volunteers with a local dog rescue and enjoys spending time with her own pets. She shares her life with a German Shepherd named Ghost and a Sphynx cat named J’zargo. Her love for animals extends beyond dogs and cats—she is also passionate about reptiles and fish keeping, caring for several snakes and fish tanks.
I grew up in Florida and, starting in 8th grade, began working with and caring for native wildlife, including a wide range of reptiles, birds, and fish.
My love for animals began early, as I was always surrounded by pets while growing up—everything from snakes to birds. These days, my constant companion is Ozzie, a Border Collie who showed up at BelaCoop on my very first day of work and decided to stick around.
