Dr. Joe graduated from Iowa State University with his degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1985. Joe and his wife, Jeanne have 5 children and 10 grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, gardening as well as time away at the beach.

Dr Joe is originally from Fitchburg, Massachusetts and went to school in Iowa where he met his beautiful wife, Jeanne. After graduation they moved to Columbia, Pennsylvania. “it’s a beautiful family-orientated, we love it here! I love working with my clients and their pets. I feel blessed that I can provide the care that is needed to keep my patients healthy. My patients and clients are like family to me.”

“Our practice started with a few friends in the lower level of our home and grew into the beautiful facility we have now. God has blessed our family, staff, and practice. Veterinary medicine is my life; caring for the animals is a labor of love! Through church, the community, and the veterinary practice, we have become friends with so many wonderful people. We are here because of all your love and support.”

Dr Alissa M. Schneider became an associate veterinarian at SFAH in October of 2022. She completed her undergraduate studies at Delaware Valley University, in Doylestown, PA. She attended Ross University in Barbados and then completed her clinical studies at Kansas State University.

Dr. Alissa has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was very young. Her Mom recalls, “When Alissa was in first grade, she wrote, ‘I want to be a veterinarian and be open 27 hours a day!’ Her Mom still has that story and treasures it!

Dr. Alissa hails from Iselin, New Jersey where some of her family still resides. Just like everyone in vet med, she has a mirage of pets. There is Truffle, to which she so fondly calls her ‘Island dog”, Ozzie the bearded dragon and a few fish. She has plans to add more in the future!

She enjoys exploring the out of doors with Truffle, doing arts and crafts, baking and watching Netflix. She wishes her superpower was telekinesis but feels that her ability to adapt quickly to new situations is her true superpower.

Why Veterinary Medicine?
I’ve always had a mind for science, and growing up, I was surrounded by animals. My parents owned a chain of pet stores in Lancaster called Petology, where I worked as a kid. That experience was my first real exposure to the universal bond between humans and animals, and it left a lasting impression on me.

How Long Have You Worked at St. Francis Animal Hospital?
I spent 16 years working in emergency veterinary medicine at PET Emergency in Lancaster. During that time, I also filled in for various local practitioners when they needed time away. One of those veterinarians was Dr. Joe, and I’ve been helping him out for the past 15 years. These days, I handle nearly all the surgeries at St. Francis. My years in the ER gave me invaluable surgical experience and skill, which I bring to my work here every day.

Certifications & Experience
I began practicing veterinary medicine in 1999, starting in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, where I worked for a decade before returning home to Lancaster.

Personal Pets
Our home is a bit of a madhouse! We have four dogs, my father’s two dogs, our four cats, our oldest daughter’s two cats, and a couple of fish tanks. Life is never dull.

Special Interests
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with nearly every type of animal—horses, cattle, sheep, goats, birds, and more. I’ve practiced both general and emergency medicine, spending over 15 years working overnight ER shifts. But surprisingly, my true passion turned out to be something unexpected: end-of-life care.

My wife and I run Till We Meet Again, a hospice and in-home euthanasia service. While sometimes euthanasia must take place in a hospital or emergency setting, when it can be done at home, surrounded by love, it’s truly something special.

For Fun
I’m an avid cyclist and enjoy all types of biking, including tandem rides with my wife, Stacey. I also love reading, playing chess, and spending time in the Finger Lakes and the Adirondack Mountains—two places that will always feel like home.

My Superpower
Growing up as the middle sibling—between an older and younger sister—I developed what I believe is the most important superpower ever in veterinary medicine: compassion.

If I Could Come Back as Any Animal...
Although I know heaven awaits, if I had to return, I’d choose to be a red-tailed hawk.

Roxanne Bachman, CVT, Practice Manager has been a certified veterinary technician for over 40 years. Previously she has worked in several private practices and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine as a nurse practitioner in oncology. Her special interest lies in anything microscope! Fine needle aspirates, cytology and hematology is where her heart lies. Other than using her specialized skills in phlebotomy, catheter placement, fine needle aspirates and cytology, Roxanne has pretty much moved behind the scenes working as the practice manager. She works side by side with Dr. Joe to keep the hospital running smoothly. Her superpower? Multitasking and showing compassion for others.

Hany Thomas is an Egyptian veterinarian and is currently studying to obtain his veterinary licensure in the United States. Hany is graduated from South Valley University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Egypt with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. He works side by side with Dr. Joe reaffirming and increasing his knowledge. His special interest in veterinary medicine lies in dentistry, internal medicine, and surgery. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is very active in his Coptic Orthodox Church. Hany loves spending time with his wife, children, and their dog Sophie. When not working or volunteering at his church he enjoys quiet time to read.

Brittany Rothweiler started working at St. Francis in October of 2017 when she was still a student at York Technical Institute. Brittany completed her studies then did her hands on training here at SFAH. She has been with us ever since. Britt has great compassion for all animals. She thrives on being able to improve a patient’s health and happiness. She has a special interest in phlebotomy, dentistry, and Baer Hearing Testing. Britt has a massive rottweiler who is aptly named Grizzly, a silly bulldog named Gussy and a red eared slider named Yoshi. She belongs to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the North Carolina Shell Club, and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. On her day off, you can often find Brittany transporting a rescued pet to another state or to a new home. That commitment takes someone with a very large heart and sense of duty. Brittany is an avid couponer, loves combing beaches for shells and sharks’ teeth. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and family. What is Brittany’s superpower? Positivity.

Kristen Rodkey currently works as a receptionist and is gradually making her way to the treatment area to work as a veterinary assistant. She is currently enrolled in classes at YTI Institute to complete her specialized degree in Veterinary Technology to be licensed in the state of PA. Kristen has a young daughter at home whom she likes to take to the park and beach. Kristen reads, watches movies, swims and does puzzles at home in what little spare time she has. She would love to be a cat…fat, lazy and fluffy.

Katherine “Kat” Wiley completed her education in veterinary technology in 2021 after completing an externship here at St. Francis. She is currently studying to sit for the national boards. Kat has a keen interest in reptiles and hopes to work with them at some point in her career. She has 3 cats, Neko, Felix and Nala and a very handsome Russian Tortoise named Tank. She is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians. She is quite the outdoors woman as she and her hubby enjoy fishing, camping, and kayaking. When not in the great outdoors, she enjoys reading and watching movies with her family. What is Kat’s superpower? She remains calm no matter what.

Brittany Rothweiler started working at St. Francis in October of 2017 when she was still a student at York Technical Institute. Brittany completed her studies then did her hands on training here at SFAH. She has been with us ever since. Britt has great compassion for all animals. She thrives on being able to improve a patient’s health and happiness. She has a special interest in phlebotomy, dentistry, and Baer Hearing Testing. Britt has a massive rottweiler who is aptly named Grizzly, a silly bulldog named Gussy and a red eared slider named Yoshi. She belongs to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the North Carolina Shell Club, and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. On her day off, you can often find Brittany transporting a rescued pet to another state or to a new home. That commitment takes someone with a very large heart and sense of duty. Brittany is an avid couponer, loves combing beaches for shells and sharks’ teeth. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and family. What is Brittany’s superpower? Positivity.

Linda Steinmetz has been working at St Francis since October 2001. She has proven time and time again she is gifted when it comes to calming stressed kitties. She has now moved to part-time and works mostly in the evenings working with our diabetic cases and assisting with Baer Hearing Tests. She continues to play an important role at St Francis even in her limited hours.

Hannah Schuh works as a full-time receptionist here at St Francis. She comes to us from the hospitality industry and has many years of customer service under her belt. As Hannah grew in her life, she came to realize her true love of animals and had hopes of working in a veterinary office. Her prayers were answered and now works here at St Francis. Hannah keeps company with 2 beautiful cats, Lil Guy and Ramsi and her beloved Border Collie Lil Sissy. Together Hannah and Lil Sissy go on hikes and walks visiting state and national parks. When asked what animal she would like to come back as, Hannah answered, "an Eagle". This is no surprise to us as Hannah is strong and resilient...she soars.

Isaac Becker comes to us with one year of training in the veterinary field. He is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster veterinary technician program and plans on graduating and receiving his national veterinary technician licensure. His drive to make a difference in a pet’s life and its owner is what drew Isaac to veterinary medicine. He has a keen interest in learning more about surgery but is genuinely interested in all aspects of veterinary medicine. Isaac is the proud owner of 2 kitties, Twix and Salem. Family plays a large role in his life. He loves camping with his family, hanging out with his niece and nephews and collecting basketball cards. If Isaac had a superpower, it would be the ability to talk to animals!

Teresa Grable is currently in her 3rd semester at York Technical Institute to earn her specialized degree in Veterinary Technology with a goal of gaining licensure in Pennsylvania as a certified veterinary technician. Teresa has a caring soul; she loves helping people and their pets. These 2 qualities make Teresa a shoo-in here at St. Francis...helping people, helping pets. She has quite the fur baby family with two Airedale terriers, Ted, and Jasmine, and 7 cats to keep the dogs in line! At this stage of her education, Teresa is enjoying parasitology and has a big desire to learn more about internal medicine. Teresa and her husband are active volunteers in the York County Harley Davidson Owner Association where they volunteer at their charitable fundraisers. Teresa is a country girl at heart raising laying hens, gardening, and preserving what food she raises. She loves spending time with her family and grandchildren. When asked what her super power is, she replied, “staying cool under pressure” and “being a good listener”.

Sierra Shoff completed her book studies as a Veterinary Assistant at Lancaster County Career & Technology Center and then completed her externship here at St. Francis. As with all of us here at St. Francis, her love of animals is what prompted her to study in veterinary medicine. Sierra plays an integral part in keeping our treatment area running smoothly, seeing that items are well stocked, and items are readied for the next patient.
She loves spending time with her family, and her four pets: a pooch, two cats and a bunny.

Joined our St Francis team in October of 2023 as a veterinary assistant. She is currently taking classes at YTI institute to complete her studies and become licensed as a veterinary technician. As with many of us in veterinary medicine, she has wanted to work with animals since a very young child. She has her own menagerie of pets including one rottweiler, two cats and two leopard geckos. Kirstens interest lies in internal medicine and possibly a future working with special species. She allows her creative side shine by crocheting and writing poetry. Of course, spending quality time with her children and pets is at the top of her list. Kirsten feels her superpower is being resilient.