Meet Our Team

Dr. Amanda Crawford, DVM, DACVAA, serves as the Director of Specialty Services at Westford Veterinary. She earned her DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 2015.

Following graduation, Dr. Crawford completed a Small Animal Internship at Tufts University and a Zoological Medicine and Surgery Internship at Colorado State University and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where she developed an interest in anesthetic management for exotic species.

After a year in emergency practice, she pursued an Anesthesia Internship at the University of Pennsylvania and later completed her Anesthesia and Pain Management Residency at Tufts University in 2022. Dr. Crawford became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2023.

Her professional interests include critical care anesthesia, ultrasound-guided local anesthetic techniques, and pain management, especially for chronic conditions, to enhance her patient’s quality of life.

Her primary goal is to provide compassionate and high-quality anesthetic care to all animals in her care. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Crawford enjoys hiking, baking intricate desserts, and spending time with her husband, young daughter, their dog, cats, and snakes.

Dr. Rachel Duffany, with 10 years of veterinary experience, attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

She prides herself on delivering excellent patient care and fostering clear communication with clients. Her goal is to ensure pet owners fully understand their pets’ conditions and have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about their care.

Outside of work, Dr. Duffany enjoys reading, hiking with her dogs (two German Shepherds and two pit bull mixes), traveling, and embracing the busy role of a toddler’s personal assistant.

Born and raised in Vermont, Dr. Wright developed a passion for animals at a young age. He pursued this interest at the University of Vermont, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science. After several years with Cornell University, Dr. Wright embarked on his journey to become a veterinarian, completing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Ross University where he graduated with highest honors.

After graduating Dr. Wright moved to Massachusetts where he worked in general practice five years before shifting his focus to emergency medicine. As an emergency clinician, he combines his expertise in surgery and internal medicine to provide compassionate, practical care for his patients. He is especially passionate about partnering with clients to find effective solutions in their time of need.

When not caring for pets in the emergency room, Dr. Wright enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, and skiing. A dedicated family man, he also loves watching football and barbecuing with his loved ones—both human and animal. He has five furry companions—three cats and two dogs— to ensure there is never a dull moment at home.

A Massachusetts native, Dr. Sheela Kerr always wanted to be a veterinarian. She grew up always seeming to find the stray cat to bring home and pet sitting for all the neighborhood animals.

After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, she moved to Indiana, where she studied veterinary medicine at Purdue University. Upon earning her DVM degree in 2005, she moved back to Massachusetts.

Dr. Kerr has been working in small animal medicine ever since. Previously, she has been employed at various general practices in Central Massachusetts. While she enjoyed the relationship developed with both clients and patients, she decided to join Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center and switch from preventative medicine to urgent care.

Dr. Kerr enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and spending time with her family outside of work. She and her husband abide by the law of twos—two dogs, two cats, two kids—to keep their lives crazy yet manageable.

Dr. Carney was born and raised in Arlington, Massachusetts, and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tufts University. She then worked for three years as an ICU nurse at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston before attending St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada.

Following veterinary school, she completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City, then completed a Small Animal Internal Medicine residency at the University of Minnesota in 2010. She worked in Springfield, MA, and Waltham, MA, before joining Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital in 2017.

Dr. Carney has particular interests in immune-mediated diseases and endocrine disorders, although she treats a wide variety of internal medicine cases. In her free time, she enjoys rooting for Boston sports teams and spending time with family.

Dr. Ashley Hegler, DVM, DACVIM, was born and raised in Miami, FL. She graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Biology and Psychology in 2011 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Upon graduation from veterinary school, she performed a rotating internship in CT at VCA VREC and Shoreline. Dr. Hegler completed her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Louisiana State University and became board-certified in 2019. Dr. Hegler returned back to CT, working in specialty private practice from 2019 until 2023 before moving to MA to be closer to friends and family.

Dr. Hegler’s professional interests include infectious disease, immune-mediated disease, gastrointestinal disease, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, endocrinology, hepatobiliary disease, and urinary disease.

When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and getting lost in a really great book.

Dr. Penelope Buechner has been practicing veterinary medicine for 15 years. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Dr. Buechner has a true passion for veterinary ophthalmology, finding immense joy in working with her patients and their owners. She takes great pride in excellent client communication, top-tier patient care, and utilizing fear-free methodologies to ensure a comfortable experience for every animal. With expertise in a wide range of surgical options, she finds nothing more rewarding than restoring vision to a once-blind pet.

Outside of work, Dr. Buechner is an avid hiker and is currently tackling the “52 With a View” New Hampshire mountains list. She loves spending time with her husband, two children, and their beloved 4-year-old Labrador, Rufus. A passionate reader and traveler, she frequently visits Canada, where her family resides.

She takes great pride in fostering close relationships with both her patients and clients, ensuring that they feel supported throughout the recovery process, whether for short- or long-term physical rehabilitation.

Dr. Palmer enjoys making the journey of recovery easier by addressing challenges and making at-home adjustments for her patients. In her free time, she loves spending quality moments with her family, walking around the lake near their home, cheering on the Celtics, and getting lost in a good book.

Dr. Mallory Watson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with a passion for helping pets get back on their feet. After graduating from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, she completed a series of internships followed by a surgical residency at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

Dr. Watson is dedicated to helping her patients live happy and healthy lives. She does both soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. Dr. Watson offers select minimally invasive surgical procedures and loves repairing broken bones.

When she’s not in the operating room, she enjoys practicing yoga, getting lost in a good book, and traveling with her family.

With more than 21 years in veterinary medicine—including over a dozen years at WVERC—Kathy brings both deep expertise and genuine warmth to every interaction. Her steady presence and experience make her an invaluable member of the team.

When she’s not caring for patients, Kathy is her grandchildren’s biggest fan, cheering from the sidelines at sports games and dance competitions. She’s equally at home with her hands in the garden soil, out on the water boating, or treasure hunting at Rietta Ranch for her next unique find. Her perfect evening? Curled up with her pets, a good movie, and an oversized bowl of popcorn.

Kylee thrives in the controlled chaos of emergency veterinary medicine. With eight years in the field, she began her career in general practice before discovering her true calling in the ER, where the fast-paced environment and adrenaline keep her energized and engaged. Originally on a pre-veterinary track to become a doctor, Kylee fell in love with the nursing side of veterinary medicine instead—a decision that led her to specialize in the advanced clinical skills she performs on critical patients daily. She excels in the ICU, where her ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

A Massachusetts native from Pepperell who now calls New Hampshire home, Kylee has worked at multiple emergency hospitals throughout the state, gaining diverse experience that she’s passionate about sharing with the next generation of veterinary technicians. Teaching and training newer techs is one of her greatest joys, and she’s dedicated to supporting younger team members as they develop their skills and find their own paths in emergency medicine.

When she’s not saving lives in the hospital, Kylee is only truly happy when she’s outside. She shares her adventures with her horse Ryleigh, her doberman Maya (her soul dog), and her perfectly crazy Dutch shepherd Wasabi. Whether hiking, trail riding, heading to the beach, or exploring the mountains, Kylee and her crew are always on the move.

Kylee is proud of the positive, supportive culture the team has built together at WVERC. She knows this job is hard enough, and she values the way her colleagues support each other both in and outside of work. For Kylee, emergency veterinary medicine isn’t just a career—it’s her passion, and she wouldn’t know what to do without it.

At home, Elena practices what she preaches—her personal animal sanctuary includes a silly hound, a shih tzu, a Persian cat, a domestic shorthair, five ducks, three chickens, and a horse. It’s a full house that keeps life interesting.

When she’s not caring for patients, you’ll find Elena on two wheels or four hooves—she’s equally passionate about motorcycle riding and horseback riding. She’s also happiest with her hands in the dirt, tending to her ever-growing plant collection and garden, or simply soaking up time outdoors.

What Elena loves most about WVERC? The incredible team she works alongside, the opportunity to continuously train and sharpen her skills, and of course, the best perk of all—getting to snuggle the animals she cares for.

Jerri’s career took a new direction in 2021 when she helped launch the physical rehabilitation department at Westford. Her passion for healing and restoring mobility in animals quickly made her a natural leader, and today, she serves as the Lead of the Physical Rehabilitation and Neurology Departments. Jerri finds immense joy in helping animals regain their strength and improve their quality of life, whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery or a senior pet looking to stay active. There’s nothing more rewarding to her than watching an animal go from struggling to moving freely again—and knowing that she played a part in that journey.

Outside of work, Jerri is a devoted mother to her teenage son, and her home is filled with love from two senior mixed breed dogs, Dublin and Maddie, as well as two bearded dragons, Charizard and Dagonite. Her personal life reflects the same love and respect for animals that drives her career.

When she’s not at the clinic or spending time with her family, Jerri enjoys photography, soaking up the sun at the beach, and unwinding by the lake—always with a camera in hand to capture the beauty of the world around her.

Alissa brings 18 years of veterinary medicine experience and a decade of dedication to the Westford team. A graduate of Dallas College Cedar Valley in Texas, she is an ALS/BLS Rescuer Certified and has built an impressive career spanning nearly two decades in the field. Her commitment to providing exceptional care and her extensive experience make her a trusted and valued member of the hospital.

At home, Alissa shares her life with two lab mixes, Ziva and Castiel, and her thoroughbred mare, Penny. When she’s not caring for her own animals or helping patients at the hospital, Alissa can often be found with her nose in a good book—reading is one of her favorite pastimes.

A passionate New England sports fan, Alissa bleeds Patriots pride and loves cheering on her teams. Her enthusiasm extends beyond the field to the concert stage as well—she’s attended an impressive 12 Garth Brooks concerts and counting, proving her dedication to both her work and the things she loves.

Alissa’s combination of clinical expertise, genuine compassion for animals, and vibrant personality make her an integral part of what makes WVERC special.

An animal lover since birth, Jennifer shares her home with a delightful menagerie. Her cat Sheriff Callie has the unique distinction of being raised by the family dog, Daisy, while her second feline, She Bob, joined the family two years ago after being rescued during a road trip. Jennifer also tends to nine chickens, who she describes as quite amazing. When she’s not caring for her animal children, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her human child.

Jennifer’s cross-country experience has given her a broad perspective on veterinary medicine and a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond that transcends state lines. Her quarter-century of dedication to veterinary care, combined with her lifelong passion for animals, makes her an invaluable member of the team.

Originally from the South Shore of Massachusetts, Amy graduated from UMass Amherst and Becker College before building a career dedicated to veterinary anesthesia. A self-proclaimed “Cat Whisperer,” Amy loves all animals and wildlife and brings that passion to work every day.

At home, Amy is married to an amazing husband, Ben, and together they have two wonderful children, Aida and Quinton, along with two cats, Sneakers and Sharkboot. The family enjoys camping and outdoor adventures together. When Amy isn’t exploring the great outdoors, you’ll find her crafting, making jewelry with beading and metal/mixed media, or growing flowers throughout her yard.

Amy is proud to serve as a Lead for Anesthesia at WVERC, calling it a true passion in veterinary medicine. After spending five years training in Anesthesia at Tufts University in North Grafton, Amy developed expertise in anesthesia for critical and complex cases. “I love to teach and encourage our future CVTs in this field,” Amy shares, demonstrating a commitment not only to patient care but also to mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Kolby is a Certified Veterinary Technician who has spent eight years building a rewarding career in veterinary medicine. After earning an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Mount Wachusett Community College, Kolby has dedicated herself to providing exceptional care to animals and their families.

A Westminster, Massachusetts native, Kolby shares her home with Lacey, a spirited five-year-old Golden Retriever who keeps life interesting. When she’s not at work, Kolby can be found hitting the gym, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying quality time with family, friends, and of course, Lacey—who always seems to be at the center of any adventure.

With nearly a decade of hands-on experience, Kolby brings both expertise and genuine compassion to her work, making her an invaluable member of the veterinary team.