Dr. Ann Cirillo
Dr. Ann Cirillo (formerly Herschl) graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. After a one-year anesthesiology internship, she practiced both equine and small animal medicine. In 1992, Dr. Ann decided to focus exclusively on small animal practice. While she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, she has a special interest in companion animal dentistry. Always striving for growth, she takes advantage of continuing education opportunities to bring advanced veterinary medicine back home to her patients.
In addition to Big Rock Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Ann and husband John own and operate Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital (Seven Fields, PA) and Avalon Veterinary Hospital (Avalon, PA).
Dr. Ann knew she wanted to become a veterinarian at a very young age and followed her dream to reality. She considers herself blessed to be able to do what she loves, and not only take care of the animal patients, but their owners as well. She attends many community activities including events sponsored by the Susan G. Komen foundation, Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, Animal Friends, Butler County Humane Society, Hello Bully, community days and home shows. She also has a passion for mentoring teenagers and young adults who desire to become veterinarians someday.
In their spare time, the Cirillos enjoy playtime adventures with their young granddaughter, Payten. John and Dr. Ann have four grown children that have followed their own dreams:
Dr. Ann Cirillo (formerly Herschl) graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. After a one-year anesthesiology internship, she practiced both equine and small animal medicine. In 1992, Dr. Ann decided to focus exclusively on small animal practice. While she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, she has a special interest in companion animal dentistry. Always striving for growth, she takes advantage of continuing education opportunities to bring advanced veterinary medicine back home to her patients.
In addition to Big Rock Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Ann and husband John own and operate Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital (Seven Fields, PA) and Avalon Veterinary Hospital (Avalon, PA).
Dr. Ann knew she wanted to become a veterinarian at a very young age and followed her dream to reality. She considers herself blessed to be able to do what she loves, and not only take care of the animal patients, but their owners as well. She attends many community activities including events sponsored by the Susan G. Komen foundation, Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, Animal Friends, Butler County Humane Society, Hello Bully, community days and home shows. She also has a passion for mentoring teenagers and young adults who desire to become veterinarians someday.
In their spare time, the Cirillos enjoy playtime adventures with their young granddaughter, Payten. John and Dr. Ann have four grown children that have followed their own dreams:
- Samantha (Payten’s mommy) obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and applies her degree as a drug and alcohol counselor.
- Emily also graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Major in Environmental Science and a Minor in Japanese. She lives in NC with her husband Kai.
- Alexandra graduated from Slippery Rock University and is working in marketing in Warrendale, PA.
- Their youngest, Michael is currently loving California as he pursues his PhD in Bioengineering at UCSF/UC Berkley.
Dr. Nicole Osche
Dr. Nicole joined our team as an associate veterinarian in 2017. She completed her undergraduate studies at Allegheny College, earning a Bachelor of Science in 2004 before attending veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania to complete her doctorate degree.
After earning her VMD, Dr. Nicole moved to Philadelphia and worked at a mixed 24-hour emergency and general practice for 3 years. As she and her husband Seth started their own family, they moved back home to the Pittsburgh area to be closer to their families in Butler.
Dr. Nicole enjoys working closely with the rest of the staff to provide our clients the best experience and medical care for their furry family members. She has special interests in emergency and internal medicine, dentistry, and surgery.
In addition to their children, 5-year-old Sebastian and 2-year-old Claire, Dr. Osche and her husband share their home with three cats: Oliver and new kittens Mabel & Dipper.
Dr. Osche shares her home with her husband, two kids, and cats. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, cheering on the Steelers, and spending time with her family. She has special interests in emergency and internal medicine, dentistry and surgery.
Dr. Nicole joined our team as an associate veterinarian in 2017. She completed her undergraduate studies at Allegheny College, earning a Bachelor of Science in 2004 before attending veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania to complete her doctorate degree.
After earning her VMD, Dr. Nicole moved to Philadelphia and worked at a mixed 24-hour emergency and general practice for 3 years. As she and her husband Seth started their own family, they moved back home to the Pittsburgh area to be closer to their families in Butler.
Dr. Nicole enjoys working closely with the rest of the staff to provide our clients the best experience and medical care for their furry family members. She has special interests in emergency and internal medicine, dentistry, and surgery.
In addition to their children, 5-year-old Sebastian and 2-year-old Claire, Dr. Osche and her husband share their home with three cats: Oliver and new kittens Mabel & Dipper.
Dr. Osche shares her home with her husband, two kids, and cats. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, cheering on the Steelers, and spending time with her family. She has special interests in emergency and internal medicine, dentistry and surgery.
Dr. Stephanie Clauss
Dr. Stephanie Clauss graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. After graduation, Dr. Clauss moved to central New Jersey where she practiced at the Raritan Animal Hospital for 7 years, then the Animal Hospital at Kingston and Blawenburg for 2 years before returning home to Western Pennsylvania in 2014. She has been an associate veterinarian at our sister hospital in Avalon, and we're excited to have her here to care for our Beaver County patients, as well!
Dr. Clauss' professional interests include internal medicine, dermatology, surgery and dentistry. In her free time, Dr. Clauss enjoys spending time with her family, especially her amazing daughters. She also enjoys cooking, reading and outdoor adventures. Along with her family, Dr. Clauss shares her home with three dogs, three cats, and a pond full of goldfish.
Dr. Stephanie Clauss graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. After graduation, Dr. Clauss moved to central New Jersey where she practiced at the Raritan Animal Hospital for 7 years, then the Animal Hospital at Kingston and Blawenburg for 2 years before returning home to Western Pennsylvania in 2014. She has been an associate veterinarian at our sister hospital in Avalon, and we're excited to have her here to care for our Beaver County patients, as well!
Dr. Clauss' professional interests include internal medicine, dermatology, surgery and dentistry. In her free time, Dr. Clauss enjoys spending time with her family, especially her amazing daughters. She also enjoys cooking, reading and outdoor adventures. Along with her family, Dr. Clauss shares her home with three dogs, three cats, and a pond full of goldfish.
Dr. Kara Sudberg
Dr. Sudberg joined our team as an associate veterinarian for in 2018. She also sees patients at our Avalon Veterinary Hospital. Originally from Short Hills, New Jersey, she completed her undergraduate studies as a Biology major at Lafayette College before earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Ross University in 2017.
While she loves working with the small animal patients here at Avalon, she enjoyed an amazing opportunity to care for large exotic animals (like rhinos & big cats) on a trip to South Africa during vet school!
Dr. Sudberg shares her home with two cats (Mittens and Bandit) and enjoys traveling, singing, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Sudberg joined our team as an associate veterinarian for in 2018. She also sees patients at our Avalon Veterinary Hospital. Originally from Short Hills, New Jersey, she completed her undergraduate studies as a Biology major at Lafayette College before earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Ross University in 2017.
While she loves working with the small animal patients here at Avalon, she enjoyed an amazing opportunity to care for large exotic animals (like rhinos & big cats) on a trip to South Africa during vet school!
Dr. Sudberg shares her home with two cats (Mittens and Bandit) and enjoys traveling, singing, and spending time outdoors.
Amanda, Regional Practice Manager
Amanda is the Regional Practice Manager for Big Rock, Seven Fields, and Avalon Veterinary Hospitals. She has been working in the veterinary field since she was 15 years old, and has been Dr. Ann and John's reliable point person since 2014.
She appreciates being able to make a positive difference in the lives of our team members, our clients, and our patients. Her special interest and continuing education in veterinary dentistry has helped many pets as she follows dental treatments with client education, giving pet owners tips on maintaining oral health at home. Amanda's wide range of skills include customer service, team training and mentoring, problem solving (anything and everything!) and too many more to list here!
A resident of Butler, PA, Amanda enjoys spending time with her (huge!) family and friends, camping and fishing. She has four adopted pets:
Bauer, a Shih Tzu, was adopted from his former family because he is quite "special," to say the least.
Faith joined her family nearly 2 years ago; she came from the shelter as a hot mess with Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and two broken legs that healed on their own (no, this is not normal).
Chunk (a.k.a. "Mama's lil' baby") is named after the character in The Goonies.
Lil' Buddy is her outside cat; his name says it all.
Amanda loves getting to know our clients and takes a lot of pride in what we do.
Amanda is the Regional Practice Manager for Big Rock, Seven Fields, and Avalon Veterinary Hospitals. She has been working in the veterinary field since she was 15 years old, and has been Dr. Ann and John's reliable point person since 2014.
She appreciates being able to make a positive difference in the lives of our team members, our clients, and our patients. Her special interest and continuing education in veterinary dentistry has helped many pets as she follows dental treatments with client education, giving pet owners tips on maintaining oral health at home. Amanda's wide range of skills include customer service, team training and mentoring, problem solving (anything and everything!) and too many more to list here!
A resident of Butler, PA, Amanda enjoys spending time with her (huge!) family and friends, camping and fishing. She has four adopted pets:
Bauer, a Shih Tzu, was adopted from his former family because he is quite "special," to say the least.
Faith joined her family nearly 2 years ago; she came from the shelter as a hot mess with Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and two broken legs that healed on their own (no, this is not normal).
Chunk (a.k.a. "Mama's lil' baby") is named after the character in The Goonies.
Lil' Buddy is her outside cat; his name says it all.
Amanda loves getting to know our clients and takes a lot of pride in what we do.
Jennifer, Office Manager
Jennifer joined the Big Rock family in October 2017 as a part-time customer concierge, bringing with her nearly 20 years of veterinary experience. Her skills in client service, marketing/social media management, and role as a veterinary assistant make her an excellent addition to our team and she has shined as Office Manager of our practice since June 2019. She is our resident "cat lady" with a soft spot for geriatric cats.
In addition to hands-on work in the field, Jennifer has helped to better veterinary medicine nationwide with her contributions to Firstline Magazine since 2009. Her publications include articles on client service, tips for receptionists, work/life balance, and her favorite: being a feline healthcare advocate! You can find her Firstline articles and more on her blog: Thinking Outside the Litterbox.
It should come as no surprise that Jennifer likes to spend her spare time writing and blogging! She also enjoys spending time outdoors and gardening. Originally from Beaver, PA, Jennifer now lives in Wampum with her husband Tom. They share their home with two cats: a grey tabby DSH named Fox and a grey DSH Penelope (a.k.a. "Nellie" - who has her own Instagram account @penelope.j.cat).
Jennifer joined the Big Rock family in October 2017 as a part-time customer concierge, bringing with her nearly 20 years of veterinary experience. Her skills in client service, marketing/social media management, and role as a veterinary assistant make her an excellent addition to our team and she has shined as Office Manager of our practice since June 2019. She is our resident "cat lady" with a soft spot for geriatric cats.
In addition to hands-on work in the field, Jennifer has helped to better veterinary medicine nationwide with her contributions to Firstline Magazine since 2009. Her publications include articles on client service, tips for receptionists, work/life balance, and her favorite: being a feline healthcare advocate! You can find her Firstline articles and more on her blog: Thinking Outside the Litterbox.
It should come as no surprise that Jennifer likes to spend her spare time writing and blogging! She also enjoys spending time outdoors and gardening. Originally from Beaver, PA, Jennifer now lives in Wampum with her husband Tom. They share their home with two cats: a grey tabby DSH named Fox and a grey DSH Penelope (a.k.a. "Nellie" - who has her own Instagram account @penelope.j.cat).
Kristine, Veterinary Technician
Kristine joined the Big Rock family in 2019. She wears several hats throughout the week, including roles as CSR, exam room technician, and surgical assistant. Passionate about "prevention is the best medicine," she loves educating clients about the importance of wellness care, nutrition, and behavior/training.
After over 20 years in veterinary medicine, Kristine can honestly say that she still loves what she does and feels blessed that she gets to do what she loves for a living. "I can't see myself doing anything else!"
Kristine resides in Pittsburgh with her daughter Alexa and two rescue dogs. Bandit is a 13 year-old Golden Retriever Mix that she's had since puppyhood. "He hops when he barks and it sounds like he's smoked way too many cigarettes - it's the funniest thing ever and you can't help but laugh." Phoebe is her newest rescue, a Chihuahua Mix (also part cat - she'll attack your feet or fingers under a blanket). She's a total comedian and makes her family laugh every day with her antics!
You may spot Kristine on (or off) the road in her Jeep - she's a member of a local Jeep club. She also enjoys kayaking and hiking the trails around Western PA.
Kristine joined the Big Rock family in 2019. She wears several hats throughout the week, including roles as CSR, exam room technician, and surgical assistant. Passionate about "prevention is the best medicine," she loves educating clients about the importance of wellness care, nutrition, and behavior/training.
After over 20 years in veterinary medicine, Kristine can honestly say that she still loves what she does and feels blessed that she gets to do what she loves for a living. "I can't see myself doing anything else!"
Kristine resides in Pittsburgh with her daughter Alexa and two rescue dogs. Bandit is a 13 year-old Golden Retriever Mix that she's had since puppyhood. "He hops when he barks and it sounds like he's smoked way too many cigarettes - it's the funniest thing ever and you can't help but laugh." Phoebe is her newest rescue, a Chihuahua Mix (also part cat - she'll attack your feet or fingers under a blanket). She's a total comedian and makes her family laugh every day with her antics!
You may spot Kristine on (or off) the road in her Jeep - she's a member of a local Jeep club. She also enjoys kayaking and hiking the trails around Western PA.
Danielle, Certified Veterinary Technician
Danielle is a 2006 graduate of the Vet Tech Institute and has been part of the Big Rock team since 2018. She particularly enjoys animal behavior and providing clients guidance for caring for their new puppies.
She shares her home in New Sewickley Twp with her wonderful husband Mack and their two amazing daughters, Reagan and Paisley. Their furry family includes 2 cats: Amos (a.k.a. Poodle) & Hank, and 2 dogs: Piper & Vegas.
Danielle's hobbies include all sorts of crafting (especially scrapbooking & photography) and spending time with her family.
Danielle is a 2006 graduate of the Vet Tech Institute and has been part of the Big Rock team since 2018. She particularly enjoys animal behavior and providing clients guidance for caring for their new puppies.
She shares her home in New Sewickley Twp with her wonderful husband Mack and their two amazing daughters, Reagan and Paisley. Their furry family includes 2 cats: Amos (a.k.a. Poodle) & Hank, and 2 dogs: Piper & Vegas.
Danielle's hobbies include all sorts of crafting (especially scrapbooking & photography) and spending time with her family.
Taylor, Veterinary Technician
Taylor has been part of the Big Rock team since February 2018. Her caring personality helps both our clients and patients feel comfortable, and her patient demeanor is perfect for pets that struggle with behavior and anxiety issues. We love that she's always eager to learn new things every day!
A New Sewickley native, Taylor is the youngest in her family, with two older brothers. Her pets include 1-year-old cat Maggie May Muffin (who has her own Instagram @maggiiemuffin) and 6-year-old Pitbull mix Kirby Michael.
Outside of the office you'll find her exploring nature by hiking with Kirby, fishing, four-wheeling, and capturing the world around her through photography.
Taylor has been part of the Big Rock team since February 2018. Her caring personality helps both our clients and patients feel comfortable, and her patient demeanor is perfect for pets that struggle with behavior and anxiety issues. We love that she's always eager to learn new things every day!
A New Sewickley native, Taylor is the youngest in her family, with two older brothers. Her pets include 1-year-old cat Maggie May Muffin (who has her own Instagram @maggiiemuffin) and 6-year-old Pitbull mix Kirby Michael.
Outside of the office you'll find her exploring nature by hiking with Kirby, fishing, four-wheeling, and capturing the world around her through photography.
Courtney, Veterinary Technician
Courtney graduated from the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh in 2008 and joined our team in 2019 as a surgical/dental technician, exam technician and CSR. Her favorite part about working at Big Rock is - of course - our clients and patients, as well as her fun coworkers.
Courtney resides in Ambridge with daughters Kailey (9) and Harper (5) as well as her fiance, Edgar - they'll be married in August 2020. Her furry family includes 2 cats: Einstein & Flower, and a rabbit named Midnight.
She especially enjoys quad riding and spending time with family & friends.
Courtney graduated from the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh in 2008 and joined our team in 2019 as a surgical/dental technician, exam technician and CSR. Her favorite part about working at Big Rock is - of course - our clients and patients, as well as her fun coworkers.
Courtney resides in Ambridge with daughters Kailey (9) and Harper (5) as well as her fiance, Edgar - they'll be married in August 2020. Her furry family includes 2 cats: Einstein & Flower, and a rabbit named Midnight.
She especially enjoys quad riding and spending time with family & friends.
Jaina, Veterinary Technician
Jaina loves being in a field where she never stops learning (and teaching!). She was a peer tutor through her studies at the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, and it has prepared her well for providing excellent client education. She's currently preparing to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to receive her certification and state license.
A South Beaver native, you'll find Jaina reading in her spare time, spending time in nature, and loving on her dogs Daisy & Otis.
Jaina loves being in a field where she never stops learning (and teaching!). She was a peer tutor through her studies at the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, and it has prepared her well for providing excellent client education. She's currently preparing to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to receive her certification and state license.
A South Beaver native, you'll find Jaina reading in her spare time, spending time in nature, and loving on her dogs Daisy & Otis.
Mirranda, Certified Veterinary Technician
Mirranda has been part of our veterinary family since 2017, working as a Certified Veterinary Technician at both Big Rock and our sister hospital, Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital. She is a 2014 graduate of the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh.
Her special interest in behavior makes her an invaluable asset to our team, as she's always willing to patiently earn the trust of even our most hard to handle patients. In her own words, she truly enjoys "getting to work with brilliant and compassionate minds that come together as a team to heal and teach. Also, how good it feels when a human is so happy that their animal is back to their normal selves, and we got to be a part of that."
Mirranda comes from a big family (she has 5 brothers and 5 sisters!) and calls Fombell, PA home with her dog Piper and two cats, Stanley & Richard Parker. Outside the office you'll find her hiking trails, doing yoga, traveling or embracing art & photography.
Mirranda has been part of our veterinary family since 2017, working as a Certified Veterinary Technician at both Big Rock and our sister hospital, Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital. She is a 2014 graduate of the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh.
Her special interest in behavior makes her an invaluable asset to our team, as she's always willing to patiently earn the trust of even our most hard to handle patients. In her own words, she truly enjoys "getting to work with brilliant and compassionate minds that come together as a team to heal and teach. Also, how good it feels when a human is so happy that their animal is back to their normal selves, and we got to be a part of that."
Mirranda comes from a big family (she has 5 brothers and 5 sisters!) and calls Fombell, PA home with her dog Piper and two cats, Stanley & Richard Parker. Outside the office you'll find her hiking trails, doing yoga, traveling or embracing art & photography.
Brittany P, Veterinary Technician
Brittany came to our practice in 2020, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a wide variety of experience in animal care. A 2014 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a Pre-Vet concentration & Minor in Chemistry, she began her career at a small animal clinic in 2012 while working towards her Bachelor's degree. From there, she spent 2 weeks in Africa volunteering with a conservation program as a veterinary assistant for a wildlife vet, worked part-time for a summer caring for racehorses with an equine vet at The Meadows, and joined the team the University of Pittsburgh as a veterinary/surgical technician.
Currently certified as a laboratory animal technologist (LATg), Brittany is working towards certifications as a surgical research anesthetist and surgical research technician before reapplying for vet school. She also has a particular interest in animal behavior, neurology and psychology. Here at Big Rock, you'll find her working the exam rooms and assisting wherever needed during emergencies & peak times.
Brittany is originally from Mars, PA but now owns her own home in New Sewickley with her crew of furry, scaly & feathered family: a Great Dane (Dixie), a Siberian Husky (Nikon), 3 cats (Cooper, Bella & Evee), an axolotl (Magnus, adopted from her job at Pitt), a gecko (Iris), 2 bunnies (Coffee & Cream), and 6 chickens. Outside of her animal interests, you can find her hiking, traveling, golfing, dancing, and embracing her creative side with arts & crafts.
Brittany came to our practice in 2020, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a wide variety of experience in animal care. A 2014 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a Pre-Vet concentration & Minor in Chemistry, she began her career at a small animal clinic in 2012 while working towards her Bachelor's degree. From there, she spent 2 weeks in Africa volunteering with a conservation program as a veterinary assistant for a wildlife vet, worked part-time for a summer caring for racehorses with an equine vet at The Meadows, and joined the team the University of Pittsburgh as a veterinary/surgical technician.
Currently certified as a laboratory animal technologist (LATg), Brittany is working towards certifications as a surgical research anesthetist and surgical research technician before reapplying for vet school. She also has a particular interest in animal behavior, neurology and psychology. Here at Big Rock, you'll find her working the exam rooms and assisting wherever needed during emergencies & peak times.
Brittany is originally from Mars, PA but now owns her own home in New Sewickley with her crew of furry, scaly & feathered family: a Great Dane (Dixie), a Siberian Husky (Nikon), 3 cats (Cooper, Bella & Evee), an axolotl (Magnus, adopted from her job at Pitt), a gecko (Iris), 2 bunnies (Coffee & Cream), and 6 chickens. Outside of her animal interests, you can find her hiking, traveling, golfing, dancing, and embracing her creative side with arts & crafts.
John Cirillo, Co-Owner
John is Dr. Ann's loving husband. He co-owns Big Rock Veterinary Hospital, Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital, and Avalon Veterinary Hospital. Formerly an accountant for AK Steel in Butler, he retired to open Seven Fields with his wife.
He also owns Gorillo's - a carry-out bottle shop in Butler, PA known for its great selection of domestic, import, and microbrew beer. His loyal customers especially love that the store is open 365 days a year (366 on leap years. :) Follow Gorillo's on Facebook for current promotions and to be the first to hear about new arrivals!
When not managing Gorillo's and keeping up with granddaughter Payten, John handles the marketing and advertising for the veterinary hospitals. He is a patient presence for all of our staff members, and is always willing to step in as an extra pair of hands to help our patients with nail trims, blood work, and x-rays.
John is Dr. Ann's loving husband. He co-owns Big Rock Veterinary Hospital, Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital, and Avalon Veterinary Hospital. Formerly an accountant for AK Steel in Butler, he retired to open Seven Fields with his wife.
He also owns Gorillo's - a carry-out bottle shop in Butler, PA known for its great selection of domestic, import, and microbrew beer. His loyal customers especially love that the store is open 365 days a year (366 on leap years. :) Follow Gorillo's on Facebook for current promotions and to be the first to hear about new arrivals!
When not managing Gorillo's and keeping up with granddaughter Payten, John handles the marketing and advertising for the veterinary hospitals. He is a patient presence for all of our staff members, and is always willing to step in as an extra pair of hands to help our patients with nail trims, blood work, and x-rays.
