VETNETWORK - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Business Manager
• Founder
• Owner
• Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Corey Shagensky is the founder and owner of Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW). He has been practicing veterinary medicine since earning his degree from Cornell University in 2004. Dr. Shagensky has served as co-medical director and Chief of Staff of Farmington Valley Veterinary Emergency Hospital since 2008. Dr. Shagensky is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), American Animal Hospital Association, and the Avon and West Hartford Chambers of Commerce. He is also a USDA accredited veterinarian and is certified to complete health certificates for international travel. As a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, Dr. Shagnesky is particularly interested in dermatology, as well as endocrinology, oral health and preventive medicine.

Dr. Kim Rio grew up in Berlin, CT. While attending Berlin High School she worked for a local veterinarian, which convinced her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She attended Smith College, majoring in Biology and English. After graduation she spent several years working in a human medical research lab and for a small animal practice prior to attending veterinary school. After graduating from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, a research project at Hawk Mountain brought Dr. Rio northeastern Pennsylvania. Upon completion of the project she stayed on in Pennsylvania, working at a 4 doctor AAHA accredited hospital for several years. Upon her return to Connecticut, Dr. Rio began working for the Connecticut Humane Society. She spent over ten years there, working both in the shelter and in their public clinic. There she developed a commitment to reducing pet overpopulation, and to helping rescue pets find forever homes that continues to this day. Seeing a need for more personalized care, Dr. Rio established a house call practice, providing in-home care for dogs and cats. This allowed her to develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of the human animal bond. She simultaneously maintained her house call practice while providing relief services to several small animal practices. In addition she maintained her commitment to reducing pet overpopulation by working with several high volume spay and neuter organizations. Looking to get back into clinical practice full time, Dr. Rio has found PAW to be an excellent fit. She values the combination found at PAW of high quality medicine with the same commitment to personal client communication that she valued within her house call practice. Living once more in Berlin, Dr. Rio resides with her partner, George, and their 2 dogs, 3 cats (all rescues) and an iguana. Outside of her dedication to pets, she enjoys running, cycling, yoga, and visiting Colorado as often as possible."

Dr. Suzanne Gerber was born in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and already knew at age ten that she wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up. Her love of animals and love of caring for others did not waver over time. Dr. Gerber obtained her bachelor's degree in Animal Bioscience from the Pennsylvania State University, graduating with High Distinction and Honors in Veterinary Science. She went on to get her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Dr. Gerber practiced small animal medicine in Pennsylvania for one year before marriage brought her to New England. She enjoyed working in general small animal practice for 14 years in Connecticut and Massachusetts before she had the opportunity to broaden her expertise at the Veterinary Emergency Center in Canton. While she enjoyed the challenge of emergency cases and the learning experience the setting provided, she found that she missed the long-term relationship with her patients and their human caregivers. Dr. Gerber was thrilled to join the team at PAW. She values the special combination of appreciation of the human-animal bond and client communication, a commitment to a team approach to veterinary medicine, and a very high standard of medical care. Dr. Gerber now lives in Canton with her husband Dan, her two children, and a very silly cat named Georgia. She likes to hike and letterbox with her family and loves all things nature (her children raised caterpillars to butterflies and tadpoles to frogs, even if they weren't exactly thrilled about the prospect to begin with). Other highlights of her life are enjoying her husband's fantastic cooking, singing (both choral and in a local band), and reading books when she can actually steal a few quiet moments.