Get to Know Our Team
Our team is here to help. At Kennebunk Veterinary Hospital, we treat you and your pets like our family.
Meet our Doctors
Dr. Margaret Shively
Veterinarian
Dr. Shively, the founding doctor of our partnership, started reducing her hours in anticipation of her eventual retirement several years ago. She returned to full time temporarily during the COVID related surge in veterinary demand, and we are forever grateful she did. Now that the surge in demand is leveling off, she is returning to her part time schedule and is not accepting new clients. She is working with many of her clients to transition to doctors they feel will be a good fit. She is thrilled to have built a team of amazing associates who work well together who can continue in her legacy.
One doesn’t last long in veterinary medicine without having a true calling. Dr. Shively felt that calling in college. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of New Hampshire, her Master of Science from Washington State University and her DVM from the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Maine Veterinary Medical Association. She is past President of the New England Veterinary Medical Association and a Trustee for the Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England, which strives to improve the quality of veterinary care in the region by helping the veterinarians of tomorrow reduce the substantial debt they incur while in school.
In the fall of 1987, Dr. Shively moved her practice from Kittery to Kennebunk. Since then, she has enjoyed practicing in the small community. She supports numerous community groups and initiatives and enjoys the multi-generational aspect of her relationships with clients. Some of the people who bring their pets in today are the children of her first clients. And helping keep pets healthy and happy from puppies and kittens to seniors is one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing in primary veterinary care.
She built the practice on trust, integrity, and kindness. She believes in building relationships with clients that last generations and is proud of building something of real value to her community. “I love when we can solve a problem for a client or make a nervous patient feel safe during their visit.”
Dr. Shively loves being part of this community. She sings in the Seaglass Chorale, and enjoys both reading and gardening. And each summer, when most people on vacation with access to a boat would be out on the water sunning themselves, Dr. Shively is on a boat – making “house calls” to the islands of Blue Hill Bay. She runs the Dockside program, where island animals can be seen on the boat and avoid the long trek to the mainland. Dr. Shively shares her home with her husband, daughter, and lovely but demanding domestic shorthair named Elfa.
Dr. Kenneth Odrzywolski
Veterinarian
Dr. Odrzywolski (we call him Dr. O) has been enjoying the practice of veterinary medicine since 1987. In fact, he and Dr. Shively went to Tufts together. He hails from Buffalo, N.Y., and earned his Bachelor of Science with Distinction from Cornell University. He found his calling during his junior year when he spent a semester studying marine biology and ocean sciences at the Isle of Shoals and aboard the Westward. He earned his DVM at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. O interned at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston – at that time, a specialty, emergency, and primary care hospital serving 80,000 patients per year. It was a very competitive internship that afforded a diversity of health issues few doctors get to experience. He says it was like putting my first five years of private practice into fourteen months. It helped him develop the medical philosophy and proficiency that he has today. It also made him a die-hard member of Red Sox Nation.
As a primary care physician, Dr. O is well versed in all aspects of veterinary care for companion animals. His strongest interests lie in internal medicine and endocrinology, where answers can be elusive and treatment long-term. He is especially skilled with soft tissue surgical procedures and veterinary dentistry. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Maine Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA).
The reason we are particularly lucky to have Dr. O on our team is his ability to work in partnership with pet owners. He spent three years teaching anatomy and physiology, where he learned how to make complex physiological information straightforward and clear. Anyone who has had a sick pet can appreciate that skill. And Dr. O is keenly aware of the strong bond between animals and their people, and the need for compassionate and humane end-of-life care. He is sensitive to the conflicting emotions and priorities people struggle with and prides himself on helping support them through the passage, making it a peaceful and dignified experience.
Dr. O lives locally and is currently helping his two kids navigate their collegiate and early professional pathways. For recreation, in the snowy months, you can find him on the slopes at Sunday River, trying desperately to keep pace with the kids; and when it’s warmer, exploring a little off-road mountain biking.
Dr. Rina Porell
Veterinarian
Dr. Porell joined our team in 2006. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Binghamton University and her DVM from Ross University in St. Kitts, West Indies. It sounds like the kind of place you go to work on your tan but don’t let that fool you. Dr. Porell is a top-notch primary care physician. She interned at Manhattan Vet Group and practiced in New York City for three years before moving to Maine.
Like Dr. Shively and Dr. O, Dr. Porell is a general practitioner who covers all aspects of small animal medicine. Her rigorous training and gift for attention to detail make her the most thorough provider you’ll find. A strong believer in Evidence-Based Medicine, you will often find her digging into journals and researching the latest updates in veterinary practice globally. Her special interests include Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Ophthalmology. She is a member of the AVMA and MVMA and regularly takes opportunities to expand her training and expertise.
She still misses NYC and the sunny winters of St. Kitts. Who wouldn’t? But she now loves living in Kennebunk with her husband and their two children and their family of pets.
Dr. Pamela Bluestone
Veterinarian
Dr. Pamela Bluestone joined our team in 2019. She says she was always drawn to healing arts and working with animals is a joy. Working in an ever-changing medical field keeps her learning and motivated.
Originally from Larchmont, New York, Dr. Bluestone earned her DVM from Cornell University in 1995, after earning a Bachelor of Science with Distinction from Cornell in 1991. After graduation, she moved out to Alaska. She only intended to live there for a short time but stayed for 21 years. She moved back East in 2016.
Dr. Bluestone is a member of the AVMA and MVMA. She has always enjoyed general practice and her role as a primary care doctor. She has a long-standing interest in neurology. She developed an interest in acupuncture and herbal remedies as complements to Western medicine. She says she loves having the knowledge and experience to mix western and eastern medicine—the ancient with the cutting edge. She finds she gets the best outcomes for her patients when she provides a specialized mixture of the two.
Dr. Bluestone is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. She received specialized training through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2015 and remains a member of the IVAS and the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Her experience in acupuncture, both with and without laser, and her understanding of complementary modalities have been an asset to our patients and we’ve all learned a great deal from working with her.
Dr. Bluestone has always loved New England and feels particularly lucky to be living and working on the coast of Maine. She lives with her two sons and their husky mix, Josie, who was rescued from a small interior Alaskan village. She enjoys walking her dog on the beach, cooking, gardening, cross-country skiing, and, occasionally, crocheting, quilting, or beading.
We feel particularly lucky to have found such a smart, capable doctor, and luckier still to have found someone who shares our professional values and style. She has a kind heart, a warm manner, and really knows her stuff. We think you’ll enjoy working with her as much as we do.
Our doctors are especially glad to welcome her aboard. As demand has increased over the past few years, the other doctors have met the need by expanding their hours. Having Dr. Bluestone on the team means Drs. Shively, Odrzywolski, and Porell can work more reasonable schedules and have more time with their own pets.
Dr. Christianna Gardner Smorczewski
Veterinarian
Dr. Gardner, soon to be Smorczewski, grew up in western Massachusetts and earned a Bachelor of Animal Science with a pre-veterinary concentration at the University of Maine, Orono. “I fell in love with Maine during my undergraduate studies and fell in love with my partner there as well! We are getting married in October 2023 and I’m excited to start the next chapter of our life in this community!”
In a post-pandemic world, the average new veterinarian has eight job offers before graduation. Hiring new team members to fill the need left by retiring vets, like Dr. Shivley, is incredibly challenging. That’s why we’re so proud to have recruited Dr. Gardner for our team. She was an intern with us during her program at Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island. During that internship, she was mentored by Drs. Shively, Porell, Bluestone and Braeuer, and worked most closely with Dr. O. We were impressed with her character, approachable bed side manner, and eagerness to learn new things. She has a quick mind and thorough reasoning. She fit well with our team immediately. After working with us, she decided we were the kind of hospital where she could make a long-term home for herself and build her practice. Since the feeling was mutual, she’ll be starting with us in June of 2023. We are excited for a symbiotic relationship, where our established doctors can mentor and support her and she can update our team on the latest in veterinary best practices.
Dr. Gardner is certified Fear Free. She was Vice President of her graduating class at AVC. In addition to her primary care training, she has taken classes and done clinical rotations to strengthen her knowledge in dermatology, internal medicine, and ophthalmology. She has a special interest in behavior. She is looking forward to putting down roots in our community and developing long standing relationships with her patients.
She loves hiking with her dog, Hazel, and reading with her cat, Mits, curled up on her lap. She also enjoys kayaking and camping. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Gardner to our team!
Meet our Staff
Christal
CSR
# of years with KVH: 1
Introverted around humans, Christal comes out of her shell when there’s a chance to meet and greet the patients. She’s always willing to help problem solve with clients to get their needs met. She loves spending time in the great outdoors with her two hounds, Dixie and Duke, their rabbit, Hazzard. Extra points for anyone who spots the theme.
Michelle
CSR
# of years with KVH: 25
Michelle is the longest-serving team member after Dr. Shively. With a quarter century under her belt, she is our institutional memory. She easily develops long-term relationships with clients and understands their needs. She is thrilled to be there for our clients and their pets’ entire journey, saying, “There is nothing like seeing the look on a client’s face when they come in with their new pet. I get to know them, watch them grow, be involved in their lives, and am honored to be able to say goodbye to them at the end of their lives. That is a rare privilege.
Nancy
CSR
# of years with KVH: 2
Nancy came to us a couple of years ago and brings 20+ years of veterinary experience with her. She likes making sure systems are working as smoothly as possible and sharing knowledge about health topics, such as fleas and ticks, to our clients. She has two cats, one of whom is 21 years old. They’ve done a fine job of training her to provide them with lots of treats. She loves working here because she gets to meet lots of dogs.
Brenda
CSR
# of years with KVH: 13
After a career as a teacher and in the military, serving in Korea and D.C., Brenda has chosen this as her “retirement job.” She is a cat whisperer, with an uncanny ability to earn their trust. Mixed with her administrative skills, attention to detail, and commitment to going the extra mile, she’s a real asset to our team. She worked at the front desk for a decade, transitioning to behind-the-scenes admin projects in the past couple of years. She reaches out to remind folks whose rabies vaccination needs attention, helps fix vendor billing issues, and helps us spot trends. When not here, she can be found walking her new rescue dog, Pothole.
Judi, LVT
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 21
Most people leave a job and lose touch. Judi, on the other hand, has remained an integral part of our team. Formerly Practice Manager, she moved away for the winter months over a decade ago. In that time, she has come back every summer to help us navigate the busy season. When COVID hit, she stayed for the winter and helped make sure patients got the care they needed. Veterinary medicine has always been her passion and she brings 100% of herself to the job whenever we’re lucky enough to have her. Outside of work, she is a skilled gardener, an amazing cook and a loving grandmother. She has a dog and a cat.
Belle, LVT
# of years with KVH: 7
Recently promoted to Regional Trainer, Belle will always be a member of our KVH Team. Belle’s motivation is helping pets and people be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. If she can make a scary surgery or stressful illness a bit easier to manage, she’s happy. With a natural attention to detail and fastidious nature, she helps us keep the bar high. A graduate of UNH’s Vet Tech program, she is an experienced veterinary nurse and important member of our surgical team. She loves learning new skills, teaching skills to new team members, and doing the most technical parts of the job. In her off time, she is a decorated Body Building competitor and dedicated mom to two adorable cats.
SaShell, Assistant Manager
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 18
SaShell is the best combination of humor, compassion, and practical ability. She started 18 years ago in our CSR department and is now our Assistant Manager. She has a mind that can keep 28 tabs open at once, a real asset in a busy practice. Her motivation is to “advocate for and help the beings that don’t speak the human languages.” From her work managing our systems to improve care delivery to her incredible skill as an OR nurse for our patients, she delivers on that daily. Her family includes two amazing rescue cats.
Jen
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 11
Jen is a senior member of our veterinary nursing team. She is a skilled surgical team member and wonderful exam tech. Jen is the Macgyver of the team—most recently making an oxygen tank for an especially small, newborn kitten from a lunch container and some tubing. She is amazing at caring for specialized medical equipment. Her most special skill is communicating non-verbally to animals. They sense her intent immediately and the trust it creates helps many pets through difficult treatments and surgeries. On her own time, she’s been a triathlete, creates doggie bow ties, and is the proud mom of two has multiple pets.
Ashley
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 12
Ashley is a skilled senior veterinary nurse and surgical assistant. She has strong clinical skills and the ability to manage highly specialized projects and treatments. You’re most likely to see her at surgical discharge. When she’s not working, Ashley is a busy mom of three, with multiple pets.
Isabelle
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 2
Isabelle came to us looking for a job with a sense of fulfillment. Her goal is to make sure each client and pet feels deeply cared for during their visit. “I want to make sure everyone feels seen, heard, and understands I’m going to help in any way I can.” Always invested in how we can do it just a little bit better!
Jessica
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 2
Jessica came to us from a background in doggie daycare and learned the veterinary medicine assisting skills incredibly quickly. She’s remarkably skilled with dogs who have anxiety or the potential for injuring someone. Her unflappable manner puts them quickly at ease. When not here, she likes hanging out with her pet snake, riding motorcycles, and exploring with her sweet pit bull, Titan.
Kelly
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 1
Kelly has a household full of rescue animals, including 4 dogs a cat, and two birds. She also loves reptiles. She began working here a year ago after an earlier career as a groomer. She has trained in veterinary assisting and is learning new skills regularly. She’s motivated by the desire to give animals whatever they need to be happy and healthy—including boundless compassion.
Lisa
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 3
While she’s only been with us for three years, Lisa has 30 years of experience working in veterinary medicine. Her goal is to make every client smile and every pet feel at ease while helping them. Her favorite aspect of her role is getting to know each pet’s individual personality. At home, she has a lovely dog and a cockatoo preparing for a life in show business as a singer and dancer.
Aphasia
Clinical
# of years with KVH: 1
Aphasia is one of our newest team members. She helped us get through the curbside rush of the pandemic by getting pets in and out of the building safely and smoothly. She’s been learning the skills of her new role quickly and now loves doing nail trims and ear cleanings. She treats every patient with care and compassion as if they were her own. She loves working where each small task can be tied directly to helping an animal lead a better, longer, more comfortable life. She’s looking forward to the next steps in her training.
Eli, Practice Manager
Admin
# of years with KVH: 11
Better suited to spreadsheets and systems than scalpels, Eli serves our mission by handling the management of the practice. She builds strong teams, gives them what they need to succeed, and takes care of them so they can do the hard jobs that matter. “I lucked out joining KVH–I’ve never worked with a better group of humans. I love being a part of lifelong relationships with people in our community. And it doesn’t hurt to have such adorable patients!”Outside of work, she enjoys adopting senior pets, taking road trips, and family.