Staff

Dr. Matthew Holden

Dr. Holden has been providing veterinary care to the animals of South Paris, Norway, Oxford and beyond for over 35 years. He attended the University of Maine at Orono for his undergraduate studies and received a Bachelors of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science with a pre-veterinary concentration. Dr Holden then earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1974. After returning to Maine he purchased the Paris Veterinary Clinic in 1976. The name changed to Oxford Hills Veterinary Hospital in 1991. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, including both small and large animal, and wildlife rehabilitation. Dr. Holden resides in West Paris with his wife Colleen, his dog and three cats. When he is not working Dr. Holden enjoys outdoor activities, Red Sox and Patriots games, and spending time with family.

Dr. Cara Sammons-Shepard (Fridays)

Dr. Jennifer Lehr (per diem Saturdays)

Lisa – LVT

Lisa attended the University of Maine at Orono, and received her Associate’s Degree in Animal Health Technology. Upon graduation, she started working for Dr. Holden and the Oxford Hills Veterinary Hospital. Lisa lives in Auburn with her husband, son, and two cats. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, reading, and scrapbooking.

Missy – LVT

Missy graduated from College of the Atlantic with a B.A. in Human Ecology. After a summer internship with the hospital she returned full time after graduation. She became a licensed veterinary technician in 1999. Missy lives in Waterford with her husband and a menagerie including dogs, cats, cockatiels, chickens, guinea fowl, ducks and geese, and peacocks. She enjoys agility training with her labs. In her free time she also enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her animals.

Dottie – LVT

Dottie graduated from the University of Maine Augusta Veterinary Technology program in 2016. She has had a love of all animals throughout her life. After high school she decides to pursue a degree in veterinary technology. She joined our practice part time in the spring of 2016, right after graduating. She lives in Otisfield with her husband, son, a dog and 2 cats. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, spending time outdoors, reading and watching movies.

Rene – LVT

Tonya – Veterinary Assistant

Tonya joined our practice in 2012. She attended the University of Maine, Farmington. She has always had a love for all animals large and small. Tonya resides in Bethel with her husband, John, daughters Lily and Madeline, Redbone Coonhound Matilda, Border Collie Mix Moxie, Labrador Retriever Bolo, and 2 cats, Walter and Robcat. In her spare time Tonya enjoys reading, music, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Megan – Veterinary Assistant

Megan recently joined our practice in the spring of 2015. She has had a love for all animals since a very young age. Eventually, this love brought her to an Animal Hospital in New Jersey. There she began her training as a veterinary assistant. Megan now lives in Woodstock with her fiance Randy, their son Noah, two dogs, Gus and Zeus, four goats, and many chickens. In her spare time Megan enjoys gardening, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with her animals and family.

Matt B – Veterinary Assistant

Matt Baillargeon joined our team in Spring of 2018. He has had a love for large and small animals his entire life. Matt resides in South Paris with his wife Clara and son Mason. He enjoys competing and training his horses in the sport of Dressage.

Carrie – Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

Carrie graduated from Trinity College of Vermont in 2000 with a BS in Biology, PreVet. She worked full time at our practice from 2000 to 2001. In 2003 she rejoined us part time. Carrie lives with her husband John, son Caleb, and a daughter Elly. Carrie has a small farm with 3 horses, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and a small flock of mixed bantams. Carrie enjoys horseback riding, snowboarding, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Nicki – Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

Nicki has worked for us since 2006. She is a UMA graduate and lives in the area with her dog, Maggie. In her free time she enjoys books and documentaries on architecture and healthy/natural living.

Andrew – Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

Andrew has worked as a farm hand for many years for a family owned cow farm. He has been with us since 2014. Andrew lives in the area with his yellow lab, Leslie. In his spare time Andrew enjoys spending time with his family and friends.