Dr. Pappas is a 1986 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with an undergraduate degree at OSU in Zoology, summa cum laude, with Honors in Liberal Arts. After graduation she worked at small animal practices in Cleveland and Burton, and co-hosted a pet talk radio site at WWWE. After the birth of her first child she began a house-call practice limited to birds and exotics, and worked as a relief veterinarian at small animal practices and all-night emergency clinics. In 1991 she purchased the West Geauga Veterinary Hospital from Dr. R.A. Langford, and became "The Boss!" More than 30 years later, she still loves her career and looks forward to each day at work. She is proud to own a hospital that is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, is a Fear-Free Certified professional, as well as certified as "Cat Friendly."
Dr. Pappas enjoys treating dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, pocket pets, and small exotics. Medicine, laser surgery, pain management, diagnostics, senior pet care, nutrition, and behavior counseling are all part of a day' work. She enjoys the benefits of laser surgery, and uses the therapy laser as a great tool for healing and pain relief. She treats all pets as if they are her own, and offers estimates for the care she feels your pet needs to live a long and happy life.
She is an active member of numerous veterinary groups. She is a Fear Free professional, and Cat Friendly Practice Advocate. Veterinary groups include the Cleveland Academy of Veterinarians, American Animal Hospital Association, Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, American Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians, and Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators. She and her dog Dot are members of Therapy Dog International.
Dr. Pappas is president of the Geauga County Veterinary Medical Society. She volunteers her time mentoring Veterinary assistant students from Lakeland Community College and veterinary technician students from Tri-C and Stautzenberger College. They gain experience at the hospital through an internship with Dr. Pappas and staff. Also, high school seniors regularly intern with Dr. Pappas each spring. She is a Master Gardener volunteer for OSU and volunteers her time manning a helpline for the public and fundraising for a scholarship for students interested in plants and finding projects teaching school kids about plant horticulture for the community. She regularly lectures to the public about gardening for pollinators, and establishing butterfly gardens.
Dr. Pappas is a Class II licensed rehabilitator of wildlife. Local orphaned or injured wildlife are treated, rehabilitated and released, if possible, for free. She volunteers her time for the "One Health Initiative," offering free care for disadvantaged people, and participates in spaying/ neutering and vaccinating feral cats in the area.
Her hobbies include perennial flower gardening, raising native plants from seed, playing classical piano, traveling, and reading science fiction/adventure novels. The hospital was awarded the "Loving Care Award" for gardens of businesses. In her spare time she enjoys hiking local Metroparks and the Buckeye trail, and photographing wildflowers and mushrooms. She is an active member of the North Coast Hosta Society and vice president of the Chesterland Perennial Gardeners, and has hosted garden tours at her home.
She lives in South Russell with her husband Mitch. Their grown daughters are Stephanie and Kiersten. Her pets currently include her Chihuahua Dot (who was born at the clinic!), 4 cats- Prince and Sweet Pea (born under the clinic deck to a feral mom), Milo and Tyke, Meyers parrot Beepers, Eclectus parrot Gustolph, and cockatiel Elvis and tropical fish.
