Staff
Who We Are
Dr. Jonathan P. Wilkerson
Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Jonathan Wilkerson received his BS in chemistry, and went on to receive his Veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. He is currently a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. Dr Wilkerson worked as an associate Veterinarian for over 11 years at Mt. Airy Animal Hospital and as an emergency Vet at Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital prior to coming to Girard Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Wilkerson enjoys competing in triathlons along with hiking, sailing, and biking with his family. He is also a USA Swim Official, and the Allstar Triathalon coach for Cadence Youth Cycle!
Dr. Wilkerson also serves as the staff Veterinarian for the Pennsylvania Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team overseeing deployment of all service animals.
Dr. Kenneth Weiner
Veterinarian
Dr. Kenneth Weiner, VMD graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, in 2010. He completed his undergraduate work at Washington University in St. Louis in 2003. As an undergraduate, Dr. Weiner worked extensively in animal conservation, tracking genetic changes in isolated populations of collared lizards, rattlesnakes and three-toed box turtles in the Ozark mountains.
After completing his bachelor's degree, Dr. Weiner worked as a full-time Philadelphia high school chemistry teacher, serving some of Philadelphia's most high-needs schools and later as a chemist for a major pharmaceutical company. In veterinary school, he continued his dedication to animal care and conservation with extensive externships at the St. Louis Zoo and the USGS caring for endangered sea turtles.
Currently he has a chocolate lab, orange cat, 2 guinea pigs and a fish. Dr. Weiner loves hiking and camping with his family.
Dr. Stephanie Haugen
Veterinarian
Dr. Stephanie Haugen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. She has spent 12 years working for several of Philly’s non-profit animal organizations, including serving as a Shelter Veterinarian for the City of Philadelphia. She is excited to now be working in private practice at Girard Veterinary Clinic. Although her primary passion is still saving unwanted and uncared for animals, she could not resist the opportunity to come work with her practice owner/colleague Dr. Wilkerson, who also happens to be her best friend whom she met in vet school.
When not at GVC, Dr. Haugen is at home in Center City with her husband, 3 children and 2 Snowshoe cats, Mocha and Truffle.
In her limited spare time Dr. Haugen enjoys cooking and especially baking (and she is ever so grateful that her GVC family likes to eat). She and her family also enjoy traveling together.
Dr. Rachel Ellis
Veterinarian
Dr. Rachel Ellis BVMS graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland. She spent an additional 2 years in Scotland working in general mixed practice where she helped care for creatures both large and small. Originally from Florida, she obtained her Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville University. She is excited to be back in the States and working in private practice with GVC.
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When not working, she often spends her time cuddled with her cat, Ciaran, reading her next favorite book.
Albert
Lead Technician
\Albert has been with the Clinic since 1997 and has more than 30 years experience in the veterinary field. In addition to his responsibilities as a veterinary technician, he provides technician training to new staff members and specializes in handling challenging animals. He enjoys counseling clients in behavior management and educating them on improvements in the veterinary field.
Tamika
Veterinary Technician
Tamika has been with GVC for almost a year. She started as a receptionist, but her love for helping animals quickly turned her into a technician. Tamika rescued 3 kitties while working with us and has been able to give them a forever home.
Renee
Veterinary Technician
Renee (formally known as 'Trivinia) began her career as an animal caretaker in a laboratory setting: feeding; walking; cleaning cages. She decided working with future family pets was more her calling and accepted a position at Morris Animal Refugee, where she realized how passionate she was about the care and well-being of animals. She is now a pet parent of 2 dogs and 3 cats adopted. Renee is a parent of 5 and enjoys spending her spare time with her children.