A group that believes the best veterinary medicine is delivered in an atmosphere of caring and compassion
John Flood DVM: John received his DVM from Ontario Veterinary College in 1977. He also did post grad work in small animal surgery for a year at Massey University, Palmerston No. New Zealand. While there he earned membership in the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery. John has practiced small animal medicine in England, Canada, New Zealand and the US. In 1990 John opened the Brackett Street Veterinary Clinic in Portland’s West End. He lives in Portland with his wife Patti, kids Will, Jesse and Sophie, and a small menagerie of ferrets, cats and dogs.
Nellie Savage DVM: Nellie grew up in Southwest Harbor, Maine. It was here that she gained an appreciation for the life this amazing state has to offer. After attending Middlebury College in Vermont, Nellie spent four years experiencing life in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She came back East to attend veterinary school at Tufts University and shortly thereafter moved back up to Maine. Nellie is thrilled to be back home where she belongs. She happily lives in South Portland with her wonderful husband Nathan, their Labrador retrievers, Wakefield and Jack, and two orange tabby cats, Nugget and Merrill. When not in the clinic, Nellie enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, snowboarding, playing competitive kickball, and walks with the dogs. She admits, however, that an afternoon on the couch in front of the fireplace with a good book and her hubby is tough to beat.
Nellie’s love for animals led her to this profession, but it is her commitment to both the animals and their owners to offer the best medicine, surgery, advice, and emotional support that makes her the veterinarian that she is today. Nellie understands that there are both good and bad moments in our pets’ lives and she wants to be there for all of them.
Sarah Tasse, DVM: Dr. Sarah Tasse received her DVM from Colorado State University in 1997. In addition to practicing conventional western veterinary medicine, she has particular interests in acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition and rehabilitation. She completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course in 2000 and has pursued continuing education in Western and Chinese herbal medicine. She moved from Vermont to the Portland area last year and lives with her husband, four dogs, and four cats. In her free time she enjoys fresh air and sunshine.
Amy S. LVT: Amy has been working in veterinary medicine for 6 years and is currently working on her A.S. degree. As a technician, Amy does a little of everything at the clinic but has a special fondness for veterinary dentistry. Amy has been a pet sitter since a young age and now has her own sitting and grooming business. She resides in Westbrook with her boyfriend Chris, son Hunter, 1 dog, 3 cats, and a ferret.
Amy H.: Amy grew up in South Portland and graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Art and Biology in 2005. Her love for animals led her to the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick where she volunteered during school and worked at for a year afterward. She found her way to Brackett Street Vet in 2007 and works at the front desk. Her favorite part of her job is greeting the new puppies and kittens every day. Outside of work Amy enjoys ultimate frisbee, beachcombing, and cooking. Amy lives in Portland’s West End with her boyfriend and two cats, Monkey and Stumpy.
Kim O.: Kim joined Brackett Street as kennel help in the summer of ‘05, and is often the voice on the phone when you call, as well as the first face you see upon arrival. She plans on taking courses in Veterinary Technology through San Juan College, and has assumed additional responsibilities as a veterinary assistant, helping the doctors in the rooms during examinations, and overseeing our large pharmacy department. She currently lives with her brother in Portland, as well as two dogs Zach and Simon, a cat named Sally, and two bearded dragons, Darwin and Morgan. In her free time she plays guitar, enjoys drawing, and is a frequent visitor to the dog park with her four legged family.
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Virginia Flood: Virginia has grown up around veterinary clinics helping her dad from an early age. She is currently a biochemistry major at the University of Maine where she plays lacrosse. She loves all types of animals, but close to her heart are Pugs, Boston Terriers and a dog named Nova.
Becky B.: Becky joined BSVC in February 2009. She has attended classes at UMO, USM, and SMCC, and has completed three years of college. Becky wears many hats at Brackett Street, and has recemtly moved "out front" so that in addition to our staff, clients can enjoy her quirky sense of humor and smiling face. Becky lives in the West End - or according to her "the Best End," - and has an equally sunny boyfriend Adam, and a kitten named Gwen. She is also the only person that truly "understands" Stanley, our fluffy gray practice cat who treats the rest of us with indifference. She loves vintage cars and is currently restoring her Halloween orange 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger with her grandfather. Becky also enjoys doing stained glass mosaics in her free time, as well as curling up with a good book and a blanket.
Alex C.: Alex is BSVC’s newest member, joining our team in November 2009 as a kennel assistant. She recently began taking classes at San Juan University in veterinary technology, and hopes one day to open her own shelter. She lives in Portland with her boyfriend Brad, her Australian cattle dog Rugby, and her bunny Gunner. Alex is a huge beach bum, and keeps her beach physique by competing in triathlons and riding her motorcycle.
Jesse R.: Jesse is a native of Walpole, NH. After high school he headed south to Charlottesville, VA to attend the Unviersity of Virginia. He earned a degree in Computer Science in 2003 and moved to Portland after graduation. Jesse has been a resident of the East End ever since.
In 2007 Jesse decided to return to school to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. He worked and attended classes full time at USM for two years to complete his prerequisites for vet school. Jesse joined the Brackett Street staff in April of 2008 doing kennel work and maintenance. Before long, Jesse was doing what he really loved: working with the pets and clients of BSVC as a veterinary assistant. Jesse’s favorite role around the clinic is First Mate aboard the Rita Joan. He and Dr. Flood travel the islands of Casco Bay with BSVC’s nautical division, Island Veterinary Services.
Jesse is a bit of a soccer nut and you are sure to see him playing with reckless abandon at the fields or indoor facilities in Portland and Saco. He has several animals at home including fish, his mouse Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and his roommate’s dog Kona. In February 2010, Jesse was accepted to University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine! Everyone at Brackett Street is very excited to have of our own heading off to vet school!
Meghan S.: Meghan started at BSVC in August 2009 after completing her studies in veterinary technology at UCB Bangor and handily passing her licensure exam. From 2003-2006 Megham attended classes at UMA and she continues to steadily work toward her Bachelor’s degree in Social Science while pursuing online courses. She has quickly become a valued member of the Brackett Street team. Meghan currently travels daily from her hometown of Gardiner, but hopes to move to Cumberland County in the near future. Meghan and her best friend/boyfriend Drew currently enjoy the companionship of their ball python, Rock and their beloved lab, Camo. In fact Meghan’s love of labs is so strong, that she insists their is definitely another one in her future….
In her sparetime Meghan enjoys camping, reading and "working" at a doggy day care/boarding facility in Belgrade Lakes.