Meet our Teams
Veterinarians
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Jonah H. Babiarz, DVM
Dr. Babiarz became part owner of Presque Isle Animal Hospital in 2017 after moving back to Maine. Dr. Babiarz was raised in Downeast Maine and practiced in Raleigh, NC before returning to the beauty and peacefulness of Maine. What he finds most fulfilling about being a veterinarian is improving the quality of life of animals in any capacity, but especially when improving their mobility. He enjoys spending time with his family and his three dogs and cats, especially while lounging at the pond or lake.
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Hanna L. Cook, DVM
Dr. Cook became part owner of Presque Isle Animal Hospital in 2017 after moving back to Maine. Dr. Cook was originally born in Hawaii, but grew up in Downeast Maine due to being in a military family. In her spare time Dr. Cook loves to spend time with her four kids and swim.
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Chelsea E. McMekin, DVM
Dr. McMekin moved to Aroostook County with her husband in 2017. Although Dr. McMekin enjoyed growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, she has developed a deep appreciation for the beautiful seasons and unspoiled wilderness of Aroostook County. In her spare time, Dr. McMekin loves to ride horses and do arts and crafts such as create bandanas and bowties for animals, which can be found in the Houlton lobby!
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Annie M. Tareila, DVM
Dr. Annie joined our team in 2020 after the birth of her son. She has worked in Aroostook county since 2016 after moving to Mars Hill. She enjoys her church community and helping in the Can-Am dog sled race each year.
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Yaroslav Yarokhno, DVM
Originally from Ukraine, Dr. Yaro developed a passion for animal care at an early age. At just 17 years old, he performed his first major surgery, a horse castration. Dr. Yaro's career in animal care has taken him across multiple countries, including Egypt, Ireland, Germany, Jordan, and ultimately Canada, where he discovered his love for treating companion animals. He now lives in Moncton with his wife, three children, and two cats. In his leisure time, Dr. Yaro most enjoys spending time with his family and is a exercise enthusiast. Since 2014, amidst the conflict in Ukraine, he has made it his mission outside of work to send as much financial support as he is able to Ukraine. Dr. Yaro says he has no favorite cat or dog breed, he just tries to love and care for them all equally.
Support Staff
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Karen, Reception & Dental Technician
Karen joined PIAH in 1987, then she moved away after a few years and joined us again after moving back in 1994. On a day off, you may find Karen painting or drawing, or spending time in her garden. She has one dog - Majesty and two cats, Kiko and Yen and a flock of chickens that she enjoys taking care of!
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Dee, Office Manager
Dee Hawksley began her career in the animal healthcare field in 1988. Dee spends her time outside of work farming, gardening and birdwatching. She also enjoys spending time with her dogs Tweed and Plaid and her horse, Tula.
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Cindy, Client Service Representative
Cindy has been with PIAH since 1990, she enjoys beekeeping, gardening and spending time with her dogs. She has 2 dogs, Jessie and Arrow and one cat, Murray. She also has two horses, Mr Bean and Nemo.
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Alisa, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Alisa Carney has been a licensed vet tech since 2003. She has worked at the Presque Isle Animal Hospital for 17 years. She also owns and operates her own business, Afterlife Affections. In addition, she also enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking and spending time with family and friends and, of course, her furry family members! She has 3 dogs, 5 cats, and a parrot.
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Linsy, Client Service Representative & Office Manager Assistant
Linsy has worked for PIAH since 2010. Her hobbies include hiking, going to concerts and birdwatching. Linsy enjoys her amazing dog Tosh and her cats Teddy, Ozzie and Piper!
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Dustin, Practice Manager
Dustin joined our team in 2017 to help manage both locations in Aroostook county. He enjoys hunting, fishing, swimming, and any other outdoor activities with his family.
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Kilynne, Veterinary Technician
Kilynne has been a dedicated member of the PIAH team since 2017. Her hobbies include gardening, crafting, and embarking on invigorating hikes with her canine companions, Quincy and Clover. She is also the proud owner of two cats named Odie and Snowballs and two guinea pigs named Lily and Trixie!
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Carmen, Client Service Representative & Technician
Carmen began her journey with PIAH originally in 2018. Carmen has attempted retiring twice, but she can never resist helping animals and clients for long and always returns to work! Outside work you will find her gardening in her leisure time. Her fur family includes three dogs, Nova, Figaro, and Bog, as well as two cat, Sassy and Nermal.
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Katie, Inventory & Customer Service Representative
Katie became a member of PIAH in 2020. Her personal interests encompass hunting, fishing, homesteading, camping, and cherishing moments with her family. Katie’s furry companions include two dogs, Reba and Aspen, along with one cat named Snoopy.
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Alyssa, Veterinary Technician
We have been lucky to have Alyssa as a part of the PIAH team for years at this point. She has a particular love for beautiful cats and dogs, such as her chunky hairless cat Raisin! In her leisure time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with her favorite people. She especially likes spending time outside during the stunning Maine autumns.
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Nicole, Veterinary Technician
Nicole was welcomed to PIAH in 2021. She is an ardent lover of the great outdoors, indulging in activities like kayaking and cherishing moments with her beloved animals. Nicole's cherished pets consist of three dogs named Keenya, Buster, and Thea, as well as two cats named Anna and Luna.
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Cheyenne, Veterinary Technician
In 2021, PIAH was lucky to welcome Cheyenne to our team. She enjoys hiking and camping as well as photography. Her beautiful photos are on the walls in many of our houses. She has three dogs, Dante, Rex and Molly and one cat, Squash!
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Lexi, Veterinary Technician
Lexi joined PIAH in 2021. Her personal interests encompass camping, hiking, reading, and nurturing her pets. Lexi is a proud owner of three dogs named Drax, Nova, and Ember, as well as two cats named Maise and Grogu.
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Molly, Client Service Representative
Molly has worked for PIAH since 2021. In her free time, you'd find Molly hanging out with her kids, their dog Lola and their cat Lucy!
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Natalie, Veterinary Technician
Natalie became a valued member of PIAH in 2021. During her leisure hours, she finds solace in outdoor escapades with her dogs, indulging in ATV rides, and enjoying binge-worthy television series. Natalie is the proud owner of two dogs, Khloe and Mazikeen, as well as four cats named Biscuit, Neptune, Toothless, and Bootsie. She is part owner of a beautiful silver tabby, Mercury, and full owner of a not so beautiful cat named Meatlug.
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Robin, Lead Veterinary Technician
Robin became an esteemed member of PIAH in 2021. On her days off, she revels in the company of her beloved fur babies, embarking on leisurely walks, and enjoying quality time at the lake with her family. Robin's pet companions include two dogs, Rosie and Ella, and a cat named Lulu.
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Tina, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Tina gained her veterinary technician over a decade ago and has worked in the veterinary field even longer, joining PIAH shortly after moving to Aroostook County in 2022. Tina moved to northern Maine to enjoy the outdoors, hiking and horseback riding. She owns a four-year-old Golden Retriever named Cob and a horse named Jireh.
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Taylor, Veterinary Technician
In 2023, Taylor made the decision to join our esteemed team. During her leisure time, she takes pleasure in tending to her plants, walking her canine companions, Copper and Timber, and painting… when she’s not spending time with her kids.
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Tasha, Veterinary Technician
Tasha joined the PIAH team in 2023. Her passions lie in savoring the summer outdoors, spending cherished moments with her family and friends, actively participating in softball, and coaching basketball. Tasha's furry family consists of six dogs named Jiggs, Tuck, Copper, Scout, Ollie, and Nya, alongside four cats named Lefty, Kobe, GiGi, and Pow.
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Paige, Veterinary Technician
Paige is a recent transplant to the County after leaving her father’s HVAC company in central Maine. She loves to spend time with family, and being outdoors. Whether it's hunting, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, or horseback riding, Paige embraces every opportunity to connect with nature. Paige shares a special bond with her dog Koda who loves to play frisbee and goose you.