Amanda Hansen
Head Veterinary Technician
Amanda is from Palmerton, PA, and was a human nurse for sixteen years before she decided to fulfill her childhood dream of taking care of animals. She is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program. Amanda lives with her husband Nathan and sons Eric and Ethan. They also live with Rainer (Coonhound), Buddy (Umbrella Cockatoo), Luna (a ball python), and a marshal ferret named Suzie. Amanda joined Maple Hills in 2018. When she is not at Maple Hills, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She also donates her time to her local animal rescue and fosters animals in need.
Michelle 'Chell' Smith
Certified Veterinary Technician
Chell joined Maple Hills in October with over 10 years of experience in the veterinary technician field. Chell lives in New Tripoli with her cats, Monster and Squints, and her cavapoo, Chip. Chell always wanted to work with animals in some capacity and when she enrolled in the vet tech program at LCCC, it just clicked. When Chell isn’t working, she enjoys many different interests including hiking, running, reading, painting, and playing video games.
Maritza Boyer
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Maritza Boyer is from San Diego, California and joined Maple Hills in July 2021. Maritza is a Veterinary Allied Staff Education Graduate with over ten years of experience. Growing up Maritza loved all animals but veterinary visits with her family’s chihuahua, Baby, are what really inspired her to enter the veterinary field. Maritza lives with her husband Ryan and their dogs; Sadie, Gus Gus, Cooper, and Bacon. They also have a cat named Khloe. In her free time, Maritza enjoys going to the gym with her husband and enjoying a good IPA on the weekends. She also stays in close touch with her Mom, Dad, two brothers, and two sisters who still reside in California.
Rachael Pietkiewicz
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Rachael is from Whitehall, PA and joined Maple Hills in 2018. She is currently working towards her Biological Science Major with Veterinary Technician intent at Northampton Community College. Rachael lives with Joeyvanna (silver dapple Mini Dachshund), Rue (red/cream dapple Mini Dachsund), and Magnus (fawn Pitbull). It was always Rachael’s childhood dream to work with animals. In her spare time, she enjoys art, cooking, hiking, and being outdoors.
Saige Briner
Lead Trainer/Client Education/Veterinary Technician Assistant
Saige joined Maple Hills in October with a strong background in obedience training, canine communication and psychology. Saige earned a diploma in medical and dental assisting but decided to fulfill her passion working with animals. She loves strengthening the bond between humans and animals and helping humans understand their dogs. Saige lives in Allentown with her boyfriend Dan and her French Bulldog, Ramsay. When she isn’t working she enjoys hiking with her dog, running and cooking.
Paige Bonnville
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Paige is from Springtown, PA and joined Maple Hills in June 2020. Paige splits her time between the kennel and assisting veterinary technicians on the medical side. She earned her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at Bucks County Community College and is currently working towards Animal Behavior degree at Millersville University. Paige has a cat named Moxie and during her free time she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, horseback riding, playing video games, skiing, spending time in the Adirondacks, ice skating, and paddleboarding
Nic Heffelinger
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Nic Heffelfinger is from Emmaus, PA and joined Maple Hills in May 2020. Nic recently retired from professional dancing after touring nationally and internationally for 10 years. Nic is currently enrolled in the Kutztown Honors Pre-Med program where he is working on earning a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine degree. When Nic isn’t working or studying, he enjoys spending time with his dog Milo, a Yorkipoo, and Bob, his diabetic kitty and 2 adorable tree frogs.
