Meet our Staff

We are fortunate to have four dedicated veterinarians and an experienced and caring support staff to help you with all pet's medical needs.

Suzanne Magruder, DVM graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. She then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Michigan Veterinary Specialists. She worked in a small animal practice in Indianapolis, Indiana before moving to Connecticut in 2002. She and her husband, Scott, purchased Saybrook Veterinary Hospital in July 2013. They live in Centerbrook along with their dog, Dexter, and a three-legged cat named Peggy. She enjoys hiking, camping and travelng in her spare time.

Kathryn Merkent, DVM is a 2016 graduate of the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, she received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut in Pathobiology with a minor in Molecular & Cellular Biology. Before becoming a veterinarian herself, Dr. Merkent worked as a veterinary technician for 10 years, working alongside Dr. Magruder during much of that time. She and her husband, Ryan, live in Clinton with their cat, Harry and Beagle, Grady. She enjoys exercising, cooking, and traveling in her spare time.    

Kelly Ward Minott, DVM is a 2012 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical year at Auburn University of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation she did a small animal medicine and surgery internship at The Animal Medicine Center in New York City. She and her husband then moved from New York to Guilford, Connecticut. Dr. Minott spends her free time chasing after her two sons and snuggling her two cats.

Jessica Beckstrom, DVM is a 2019 Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine graduate. She completed a small animal internship at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson in Tucson, AZ. She enjoys hiking with her dog, Doug and riding her horses, Marty and Cabbie.

Our veterinary technicians include Michelle, Laura, Jennifer, Sarah, Joy, Bethany, Josh and Nicole. They are an invaluable resource in the care of your pet. They are all compassionate care givers and are a vital part of your pet's medical team.

Dianne Adams, DVM, Susan McCawley, VMD and Andre Thouin, DVM