Meet Your DEDICATED Team at VSV

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Logo of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons featuring a stylized horse and a veterinarian, with the words 'ACVS Veterinary Surgeon'.

Jacob Helmick DVM

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)

Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Helmick made his way to Vermont after spending nearly a decade in the Southeast. After completing an undergraduate degree in Animal and Nutritional Sciences at West Virginia University, he and Jennifer moved to Starkville, Mississippi to attend Mississippi State University for veterinary school. After obtaining his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Helmick spent two years in general practice, emergency medicine, and shelter medicine before deciding to pursue specialization in surgery. He was accepted back to Mississippi State University for a one year rotating internship before matching to the University of Georgia for a highly sought after surgical residency. After completion of the rigorous surgical residency, Dr. Helmick accepted a one year appointment at UGA as a clinical instructor in surgery where he performed surgery while teaching veterinary students, interns, and residents. During this appointment Dr. Helmick passed the board certifying examination bestowing upon him the status of Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal). After nearly a year at UGA, he accepted a position in Williston, Vermont where he has spent the past five years serving the pets and their people of this wonderful state. Dr. Helmick and Jennifer decided to open Veterinary Surgery of Vermont to continue serving them.

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Jennifer Helmick

Practice Manager

Despite a background in human medicine, Jennifer has always had a love for animals. Also originally from West Virginia, Jennifer received a Bachelors Degree in Biology with a focus in zoology from Marshall University. She then took a job as a veterinary assistant at a general practice veterinary clinic in Morgantown, WV. After meeting Jacob and moving to Mississippi she attended nursing school. She obtained her Associates Degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. She then started her nursing career as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. During their travels throughout the Southeast, Jennifer has served in nursing roles in the ICU, a nursing home, and with the public health department. After five years in Vermont, Jennifer has decided it is time to get back to her roots in veterinary medicine by managing Veterinary Surgery of Vermont.

Man holding three cats in a veterinary clinic with equipment and supplies in the background.

Mikey

Certified Veterinary Technician

Mikey was born and raised in Northern New Jersey before attending James Madison University in Virginia where he earned a degree in International Business. After graduating, he lived and volunteered in the countryside of the Dominican Republic, where he was caretaker of 17 acres and all of the animals that lived there. After returning home and giving the business route a try, his experience in the DR led him back to school where he earned a degree in Veterinary Nursing from Purdue University. While working in general practice he gravitated toward the surgical aspect of medicine so when the opportunity to expand his skills and knowledge in the area presented itself, the switch to specialty medicine was a natural one. In his free time, Mikey enjoys spending time with his two cats, Ivan and Katrina, hiking the Green Mountains, and spending time on the shores of Lake Champlain. 

A young woman hugging a large, brindle-coated dog outdoors in a fall landscape with colorful trees and rolling hills.

Sara

Born and raised in Southern California, Sara moved to Vermont in 2021. Sara has worked in specialty veterinary medicine for 5 years and has developed a love for surgery and anesthesia. She is passionate about providing excellent patient care and communicating effectively with owners to provide the best possible outcome for pets. Outside of work, you can find her snuggling her two cats, hiking with her dogs, reading, or spending time with her horses. Sara is excited to continue expanding her knowledge while working with the team at Veterinary Surgery of Vermont. 

Mariah

Certified Veterinary Technician

Mariah was born and raised in Northern Vermont. Starting at a young age she developed a passion for working with animals leading her to a degree in animal science at Vermont Technical College. While working in general practice she quickly developed an interest in surgery which inspired her foray into specialty medicine. She plans to continue this endeavor by specializing in either surgery or anesthesia by earning her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) certification. In her free time she enjoys being outside, exploring the Green Mountains with her dog Atlas during all seasons of the year. She also loves touring the state on motorcycle. At home she enjoys time with her cats, Leo and Pepper.

Young woman with dark hair smiling while holding a fluffy black and brown cat outdoors in a grassy, wooded area.

Jordan

Born and raised in Vermont, Jordan grew up always having pets in her home sparking an interest in animals early. Upon graduation from High School, Jordan persued a Veterinary Technology degree at Vermont Technical College. After obtaing her degree, Jordan began her career in general practice. She soon was ready for something more, so she joined an emergency/speciality hospital where she found a passion for surgery. In her free time Jordan likes to spend time with her pets, traveling, hiking the Green Mountains, snowboarding, reading and riding her motorcycle. 

Jenn

Certified Veterinary Technician

Jenn has called Vermont home for most of her adult life, and today she lives in Essex with her husband and two daughters. Her lifelong compassion for animals—and the people who love them—has shaped a career spanning over two decades in general veterinary practice. For 24 years, she nurtured the special bond between families and their pets, watching children grow up alongside their puppies and kittens. Working in a small practice felt like being part of each family's story.

Jenn then joined The Mitzvah Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing veterinary care to low-income seniors, veterans, and individuals facing economic hardship. Her work there reflected her unwavering commitment to empathetic care.

This past summer, a freak accident left her beloved Belgian Malinois, Pico, with a fractured patella. The team at Veterinary Surgery of Vermont provided extraordinary care—from the first phone call through surgery, bandage changes, and radiographs. Their dedication inspired Jenn to join their ranks. As part of the VSV team Jenn brings the same level of compassion and expertise to her own surgery patients.

Outside of her veterinary work, Jenn is an adventurer at heart. She enjoys dock diving and training Pico, hiking Vermont’s Green Mountains, paddle boarding, mountain biking, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find her curled up with a good book and her two cats Amber and Domino.


A woman and a man sitting on white outdoor chairs in a garden. The woman is holding a small white dog, and the man is holding a small brown dog. They are both smiling and surrounded by greenery, with a house visible in the background.

Jacob and Jennifer met while working together at a general practice in Morgantown, WV while Jacob was earning his undergraduate degree. They moved to Starkville, MS together and were married in 2012. Dr. Helmick attributes much of his success in his career to the unwavering support of his wife, Jennifer. Jacob and Jennifer reside on a small piece of property in Charlotte, VT where they enjoy spending time in their garden with their two rescue terriers, Millie and Bernie. Both from their time in Georgia, Millie came from a shelter and was spayed by veterinary students taught by Dr. Helmick during his residency there. Bernie was adopted from the Society of Humane Friends, a Georgia rescue that specializes in treating and adopting out sick and injured animals. Bernie was treated by Dr. Helmick at UGA for severe injuries after being hit by a car and taken to a shelter there. Jacob and Jennifer also share their home with Hubert, a handsome tuxedo cat treated by Dr. Helmick at a cat rescue in West Virginia, and Karma, a beautiful medium haired tabico cat. Karma has been with the Helmicks since the beginning at that little practice in Morgantown.