Our Team
Dr. Alisa Rassin, VMD
Founder of the Exotic Animal Hospital of PA
Dr. Rassin grew up with a passion for wildlife and nature. Following her move to the US, she spent some time in a wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica where she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Rassin achieved her B.S in Veterinary and Biomedical sciences from Pennsylvania State University and then completed her Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Throughout veterinary school Dr. Rassin worked in the exotic companion animal department where she found her passion for exotic animal medicine and surgery.
After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Rassin, completed a specialized, intensive year as a specialty intern with the Exotics department at UPenn.
Since graduation, Dr. Rassin practiced veterinary medicine in Philadelphia, London and NJ. She is passionate about owner education and strengthening the human-animal bond between owners and their pets and strives to promote best husbandry practices for the various companion exotic species.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, a cat named The Muffin Man, traveling, and cooking.
Dr. Sharonda Meade MS, PhD, VMD
Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Meade’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a deep love for animals and a passion for science. She started by studying Animal Science at Rutgers University, then continued her academic path in Virginia—earning both a Master’s in Animal Science and a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences from Virginia Tech and the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Her curiosity and commitment to advancing animal care led her to postdoctoral research in biomaterials at Rutgers and orthopedic studies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Although her background in research was extensive, Dr. Meade knew her true calling was in clinical medicine. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also completed a specialty internship in Exotic Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery. Since then, she has focused her career on caring for exotic pets and wildlife—working with everything from pocket pets and parrots to raccoons, deer, and even crocodiles.
Dr. Meade has always been a part of the Exotic and Small Animal Hospital of PA family, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back to the team! Her favorite patients are birds, but she brings expert knowledge and compassion to every species she sees. She is currently working toward board certification in Avian Medicine and Surgery through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), and we’re so excited to have her back in the clinic doing what she loves most.
Kevin Mosley
Lead Veterinary Technician
Kevin is a veterinary technician with a passion for keeping the world’s weird, wild, and wonderful animals happy and healthy. Specializing in exotic pets, he has cared for a wide variety of species, from bearded dragons to snakes, earning a reputation for creating stress-free experiences for both animals and their owners.
Currently pursuing a degree in health care studies, Kevin aims to specialize in diagnostic medicine. He is fascinated by the challenge of uncovering medical mysteries, whether through advanced imaging techniques or solving complex cases.
Outside of work, Kevin cares for his own eclectic collection of pets. His Italian Greyhound, Penguin, keeps him on his toes with quirky antics, while his ball python, Gym Sock, is as unique as his name suggests. Kevin also has a particular love for reptiles, including kingsnakes and crocodile skinks, and enjoys keeping a rotating cast of other exotic species.
Known for his laid-back approach and sharp sense of humor, Kevin brings a positive energy to everything he does. Whether in the clinic or exploring the natural world, he’s always learning, having fun, and collecting great animal stories to share.
Rebecca "Becca" Tritt
Lead Veterinary Technician
Becca’s passion for animals began at a young age and has guided her career ever since. With a background in Zoo Science, she spent ten years working in the Conservation Education department at the Philadelphia Zoo, where she inspired countless individuals to care for wildlife. Her experiences there ignited a deeper interest in the medical side of animal care, leading her to pursue a career as a veterinary technician.
Becca began her veterinary journey in a small companion-animal practice before transitioning to shelter medicine, where she spent three years providing care to animals in need. Joining the team at Exotic and Small Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania (EsAHP) was the perfect combination of her two greatest passions: exotic animals and veterinary medicine.
Known for her warm, compassionate nature, Becca is beloved by clients and pets alike. Her gentle approach and genuine care help even the most nervous patients feel at ease. She is thrilled to be part of the EsAHP team and looks forward to continuing to provide expert, heartfelt care to exotic pets in Philadelphia and beyond.
Jackson Muir
Veterinary Technician
Jackson has been dedicated to veterinary medicine for the past four years, with a strong focus on exotic species. His passion lies in client education and ensuring smooth, successful surgical recoveries for his patients. Jackson has a special affinity for rabbits and hamsters, along with the many other small, fuzzy exotic mammals cared for at the Exotic and Small Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania (EsAHP).
Outside of work, Jackson enjoys spending time with his beloved pets: Mrs. Meanie, his rabbit; Dorinda and Rudolph, his hamsters; and his two dogs, Daisy and Marco. When he’s not caring for animals, he loves playing video games and exploring new destinations through travel.
Brenna Downey
Veterinary Technician
Brenna has always had a deep love for animals and knew from an early age that she wanted to dedicate her life to working with them. Her journey began at W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, where she was first introduced to hands-on animal care. She went on to earn her B.S. in Animal Science from Penn State University in 2018.
Originally aspiring to become a veterinarian, Brenna discovered her passion for hands-on care and chose to pursue a career as a veterinary technician. She has been working in veterinary medicine since graduation and recently began expanding her expertise into the fascinating world of exotic species. Brenna is dedicated to helping animals thrive while continually learning and growing in her field.
At home, Brenna is a proud cat mom to her two feline companions, Bean and Ryo, who hold a special place in her heart.
Angela Briesemeister
Veterinary Technician, CVT
Angela has been passionate about animals from a young age, but it was during her college years that she discovered her calling in veterinary medicine. After graduating from Lehigh Carbon Community College’s AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program, Angela became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2017. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in emergency medicine, critical care, and exotic animal medicine.
While Angela loves working with all species, she has a particular fondness for avian, feline, and reptile patients. Outside of work, Angela volunteers her time at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research and enjoys the company of her two tuxedo cats, Coraline and Edgar Alleycat Poe, who weren’t quite feline up to having their pictures taken.
Kathleen “Katie” Smits
Katie is a lifelong animal lover with a special passion for rabbits and guinea pigs, though she considers all species to be her friends. She is the manager of Peaceable Kingdom’s Small Animal Program—also known as the PK Rabbit Program—and has been a dedicated volunteer since 2017, when she adopted her first rabbit. That rabbit, Oliver, opened her eyes to the remarkable world of bunnies and inspired her deep commitment to animal rescue.
Katie’s professional background is in social work. After earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, she began her career working with people experiencing homelessness, then spent nearly five years in hospice care—where she had the privilege of supporting patients and their families during the final stages of life. She later transitioned to working with low-income individuals, connecting them with vital community resources.
Now, Katie is thrilled to bring together her professional expertise and her deep love for animals in her work with Peaceable Kingdom. When she’s not working or volunteering, she enjoys quiet moments at home with her beloved pets: her bonded rabbit pair, Oliver and Vivian; her single bunny, Feta Maria; and her dog, Cheddar.
