Meet Our Veterinary Team

Charles A. Hurty

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Medical Director

Dr. Charles Hurty graduated from the North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 and completed a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. In veterinary medical practice, Dr. Hurty has a special interest in internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology, preventive care, and senior pet wellness.

Additionally, he has developed a strong curiosity about creating and maintaining meaningful team cultures and supporting confident, high-functioning teams. Personal wellbeing initiatives, mindful self-care, and organizational approaches to thriving cultures are his jam these days. In fact, Dr. Hurty made his veterinary conference public speaking debut at the Oregon Veterinary Conference in March of 2024; he addressed how a cultural focus on the employee experience is mission-critical to establishing sustainable workspaces.

Serving and supporting the Oregon veterinary community is a fantastic opportunity; Dr. Hurty seeks to continuously examine and understand the challenges of the veterinary caregiving space to achieve improved sustainability of all the professionals that make up our veterinary profession. He is the Medical Director at Grove Veterinary Clinic and the current (2024) President of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.

Charles is married to Dr. Natasha Knight; they have two children, Claire (18) and Ben (16). Their family is completed by one cat (Rio – an orange tabby), and five dogs: Chi Chi Bean (a wild Pomeranian), Barry (his favorite but don’t tell the others), a black and white Papillion, Bandit, a black and tan Chihuahua, Buddy Cake, a rambunctious black and white Papillion, and Pol (a super sweet fawn chihuahua). They also have 2 chickens (Crazy Taco Lady & Sabrina Duncan).

Dr. Hurty served as one of the original Board of Directors for the local nonprofit organization Friends of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter (FOLCAS) to save our local animal shelter from a controversial defunding plan. He has previously served as the Chair of the Oregon Coast Therapy Animals (OCTA) Board and the Chair of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter & Wellness Committee. For the 14 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Hurty organized the veterinary care clinic portion of the Lincoln County Project Homeless Connect event; this program provided pet care for those pets living with underserved members of the community.

Dr. Hurty has been an avid advocate for the profession as a regular speaker and presenter at all local Newport school levels, from kindergarten to high school.

Charles enjoys fishing, projects at the house, gardening, cooking/BBQ, and hanging out with the family. He also loves live music, traveling, skiing, surfing, and spending time outside. Additionally, he has participated in youth athletics, contributing as a head coach in soccer, baseball, and softball. Most recently, he finished a 6-year tenure as a Newport Swim Team Board Member and Swim Board President.

Dr. Claire Lohn

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Claire Lohn moved from Texas to join the team at Grove in 2023. Dr. Lohn attended Texas A&M University, where she got her bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a minor in Spanish, in 2019. She stayed at Texas A&M for veterinary school and graduated with her DVM in 2023. Dr. Lohn has a variety of professional interests, including feline medicine, veterinary behavior, fear-free practices, hospice and palliative care, and veterinary rehabilitation. Dr. Lohn shares her home with Maggie, a standard poodle mix, her cats, George, Charlotte, and Louie (a nod to the British royal family), and two pet rats, Otis and Colin. When not at work, Dr. Lohn enjoys quality time with friends, traveling, going to concerts, hiking with her dog, and exercising.

Tamay Guevara

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Medical Director

Tamay Guevara graduated from Oregon State University in 2022. Dr. Guevara prides herself in elective surgery, working with exotics, and helping bolster the animal-human bond. She intends to provide the best care possible and seeks to improve animal health and wellbeing. When not caring for animals Dr. Guevara likes to spend time at home curled up with her animals, doing crafts and listening to audiobooks. Dr. Guevara has quite the menagerie of fur and feather babies… Two 11-year-old Pomeranians, Gordo (male) and Latte (female). A 15-year-old West Highland Terrier Mix named Shamus (female). An 11-year-old Heeler mix named Pepper (female). Two cats, a 6-year-old Bangel named Princess Mew (female) and a 1-year-old domestic short hair named Mew-Two (female). A 5-year-old ferret named Voodoo (male). She also has a flock of chickens –including 5 roosters and 11 hens.

Natasha Knight

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Knight and her husband (Dr. Charles Hurty) began their Oregon journey at Grove Veterinary Clinic in June 2007. She graduated from the Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Knight’s special interests include soft tissue & orthopedic surgery, puppy and kitten wellness, dermatology, preventive medicine, dentistry, and human-animal bond issues. In her free time, Dr. Knight enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and fostering kittens that need extra help and TLC. Dr. Hurty and Dr. Knight have two children, Claire and Ben. Their family is completed by three cats (Quentin, Rio, and Alley), and four dogs:  Chi Chi Bean (a tiny Pomeranian), Barry (his favorite but don’t tell the others – a black & white Papillion), Bandit, (a chunky black & tan Chihuahua) and Buddy Cake, (a rambunctious black & white Papillion).  Dr. Knight also has a strong love of her 7 chickens.

Dr. Knight has participated in Grove Veterinary Clinic’s programs at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, including a spay and neuter program that is sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter (FOLCAS) and the Central Coast Humane Society (CCHS). Staying consistent with the clinic’s devotion to community issues and projects, Dr. Knight has helped with the efforts to support homeless animals in the county through various programs.

Dr. Knight has a passion for pet memorial practices and has been the force behind the development of Grove Veterinary Clinic’s crematorium services. She compassionately operates the crematorium for our beloved patients, ensuring that they are cared for and loved throughout the entire process.

Fern Fitzgerald

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Fern Fitzgerald is a dedicated veterinarian who earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. With a calm and compassionate demeanor, she focuses on providing thorough care to both dogs and cats. Her commitment to her patients and their owners sets her apart in the field. When she’s not at work, Dr. Fitzgerald enjoys relaxing and having fun with her family on her small hobby farm. She believes in the importance of listening and sharing her knowledge, striving to help pet owners develop stronger connections with their beloved animals. Through her work, Dr. Fitzgerald aims to make a positive impact on the lives of both people and pets.

Lynsey Burton

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Lynsey Burton returns to Grove Veterinary Clinic. Lynsey graduated from the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Prior to attending veterinary school, she worked as a veterinary technician at Grove Veterinary Clinic. We are so happy to see her success and thrilled to welcome her back to the team. Dr. Burton grew up in Newport. She has special interests in surgery, dentistry, radiology, and physical therapy/rehab medicine. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, camping, and traveling to far away lands. She has several companions: Klaus, a well-pampered pomeranian; BB, a hopelessly-devoted Australian shepherd; Hilde, a strongly-opinionated and self-proclaimed Pomeranian DIVA; Sherlock, a sophisticated feline; and Fredrick, a beta fish. We are lucky to have her veterinary skills and team approach returning to Grove Veterinary Clinic.

Wesley Pospicchal

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Wesley Pospichal joined Grove Veterinary Clinic in June 2017 after graduating from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Originally from Minnesota, Dr. Pospichal decided to stay in Oregon following graduation to join his fiancé Dr. Burton at Grove. Prior to moving to Oregon for vet school, Dr. Pospichal graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. Being from the Midwest, he did not have a lot of exposure to the oceangrowing up and has become very fond of the Oregon winters (Rain > Snow!!) and living on the coast. Dr. Pospichal’s special interests include internal medicine, cardiology, surgery, and ultrasound. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with his ever-growing family including 2 Pomeranians (Klaus and Hildegard), Australian Shepherd (Bear Bear), and 3 cats (Sherlock, Jessie, Ginger). He is a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan and you can find him cheering for his hometown team every Sunday.

Jenny Fisher

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Jenny Fisher joined the Grove Veterinary Team in June 2020. Welcome her to the team. She has been a tremendous addition to the team. Dr. Fisher graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, earning her VMD (Veterinary Medical Doctor) degree in 1999. Prior to that she additionally achieved a BS in Biology with a minor in Marine Science from Penn State University and an MS degree in Zoology from the University of Georgia. After graduation, she worked in a small animal practice for 5 years before going to Penn State and working for the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (part of the state veterinary diagnostic lab system) for the last 15 years. In her veterinary practice, Dr. Fisher enjoys puppy/kitten wellness, preventative medicine, and pathology (what she did at the animal diagnostic lab). In 2019, she retired to Oregon with her husband (Chuck). She fell in love with the Oregon coastal range weather and appreciates not experiencing the harsh winters and hot summers of Pennsylvania. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, water sports, camping, travel, and cooking. Dr. Fisher has two adventuresome dogs, Fate and Chance; and two horses; Ima (Icelandic horse), and Kismet (Haflinger). She also enjoys the company of several chickens and quail on her property.

G. Lynne Luna

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), MAM, ACPV

Dr. Lynne Luna moved from Waldport, Oregon to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she attended veterinary school at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1998. She then went on to pursue a specialist degree in Poultry Medicine, attending the University of Georgia College of Veterinary ‘s Master’s of Avian Medicine (MAM) program, graduating with the MAM degree and obtaining her specialty status (diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians) in 1999. She worked with commercial poultry as an assistant professor with Mississippi State University and then went on to head the newly built Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory. Being a native of Oregon and wanting to return, in 2006 she moved to Eugene and later to Salem, where she worked with small animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, hamsters and guinea pigs, as well as backyard and pet poultry. In 2020, Dr. Luna moved back to the coast and became a team member of Grove Veterinary Clinic. Her interests include dentistry, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, geriatric care, preventive care, and backyard and pet poultry medicine.

Tess Guy

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Tess Guy recently moved from Salt Lake City and is excited to be back near the ocean. She did her undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego, and has spent the last 18 years in Utah waiting for a chance to get back to sea level. Tess graduated with her DVM from Washington State University/Utah State University in 2021. This is her second career after spending 10+ years as an environmental research chemist. Her special interests include radiology, sports medicine and orthopedics, preventative medicine, dermatology, behavior issues, and nutrition. Tess enjoys hiking, riding her horse, paddle boarding, painting, and conservation/environmental efforts. With her wife, Angela, she has two Great Danes, Leia and Max, a herd mix breed, named Piper, two Maine Coon mixes, Hurley and Willow, and two horses, Vader and Jen.

Sabrina Dyton

Sabrina is originally from Portland. She came to the coast after graduating from OSU with a degree in Animal Science. She spends her free time finding new hiking spots, playing tennis, and doing crafts. Sabrina has a 10-year-old lab mix named Dew that is always down for an adventure.

Jessica Maier

Jessica is originally from Alaska but fell in love with the Oregon Coast during family trips to Yachats. These visits were spent tide pool hopping and finding a deep appreciation for nature.

Jessica has 8 years of experience in the veterinary field as a vet assistant. Working in Alaska, Portland, and now with us at Grove in Newport.

Besides a technical passion for animals, Jessica has also spent her whole life loving them. She grew up raising turkeys, chickens, geese, goats, cats, dogs, an award winning goldfish, and a few hermit crabs.

Currently she only has one dog, a 6 year old Alaskan Husky named Orca. Orca is a reliable hiking companion and best friend! She enjoys spending time outside hiking, kayaking, or simply floating down stream. She expresses herself through art and writing.

Marci Witczak

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Marci Witczak graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in June of 2020.  She has been working in emergency veterinary medicine prior to joining the Grove Vet Team.  Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Witczak moved to Portland in 2012 to pursue education.
She currently shares her time with 2 chihuahuas, Spruce and Koda.  She enjoys trail runs, playing cribbage, reading, and hiking.  Additionally, Dr. Witczak is pursuing a Ph.D. in disease ecology, which lands her in some extremely interesting and wild settings, such as the Mojave Desert.

Alana

Operations Manager and Client Superhero

Alana is a vital member of the Grove Vet Team. She has taken a leadership role during those 2 years; she is a leader “on the floor.”  She has a passion for delivering excellent client service and improving workflow in the clinic.  She also has been cross-training in the treatment area as a technician assistant.  Alana has taken on the role of creating the work schedule for the team and leading the team during daily clinic activities.  Alana brings tremendous energy to the Grove Veterinary Team; her positive attitude is infectious. We are so very lucky to have Alana at Grove!

Rebecca

Veterinary Technician Assistant and Inventory Manager/Guru

Becky has been associated with Grove Veterinary Clinic for several years. She moved to Reno, Nevada in 2009; but returned to Newport in 2010, at which point she was re-hired to her position at Grove Veterinary Clinic. Becky is married to Jeff, and has 2 dogs (Sammy and Sophie). Becky is a significant member of the Grove team. She keeps products on the shelf and makes sure that we have the vital supplies that we need to function on a daily basis. Great job, Becky!

Leslie

Certified Veterinary Technician & Fear-Free Guru

Leslie Krohn is one of our hardest-working team members. She joined the Grove Veterinary Clinic team in September 2010. She has quickly become a favorite of our clients and patients. She has lived her entire life in the Pacific Northwest. Her household is very active, as Leslie has a son, a daughter, a husband, 3 dogs, 7 cats, 2 parrots, 1 turtle, and an outdoor pond. She spends most of her time with her family. Leslie spends her free time riding ATVs (rain or shine), camping, swimming, boating, and playing with the animals. We are lucky to have her on the team.

Chelsea

Practice Manager, Problem Solver, & Certified Veterinary Technician

Chelsea joined the Grove team in October 2014. She was promoted to the Practice Manager position in December 2021. She is a true Oregonian and was born and raised in Newport. She brings a positive attitude to the clinic and is a very hard worker that pays great attention to detail. She has a true love of animals and enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She lives with a sassy, long-haired feline companion named Carmella. She has achieved her Certification in Veterinary Technology in Bend, Oregon. We love seeing her on the clinic leadership team – her positive energy is infectious at the clinic.

Brandi

Veterinary Assistant/Technician & Preparedness Expert

Brandi is an outstanding member of the Grove Vet Team. She brings a tremendous skill set to the team and a terrific attitude. She is great at making our patients and clients feel welcomed and comfortable. She has several furry companions, including 3 dogs and a very social ferret. We are lucky to have Brandi on the team!

Kelly

Client Service Representative & Reception Acrobat

Kelly joined the Grove Veterinary Team in May of 2017. She grew up in Newport and graduated from Newport High School. After that she went to Chemeketa Community College. Kelly enjoys hitting the beach and spending time with her family and pets. She has a dog named Buffy and a cat named Radley. Kelly has taken a leadership role in client service goals at the clinic and is a terrific member of the team!

Sam

Veterinary Assistant, Coffee Specialist, and Fear Free Ninja

Sam joined the Grove Vet Clinic Team in late 2017. He has become a terrific and instrumental member of the Grove Team as a veterinary technician assistant. Sam definitely brings a good dose of humor to the team, as he throws down some awfully funny and funnily awful Dad Jokes all the time.  Sam enjoys playing bass guitar and working in the garden. He has several productive chickens, 5 dogs (Peanut, Pesto, Poppy, Pork Chop, & Pretzel) and 5 cats (Lilly, Jasper, Juniper, Hendrix, and Zander)!! Sam is truly walking the walk and talking the talk of a committed & compassionate pet parent and professional veterinary caregiver.

Philip

Veterinary Assistant, Client Service Rep, & Music Coordinator

Philip joined the Grove team in July 2018. He graduated from OSU as a Fisheries and Wildlife major and is studying to be a veterinarian. He enjoys reading, movies, and designing vivariums. He has 2 dogs (Schnitzel and Miles), 3 cats (Peaches, Musta, and Simon), a Beta fish (Kisame), and a bearded dragon (Blueberry AKA Blueberry Crystal).

Kylie

Client Service Representative

Kylie is originally from Camano Island, Washington.  Kylie moved to Newport in August of 2022 with her boyfriend.  Together they rescued Hopper a happy go lucky Pitbull from the animal shelter. Kylie is our social media queen and does an amazing job with it.  In her free time, she enjoys baking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.  Kylie is such a ray of sunshine here at Grove and we are so lucky to have her and her positivity.

Amy

Customer Service Representative & Medical Record Wrangler

Amy joined the Grove Team in November 2019. She combines her love of companion animals and her excellent customer service skills as a dedicated team member. Amy recently relocated to the area from Houston, Texas and loves being on the Oregon coast. She lives with her daughter and their two rescue dogs, Tara and Avery. In her spare time, Amy enjoys reading and crochet and paper crafts. We are thrilled to have Amy on the Grove Veterinary Team.

Angela

Bio Coming Soon!

Katie

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Ashleigh

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Maggie

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Marlene

Customer Service Representative & Team Motivator

Marlene joined the GVC team in April 2018. She moved to the Oregon Coast from Beaufort, South Carolina in June 2017. Fluent in Spanish, Marlene brings a great skill to the practice. She enjoys spending time with family and traveling around Oregon. She has 2 dogs (Blue & Zoe). She has been a vital part of our client service team.

Tymalyn

Assistant & Resident Artist

Tymalyn is a very important member of the team. She helps the team maintain a spotless working environment. She moved to Waldport from La Grande, Oregon in 2006. She has five pets (3 dogs and a ferret). She enjoys video games and digital art. We are lucky to have her on the Grove Veterinary team.

Cat

Veterinary Assistant & Exotic Food Adventurer

Cat joined the Grove Team in the summer of 2021.  She brings an adventurous spirit and great attitude to the team.  She moved the Oregon Coast in 2019 and brings veterinary experience with her.  She enjoys traveling, spending time outside, and hitting the road on her motorcycle. Additionally, she loves to fish, camp, read, and cook.  Cat is a trusted member of the Grove Team.

Anastasia

Assistant & Positivity Coach

Anastasia joined the Grove Team in the summer of 2021.  She has lived in Newport her entire life.  She brings a great energy and curiosity to the Grove Team.  She enjoys spending time outdoors, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping,  She is a competitive swimmer for many years and has experienced much success.  She currently has 2 Vizsla dogs – Murphy and Sienna.

Diana

Assistant & Positivity Force

Diana joined the Grove team in the Autumn of 2021.  She grew up in Portland and moved to Newport 2 years ago.  She enjoys family time on the beach and movie marathons!  She also enjoys playing the piano and participating in outdoor activities.  Diana has an interest in studying medicine.  She has been a very positive addition to the Grove Team.

Wendi

Assistant, Client Service Rep & Calm Presence

Wendi states that her passion in life is animals.  She has been in the veterinary field for over 18 years, and we are so happy that she has found a home with Grove Veterinary Clinic.  Wendi is Fear Free Certified and a Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist.  Her goal at Grove is to listen, empathize without bias, and show compassion to our patients, the team, and everyone that trusts us with their beloved companions.  She shares her home with a precious mini bull terrier, Vegatable Lasagne, and a Betta fish named Jelly.  She loves to spend time with family, friends, and the ocean.  Welcome to the team, Wendi.