Stephanie L. Vassar, VMD, CVMMP
Dr. Vassar founded Great Falls Equine in 2015 and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her patients and establishing strong relationships with her clients through open communication and client education. Dr. Vassar resides in Shelburne, MA with her husband Eric and their two sons Colton and Henry (Hank). In her spare time Dr. Vassar enjoys riding her Irish Sport Horse Garrybritt Ike, coaching hockey, hiking and skiing. Dr. Vassar is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, United States Equestrian Federation and United States Dressage Federation. She is also an FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian.
A Western Massachusetts native, Dr. Vassar was raised with appreciation and compassion for animals and agriculture. She attended Deerfield Academy and Boston College majoring in Economics and Chemistry as well as competing on the Women’s Ice Hockey team. Dr. Vassar received her veterinary medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on equine and large animal medicine at the New Bolton Center. Emphasis was placed on equine and food animal medicine and surgery, large animal emergency and critical care, neonatology and reproduction.
Upon graduation, Stephanie completed an internship in Large Animal Internal Medicine at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton, Massachusetts. During the year Dr. Vassar admitted after hours emergencies, managed patient care and treatment plans, led student rounds and enhanced her knowledge in diagnostics and treatment of advanced and sometimes critical cases. Following her internship Dr. Vassar joined a mixed animal practice in Glastonbury, CT. During this time she refined her skills in small animal general practice and reinforced her desire to return home to the Pioneer Valley.
Dr. Vassar completed the Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation certification course at the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in Reddick, Florida. This training has enabled Dr. Vassar to perform motion palpation and spinal manipulations on horses. Spinal manipulation is the appropriate term to use when describing manipulative therapy on animals. When this therapy is performed on humans it is referred to as chiropractic manipulation. Dr. Vassar is also trained in Equine Acupuncture through the Chi Institute and has thoroughly enjoyed adding this modality to her practice.
Laura Parisio-Wood, Bvetmed MRCVS, CVMMP
Dr. Laura Parisio-Wood is a native of New York State. She obtained her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. She has since worked with ambulatory equine practices all over the New England states. Dr. Laura and Dr. Vassar were classmates in their spinal manipulation course in Reddick FL as well as friends and colleagues for the past several years. She is happy to join Great Falls Equine on an "as-needed" basis. Her special interests include dentistry, spinal manipulation, podiatry, and general wellness care. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling and being outdoors.
Kiley Turner, CVT
Kiley has worked with animals her whole life, whether raising livestock for 4-H or working and riding in various barns. She recieved her degree in veterinary technology in 2009 and has worked as a certified veterinary technician since then in practices that serve small animals, large animals, and wildlife. She joined the GFE team in 2021 and has really embraced focusing on equine medicine. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband James, daughters Emery and Shay, dog Sarge, and miniature mare Marshmallow, who is teaching the girls the ropes of horse ownership.
Rebekah Spencer
Rebekah started at Great Falls Equine at the end of 2023. She has been passionate about horses her entire life and is excited to be able to work with them as a tech assistant with the GFE team. When she’s not falling in love with every horse she meets, Rebekah enjoys reading, making stained glass art, nature, and gardening. She lives in Leyden with her favorite people, dogs, cats, and chickens.
Hannah Hatcher
Hannah is our virtual office administrator and joined the GFE team the summer of 2022. She is a homeschooling mom of two, born and raised in MS.. She was brought up with a love for horses and enjoyed western riding in her childhood and young adult years. Though she doesn’t get to meet clients in person, she loves getting to know each and every one virtually through communication and images from the team! In her free time, she loves to bake and catch up on television shows.