our staff

Veterinarian and Business Owner

Dr. Karner graduated with a BS in Animal Bioscience from Penn State University in 1994. She earned her Veterinary Medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998. She has been living and practicing in the Butler area since graduation. Her career started as an equine veterinarian but transitioned to companion animals in order to fulfill her strong interest in soft tissue surgery. She also served as Medical Director of the Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh for 6 years. She opened Muddy Creek Animal Clinic in 2015 and purchased Suburban Animal Clinic in 2022. She lives in Butler with her husband, 4 children and 4 dogs. They live on a small farm where they raise and show Boer goats. They also raise Hereford cattle, honey bees, chickens and a variety of fruits.

Veterinarian

Dr. Lauren Firestine is a Pittsburgh native who recently moved back to Butler, PA to be of service for her community and be close to family. She attended The University of Findlay in Ohio for undergraduate studies where she fell in love with food animal medicine. She continued on to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine; and completed her clinical year at THE Ohio State University.

Dr. Firestine enjoys connecting with her clients and being able to be an advocate for the creatures who don’t have a voice. She loves to say “Animals talk, you just have to listen the right way”. 

In her free time, Dr. Firestine loves to play golf to honor her late father. You can also catch her watching hockey, or spending time with her husband and 5 dogs at home; Brooks, Duke, Jim, Milkshake and Zeke. 

Dr. Firestine lost both her father and her son, Owen in 2023. These are both two main driving forces for her output of empathy and work ethic to maintain the human - animal bond. 

The animals she will see for appointments include cats, dogs and food animals. 

Head Technician

I graduated from Vet Tech Institute roughly 4 years ago. I have always had a love and passion for caring of all sizes of animals. I love to work with animals ranging from soft and cuddly to slimy and scaley. I have a 2 year old Green Cheek Conure named Fizz who tends to come to the office as our front desk spokesbird. I enjoy spending my spare time hiking, kayaking, reading or just relaxing with friends and family. 

CVT - Practice Manager

Nothing puts a smile on Sarah’s face like a sweet gray muzzle or a wonderful adoption story! She shares her home with her husband and handful of pets (their 3 cats, Draco, Miles, and Greto plus their 2 dogs, the Good Boy Roy and Pitty Girl Esther), plus a few girls in the backyard-chickens! Growing up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Sarah’s family never thought she one day would be working towards a farm for retired creatures, but going to VTI and becoming a licensed technician sealed the deal for her life to truly revolve around animals. Sarah’s passion for veterinary medicine centers around helping educate clients on how to best care for their pets through all life stages-especially their golden years to ensure the best life possible for all! 

Receptionist

Nancy is our receptionist here at Suburban. She is the mother of three beautiful daughters and Nana to six amazing grandchildren. She is also the pet mom of three dogs Scarlett, Mac, and Stella; a large Comet fish named Otto, and turtles Sheldon and Lenard. She has been an animal lover from an early age. You name it, she probably had it, to include dogs, cats, horses, goats, and chickens! She was involved in 4H and FFA in high school and even spent a year as a Rodeo Queen! Nancy has enjoyed a diverse range of employment including hairdresser, dog groomer, in home care giver, and even worked in a commercial bakery. She enjoys gardening, crocheting, kayaking, nature walks, art, sewing, and making pottery. Nancy has always had an interest in the veterinarian field and helping animals in  need, so she’s joined the team at Suburban to try her hand at making a difference in animal care!

Veterinary Technician

As a life long animal lover, Emily knew at a young age she was going to spend her life caring for them in any way she could.  After graduating from the VTI in 2021, she began her career in shelter medicine where she found her comically named cat Snuggles-the unadoptable feline.  Just as she recognized Snuggles’ right for love and safety, Emily values ensuring all her patients the best care possible.  When she is not at work, she spends her time with her family, exploring new places and different foods, and staying at home with Snuggles and her boyfriend, David, gaming and reading novels.

Veterinary Technician

Hi my name is Shannon! I graduated from Vet Tech Institute in 2024. I have a huge love for all animals big and small. I have 11 animals of my own including three dogs, 2 cats, 2 rats, a bearded dragon, a calf and two goats. I enjoy being outdoors kayaking or fishing in my free time & spending time with my animals.  I am glad to be part of the team at Suburban Animal Clinic to give the best care to your furry friends.

Technician Assistant

Finn has been a life-long animal lover. He started out in dog grooming and wellness, and has loved every minute of working with all sorts of animals at Suburban. When he's not working, playing with his golden retriever, Cooper, and his cat, Fig, he's usually hiking at McConnells Mill, reading science fiction, or playing a variety of instruments.