Dr. Shauna McLeod
Veterinarian
Dr. Shauna McLeod joined Acton Animal Hospital at the start of 2023 and eagerly stepped into the role of clinic owner at the start of 2025. She studied at the University of New Hampshire before earning her DVM degree at the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2016. After graduating she lived and worked in California for four years as a general practitioner where she developed a passion for ophthalmology and internal medicine. Dr. McLeod returned to Pepperell MA, where she grew up, to practice medicine in 2020.
Now she enjoys spending free time with her family and devoting energy to her elderly Pitbull, Alice. They both love being outdoors although Alice has never warmed up to winters in New England, there is plenty to keep them occupied.
Dr. Betty Johnston
Veterinarian
Dr. Johnston joined the staff of Acton Animal Hospital in 2005. She has practiced veterinary medicine for 50 years, starting in a mixed animal practice for 15 years, before concentrating on small animal care exclusively. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and earned her VMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the MVMA and the AVMA (state and national associations). Dr. Johnston enjoys helping pet parents get their young puppies and kittens off to a healthy, happy start with proper medical care and training.
She spends time participating in agility, field, and obedience training with her Labradors and practicing her archery skills.
Denise Gearin
Practice Manager
Denise has been a vital part of the Acton Animal Hospital team since 2011. Her compassion and outgoing sense of humor are what give her the determination to excel in the veterinary medicine field. Denise has served in a variety of roles, gaining extensive experience in several areas of the veterinary business.
In her spare time Denise enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also enjoys spending time on the beach.
Darlene Durkin
Lead Certified Veterinary Technician
Darlene is a certified veterinary technician with 35 years of experience in the veterinary field. Throughout her career, she has excelled in outpatient/inpatient procedures, surgical nursing procedures, and laboratory diagnostics. With strong skills in client/patient relationships, leadership, and veterinary medicine, Darlene continues to make a significant impact in the veterinary field. Darlene is a high school graduate of Acton-Boxboro Regional High School and earned her Associates Degree in Applied Sciences from Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute.
After graduating she took the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination resulting in her certification as a Veterinary Technician. She continues to learn and expand her knowledge of veterinary medicine through continuing education. Outside of work, Darlene enjoys all activities related to water, hiking with her 2 dogs, Hailey and Mac, playing cards, and an annual trip to Aruba with family and friends.
Amy Taverna
Technician
For nearly 23 years, I have dedicated my career to veterinary medicine, progressing from a receptionist to roles in specialty hospitals as an anesthetist and in emergency triage and ICU care. I hold certifications in Fear Free Practice and RECOVER, and I am currently working on my Anesthesia Safety Certificate. I am truly passionate about delivering exceptional patient and client care, and I have always loved working within a veterinary hospital team to support and educate clients.
Outside the hospital, I am a proud single mother to a very active son, and I spend most weekends cheering him on at hockey and other sporting events. When I am not in the bleachers, I volunteer my time fostering feral cats to help them transition into loving forever homes. My history with animals runs deep; I began pet sitting at 10 years old to gain experience and guide my career path. When time allows, I also enjoy exploring hiking trails with my Shepherd/Malinois mix, Zaleh, and snuggling with my two cats, Joseph and Roxanne.
Ally Montgomery
Veterinary Assistant
Ally is a co-op student at Acton Animal Hospital. She is in the animal science program at Nashoba Valley Technical High School. Ally loves working with animals and she is gaining valuable work experience while attending school. As a result of her schooling and work experience Ally recently earned her certification as a veterinary assistant. Her love for animals is more than just a hobby as she has decided to attend the University of Vermont in the fall of 2026 to major in animal science.
Ally also enjoys playing soccer, hiking and watching a good sunset.
Sean Mills
Veterinary Assistant
Sean recently joined the staff at Acton Animal Hospital. He is a co-op student from Nashoba Valley Technical High School. Sean is from Chelmsford and grew up with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and hamsters. His love of animals and his fascination with medical research led him to the veterinary medicine field. Looking forward, he has hopes of moving into either oncology or radiology.
In Sean’s spare time, he enjoys going out with his friends, playing video games, and learning about new ideas in science.
Jillian Hecking
Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon.
Brianna Beauchene
Lead Receptionist
Brianna grew up in Worcester and has always loved animals. It was the responsibility of taking care of a kitten from a very young age that led to her interest in caring for animals. Eventually, she landed a job at a dog daycare center and then a veterinary clinic before joining the team at Acton Animal Hospital.
Brianna shares a home with her fiancé, their son, a cat named Salem, and a dog named Squiggles. She attends community college and will begin pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2026. In her free time, she likes to go on family outings and in the fall you find her watching football.
Debbie Segnini
Receptionist
Debbie Segnini has been a valuable member of Acton Animal Hospital since 2005. She works part-time facilitating all duties at the front desk. Her responsibilities are numerous and she performs them effortlessly. Her job suits her perfectly as she loves interacting with people and their animals. After so many years it is clear that the Acton community also loves working with Debbie. On a more personal note, Debbie enjoys dotting on her beloved dog, a silken windhound named Lacie.
Crystal Pero
Receptionist