
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.

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.

Denise Gearin
Lead Veterinary Receptionist
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.

Sarah Arpie
Veterinary Technician
Sarah grew up on the shoreline in Milford, CT. She attended the University of New England (UNE) to earn a B.S in Marine Science. During her time at UNE Sarah volunteered at the school’s marine animal rehabilitation center, working with seals, turtles, and porpoises. This began Sarah’s interest in working with animals. After UNE, Sarah went to the University of Bridgeport to get her M.A. in Education to become a science teacher. During her time as a teacher, she specialized in informal education while working as an educator at the Mystic Aquarium. At the aquarium she continued to work with animals through education programs and realized she wanted to make a life change and go into veterinary medicine. Sarah’s first job in veterinary medicine involved working at a 24 hour ER, triaging all incoming emergencies. She has since worked in small family owned practices, as well as corporate veterinary hospitals. Sarah joined the Acton Animal Hospital team in 2024. She is looking to continue her education in veterinary medicine and become a certified veterinary technician. Sarah has one dog, named Tilly, who she says is “special”.

Ally Montgomery
Veterinary Technician 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.

Brianna Beauchene
Veterinary 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.

Alaina Magnuson
Veterinary Receptionist
Alaina grew up in New Hampshire and at the age of 15 she finally got her own puppy. After relocating to Massachusetts she was able to pursue her life-long dream of working with animals and joined the veterinary field in 2022. Alaina has always had a passion for animals, especially from growing up with a small herd of Pembroke Welsh. Now she has her own herd of pups, four American Akitas who have stolen her heart. Bruin Marie, ten years young and a rambunctious trio of 5 year old Akitas named Ace, Venture, Pet Detective, Harleyy Quinn, and Gryffin Clarke.
When Alaina is not working, you’ll typically find her training or grooming one of her pups. However, during the spring and summer months, she spends her free time in the garage working on Volkswagens with her fiancé.

Debbie Segnini
Veterinary 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.

Darlene Durkin
Certified Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!

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.