Brian Kopec, D.V.M. - Owner

Dr. Brian Kopec was born and raised in rural Sussex County, New Jersey. In 2007 he completed his undergraduate work with honors at Penn State, with a B.S. degree in Animal Bioscience. In 2011 he completed his veterinary studies at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. At Virginia Tech he focused his veterinary studies in equine medicine, surgery and reproduction. From 2011 to 2015 Dr. Kopec practiced as a staff veterinarian at Winbak Farm (Chesapeake City, MD), the largest standardbred breeding operation in the Northern Hemisphere. At this facility his patients included horses of all age ranges and multiple disciplines. He worked with the many Winbak Farm foals, weanlings, yearlings, broodmares, racehorses and stallions. In 2015 Dr. Brian and Dr. Molly Kopec purchased Kopec Veterinary Associates (formerly Henderson Veterinary Associates) and have been enjoying developing relationships with our wonderful clients and their horses ever since. In his free time, Dr. Kopec enjoys spending time with his wife (Molly), daughter (Josie Mae) and son (Moses). He likes sailing when he has a free afternoon… and there is wind! He is passionate about proper equine healthcare, nutrition, field surgery, lameness, geriatric management and everything in between. He also loves mentoring future veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Molly C. Kopec, D.V.M. – Owner

Dr. Molly was born and raised in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on a small farm. Tending to the family’s sheep herd and her ponies from a young age, she realized her dream to be a veterinarian. Her passion for horses and veterinary medicine were fueled by years of equine competitions, involvement in the United States Pony Clubs, and mentorship from local mixed animal veterinarians. Dr. Molly graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Biological Science with honors, and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, with a focus on equine medicine. As a student, she served on the veterinary team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. She went on to complete an internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Charlottesville, Virginia, and spent several years as an associate veterinarian at Unionville Equine Associates, P.C. in Chester County, Pennsylvania before she and Dr. Brian moved to Lancaster County in 2015. Dr. Molly is certified as an FEI treating veterinarian and has served as such at Dressage at Devon, Fair Hill International, and Plantation Field International. Her professional interests include sports medicine, diagnostic imaging, and preventative medicine. Dr. Molly enjoys spending time with her family. She and Dr. Brian have a daughter, Josie Mae, and young son, Moses. They love introducing them to farm life and watching their blossoming love for animals and the outdoors. The Kopecs also enjoy giving kisses to their furry-purry cats, Little Sasquatch and Long John, 2 German Shepard’s, Chrissy and Dandy and snuzzling with their ponies, Sherlock and Little Dickey.

Jess Benson D.V.M. - Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Jess Benson comes to us from Arlington, Virginia. She began riding at a young age and was an active participant in the equine community teaching riding lessons and volunteering at a therapeutic riding center. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in biology at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, where she showed actively on the IHSA team. Dr. Jess received her DVM from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on equine medicine and emergency care. After graduation, she completed a 1-year internship program at Carolina Equine Hospital near Greensboro, NC. She has a wide variety of interests within the equine field including dentistry, lameness, podiatry and geriatric care. Outside of work, Dr. Jess enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with her small menagerie including her dog Herald and cat Nike.

Colleen O'Leary, DVM – Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Colleen O'Leary originates from the suburbs of Washington D.C. in Fairfax, Virginia. As a child she learned English riding basics with the lesson horses at local stables which cultivated a life-long passion for equestrian sport. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Biology from George Mason University, while also beginning to take dressage riding more seriously. Dr. Colleen received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. During that time, she completed a veterinary acupuncture certification from Chi University in Reddick, Florida. After graduation from veterinary school, she pursued a few more months of intensive training at an equine surgical referral hospital in Oklahoma before joining Kopec Veterinary Associates. Dr. Colleen's professional interests include advanced reproduction techniques, acupuncture, and sports medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys riding her horse, travel, and backpacking with her fiancée.

Shannon Flaharty - Veterinary Technician

Shannon grew up on a horse farm in Red Lion, PA where she spent most of her time riding and showing horses. She graduated from Wilson College with Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Nursing with a concentration in Equi-Assist. She was a member of Wilson’s Western Equestrian team and showed in IHSA. Shannon started at KVA promptly after graduation. Her interests vary including: client education, sports medicine, surgery, and anesthesia. Outside of work you can find her riding her horse, walking her dog, or reading a good book.

Gwen Palmer - Veterinary Assistant

Gwen Palmer grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and lived there for most of her life. She then moved to Florida for two years, and while there, trained intensively with a dressage trainer and her horse, Navie. She’s been riding for over 10 years, learning Western Pleasure, Showmanship, Hunter/Jumpers and Dressage. Gwen moved to Lancaster, PA in October 2022 and graduated from high school as a homeschool student. Gwen plans to become a Certified Veterinary Technician in the future, and joined with KVA to gain on the job experience before heading to college.

Carrie Long – Client Care Specialist, Social Media

Carrie is our client care specialist. She was raised in Elizabethtown, Pa. Carrie can assist you in scheduling appointments, re-ordering medications, filling out paperwork and many other miscellaneous duties. She also updates the KVA Facebook page. Carrie enjoys reading, photography and spending time with her puppy, Loretta Lynn. She has a son, Jake.

Marco Chavez – Animal Husbandry, Maintenance Extraordinaire

Marco comes to us from Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico – the winter migration destination of the beautiful Monarch butterfly, and the largest exporters of avocado in the world. Marco expertly handles our hospitalized patients of all breeds and ages. He tends to their feeding and keeps their stalls in immaculate condition. He has a careful and watchful eye for issues or concerns regarding the horses under our care. Marco also keeps our grounds impeccably maintained. Marco enjoys listening to music, bicycling, traveling, and keeping in touch with his family. When he is home, in Mexico, he loves spending time with his beloved dogs.

Long John – Vermin Patrol, Security

Long John started with Kopec Veterinary Associates in December 2015. He is very passionate about his career and is a team player. In his spare time, Long John enjoys napping, eating and pouncing.

Chrysanthemum and Dandelion – Surveillance

Chrysanthemum and Dandelion (The Girls) joined Kopec Veterinary Associates in the Fall of 2020. They take their work very seriously and can be seen roaming the property at KVA. When off duty, The Girls enjoy chasing a ball, running and playing with the Kopec’s children.