MEET THE TEAM
MARY BETH SPITZNAGEL, PHD
Mary Beth Spitznagel, PhD completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Ohio University and fellowship at Brown University. Her research on how caregiver burden affects pet owners, and how that burden in turn impacts those working in veterinary medicine, forms the basis of Unburdened. She routinely presents at national meetings like AVMA and ACVIM, and blogs at petcaregiverburden.com. Dr. Spitznagel is Professor of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University and a former Fellow of Clinical Scholars, a national leadership program for experienced health care providers supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Photo with her 9 year old super-snuggler rescue, Marty.
MEG SISLAK, DVM, DACVR
Meg Sislak, DVM, DACVR earned a doctorate of veterinary medicine from Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed internships at Virginia Equine Imaging and Michigan Veterinary Specialists and residency in Diagnostic Imaging at Texas A&M University. Working with veterinary personnel in a range of settings, Dr. Sislak recognized the commonality of stress from client interactions. She brings this perspective to Unburdened. Dr. Sislak is a veterinary radiologist at MedVet and former Fellow of Clinical Scholars, a national leadership program for experienced health care providers supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Photo with her sweet rescue kitty, Sage.
LISA WIBORG, LISW-S, VSW
Lisa Wiborg, LISW-S, VSW completed her graduate degree in Social Work at The Ohio State University and certification in veterinary social work from the University of Tennessee. She co-owns Healing Paws LLC, a veterinary social work practice providing support in veterinary clinics throughout Northeast Ohio. She brings this expertise to Unburdened, implementing an evidenced-based program to reduce stress and burnout in veterinary medicine, and promoting the utilization of mental health services in the field. Lisa is also a former Fellow of Clinical Scholars, a national leadership program for experienced health care providers supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Photo with her 14 year old rescue cockapoo, Scrabble, who loves cheese and walks.
ALANNA UPDEGRAFF, PHD
Alanna Updegraff, PhD completed her degree in clinical psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles and postdoctoral training at the Family Stress Center in North Hills, CA. She utilized her expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to develop Unburdened, an educational program designed using an ACT training framework. Dr. Updegraff is Director of the Psychological Clinic in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University and Co-Chair of the Kent State of Wellness Mental Health Committee. She is a former Fellow of Clinical Scholars, a national leadership program for experienced health care providers supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Photo with her playful rescue pup, Hunter.