Meet Our Veterinarian Team
Meet the veterinarians and team at Belvoir Pet Hospital. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets.
Get to Know Our Veterinarian Team
We are dedicated to your pet’s care. We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Veterinarians
Joseph Farkas, DVM
Veterinarian
Butch grew up in South Euclid and graduated from Miami University (1991) and The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine (1995). Butch joined the practice in 1998 and loved practicing with his mom and dad for a few years before his mother’s passing in 2004 and his father’s retirement in 2010. Butch lives in Highland Heights with his wife and 3 sons. Life is very busy, but he still finds time to enjoy working out at the gym, traveling, camping, attending his sons’ events, and playing pickleball.
Benjamin Zucker, DVM
Veterinarian
Ben graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 and completed specialty internships in emergency medicine and radiology post-graduation. He works out and stays active in his spare time, he also enjoys watching the original Marvel movies and TV. Ben has a spoiled black cat names Virgil, who’s his best buddy. He is a well-travel cat, accompanying Ben on his travels during his internships. He also has a second cat names Gabriel.
George Banta, DVM
Veterinarian
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Dr. Banta received his undergraduate degree at Trinity College, and then a master’s degree at Purdue University. He worked for 8 years as a rubber compounder for Bridgestone/Firestone before graduating from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Banta interned at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro, NC, and he spent much of his career working as an emergency vet in specialty hospitals. Dr. Banta also ran the Brown Mackie College Veterinary Technician program in Akron, Ohio, for 2 years, and has been at Belvoir since 2013. He currently has two cats, Hecate and Bast, who he loves dearly.
Joanna Yiu, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Joanna Yiu earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has extensive species experience, including cats, dogs, avian, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, aquatics, and invertebrates. Dr. Yiu has specialized training in diversity and inclusion through the Purdue University Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine and completed the Fear Free Shelter Program, along with an externship at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance. Her professional interests include surgery, community outreach, and clinical pathology.
Outside of work, Dr. Yiu enjoys spending time with her husband, their two cats (Obi-Wan and Anakin), two leopard geckos (Charlie and Fry), and a Hog Island boa (Ganon). She also enjoys rock climbing, hiking, camping, and crafting.
Anthony Vartorella, DVM
Dr. Anthony Vartorella is a Cleveland native and a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He began his journey in the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant and is passionate about small animal care, with particular interests in exotic animal care, surgery, and dentistry.
Outside of work, Dr. Vartorella enjoys exploring new restaurants with family and friends, watching horror movies, playing board games, and building Lego sets.
Veterinary Technicians
Selina Tyson, RVT
Veterinary Technician RVT
Selina earned her Veterinary Technician degree from Stautzenberger College. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, nature, fashion, and her pets. She has 3 rabbits (Danny, Walnut and Sunny) and a dog (Layla). Something that many people do not know about Selina is that she is Fear Free Animal Professional, certified since 2020, helping our patients with fear and anxiety.
Ryan Hawkins, RVT
Veterinary Technician RVT
Ryan graduated from veterinary technician school in 2016 and had experience in emergency medical clinics before coming to Belvoir. She enjoys working in surgery aiding in dentals, spays, neuters, and more. When Ryan is not at Belvoir, she likes to spend time with her animals. Ryan has quite a college of animals: 2 dogs (Rudy and Bel), 10 wonderful cats (Dweezil, Napoleon, Off-Brand Dweezil, Potato, Puddle, Rhonda, Stitches, Spicy, Girl Dweezil, and Cerebral Paul). She enjoys the little family she has created!
Managers
Danielle Varanese
Hospital Manager
Danielle grew up in Cleveland, went to Mayfield High School, and still resides in Mayfield with her family. She worked for Belvoir as a receptionist from 1996 to 2002 and returned to Belvoir in 2020 as our hospital manager. Her love for animals has continued to grow throughout her life. She loves reading and spending time with her family. She also has a dog (Luna) and two cats (Lucifer and Munchkin).
CSRs
Melanie Hammond, CSR
CSR
Mel grew up in Cleveland. She has really enjoyed working in the veterinary business for many years. Melanie is a huge sports fans whether it is watching a game or tailgating (GO BROWNS!). She also enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. Her handsome French Bulldog, Kool Aide, is an important part of the family. She even has a stuffed replica of her best buddy at the office.
Meghan Fox, CSR
Meghan graduated from Cuyahoga Community College in 2006 in applied business in visual communication and design. She also received a certificate of proficiency in graphic design. In May of 2008, Meghan joined the team at Belvoir as a receptionist. In her spare time away from work she loves to shop, bake, and go to the movies. She has two dogs (Gunner and Jax).
Monique, CSR
CSR
Monique grew up in California, she moved to Michigan, and recently came to Cleveland. She has worked in the veterinary medicine field previously and got her Veterinary Assistant certificate from Grossmont in San Deigo. She enjoys attending music festivals, and is a singer herself. Outside of work, she creates her own jewelry and is a vendor at local fairs/festivals. Monique enjoys getting to know the clients and their pets. She has 3 dogs (Sydney, Mia Koda, and Ace), and 3 cats (Bob, Cloud, and Sammie).
Fiona, CSR
CSR
Fiona grew up in Miami and then graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2021 with a degree in biology. She moved to Cleveland to be closer to her family. She is newer to working in veterinary medicine, but is excited with all that she will come to learn. She enjoys working with the cats that come in, helping in any way she can. Fiona is an avid foster through the local shelters. In her free time, she loves to read and travel to see friends and family. While she currently does not have any pets of her own, she hopes to one day own two cats!
Technician Assistant
Kayla Turben
Technician Assistant
Kayla grew up in Akron, graduated from Kent State University in 2021, and began veterinary technician school soon after. She has worked in the veterinary field since she was 17. Kayla loves working with clients and pets and has an interest in animal behavior and training. She loves classic novels and hiking with her husband, Jake. They have two dogs (Reuben and Theo), two cats (Brynn and Alice), and two bearded dragons (Marvel and Mushu).
Dustin Coffey
Technician Assistant
Dustin grew up in the Cleveland area and graduated from Mayfield High School in 2015. Dustin likes to work on technology and play video games in his spare time. He has previous experience working in a doggy daycare setting for 10+ years. Dustin is one of three children and grew up with poodles, including the latest family member named Cooper. Dustin’s main job is working with the surgical team, and he really enjoys working with the animals that come through our doors.
Jaiden Varanese
Jaiden was born and raised in the Mayfield area. She graduated from Mayfield High School in 2021 and attended Cuyahoga Community College to obtain her Associate of Arts degree. She is currently studying to become a registered technician at Penn Foster. She loves reading, scrapbooking, and crocheting. Jaiden, along with her husband, has a wonderful heart for animals and has eight pets: four dogs (Sully, Lilo, Crush, and Tow Mater), two red foot tortoises (Myrtle and Mable), a bearded dragon (Tarin), and a guinea pig (Piggie).
Marvin
Technician Assistant
Marvin was born in Cleveland, but grew up in North Carolina. He returned to Ohio to attend Kent State University and graduated in 2018, majoring in Zoology and Pre-Vet medicine. Marvin hopes to gain experience and attend veterinary school to become a DVM. Outside of work he enjoys drawing, painting, and running. Additionally, he enjoys spending time with his son. Marvin has a cat (Kabashka), and is a diehard Lakers fan.
Kaedyn
Technician Assistant
Kaedyn grew up in Michigan and recently moved to Cleveland. She attended Valley College for Veterinary Technician school and graduated in 2025. She is studying to take her VTNE. Kaedyn loves working with all the animals that come through the clinic. She enjoys it even more when she can help them feel better than when they came in. Kaedyn has a dog (Frau) and a cat (Juniper). She cannot wait to continue to grow her passion for veterinary medicine and as a future technician.