About
Welcome! Darby Creek Veterinary Clinic is a full-service companion animal clinic ready to serve the needs of your pet. Dr. Nicol and staff have previously served Plain City and the surrounding communities the past few years and are happy to be continuing to serve you and your pets!
Darby Creek Veterinary Clinic Staff
Matthew Nicol, DVM
Veterinarian and Owner
Dr. Matthew Nicol was raised in nearby Powell, Ohio where he grew up alongside a variety of horses, barn dogs and cats. He loved spending time at his grandparents’ farm in Marysville. With parents that were both in the human medical professions, he grew fascinated with medicine as well. It seemed like the perfect combination: a love of animals combined with medicine (even when it meant shoveling stalls).
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Dr. Nicol went to undergrad at Ohio Northern University. (Go Polar Bears!) After that he attended vet school at The Ohio State University where he graduated with his degree in veterinary medicine. Ever since graduation he has been practicing veterinary medicine in central Ohio.
When not in the clinic Dr. Nicol enjoys spending time with his wife Megan, four kids, Madeleine, Luke, Mark, and Cora, as well as his mini-goldendoodle Nibbler!
Alicia Kozusko
Registered Veterinary Technician
With a passion for animal care that dates to her childhood, Alicia has dedicated her career to providing top-notch veterinary services to pets and their owners. Following her graduation with a degree in Animal Science, Alicia earned her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification in 2006.
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A seasoned professional, Alicia brings 14 years of experience from her previous role at a Plain City veterinary practice, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the importance of compassionate and patient care. On the opening day of Darby Creek Vet, Alicia joined the team, eager to continue her mission of delivering exceptional care to the furry friends in her community.
Alicia’s journey as a veterinary technician began with a tender age, as she vividly recalls performing her first cat exam at just 4 years old. This early interest in animal care set the stage for a lifelong commitment to helping animals in need.
As a proud pet owner of 2 dogs and 7 cats, Alicia is no stranger to the joys of caring for multiple animals. She also enjoys video games, fishing and cheering on the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Jennifer Picklesimon
Office Manager
With a background in corporate and an MBA in business, Jennifer may have seemed like an unlikely candidate to join the veterinary world. But after 20 years in the corporate sector, she discovered her true calling in the animal kingdom.
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“I knew I was in the right job when coming to work felt like being with family,” Jennifer says with a smile. “It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, but it’s a sense of belonging and purpose that I’ve never experienced before.”
Growing up in Plain City and now residing in Marysville, Jennifer’s love for animals has been a constant throughout her life. Her own four pets, Roxie, Eddie, Willy and Toots. When she’s not busy tending to the needs of the animals in her care, Jennifer finds solace in nurturing her own garden, enjoying quality time with her husband, family, and friends, and living life to the fullest, surrounded by love and companionship.”
Jeanette Thomas
Part Time Receptionist
Jeanette Thomas has been a dedicated Front Desk Associate for the past three years, providing exceptional service and creating a welcoming environment for all. Originally from Plain City, OH, Jeanette now resides in Vandalia, OH, where she enjoys a fulfilling life with her husband, children & grandchildren.
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Her passion for her work grew when Jennifer recognized her potential for the role, and Jeanette quickly realized it was the perfect fit. Outside of work, Jeanette is an avid Marvel collector, always on the lookout for new additions to her collection. She also loves playing pinball and has a keen interest in maintaining her 200-gallon fish aquarium.
With a blend of professionalism and personal passion, Jeanette continues to thrive both in her career and her hobbies.
Carrington
Part Time Receptionist
I’m Carrington and was born and raised in Columbus, now residing in Marysville with my boyfriend, our rescue pit mix and two cats. I’ve always had a deep connection and love for animals since I was a child. Growing up I had guinea pigs, hedgehogs and fish. As soon as I was given the opportunity to work with animals, I took it. I worked for animal shelters for 3 years before delving into the medical aspect of it.
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I joined Darby Creek in the fall of 2023 as a veterinary assistant and was amazed at how different of a world it was compared to rescue work.
After meeting the staff at Darby Creek and seeing what they do, it makes me proud to be a part of the team. I currently work part time and always look forward to seeing our clients and their babies. On the days I’m not at the clinic, I bartend full time and foster strays that need a place to stay until they find their furever homes!
Paige
Part Time Veterinary Assistant
Hey there! I’m Paige, and l’ve been lucky enough to work in the animal care world since 2017. I started my journey as a certified veterinary assistant after graduating from Miami Valley Career Technology School in 2017, and I’ve been putting that knowledge to work ever since. I’ve worked full-time as a kennel lead since 2019 in Tipp City, OH and continue to enjoy my time doing so. I joined Darby Creek part time in 2023 to finally put the medical side of my certification to good use. I was hooked – and they haven’t been able to get rid of me since!
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I commute all the way from Troy, OH, and was told to say that I keep coming in just to see Jennifer’s beautiful face (though, l’argue It’s all about the animals and Hops aka the best patient support kitty around). Whether It’s a stray dog or a baby squirrel in need of some TLC, I’ve somehow become the go-to person for helping the lost souls in need of love. I also keep myself busy with pet sitting and providing in-home nail trims, because honestly, there’s no such thing as too many animals!
When I’m not working, l’m at home with my wife, our amazing son, and a menagerie of pets, including 2 dogs, 5 cats, and an army of fish (no, seriously… it’s like a 125 gallon mini lake).
Outside of the animal world, I spend my time painting, being crafty, traveling, hiking, camping, and squeezing in as much time and as many game nights as I can with my family.
You may not see me super frequently, but if you see me around, don’t be shy-l’m always up for talking about pets, art, or whatever the next big adventure may be.
Cats
Meet the Feline Friends of Darby Creek Vets
We have three beloved office cats, Barley, Hops, and Bob, who bring joy and comfort to our clients and their pets. These three feline friends have become an integral part of our veterinary practice, and we are delighted to share their story with you.
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Barley: The Gentle Giant
Barley, our gentle giant, is a laid-back cat who loves nothing more than to lounge around the office. With his soft, fluffy coat and calm demeanor, he is the perfect companion for our anxious patients. Barley is particularly fond of receiving pets from our clients, and he will often nuzzle his head against their hands, purring contentedly. (Barley loves the whole staff)
Hops: The Playboy
Hops is our energetic cat who loves to chase toys and play with our staff. Why our playboy, because when a female kitty comes in, he is rubbing on a carrier or playing footsy through the cage. Hops is also the outdoors type that loves to chatter at the birds, chipmunks, and bring us the occasional snake. (Jennifer and Paige are his favorites!)
Bob: Is Bob!
The elusive Bob is the shy guy unless Alicia is around. Born under the clinic, it was Hops that found Bob when he was just a tiny baby. They have been the best brothers ever since. Bob is our only true mouser and must have his mandatory 2 breaks a day. He will follow Alicia to the moon and back, or at least the bathroom.