Dr. Nicholas Pope grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, knowing from an early age that he wanted to be a veterinarian. Inspired by his grandmother, who managed a multi-doctor veterinary clinic in his hometown, Dr. Pope developed a passion for veterinary practice ownership, exceptional patient care, team leadership, and practice management. He now enjoys life in beautiful Somerset County, where he lives on a small farm with his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Pope, and their sons, Benjamin and William. Outside of work, Dr. Pope’s life revolves around animals—including two beloved dogs, Nora and Brody, and a small herd of cows, goats, and chickens. When he’s not at the clinic, you can find him fishing the Raritan, golfing, or simply admiring his cows.

Dr. Chelsey joined the Clover Hill team in August 2023. Dr. Chelsey attended Wilson College for her BS in Biology and earned her DVM from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Chelsey is a New Jersey native who has worked the last 6 years in Central NJ. She strongly believes in the power of the human-animal bond and works to educate pet parents to provide their furry family members with the best care possible. Her special interests include veterinary dentistry and palliative care. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her significant other Michael working on their many projects and relaxing with her cats Yams, Baby, Mozzie, and Papi. She believes cats are like potato chips, you can’t just have one!

Dr. Artuso graduated from Muhlenberg College with a BS in natural sciences and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She practiced for three years in Basking Ridge before joining Clover Hill Animal Hospital in 2001. Dr. Artuso is fear-free certified and accredited by the USDA to provide health certificates for international travel. Her focus is on preventive care, wellness, and internal medicine. Dr. Artuso and her husband, Brian, have four active children who keep them busy. When not with family, she enjoys reading, gardening, practicing yoga, paddleboarding, or watching sports while snuggling with her four cats: “Z,” Celia, Jackson “the trouble maker,” and Raelyn.

Dr. Ascher considers herself lucky to have been able to follow her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Biology & obtained her DVM from Auburn University. She enjoys being surrounded here at Clover Hill with a staff that loves people & animals and a culture of kindness & compassion. Dr. Ascher enjoys surgery, challenging cases, dentistry, and is USDA accredited. In her spare time, she cares for two aging kitties, three dogs, and four horses. She also enjoys gardening and ballroom dancing with her husband, Bill.

Carole Zydiak's journey into veterinary medicine began long before school, rooted in her upbringing in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Her earliest memories revolve around pets and local wildlife, starting with her first cat, Blueberry, and a spirited mockingbird named Admiral. Riding horses through the cornfields became a cherished pastime, instilling a deep sense of responsibility for the animals that enrich our lives with so much joy. This commitment continues to drive her mission to make a positive impact in veterinary care.

A proud Gator, Carole completed both her undergraduate and veterinary studies at the University of Florida. She went on to build her expertise through experiences in small animal practices across diverse regions: the Florida Keys, Tampa Bay area, where she completed an internship at Florida Veterinary Specialists, and Southern California, before returning to her roots in Central New Jersey.

With over 20 years of practice in Central NJ, Carole continues her dedication to veterinary medicine through ongoing education and meaningful connections with both old and new families. She has special interests in dermatology, nutrition, and end-of-life care, bringing compassion and skill to each patient.

Carole’s family includes her three children: Aidan, a student at the University of Florida; Nadia, attending the University of Delaware; and Dania, who is set to graduate from Hillsborough High School. At home, Carole enjoys the companionship of her dogs, Chimmie and Changa, and her cats, Lyle and Bucky.

In her free time, Carole can be found hiking, traveling, skiing, or tackling obstacle course races—embracing every opportunity to stay active and adventurous.