Our Team
Meet the PVL Team
A collaborative group of professionals dedicated to diagnostic excellence in veterinary medicine.
Jason Wood, DVM, DACVP
CEO | Founder | Anatomic Pathologist
Dr. Jason Wood, CEO and Founder of Pathwood Veterinary Laboratories, is a board-certified anatomic pathologist with more than 20 years of experience in veterinary diagnostic pathology. His career reflects a deep commitment to diagnostic precision, collaboration, and building pathology services that truly support clinical decision-making.
Dr. Wood’s path into veterinary pathology began as an undergraduate at the University of California, Davis, where he was the first employee hired at the newly established VDx. Over the next five years, he gained hands-on experience across every area of laboratory operations, helping to build and expand the laboratory while advancing into a management role.
After completing veterinary school at UC Davis, Dr. Wood began his anatomic pathology residency at Oklahoma State University before returning to UC Davis to complete advanced training with a focus on surgical oncology through a hybrid program with UC Davis and VDx. Over the following eight years, he played a key role in developing and expanding diagnostic services at VDx, including PARR and lymphoma diagnostics, the creation of a dermatopathology service, and the delivery of timely, high-quality pathology support throughout Northern California.
In 2021, Dr. Wood and his wife relocated to Seattle, where he founded Pathwood Veterinary Laboratories with the goal of creating a diagnostic laboratory centered on quality, accessibility, and direct collaboration with veterinarians. His expertise in surgical oncology and dermatopathology, combined with his comprehensive understanding of laboratory operations, shapes PVL’s commitment to consistent, reliable, and clinically meaningful diagnostics.
Dr. Wood is a member of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, the International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology, and the Veterinary Cancer Society. Based in the Pacific Northwest, he has built long-standing relationships with veterinary teams across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California while supporting hospitals nationwide.
When not at the microscope, Dr. Wood enjoys traveling and backpacking with his wife and their two beagles. He recently hiked the entire John Muir Trail in celebration of a milestone birthday.
Susan Fielder, DVM, DACVP
Clinical Pathologist
Dr. Susan Fielder is a clinical pathologist with more than 20 years of experience in veterinary diagnostic pathology. She earned her DVM and completed her residency training at Oklahoma State University, developing a strong foundation in clinical pathology. Her professional interests include cytology and hematology, where she is known for thoughtful case review and clear diagnostic interpretation. When not reviewing cases, Dr. Fielder enjoys hiking and camping.
Dakota Adams, BS
Lab Manager | Lead Histology Technician
Dakota serves as the Lab Manager and Lead Histology Technician at Pathwood Veterinary Laboratories, where she plays a central role in ensuring high-quality histologic preparation and smooth laboratory operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Western Washington University.
After university, Dakota worked as a veterinary assistant before transitioning into the diagnostic laboratory setting, where she discovered her passion for histology. She completed three years of hands-on training as a histology technician and is currently preparing to sit for the histotechnologist certification examination. Dakota has a particular appreciation for slide preparation and staining, viewing the process as both a technical skill and an art form, where a well-executed stain brings tissue architecture to life under the microscope.
Outside the laboratory, Dakota enjoys exploring Western Washington, attending weekly bingo nights, and cooking with her fiancé, Spenser. She shares her home with two dogs, Brody and Gary. Brody is her constant companion and can often be found accompanying her to the lab each day.
John Batchelder, BS
Business Manager
John serves as Business Manager at Pathwood Veterinary Laboratories, providing operational and administrative support that allows the laboratory team to focus on delivering high-quality diagnostic services. He holds a Bachelor of Science (pre-med) degree in Zoology and Chemistry from Weber State University.
John brings more than four decades of experience in leadership and organizational development, including 20 years dedicated to developing and implementing a Veterinary Leadership Program in collaboration with Washington State University and professionals across the veterinary and psychology fields. His work has supported veterinarians and veterinary teams nationwide, strengthening leadership skills and professional development within the veterinary community.
Outside of work, John is a private pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, avid skier, and former Ski Patrol Director at Lookout Pass Ski Area on the Idaho-Montana border. His love of travel is evident in the fact that he has visited all seven continents.