Administrative Team

• Phil Barnes - Marketing Director
  
  
• Charles Dorsett - Client Services
  
  
• Joan Fischer - Office Manager
  
  Joan joined NorthStar VETS in 2008 and, has been in the veterinary medicine industry for over 20 years. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the hospital and ensures that every client receives the best experience during their stay at NorthStar VETS. Joan has a dog named Holly, a cat named Jackson and a turtle named Spike. You may contact Joan with any comments, questions or concerns to better serve NorthStar's clientele.
• Chris Kovach - Inventory Coordinator
  
  Chris attended Rutgers University '88-91 and began working with animals during summer vacations at a local shelter (Jersey Shore Animal Center) in 1990. Chris had spent 14 years in the veterinary industry when he obtained his Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) designation in 2004. Mr. Kovach has worked in many capacities, kennel attendant, technician, and Practice Manager in several small animal general practices, before joining our team in July 2007. To add to his accomplishments, he started a pet sitting business, C&M Pet Care Professionals, LLC, www.cmpetcare.com, serving Jackson and surrounding areas for the last 10 years. Chris is married with three children, two Westies, two cats, fish, frogs, a bunny and an ant farm.

• Alexander Munoz - Director of Learning and Development
  
  
• Catherine Perez - Finance
  
  Cathy graduated from the University of Notre Dame receiving a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting. After graduation, she worked for a public accounting firm in Washington, D.C. and New York City for three years. Relocating to New Jersey, where she was raised, Cathy worked as a private accountant for 16 years before joining NorthStar VETS in 2009.

  Cathy has a lifelong interest in horses. She attended the Equissage school in Virginia where she became a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist

• Rose Pierson, CVT - Veterinary Nursing Manager
  
  Rose was born and raised in North Jersey. She spent 10 years in human medicine and in 1993, she received her nursing assistant certification. Rose proudly has 8 years of specialty and emergency medicine experience. She joined NorthStar VETS in August 2005, quickly ascended to Overnight Supervisor in April 2006, and received her Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credentials in June 2006. Her passion includes neonatal care and team building.

  Currently, Rose lives in Jackson with her husband and twins. In her spare time, she enjoys watching the NFL and NASCAR, reading, and listening to music.

• Eileen Schuck - Marketing Assistant
  
  
• Daniel Stobie, DVM, MS, DACVS - Chief of Staff
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

  Dr. Stobie is a New Jersey native who completed his undergraduate work at Cook College/Rutgers University. He is a 1990, cum laude graduate of the University of Missouri-College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, Dr. Stobie completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. He then went on to do a three-year surgical residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a Master's Degree in veterinary surgery, radiology, and anesthesia in 1994. Dr. Stobie became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1995. Following his residency, he headed a surgical service at the Animal Medical Center in NYC for two years, before joining a specialty practice in NJ as a staff surgeon in 1996. In 2000, Dr. Stobie formed Veterinary Surgical and Diagnostic Specialists (a mobile surgical and ultrasound practice) that has evolved into what is today NorthStar VETS. He has also served as an adjunct Clinical Instructor in small animal surgery at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania - School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Stobie formed Vet-i-Care, a charitable foundation that provides financial aid to pet owner's who cannot afford specialty or emergency care for their beloved companions. He currently serves on the board of directors for Vet-i-Care. In 2007, Dr. Stobie completed the mini-MBA certificate program at the Rutgers School of Business. Committed to helping advance the veterinary industry, Dr. Stobie participates in many organizations and is a member of the Metropolitan NJVMA, the South Jersey VMA and the Jersey Shore VMA He also serves on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Stobie has authored numerous scientific articles in veterinary journals and textbooks, as well as lectured locally, nationally and internationally. He is a strong advocate for child welfare and the more than 60,000 children in New Jersey's foster care system. Dr. Stobie lives nearby on a farm with his partner, their three children, and enough animals to fill Noah's Ark. Outside the hospital, he enjoys spending time with his family and loves the beach. His hobbies include horse back riding, gardening, and beekeeping.

• Ryan Vadas - Facilities Manager
  
  
• Debra White - Payroll Specialist
  
  

• Michael Doolen, DVM
  
  Exotic & Avian Animal Medicine & Surgery

  Dr. Doolen grew up in Montana with horses and started taking care of all sorts of birds and exotic animals at a young age. He worked as a professional photographer in Iowa until 1982, when his exotic bird rescue and breeding hobby resulted in his decision to go back to school to become a veterinarian in order to help advance exotic animal medicine, which was in its infancy at the time. He earned his DVM at Iowa State University in 1991 and stayed there for 3 ½ years, working as an exotics clinician in the teaching hospital and developing an avian and exotics program there. In 1994, he joined a general practice in New Jersey and spent 15 years there, developing and directing an avian and exotics service.

  Dr. Doolen has written and presented many articles and text entries, and lectures extensively locally, nationally, and internationally. He served as an adjunct assistant professor for 5 years at the University of Pennsylvania, contributing to the development of the exotics program there. He has served on the executive board of directors of the Association of Avian Veterinarians and is an active member of Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, AVMA, and NJVMA. He is also an active supporter of several avian and exotic animal organizations, including the New Jersey House Rabbit Society.

  Dr. Doolen is eligible for, and working toward, board certifications in avian, exotic mammal, and reptilian medicine under the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He has consulted with several commercial companies that provide instruments and equipment for the veterinary community, developing specialized equipment for use with exotic animals. He has served several organizations by offering his feedback and advice to bird and exotic animal owners online. Much of his consulting time has involved training veterinarians and students in the use of high-frequency radiosurgical equipment. His personal interests include classic cars, woodworking, photography, and enjoying his cat, Macaw, and Amazon parrot. He joined the NorthStar team in September 2010 to be in an environment where he can further advance the state of the art in avian and exotic medicine, surgery, and behavior. His articles and credentials are listed on his personal website, www.doolen.com.

• Ilana Reisner, DVM, PhD, DACVB
  
  

  Dr. Ilana Reisner has been a board-certified veterinary behaviorist,since the specialty of veterinary behavior was established in 1995. As a veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Reisner has expertise in both normal (though often undesirable) and abnormal behaviors of all companion animal species.

  Previously a member of the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she headed the Behavior Service at Penn's Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Reisner provided clinical services to pet owners, served as mentor in a clinical residency program, and taught both clinical and undergraduate veterinary students. Dr. Reisner has published and spoken extensively on all aspects of behavior problems in dogs and cats and has an ongoing research interest in dog bites and public health.

• Eric DeRose, DVM
  
  Dr. DeRose received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an internship with Veterinary Specialists of South Florida and then went on to complete a residency in cardiology at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ. He completed the board qualifier examination in 2007 and is currently awaiting his certifier exam. He is especially interested in the treatment and management of congestive heart failure due to chronic valve disease or endocardiosis. This remains the most common form of acquired heart disease in dogs and he strives to improve the quality of life for animals affected by this disease. He joined our team in the summer of 2007.

• Reema Patel, DVM, DACVP
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathology

  Dr. Patel graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. After a year of small animal practice in Florida she entered the clinical pathology residency program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. Upon successful completion of her residency and boards in 2004 she joined the School of Veterinary Medicine as a lecturer for one year and remained as a faculty clinical pathologist and clinical pathology residency coordinator till December 2012. She works full-time for Antech Diagnostics out of NorthStar Vets and her particular interests include diagnostic cytopathology, myeloma-related disorders, and clinical chemistry.

• Sheila M. Gomez, VMD
  
  Dr. Gomez graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. She was a member of the Phi Zeta, the Veterinary Honor Society, during her schooling. After graduation, Dr. Gomez practiced general veterinary medicine for two years in Mercer County, New Jersey, and then returned to the University of Pennsylvania for a two-year residency in dermatology. Upon completion of her residency, she opened a solo allergy and dermatology clinic in Hopewell, New Jersey, before joining NorthStar VETS in October 2003.

• Tina Batlivala, DVM
  
  Dr. Tina Batlivala obtained both her bachelors of science in Zoology and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 2005 and 2009, respectively. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Hospital in Tampa, Florida. She has worked in small animal emergency since then, at a small practice in Gainesville, Florida for 2 years, and recently joined the NorthStar VETS team in June 2012. Her professional interests include surgery and critical care.

• Reid Groman, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

  Originally from Long Island, NY, Dr. Groman received his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1994. After completing an internship at Texas A&M University, he worked in general practice for two years only to return to the university to complete a residency in internal medicine in 2000. Because of his love of learning, Dr. Groman then went on to pursue and complete his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 2003. His passion for kidney disease led him to a fellowship in renal medicine and hemodialysis at the University of California-Davis in 2003.

  Prior to joining NorthStar in October 2010, Dr. Groman spent eight years on clinical faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, where he remains an adjunct clinical assistant professor helping to mold future veterinarians. Dr. Groman is active on several committees within ACVIM and ACVECC. His professional interests include acute kidney disease, extracorporeal therapies, and general emergency medicine. Outside of work, Dr Groman likes golfing, hiking, and traveling with friends and family.

• Lauren Higgins, DVM
  
  Dr. Lauren Higgins is a New Jersey native who completed her undergraduate degree in Animal Bioscience at Penn State University. From there, she moved to Southern California to pursue a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences and graduated with honors in 2011. She then returned to New Jersey and completed a small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, NJ. Dr. Higgins joined the emergency team at NorthStar VETS in August 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, reading, and shopping.

• Moira Kelleher, DVM
  
  Dr. Kelleher grew up in northern New Jersey and completed her undergraduate education at Boston College. She worked in marketing for several years in Manhattan, but regretted not following her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and decided to change careers. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ. Dr. Kelleher has special interests in ophthalmology, oncology and emergency/critical care medicine. She resides in Philadelphia with her fiancé and two cats, Murphy and Loki (a three legged wonder) and enjoys running, yoga and relaxing at home in her free time.

• George A. Motley, VMD - Emergency Department Supervisor
  
  Dr. Motley obtained his undergraduate degree at Penn State University where he graduated from the University Scholars Program with honors in Film and Video. He performed his veterinary training at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1998 as a member of the Phi Zeta Honor Society.

  After 3 years as general practitioner in Middletown, NJ, and 2 years practicing in Pennsylvania, Dr. Motley returned to New Jersey where he joined the staff of NorthStar VETS as an emergency clinician in 2003. In addition to his work as an emergency doctor, Dr. Motley also serves as the supervisor of NorthStar VETS' Emergency Service. Dr. Motley strives to make a positive difference in the NorthStar VETS' community through compassionate care of its patients, clients, and employees.

  When he is not working, Dr. Motley enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, and two boys, Kade and Jake. He also enjoys rooting for the Phillies, fishing, and playing Texas Hold 'Em.

• Joshua Portner, DVM, DACVECC
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

  Dr. Portner grew up in Southern New Hampshire. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Biology/All-College Honors from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, and his veterinary degree from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in Massachusetts in 2004. After graduation from Tufts University, Dr. Portner completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colorado, and went on to complete his residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island in July of 2008. In 2009, Dr. Portner passed the specialist certification examination and became board certified in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.

  Dr. Portner has special interests in mechanical ventilation, nutrition for critical patients, and transfusion medicine. Along with membership in the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA), he has also been a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) and the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association (ISDVMA), as well as several state associations. During his residency, he was a member of the Rhode Island Disaster Response Team, which is an organization responsible for providing medical care to sick and injured animals during a state of emergency.

  Dr. Portner joined the NorthStar VETS team in November of 2008. He is currently an active member of the Policy and Procedure Comittee and runs the Blood Donor Program for the hospital. Dr. Portner has led several lectures for technicians and doctors in the hospital, as well as for members of our referral community. Most recently, he has become a member of the hospital's Infection Control Comittee and was the lead team member during the control of a canine influenza outbreak in the central NJ region. Dr. Portner is currently working on a few publications for veterinary journals, one of which is expected to be published in 2010. In his spare time, he keeps busy by building furniture, playing indoor soccer, shooting archery, and going to the movies.

• Stacey Rebello, DVM, MS
  
  Dr. Rebello is a New Jersey native who completed her undergraduate degree in biology at Fairfield University while working as a technician at a local veterinary clinic. She relocated to Florida where she pursued a Master of Science degree in theriogenology, studying equine placentitis and placental drug transfer at the University of Florida. She then continued her studies at UF and was awarded her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Afterwards, she returned to NJ for an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, NJ. Dr. Rebello joined the NorthStar VETS emergency department in August 2009. Her clinical interests include trauma care and perioperative management of surgical emergencies.

• Kanika Singleton, DVM
  
  
• Nancy Vail-Archer, DVM
  
  Dr. Vail-Archer returned to her home town of Bordentown, NJ along with her two dogs, Ricky and Saba, when she joined NorthStar VETS in August of 2007. Her desire to become a veterinarian was sparked while working as a veterinary technician many years ago. She completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University where she obtained a degree in Biological Sciences. A keen interest in research and medicine then led her to Princeton University where she worked as a research assistant. Dr. Vail-Archer's veterinary studies were completed at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with a final year of clinical training at University of Missouri - School of Veterinary Medicine. She recently completed a thirteen month rotating internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in NYC and has a special interest in emergency and critical care medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Vail-Archer enjoys running, skiing and scuba diving.

• Justin Guinan, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Dr. Guinan is a native of Westchester County in New York. He obtained his Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Syracuse University in 2000. He then ventured to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2005. In 2006, Dr. Guinan returned to New York for a one year general internship followed by an additional one year specialty internship in internal medicine and neurology at Long Island Veterinary Specialists which was completed in 2007. From Long Island he moved to the Animal Medical Center in New York City to complete his residency in internal medicine in July of 2009. He joined our team in August 2009. Dr. Guinan has particular interests in hematology, kidney diseases and all forms of diagnostic endoscopy procedures. Outside of work he enjoys baseball, football, hiking and striving to fill his iPod with music.
• Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

  Dr. Hammer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. She then spent a year at Mississippi State University for a small animal internship and then returned to UPENN for a 2-year residency in small animal internal medicine. She earned board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2004. Dr. Hammer's professional interests include endocrinology, hepatic and gastrointestinal disease, renal disease, and critical care medicine to name a few. Deeply committed to her patients, Dr. Hammer's primary goal is to provide the very best patient care, both diagnostically and therapeutically. She joined the NorthStar VETS team in September 2007.

• Tammy Anderson, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

  Dr. Anderson is a New Jersey Native who received her DVM from Ohio State University in 1995. She completed her Small Animal Internship at Michigan State University in 1996, and completed her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee in 1999. She remained at UT as an Assistant Professor of Small Animal Medicine until 2001, when she returned to New Jersey and entered private practice. Dr. Anderson advocates compassionate patient care along with advanced medical treatment and management. Her focus is primarily on the pet's health and the clients goals. She works collaboratively with the family veterinarian to formulate diagnostic treatment plans tailored to meet each patient and client's needs. She considers her collegial relationship with the family veterinarian essential to provide quality, comprehensive and successful treatments. Dr. Anderson joined our team in December 2004.

• Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

  Dr. Hammer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000, spent a year at Mississippi State University for a small animal internship and then returned to UPENN for a 2-year residency in small animal internal medicine. She earned board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in small animal medicine in 2004. Dr. Hammer's interests include endocrinology, hepatic and gastrointestinal disease, renal disease, and critical care medicine to name a few. Dr. Hammer's primary goal is to provide the very best patient care, both diagnostically and therapeutically. Dr. Hammer practiced in Delaware and New York prior to joining our practice. Dr. Hammer joined the team in September 2007.

• Garrett M. Levin, DVM, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

  Originally from California, Dr. Levin earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of California at Davis in 1994. He received his veterinary degree from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Dr. Levin completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship in 2000 and a three-year comprehensive residency in small animal orthopedics, soft tissue, and neurosurgery in 2003 at The Animal Medical Center in New York. He was a Staff Surgeon at a small animal referral and emergency hospital in California and Medical Director and Chief of Surgery at a referral and emergency hospital in Massachusetts prior to joining NorthStar VETS in April 2009. Dr. Levin's areas of special interest include cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, neurosurgery, stem cell therapy and emergency and trauma surgery. He has extensive training in Interventional Radiology (IR) and Interventional Endoscopy (IE) and is an integral member of the IR/IE Department at NorthStar VETS. Dr. Levin is trained in the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgical procedure for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. He performs a wide range of minimally invasive surgeries including arthroscopy, thoracoscopy, and laparoscopy, as well as minimally invasive fracture repair.

• Ben Staiger, Med. Vet
  
  Inspired by the quality of veterinary science and exceptional level of care, Dr. Staiger pursued surgical specialization in the US after graduating from the University of Munich in 2004. He completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Michigan State University followed by a surgical fellowship for international veterinarians. He was accepted into a comprehensive surgical residency program at MSU in 2006 and completed in July 2010. In addition, he is currently earning a Master's Degree in veterinary surgery, orthopedics, and biomechanics. Besides his extensive orthopedic training and strong interest in traumatology and soft tissue surgery, Dr. Staiger developed a particular passion for Interventional Radiology (IR) from early on in his residency. He is a founding member of the IR Service at MSU and has assisted and performed in numerous IR procedures since 2005. Through collaboration between NorthStar VETS and MSU it was possible to create an IR Fellowship for Dr. Staiger at MSU, which in this way is the only university in the country to offer such a training program. Dr. Staiger joined NorthStar VETS in October 2011 as a surgeon and integral member of our developing IR team. Whenever he gets some private time, Dr. Staiger can be found hiking, running, sailing, or preferably on his motorcycle on the way to such activities. At times it is also very acceptable to call him a computer and movie nerd. He loves to travel and has seen five of the seven continents, so far. Growing up in the mountainous south of Germany, it comes naturally to become an avid skier and snowboarder, mountaineer, and to play a brass instrument, in this particular case the trombone.

• Melissa A. Logan, Ph.D, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
  
  Dr. Logan was born and raised in nearby Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University. After graduating, she spent a few years working as a veterinary assistant before applying to graduate school. Dr. Logan earned a Ph.D in Neurophysiology in 2003, where she studied mechanisms and treatment of acute spinal cord injury. After graduate school she attended Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with her DVM in 2006. She stayed on at Purdue and completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in 2007 and then completed her residency in Neurology in 2011. She is board certified in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology). Her areas of interest include nerve and muscle disorders, spinal cord injury, as well as epilepsy. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

• Jennifer Kim, DVM
  
  Dr. Kim grew up in New York and received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998. After spending two years at the National Cancer Institute performing cancer genetic research, she attended veterinary school at Tufts University, graduating in 2003. Dr. Kim completed a rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, New York and then an oncology internship at Cornell University. She initially began at NorthStar VETS as an emergency clinician in 2005 and returned to us in January 2010 to treat oncology patients after completing a residency in medical oncology at Michigan State University, sponsored by NorthStar VETS. In her free time, Dr. Kim is an avid knitter.

• Kristina R. Vygantas, DVM, DACVO
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

  Kristina R. Vygantas, DVM, Diplomate ACVO, is a graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. She completed an internship in small animal medicine, as well as her residency, in ophthalmology at Auburn University. Dr. Vygantas became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2001. Dr. Vygantas was in private practice in Birmingham, Alabama, for the four years prior to joining our team in July 2005. She is also on the board of the exam committee for the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Her special interests include corneal surgery and wound healing, as well as equine ophthalmology.

• Tammy Anderson, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

  Dr. Anderson is a New Jersey native who received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ohio State University in 1995. She did a small animal internship at Michigan State University in 1996, and completed her residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Tennessee in 1999. She remained at UT as an Assistant Professor of small animal medicine until 2001, when she returned to New Jersey and entered private practice. Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, we were fortunate to bring on Dr. Anderson as our first Internist in December 2004.

• Justin Guinan, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Dr. Guinan is a native of Westchester County in New York. He obtained his Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Syracuse University in 2000. He then ventured to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2005. In 2006, Dr. Guinan returned to New York for a one year general internship followed by an additional one year specialty internship in internal medicine and neurology at Long Island Veterinary Specialists which was completed in 2007. From Long Island he moved to the Animal Medical Center in New York City to complete his residency in internal medicine in July of 2009. He joined our team in August 2009. Dr. Guinan has particular interests in hematology, kidney diseases and all forms of diagnostic endoscopy procedures. Outside of work he enjoys baseball, football, hiking and striving to fill his iPod with music.
• Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

  Dr. Hammer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000, spent a year at Mississippi State University for a small animal internship and then returned to UPENN for a 2-year residency in small animal internal medicine. She earned board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in small animal medicine in 2004. Dr. Hammer's interests include endocrinology, hepatic and gastrointestinal disease, renal disease, and critical care medicine to name a few. Dr. Hammer's primary goal is to provide the very best patient care, both diagnostically and therapeutically. Dr. Hammer practiced in Delaware and New York prior to joining our practice. Dr. Hammer joined the team in September 2007.

• Matthew Gutman, DVM
  
  Dr. Gutman is a native of Bethesda, Maryland. He completed his undergraduate degree at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he studied English Literature and spent the rest of his time on the Mississippi River coaching the rowing team. Dr. Gutman later returned to the East Coast and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University in 2006. At Tufts, he also completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery. After his internship, Dr. Gutman joined our team at NorthStar VETS as an emergency veterinarian until 2009.

  In August of 2012, Dr. Gutman returned to us as our radiologist, after completing a three-year residency in Diagnostic Imaging at Cornell University. Dr. Gutman holds a special interest in the vast applications of CT imaging, including angiography for evaluation of portosystemic shunts, ureteral ectopia, polytrauma, and pulmonary disease. His additional interests include abdominal ultrasonography and radiography. As our full-time radiologist, Dr. Gutman provides advanced, comprehensive, diagnostic imaging and interpretation across all modalities for our staff of specialists and our referring population.

  Dr. Gutman enjoys walking his dogs, Charlie Bucket and Wyatt, writing, traveling, and finding excuses to be in the ocean.

• Rehabilitation and Acupuncture - Pamela Levin, DVM, CVA, CCRT
  
  Dr. Pam Levin is originally from New Hampshire. Pam earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1992. She graduated from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 after completing her senior clinical rotations at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Levin has practiced as a small animal general practitioner and emergency and critical care veterinarian in New York, New Jersey, California, and Massachusetts. Pam has served as Director of Emergency Medicine at a small animal referral and emergency hospital in Massachusetts. Dr. Levin received her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2009 through The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and her Certification in Canine Rehabilitation Therapy in 2011 through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Prior to joining NorthStar VETS in 2011, Dr. Levin served as staff acupuncturist at a small animal referral and emergency hospital in New Jersey. Dr. Levin's areas of interest include improving patient's quality of life though pain management, therapeutic exercise, and noninvasive alternative therapies. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians, and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.

• Rehabilitation and Acupuncture - Rosalie LoScrudato, DVM, CVA, CCRP
  
  Dr. LoScrudato received her undergraduate degree from Cook College, Rutgers University and graduated from the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. Following graduation, Dr. LoScrudato returned home to New Jersey and practiced small animal medicine for sixteen years. Over time she developed an increasing interest in Emergency and Critical Care medicine. To enhance her ability to improve the comfort and function of her patients, Dr. LoScrudato received her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2009 through the Chi Institute, one of only four recognized training programs in the US. Dr. LoScrudato also obtained her certification as a canine rehabilitation practitioner in 2012. She believes that with the integration of both Western and Eastern medical philosophies we can offer patients broader and more effective options for treatment and pain management. More importantly, we can improve the quality of life pets have with their families. Dr. LoScrudato enjoys interacting with and counseling clients. She also believes in nurturing the family-pet bond. Caregiver to many, she considers her greatest achievements her four beautiful children: Kaitlin, Hunter and twins, Matteo and Aidan. She has been a member of the NorthStar VETS team since March 2007.

• Laura Culbert, DVM, MS, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

  Dr. Laura Culbert has been part of the surgical team at NorthStar VETS since 2006. She received her veterinary degree from Cornell University in 1992. From there she completed an internship and surgical residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. She has conducted research in the areas of developmental biophysiology and muscular biochemistry. Her resident project focused on neurologic diseases in dogs and complications associated with steroid therapy. Dr. Culbert's areas of interest in veterinary surgery include, but are not limited to, cardiothoracic surgery, oncologic surgery, plastic surgery and fracture repair. In addition to her many talents, she offers the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) procedure for large dogs and cranial cruciate ligament repair. Dr. Culbert has worked with various rescue groups over the years including Greyhound, Australian Shepherd, Jack Russell Terrier, Golden Retriever and Boxer Rescue.

• Garrett M. Levin, DVM, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

  Originally from California, Dr. Levin earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of California at Davis in 1994. He received his veterinary degree from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Dr. Levin completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship in 2000 and a three-year comprehensive residency in small animal orthopedics, soft tissue, and neurosurgery in 2003 at The Animal Medical Center in New York. He was a Staff Surgeon at a small animal referral and emergency hospital in California and Medical Director and Chief of Surgery at a referral and emergency hospital in Massachusetts prior to joining NorthStar VETS in April 2009. Dr. Levin's areas of special interest include cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, neurosurgery, stem cell therapy and emergency and trauma surgery. He has extensive training in Interventional Radiology (IR) and Interventional Endoscopy (IE) and is an integral member of the IR/IE Department at NorthStar VETS. Dr. Levin is trained in the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgical procedure for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. He performs a wide range of minimally invasive surgeries including arthroscopy, thoracoscopy, and laparoscopy, as well as minimally invasive fracture repair.

• Ben Staiger, Med. Vet
  
  Inspired by the quality of veterinary science and exceptional level of care, Dr. Staiger pursued surgical specialization in the US after graduating from the University of Munich in 2004. He completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Michigan State University followed by a surgical fellowship for international veterinarians. He was accepted into a comprehensive surgical residency program at MSU in 2006 and completed in July 2010. In addition, he is currently earning a Master's Degree in veterinary surgery, orthopedics, and biomechanics. Besides his extensive orthopedic training and strong interest in traumatology and soft tissue surgery, Dr. Staiger developed a particular passion for Interventional Radiology (IR) from early on in his residency. He is a founding member of the IR Service at MSU and has assisted and performed in numerous IR procedures since 2005. Through collaboration between NorthStar VETS and MSU it was possible to create an IR Fellowship for Dr. Staiger at MSU, which in this way is the only university in the country to offer such a training program. Dr. Staiger joined NorthStar VETS in October 2011 as a surgeon and integral member of our developing IR team. Whenever he gets some private time, Dr. Staiger can be found hiking, running, sailing, or preferably on his motorcycle on the way to such activities. At times it is also very acceptable to call him a computer and movie nerd. He loves to travel and has seen five of the seven continents, so far. Growing up in the mountainous south of Germany, it comes naturally to become an avid skier and snowboarder, mountaineer, and to play a brass instrument, in this particular case the trombone.

• Daniel Stobie, DVM, MS, DACVS - Chief of Staff
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

  Dr. Stobie is a New Jersey native who completed his undergraduate work at Cook College/Rutgers University. He is a 1990, cum laude graduate of the University of Missouri-College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, Dr. Stobie completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. He then went on to do a three-year surgical residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a Master's Degree in veterinary surgery, radiology, and anesthesia in 1994. Dr. Stobie became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1995. Following his residency, he headed a surgical service at the Animal Medical Center in NYC for two years, before joining a specialty practice in NJ as a staff surgeon in 1996. In 2000, Dr. Stobie formed Veterinary Surgical and Diagnostic Specialists (a mobile surgical and ultrasound practice) that has evolved into what is today NorthStar VETS. He has also served as an adjunct Clinical Instructor in small animal surgery at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania - School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Stobie formed Vet-i-Care, a charitable foundation that provides financial aid to pet owner's who cannot afford specialty or emergency care for their beloved companions. He currently serves on the board of directors for Vet-i-Care. In 2007, Dr. Stobie completed the mini-MBA certificate program at the Rutgers School of Business. Committed to helping advance the veterinary industry, Dr. Stobie participates in many organizations and is a member of the Metropolitan NJVMA, the South Jersey VMA and the Jersey Shore VMA He also serves on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Stobie has authored numerous scientific articles in veterinary journals and textbooks, as well as lectured locally, nationally and internationally. He is a strong advocate for child welfare and the more than 60,000 children in New Jersey's foster care system. Dr. Stobie lives nearby on a farm with his partner, their three children, and enough animals to fill Noah's Ark. Outside the hospital, he enjoys spending time with his family and loves the beach. His hobbies include horse back riding, gardening, and beekeeping.

• M. Joy Weinstein, VMD, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

  Dr. Joy Weinstein was born and raised in Lakewood, New Jersey. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Dr. Weinstein graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1983. She completed a residency in small animal surgery at Tufts University/Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in 1988. After the residency, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Weinstein was an Assistant Professor of orthopedic surgery at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1990-1994 and was staff surgeon at Shrewsbury Animal Hospital for the next seven years. Dr. Weinstein has served as the President of the Jersey Shore Veterinary Medical Association for many years. She also served as the Chairperson of the Eastern Veterinary Orthopedic Society. Her special interests include lameness evaluation, conservative treatment of orthopedic conditions, orthopedic surgery and surgical oncology. Dr. Weinstein joined the NorthStar VETS team in October 2003.

• Manoel Tamassia, DVM, MS, Ph.D, DACT
  
  Diplomate, American College of Theriogenologists

  Unlike some that know from childhood what they want to be when they grow up, Dr. Tamassia did not know that he would be a veterinarian until 6 months into engineering school. Having been raised in a family of farmers, with a taste for fixing things and a knack for math, he thought that mechanical engineering would be a good fit. But he soon took a detour by dropping out of engineering school and was admitted to veterinary school at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brazil, where he graduated in 1989. With a strong interest in animal reproduction, he moved to Columbia, MO to start an internship in theriogenology. Dr. Tamassia continued his training by completing a residency in theriogenology and also earned a Master of Science degree under the guidance of Dr. R. S. Youngquist. He stayed on at the Univeristy of Missouri an additional year and served as an assistant instructor. It was during this time that he completed the requirements for the ECFVG program (DVM equivalency for foreign graduates). He then moved to Illinois where he worked at the College of Veterinary Medicine in the production animal and theriogenology section for three years. Dr. Tamassia returned to Brazil in 1997 where he practiced and taught large animal reproduction until he moved to Paris, France to continue his education. For four years he worked with in vitro fertilization and cloning and in November 2003 finished his graduate studies. Dr. Tamassia returned to the US to be an assistant professor in theriogenology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois. Dr. Tamassia was a clinical instructor in theriogenology in Illinois for four years before finally settling in New Jersey. In June 2009, he was awarded Diplomate status and joined Northstar VETS. Dr. Tamassia has a particular interest in cases involving reproduction for all species and he provides reproductive services including semen collection, evaluation and freezing, female reproductive management and infertility.