Meet Our Team

It truly takes a team to run a hospital that sees nearly 400 cases each week. Every member of our staff plays an important role in the care of your pet. If there is anything that we can do for you during your pet's stay with us, please do not hesitate to ask.

Without our team of talented and caring staff members, NorthStar VETS would not be able to sustain its operations. Our 70+ technicians, assistants and over a dozen receptionists are dedicated to serving you - our patients, clients and referring veterinarians - striving every day to not simply meet your expectations but exceed them.

Here are a few people you may meet along the way.

Medical Team

Anesthesia

• Urshulaa Dholakia, DVM, MPH, DACLAM, DACVAA
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia
  Dr. Dholakia attended St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine, and following graduation completed a rotating small animal internship. She went on to a residency program in Laboratory Animal Medicine at Columbia University in New York City in 2008, and continued working as a laboratory animal vet for several years. She went on to pursue a further specialization in large and small animal anesthesiology first through an internship at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, and subsequent residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, in Knoxville, TN.

Avian and Exotics

• Kristin Britton, DVM
  
  Dr. Kristin Britton attended veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2012. She went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at the Animal Emergency Medical Center in Torrance, CA. She was then accepted into a wildlife specialty internship in medicine and surgery at The Wildlife Center of Virginia. Dr. Britton then traveled to Saskatoon, SK to complete a wildlife, exotic, and zoological internship at the University of Saskatchewan's teaching hospital. She then accepted an ABVP Avian Residency position at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics in Bedford Hills, NY. Dr. Britton has worked with a wide variety of exotic pets, wildlife, and zoological animals ranging from as small as a vole to as large as a whale. After finishing her residency, she has landed here at NorthStar VETS where she's excited to continue to practice high quality medicine with a wide range of exotic patients!
  
  Dr. Britton is originally from California, but currently lives in Morrisville, PA. She shares her home with her boyfriend, and a charming grumpy old Shih-Tzu named Riley. She likes to keep active and loves hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, and exploring all that the East coast has to offer.
• Matthew Grootenboer, VMD
  
  Dr. Matt Grootenboer attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2015. He went on to complete an internship in small animal medicine at Oradell Animal Hospital. From there, he traveled to Florida to complete an internship in exotic animal medicine at Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital where he appeared on the National Geographic TV show Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER. He has returned to his home state of New Jersey to continue working with exotic companion animals at NorthStar VETS. An extension of his passion for exotics is his interest in zoo animals and wildlife. He has worked with a variety of unusual species throughout his career, including kinkajous, kangaroos, and giraffes. Dr. Grootenboer is a firm believer in the idea that all animals are equally important no matter how small or short-lived and to their parents these pets mean as much as a dog or cat would.
  
  He lives in Princeton, NJ with his cat Penny, rat, and hamster. When not working, Dr. Grootenboer likes to stay active whether that means going to the gym or for a bike ride/hike. He also likes to play the drums in his spare time. Each fall Dr. Grootenboer becomes a bit difficult to reach on Sundays as he cheers for his favorite football team, the Miami Dolphins.
• Andrea Winkel-Blair, DVM, MPH
  
  Dr. Winkel-Blair graduated from Michigan State University CVM in 2009 and completed her Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota in 2010. She went on to join the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps in 2009 where she was an active duty captain. After 4.5 years, she decided it was time for a change and left the Army for private practice. Dr. Blair was in private practice for about 1 year before she decided to go back for a residency in Avian medicine. She completed her Avian medicine and Surgery residency at Texas A&M University where she worked on all sorts of exotics, from big cats to hummingbirds. She spent a year at an avian & exotics exclusive specialty service in Columbus, OH before joining the staff at NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville, NJ.

Cardiology

• Alexandra Crooks, VMD (Practice Limited to Cardiology)
  
  Dr. Alexandra Crooks was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She stayed at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery and a three-year residency in cardiology, which she completed in July 2020. Although she enjoys all aspects of veterinary cardiology, she has a special interest in cardiovascular imaging and pathology, management of heart failure, and diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias.
  
  She lives with her husband, who is completing a cardiology fellowship. They recently adopted a puppy named Beignet (Bennie). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, hiking, and indoor cycling.
• Ryan Keegan, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
  Dr. Keegan attended the University of Notre Dame and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He then completed a one year rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital. After his internship, Dr. Keegan completed a 3-year residency in cardiology at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and received Board Certification in Cardiology in 2014. His goal is to provide the most accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for your pet's heart condition.
  
  Dr. Keegan's special interests include early treatment of pre-clinical mitral valve disease and cardiomyopathy, improving quality of life for chronically coughing animals and advanced cardiac cases, accurate assessment of pulmonary hypertension (high lung pressure), and long-term management of congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. In his spare time, Dr. Keegan enjoys swimming, the beach, and participating in rescue/shelter work. He resides with his wife, their cat, and a loving pack of dogs.
• Karen Meltzer, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
  Dr. Karen Meltzer received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006. The following year, Dr. Meltzer completed a one year rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery followed by a Small Animal Internal Medicine specialty internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. Following her specialty internship, she completed a 3-year Cardiology residency at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in 2011 and became board-certified in the specialty of Cardiology in July of 2011.
  
  Her interests include acute and long-term management of congestive heart failure, complex arrhythmias, pericardial disease, and many other aspects of cardiomyopathy in pets. Outside of work, she resides with her husband who is also a veterinarian, two children, Maxine and Eliot, and two dogs, Clifford, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Cooper, an English Toy Spaniel. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing tennis, and going to the gym.

Clinical Pathology

• Alyssa Brooker, DVM, (Practice Limited to Clinical Pathology)
  
  Dr. Brooker is originally from Indiana and received her veterinary degree from Purdue University in 2016. She then completed a rotating small animal internship and clinical pathology residency at the University of Georgia in 2020. Her professional interests include cytology, oncology, and feline infectious peritonitis (her cat, Pippy, has this disease). She lives with her husband, four cats (Murphy, Josie, Ruby, and Pippy), and one dog (Jane). When not at the microscope, she loves reading, traveling, spending time with her family, and being outdoors. Dr. Brooker of IDEXX will be filling the onsite clinical pathologist position at NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville, NJ.

Dentistry and Oral Surgery

• Kirk Herrmann, DVM (Practice Limited to Dentistry and Oral Surgery)
  
  Dr. Herrmann is a Bucks County native who obtained his degree in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University. He then moved south where he pursued his childhood dream at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. There, he obtained his doctorate. He continued his education with a rotating internship at The Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware and a 3-year residency at the Center for Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
  
  Dr. Herrmann has a strong interest in providing healthy and functional mouths for our pets through surgery, interceptive procedures and client education. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors, gardening, cooking and relaxing with his large extended family.

Emergency / Critical Care

• Steven Berkowitz, DVM, DACVECC
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
  Dr. Steven Berkowitz attended St. Georges University and did his clinical year at the University of Illinois. Berkowitz joined NorthStar VETS after serving as the Chief of Emergency and Critical Care at another specialty hospital. Prior to that, he completed a three-year residency in Emergency and Critical Care medicine at the Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ. His residency was completed at one of only a few recognized veterinary trauma centers in the United States. Prior to his residency, he was a staff Emergency Veterinarian at Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers, NY as well as serving as an emergency doctor at Animal Emergency and Referral Associates in Fairfield, NJ for 3 years. Dr. Berkowitz can be seen on seasons 5 and 6 of "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet, which was filmed during his internship at The Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital of the ASPCA in New York City.
  Dr. Berkowitz has special interest in the management of metabolic and endocrine derangements, trauma, as well as management of the septic patient.
  
  
• Chelsea Bogart, DVM
  
  Dr. Bogart grew up in Deerfield, Massachusetts and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts in 2012. Following graduation, she moved to California where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences. She completed a rotating internship in San Diego, CA and then moved to Austin Texas, where she worked full time as an emergency veterinarian.
  
  Dr. Bogart recently relocated from Texas to New Jersey and joined the emergency team at NorthStar VETS. Her clinical interests include toxicology, neurology, and wound management. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking, watching sports, and spending time with her husband as well as their two rescue dogs and two senior cats.
• Benjamin Donati, VMD - Medical Director, Brick
  
  Dr. Donati came to NorthStar VETS after completing a rotating internship in medicine and surgery in Brooklyn, NY. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland (GO TERPS!) and his doctorate in veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where he discovered his passion for emergency medicine. Ben is a Princeton native and is glad to be back near family in his hometown. He spends his free time riding his bike, walking his goofy Newfoundland, Wellington, and trying to play as much golf as he can.
• Christopher Drastura, DVM
  
  Dr. Christopher Drastura is a central New Jersey native. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. He then went on to earn his veterinary degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. He completed a rotating internship at Animal Specialty Group, which is a very active specialty group in Los Angeles, CA.
  
  Dr. Drastura joined NorthStar VETS in July 2017. He has special interests in critical care medicine, toxicology, and cardiology. On his free time, he enjoys hiking and sports such as hockey, football, and soccer.
• Marko Drazenovic, VMD
  
  Dr. Drazenovic grew up in New Jersey, and received his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Rutgers. After completing his veterinary education at the University of Pennsylvania, he went to Ocean State Veterinary Specialists, another veterinary trauma center in Rhode Island, for further training during his rotating internship. Dr. Drazenovic joined the NorthStar VETS team to continue practicing his passion for high-quality emergency care. His clinical interests include emergency stabilization and exotic species. In his spare time, Dr. Drazenovic enjoys caring for his cat, gecko, and aquariums.
• Timothy Ericksen, DVM
  
  Dr. Ericksen is a New Jersey native who completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Findlay in Findlay, OH. From there, he moved to Blacksburg, VA to pursue his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech and graduated in 2015. Following veterinary school, he pursued additional training and completed both a rotating internship in Chattanooga, TN and a surgical internship in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Ericksen joined the emergency team at NorthStar VETS in July 2019. His special interests include surgery, critical care medicine and trauma.
  
  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, cooking, painting and working out.
• Anna Gates, VMD
  
  Dr. Gates earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She spent some time in general practice out in Ocean County before joining the NorthStar VETS Emergency team. Her clinical interest is in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Gates lives with her mixed breed dog, Zoe, a Doberman named Loca, and two cats named Turtle and Tollee. She enjoys traveling and taking her dogs out for hikes.
• Victoria Goodman, BVM&S, MRCVS
  
  Dr. Goodman is from the United Kingdom and attended the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School in Scotland. She graduated in 2014 and worked in clinical practice mainly with equine and small animals. After running her own locum business for a few years, she moved to the United States.
  
  Dr. Goodman's clinical interests include trauma, pain management, and exotic animals. When not at work, she spends a lot of her time on creative projects, camping, looking after her multiple fish tanks, dog sledding, and rock climbing.
• 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 spending time outside.
  
• Veronica Jones, DVM
  
  Dr. Veronica Jones received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cook College at Rutgers University. Prior to attending veterinary school, she worked as a veterinary assistant and technician for 3 years. She moved to Alabama and completed her DVM at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Dr. Jones started in general practice after returning home to South Jersey, and then practiced emergency medicine. She has interests in surgery, trauma, and critical care.
  
  Dr. Jones enjoys listening to music, reading, and traveling during her free time. She also spends time with her two sweet miniature poodles, Duchess and Bella.
• Joanna Lloyd, VMD
  
  Dr. Lloyd grew up in Philadelphia before going to Williams College in Massachusetts where she majored in Chemistry with a specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After college and a brief stint as an ER veterinary technician, Dr. Lloyd earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She joined NorthStar VETS in April 2018.
  
  Dr. Lloyd's clinical interests include veterinary neonatal and pediatric care, trauma, and urinary obstructions. In her spare time, Dr. Lloyd raises orphaned kittens and makes jewelry.
• Jennifer Malarchik-Vail, DVM
  
  Dr. Malarchik grew up in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. She traveled to northern Wisconsin to obtain her bachelor of science from Northland College. While there she worked for several summers in wildlife rehabilitation. After earning her undergraduate degree, she attended Cornell University and earned her DVM in 2008. Since graduating from veterinary school, she returned to Pennsylvania to work in both mixed and small animal general practice. Dr. Malarchik joined the NorthStar VETS team in November 2020. She has clinical interests in dentistry and ultrasound. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and traveling with her family. She has 2 cats named Maya and Ember.
• Deborah Mara, VMD
  
  

  Bio coming soon!

• Kelly McKenna, VMD
  
  Dr. McKenna grew up and currently lives at the Jersey shore. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Art and History from Lafayette College and worked in finance and then at an art auction house after graduation. For the next phase of her career, she went to veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania to pursue her lifelong love of science and animals.
  
  After working a few years in general practice, Dr. McKenna joined the emergency team at NorthStar VETS. Her clinical interests include Internal Medicine, Emergency and Critical Care. In her free time she enjoys tennis, drawing, attending indie/alternative rock concerts, and is a foodie. She currently has two puppies and three rescued FIV-positive cats.
• Vikas Mendhiratta, DVM
  
  Dr. Vikas Mendhiratta joined NorthStar VETS after completing a one year rotating internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. Originally from Maryland, he attended the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) before completing his veterinary degree at Tufts University. Dr. Mendhiratta enjoys the challenges and rewards of emergency medicine and believes that every pet deserves excellent health care. He has a dog named Pebbles and two cat brothers named Bob Saget and Meatball. He is an avid fantasy reader and soccer fan.
• Nathalie Paiva, DVM
  
  Dr. Nathalie Paiva is originally from northern New Jersey. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University Cook College in New Brunswick, NJ. She went on to obtain her DVM degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She returned to New Jersey and practiced emergency medicine while also serving as a general practitioner for five years at a busy 24-hour veterinary hospital in South Jersey before joining the NorthStar VETS team. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
• Stacey Rebello, DVM, MS - Director of Emergency Services
  
  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 earned a master of science degree in theriogenology, studying equine placentitis and placental drug transfer at the University of Florida. She continued her studies at UF and was awarded her doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 2008. Dr. Rebello returned to New Jersey for an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls. She joined the NorthStar VETS emergency department in 2009, where her clinical interests include trauma care and perioperative management of surgical emergencies.
• Lauren Robertson, VMD
  
  Dr. Lauren Robertson grew up in south central Pennsylvania. She completed her bachelor of science in biology at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA. From there, she pursued a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She discovered her passion for emergency and critical care while working as an emergency technician during veterinary school. Dr. Robertson joined NorthStar VETS in 2020 after completing a one year small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. In her spare time, Dr. Robertson enjoys hiking with her two dogs, Gia and Kimbo, as well as travel and scuba diving.
• Kanika Singleton, DVM
  
  Dr. Singleton grew up in Huntsville, Alabama and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and biology from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. After graduation, she performed clinical research in human dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, continuing her studies at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Singleton then served as a veterinarian in the Army Veterinary Corps, where she spent three years in general practice taking care of military working dogs. She joined NorthStar VETS in 2012, where her clinical interests include dentistry, dermatology, surgery, and emergency, trauma and critical care medicine. She resides in New Jersey with her husband, their child and four-legged child, Luna. She serves the community through church activities.
• Nicole Starinsky, DVM
  
  Dr. Nicole Starinsky is a New Jersey native who received her veterinary training at The Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!). She completed a one year rotating internship in New York City followed by spending time in emergency medicine and general practice before joining the NorthStar VETS team in 2019. Dr. Starinsky is owned by two rambunctious cats with whom she shares her home and who keep her on her toes. In her spare time, Dr. Starinsky enjoys visiting live theater in New York City and playing board games. Professional interests include trauma, neonatal medicine, forensics, and emergency and critical care.
• Laura Tasker, DVM, CVMA
  
  

  Dr. Tasker earned her bachelor of science degree in animal science from the University of Delaware. She continued her veterinary studies at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, with a year of clinical training at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in emergency and critical care at the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Her professional interests include trauma stabilization, wound care, and metabolic diseases. She is certified in both large and small animal veterinary acupuncture, and has a particular interest in pain management. Outside of NorthStar VETS, Dr. Tasker enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her Australian Shepherd, and all things horses.

• Nancy Vail-Archer, DVM - Medical Director, Maple Shade
  
  Dr. Vail-Archer returned to her hometown of Bordentown, New Jersey along with her two dogs, Ricky and Saba, when she joined NorthStar VETS in 2007. She completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University where she earned a degree in biological sciences, and her interest in research and medicine led her to Princeton University where she worked as a research assistant. She completed her veterinary studies at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, with a year of clinical training at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a 13-month rotating internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City and has a special interest in emergency and critical care medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Vail-Archer enjoys running, skiing and scuba diving.

Internal Medicine

• Tammy Anderson, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Anderson is a New Jersey native who received her veterinary medical degree from Ohio State University in 1995. She completed her small animal internship at Michigan State University in 1996, and 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 joined NorthStar VETS in 2004.
  
• Karah Burns DeMarle, DVM (Practice Limited to Internal Medicine)
  
  Dr. Karah Burns DeMarle was born and raised in Rochester, New York. She completed her undergraduate studies in New York, receiving both an associate's degree in veterinary science technology from SUNY Canton and a bachelor's degree in animal science from Cornell University. From there, she moved to Ohio to complete her veterinary degree at The Ohio State University. Upon graduation in 2016, she moved to Massachusetts to complete a one-year rotating internship followed by a 3-year small animal internal medicine residency at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Although she enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, she has a special interest in diseases that affect the liver and gallbladder of cats and dogs.
  
  She currently lives with her husband, Patrick, and their two dogs (Dolly and Frenchie), three cats (Ziggy, Mya and Pickles) and betta fish (Sashimi). In her free time, she enjoys visiting the beach, traveling abroad, sewing, watching baseball (go Sox!) and college football (go Buckeyes!).
• Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM - Medical Director, Robbinsville
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Hammer received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. She spent a year at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine for a small animal internship and returned to the University of Pennsylvania for a two-year residency in small animal internal medicine. She earned board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2004. She has a special interest in interventional radiology/endoscopy and minimally invasive procedures. Her other interests include endocrinology, gastroenterology and hematology. She currently serves as the medical adviser for the NorthStar VETS blood bank. She joined the NorthStar VETS team in September 2007.
  
  Outside of work she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, going to music concerts and reading.
• Adam Miller, DVM (Practice Limited to Internal Medicine)
  
  Dr. Adam J. Miller is a native of Buffalo, New York and received his veterinary degree from St. George's University having completed clinical rotations at Cornell University in 2015. He completed an intensive Small Animal Rotating Internship in Medicine and Surgery with VCA in Norwalk, Connecticut before returning to Cornell University for a three-year residency in Internal Medicine. Dr. Miller's professional interests include nephrology, gastroenterology, and immune-mediated disease.
  
  Outside of work, you will find him trying new restaurants, watching football (Go Bills!) or documentaries, or enjoying the outdoors with his affectionate Newfoundland, Isabelle.
• Melanie Puchot, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Melanie Puchot is a Texas native who received her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. She then returned to Texas A&M University and completed a 3-year residency in small animal internal medicine in 2017. She has a special interest in endocrinology, nephrology and interventional endoscopy / radiology. Dr. Puchot is excited to join the team at Northstar VETS.
  
  

Interventional Radiology

• Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM - Medical Director, Robbinsville
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Hammer received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. She spent a year at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine for a small animal internship and returned to the University of Pennsylvania for a two-year residency in small animal internal medicine. She earned board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2004. She has a special interest in interventional radiology/endoscopy and minimally invasive procedures. Her other interests include endocrinology, gastroenterology and hematology. She currently serves as the medical adviser for the NorthStar VETS blood bank. She joined the NorthStar VETS team in September 2007.
  
  Outside of work she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, going to music concerts and reading.
• Melanie Puchot, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Melanie Puchot is a Texas native who received her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. She then returned to Texas A&M University and completed a 3-year residency in small animal internal medicine in 2017. She has a special interest in endocrinology, nephrology and interventional endoscopy / radiology. Dr. Puchot is excited to join the team at Northstar VETS.
  
  

Neurology

• Dylan Fry, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
  Dr. Dylan Fry received his veterinary degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, he completed a small animal rotating internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and then worked as an emergency clinician at Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital. He then pursued a 1-year specialty internship followed by a 3-year residency in neurology and neurosurgery at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Dr. Fry enjoys all aspects of veterinary neurology, particularly brain and spinal surgery, seizure management, and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

Oncology

• Lisa Barber, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  Originally a native of New York City, Dr. Barber received her DVM degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She went on to pursue a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery followed by a residency in medical oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. She then served as a staff oncologist at Penn until 2001. Dr. Barber joined the faculty of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 2002 and became section head of oncology in 2003. During her 18 years at Tufts, she treated a variety of different types of animals for cancer, conducted clinical trials of new therapies, published many scientific articles, and trained veterinary students and residents. She is a recipient of the Artemis Award for Clinical Excellence and the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence. She remains an adjunct professor at Tufts. Dr. Barber joined NorthStar VETS in 2020. Her interests are both innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer in companion animals and palliative care, but her primary focus is preserving and enhancing quality of life in pets with cancer.

Ophthalmology

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

Radioiodine (I-131)

• Tammy Anderson, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Anderson is a New Jersey native who received her veterinary medical degree from Ohio State University in 1995. She completed her small animal internship at Michigan State University in 1996, and 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 joined NorthStar VETS in 2004.
  
• Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM - Medical Director, Robbinsville
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Hammer received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. She spent a year at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine for a small animal internship and returned to the University of Pennsylvania for a two-year residency in small animal internal medicine. She earned board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2004. She has a special interest in interventional radiology/endoscopy and minimally invasive procedures. Her other interests include endocrinology, gastroenterology and hematology. She currently serves as the medical adviser for the NorthStar VETS blood bank. She joined the NorthStar VETS team in September 2007.
  
  Outside of work she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, going to music concerts and reading.
• Melanie Puchot, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Melanie Puchot is a Texas native who received her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. She then returned to Texas A&M University and completed a 3-year residency in small animal internal medicine in 2017. She has a special interest in endocrinology, nephrology and interventional endoscopy / radiology. Dr. Puchot is excited to join the team at Northstar VETS.
  
  

Radiology

• Katherine Lynch Kerrigan, DVM, MS, DACVR
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology
  Dr. Kerrigan, originally from Connecticut, is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania and returned to Illinois to complete her residency in diagnostic imaging in 2014. During the course of her residency, she also completed a Master's degree in veterinary clinical medicine. Dr. Kerrigan joined NorthStar VETS in 2014. Her clinical interests include CT angiography, and emergency imaging.
• Jackie M. Williams, DVM, MS, DACVR
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology
  A native of Virginia,Dr. Williams initially began a career as an engineer after completing undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Virginia. She earned her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. Dr. Williams then completed a small animal rotating internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Florida and a diagnostic imaging residency at Iowa State University. Following an academic career as a clinical assistant professor of diagnostic imaging at The Ohio State University and University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Williams joined NorthStar VETS in 2016. Her clinical interests include ultrasonography of the feline biliary tract and pancreas, CT of avian coelomic diseases, and dental radiography.

Rehabilitation & Pain Management

• Rosalie LoScrudato, DVM, CVA, CCRP
  
  Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
  Dr. LoScrudato received her undergraduate degree from Cook College, Rutgers University, and graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. After graduation, Dr. LoScrudato returned to New Jersey and practiced small animal medicine for 17 years, developing an interest in emergency and critical care medicine. She joined NorthStar VETS in 2007 as an emergency clinician.
  
  Dr. LoScrudato earned her certification in veterinary acupuncture in 2009 from the Chi Institute. Dr LoScrudato started the Acupuncture service at NSV in 2009, giving our hospital another avenue to improve our patients' comfort and function. Beginning in 2011, she transitioned from our ER department and dedicated her time to building the rehabilitation and pain management service at NSV. She completed her certification as a canine rehabilitation practitioner from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Dr LoScrudato was certified in companion animal pain management in March 2015. She considers her greatest achievements her four beautiful children. Dr LoScrudato enjoys music, spending quality time with her children, and fishing.

Surgery

• Jason Coggeshall, DVM, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Dr. Coggeshall is a Maryland native with a passion for veterinary surgery, research and teaching. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and his doctorate in veterinary medicine at Tuskegee University's School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Coggeshall completed internships at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center and Iowa State University. He also completed a Comparative Orthopedic Research fellowship at the University of Florida. Dr. Coggeshall completed the first year of his surgical residency at the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and the subsequent two years at the Veterinary Referral Center in Malvern, PA. Dr. Coggeshall has a strong interest in clinical research, orthopedic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and trauma surgery.
• Laura Culbert, DVM, MS, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Dr. Culbert has been part of the surgical team at NorthStar VETS since 2006. She received her veterinary degree from Cornell University in 1992, and 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, and her residency project focused on neurologic diseases in dogs and complications associated with steroid therapy. Dr. Culbert's areas of interest in veterinary surgery include cardiothoracic surgery, oncologic surgery, plastic surgery and fracture repair, and 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.
• Kelly Johnson, DVM, MS, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Dr. Kelly Johnson is a Vermont native who received her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in 2002. She earned her veterinary degree from Michigan State University in 2006. After graduation she completed a small animal rotating internship at the Hope Advanced Veterinary Center in Vienna, VA followed by her surgical residency at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. During her residency she also completed a Master?EUR(TM)s Degree in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. Dr. Johnson practiced as a small animal surgeon in northern NJ for nine years before joining NorthStar VETS in 2020.
  
  Dr. Johnson is trained in the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and lateral extracapsular suture techniques for cranial cruciate ligament disease. Outside of work she enjoys paddle boarding, yoga, downhill skiing, traveling, attending country concerts and watching the New York Rangers.
• Kelly Kraus, VMD, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Dr. Kraus is originally from Connecticut. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland in 2003 before moving to Philadelphia, where she did molecular genetics research for two years at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kraus then completed veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania in 2009. After graduating, she completed a rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ. She then moved to Texas to complete a one-year internship in surgery at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. She was fortunate to then move back to New Jersey for a three-year residency in surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, which she completed in 2014.
  
  She is excited to be part of the surgery team at NorthStar VETS. Her special surgical interests include, but are not limited to, wound management and reconstructive surgery, surgical oncology, cardiothoracic surgery, and hepatobiliary surgery. Dr. Kraus also enjoys management of orthopedic conditions. She is trained in the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament disease. Outside of work, Dr. Kraus enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, traveling, and helping her local SPCA.
• Zoe Launcelott, DVM (Practice Limited to Surgery)
  
  Dr. Launcelott is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2009. Following her Bachelor's degree, she moved to Prince Edward Island where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2013 from Atlantic Veterinary College. She completed a rotating internship at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre in Toronto, Ontario in 2014, followed by a one-year internship in surgery at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, CT. Dr. Launcelott then completed a three-year residency in surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ in 2018. After her residency she joined the surgery department at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
  
  She is excited to be a part of the surgery team at NorthStar VETS and make New Jersey her home. Her special surgical interests include, but are not limited to, orthopedic surgery, wound management, surgical oncology, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Launcelott is trained in the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and lateral extracapsular suture techniques for cranial cruciate ligament disease.
• Barri Sarowitz, VMD, DACVS
  
  Having grown up in south Jersey, Dr. Sarowitz is excited to join the surgery team at NorthStar VETS. Dr. Sarowitz obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Cornell University in 2007. She moved to Philadelphia and worked as a veterinary technician for a year before completing veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. After graduating, Dr. Sarowitz completed a rotating internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ. Following her internship, she completed a three-year residency in surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in 2016. Her surgical interests include surgical oncology, minimally invasive surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and wound management. She is trained in the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and lateral extracapsular suture techniques for cranial cruciate ligament disease. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and football.
• Daniel Stobie, DVM, MS, DACVS - Chief of Staff
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Read all about Dr. Stobie on our Chief of Staff page.
• Dominick Valenzano, DVM, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Dr. Valenzano grew up in central New Jersey and is excited to join the NorthStar VETS surgery team. Dr. Valenzano obtained his Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland in 2011. During his undergraduate studies, he worked as a veterinary technician which inspired him to go to veterinary school. He graduated from Cornell University's Veterinary School in 2015 and then completed a rotating internship at Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. After his internship, he completed his three-year residency program at Cornell University Hospital for Animals in 2019. His surgical interests include minimally invasive surgery, orthopedic surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery. He is trained in the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament disease.
• M. Joy Weinstein, VMD, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Dr. Weinstein was born and raised in Lakewood, New Jersey, and is a summa cum laude graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1983, and completed a three-year residency in small animal surgery at Tufts University/Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in 1988. She also 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 staff surgeon at Shrewsbury Animal Hospital for seven years. She joined NorthStar VETS in 2003. Her special interests include lameness evaluation, conservative treatment of orthopedic conditions, orthopedic surgery and surgical oncology. Dr. Weinstein is the longtime president of the Jersey Shore Veterinary Medical Association, and also served as chairperson of the Eastern Veterinary Orthopedic Society.
• Gregory Zuendt, DVM
  
  Dr. Zuendt graduated veterinary school from the University of Illinois in 2015. He went on to complete a small animal rotating medicine and surgery internship at Oradell Animal Hospital. Following this, he completed a surgery-specific internship in Nashville at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. Dr. Zuendt then joined NorthStar Vets in July 2017 and has a special interest in surgery, critical care medicine, neurology, and cardiology.

Theriogenology

• Lacey Rosenberg, DVM, DACT
  
  Diplomate, American College of Theriogenologists
  Dr. Lacey Rosenberg was born in northern NJ and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She completed her undergraduate studies at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo before earning her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 2016. After completing a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine at VCA PetCare in Santa Rosa, CA, she worked as a general practitioner the following year. With an interest in reproduction, Dr. Rosenberg completed a Residency in Comparative Theriogenology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists. Dr. Rosenberg enjoys all aspects of canine and feline reproduction and is excited to offer advanced reproductive veterinary services to the community.
  
  Dr. Rosenberg has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Quinn and an orange tabby cat named Oliver. She enjoys traveling, reading, attending dog shows, exploring the outdoors and rediscovering her roots in the Garden State.
• Manoel Tamassia, DVM, MS, Ph.D, DACT
  
  Diplomate, American College of Theriogenologists
  Dr. Tamassia left engineering school to attend 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, Missouri to start an internship in theriogenology, continuing his training by completing a residency in theriogenology and a master of science degree in reproductive physiology. Dr. Tamassia remained at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine as an assistant instructor, during which time he completed the requirements for the ECFVG program (DVM equivalency for foreign graduates). He then moved to the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine working 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 at the Institut National Agronomique de Paris. For four years he worked with in vitro fertilization and cloning, finishing his graduate studies and PhD in 2003. He returned to the U.S. to be an assistant professor in theriogenology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois. In 2009, he was awarded Diplomate status in the American College of Theriogenology and joined NorthStar VETS, where he provides comprehensive reproductive medical services for all species. Dr. Tamassia  also oversees the NJ State Animal Health Diagnostic Lab.

Pet Loss Support and Bereavement

• Ann Rooney, CBC, CAC, CVCCP
  
  Certified Bereavement Counselor
  Certified Animal Chaplain
  Certificate of Veterinary Compassionate Care Proficiency
  
  Ann Rooney has worked in the veterinary field for many years comforting pet parents in times of crisis. Certified by the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, Ann has committed her career to supporting the emotional needs of clients who have lost their trusted animal companion. By working with veterinarians, connecting with various pet cemeteries, and even experiencing her own pet loss, Ann is a terrific resource for helping clients navigate the difficult journey of mourning a pet.

Veterinary Technician Specialists

• Heather Breining, CVT, VTS (Oncology)
  
  As a lifelong resident of New Jersey, Breining grew up in Mercer County and attended schools in the state. While in college, she worked as a veterinary technician in general practice. Breining obtained her CVT in 2005 and in 2008 transitioned into a management role. Wanting to stay more hands-on with patients, Breining came to NorthStar VETS where she worked in Critical Care and Surgery before finding her niche in Oncology. In 2015, Breining earned her VTS in Oncology.
  
  With a lot of great Oncology experience under her belt, Breining has been an award-winning speaker at International Conferences such as ACVIM, VCS and the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians since 2013.
  
  When not at work, Breining enjoys traveling, playing sports, and taking care of her black Labrador Retreiver, Allagash, a dog with Cerebellar Hypoplasia Vermis.
• Jaima Gropp, LVT, VTS (Emergency/Critical Care) - Nursing Manager of Training
  
  Jaima grew up in central New Jersey and first attended West Chester University for Chemistry/Biology with a Pre-Vet focus before switching to Rutgers University for Animal Science. While attending college, Jaima worked at a general practice as a CSR and then moved into an assistant role. Fascinated by veterinary medicine, Jaima began her career at NorthStar VETS in 2008 as a technician assistant before obtaining her LVT in 2013. Her clinical interests include Mechanical Ventilation, Acid-Base Analysis, Hemodialysis, Anesthesia, and Oncology. Jaima obtained her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care in 2020, and found her niche in training other staff members in advancing their veterinary knowledge and skill set. She currently is NorthStar Vets Nursing Manager of Training.
• Michele Hinks, BS, CVT, VTS (Emergency/Critical Care) - Nursing Manager of Training
  
  Hinks grew up in northern New Jersey and became a CVT in 2006. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Biology in 2009 at Ramapo College of NJ, Hinks worked in emergency and critical care. Since 2005, her clinical interests include blood banking and blood transfusion medicine as well as ventilator and CPR medicine. Hinks earned her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care in 2014 and has been a member of the team at NorthStar VETS since 2012.
  

Emeritus

• James Clinton, VMD, DACVO
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology
  It is with deep respect and admiration that we announce the retirement of veterinary ophthalmologist James Clinton, VMD, DACVO, from private practice.
  
  Dr. James M. Clinton received his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the prestigious Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston prior to undertaking a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Clinton has been a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology since 1972.
  
  Dr. Clinton opened the Animal Eye Clinic of New Jersey in 1971, which was one of the first independent ophthalmology referral practices in the country and the first one on the East coast.
• Michael Doolen, DVM
  
  

  Dr. Doolen retired in 2017. He grew up around horses in Montana and started taking care 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 inspired him to become a veterinarian to help advance exotic animal medicine, then in its infancy. He earned his DVM from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991.
  
  After graduation, Dr. Doolen remained at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for 3-1/2 years, working as an exotics clinician in the teaching hospital and developing an avian and exotics program. In 1994, he joined a general practice in New Jersey where he spent 15 years developing and directing an avian and exotics service. He joined NorthStar VETS in 2010.
  
  An avid author and presenter, Dr. Doolen has written many articles and textbook entries, and lectures locally, nationally and internationally. He served as an adjunct assistant professor for five years at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, contributing to the development of the exotics program there.
  
  Dr. Doolen served on the executive board 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.
  
  He has consulted with several companies that provide instruments and equipment for the veterinary community, developing specialized equipment for use with exotic animals and training veterinarians and students in the use of high-frequency radiosurgical equipment. He has served several organizations by offering online feedback and advice to bird and exotic animal owners.
  
  Dr. Doolen's personal interests include classic cars, woodworking, photography, and enjoying the company of his Macaw.

• Sheila M. Gomez, VMD
  
  Dr. Gomez graduated from Villanova University with a BSN degree in Nursing. She completed her veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. She was inducted into Phi Zeta, the Veterinary Honor Society, during her schooling. After graduation, Dr. Gomez practiced general veterinary medicine for two years, then returned to the University of Pennsylvania and completed a residency in Veterinary Dermatology. She established a solo Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology practice in Hopewell, New Jersey, before joining NorthStar VETS in October 2003. She has a wide range of interests in dermatology, especially in the areas of immune mediated skin diseases and allergic diseases of dogs and cats. She has done both large and small animal dermatology , but now mainly confines her practice to small animals. In her spare time she visits hospitals and senior care centers with her two therapy dogs, as well as showing and participating in lure coursing and obedience events with them.