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

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.

Behavior

• Laurie Bergman, VMD, DACVB
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
  Dr. Laurie Bergman received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. She worked in small animal practice on Cape Cod and completed an internship in Wildlife Medicine and Surgery at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. She began working in behavior practice in 1998 and entered a residency in behavioral medicine at the University of California Davis in 2000. Since becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2003, Dr. Bergman has worked in academic practice in California and private practice in Pennsylvania.
  
  Dr. Bergman's interests include pet-family interactions, finding practical approaches to behavior problems and treating behavior problems in birds and exotic pets. Dr. Bergman lives in Pennsylvania with her two human children, senior dog, Riley, Australian Terrier puppy, Ivan, Leopard Gecko, Mo, and Bearded Dragon, Frederick. She competed in agility with her previous Australian Terriers and hopes that Ivan can grow up to be an agility dog, too.

Cardiology

• 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

• Liesl Breickner, DVM, DACVP
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists
  A New Jersey native, Dr Breickner obtained her BS in Animal Science at Cornell University in 1992. She stayed in Ithaca and went on to earn her DVM from Cornell University in 1996, after which she returned to NJ and completed a 1-year small animal internship at a large specialty hospital from 1996-1997. For the next 11 yrs, Dr Breickner worked in private practice in the NJ area until beginning her residency in clinical pathology at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville in 2007. After the residency, Dr Breickner did 1 year of graduate work at University of Tennessee working with equine mesenchymal stem cells. She became board-certified in 2011 and began working for IDEXX the same year in Memphis, TN where she remained until returning to her home state in 2014, working for an IDEXX laboratory in Totowa, NJ. Dr Breickner began at NorthStar VETS in April 2017 as an on-site pathologist for IDEXX. Her professional interests include hematology and cytology.
  
  Outside of work, Dr Breickner enjoys time with her wife, Diane, and their family of 2 dogs (to include a miniature Yorkie that rules the house), 2 cats and a bossy lovebird. They especially enjoy time outside, as well as visiting family and friends.

Dermatology

• 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.

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 Davidson, BVSc, MANZCVSc, DACVECC
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
  Dr. Davidson graduated from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in 1998. He obtained experience as an emergency veterinarian for five years before starting a residency in small animal emergency and critical care at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 2003. He completed his residency in 2006 and became board certified in emergency and critical care the same year. Dr. Davidson then took on a role as a senior clinician at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in New York City, where he headed the critical care service for ten years. He then headed the critical care and hemodialysis services at BluePearl in Paramus, NJ. Board certified and proficient in all fields of veterinary emergency and critical care, Dr. Davidson's professional interests include mechanical ventilation, trauma, sepsis and extracorporeal methods of organ support, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration and membrane oxygenation. Dr. Davidson has authored articles and textbook chapters on the topics of critical care, and routinely lectures to veterinarians.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  
• Samantha Kuhles, VMD
  
  Dr. Kuhles is a New Jersey native who obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Tufts University. She then moved to Philadelphia to study veterinary medicine and earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013. Following a rotating internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists, she practiced emergency medicine for just over a year at an emergency and specialty practice in New Jersey before joining NorthStar VETS in 2015. She has special interests in neonatal and pediatric care, seizure management and critical care medicine.
• 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.
• Deborah Mara, VMD
  
  

  Bio coming soon!

• Avery Mas, DVM
  
  
• 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.
• George A. Motley, VMD
  
  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 undertook his veterinary training at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1998 as a member of the Phi Zeta Honor Society. After three years as general practitioner in Middletown, New Jersey, and two years practicing in Pennsylvania, Dr. Motley returned to New Jersey where he joined the staff of NorthStar VETS as an emergency clinician in 2003, also serving as supervisor of the practice's emergency service.
  
  When he's not working, Dr. Motley enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. He also enjoys rooting for the Phillies, fishing, and playing Texas Hold 'Em.
• 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.
• Kate Papp, DVM
  
  
• 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.
• 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.
  
• 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.
  
  
• Stacey Wylie, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Stacey Wylie is a Pennsylvania native who received her undergraduate degree from Millersville University in 2009. She earned her veterinary degree from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ. She then returned to Michigan State University and completed a 3-year residency in small animal internal medicine in 2017, receiving Resident of the Year in both 2016 and 2017. Dr. Wylie is excited to be part of the NorthStar VETS team. She loves all things medicine, but her special interests include renal, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases as well as endoscopy and feline medicine.
  
  She currently resides with her husband, their 3 cats (Aeris, Yuffie, and Leon) and adorable pittie mix (Arya). Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, playing ice hockey and volleyball, reading, and playing video games. She is also a passionate MSU Spartan and Philadelphia Flyers fan.
  
  

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.
• Heather Knapp-Hoch, DVM, MS, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Knapp-Hoch is excited to return home and join the NorthStar VETS surgical team. Dr. Knapp-Hoch earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Long Island University in 2001. She then traveled across the US to obtain a Masters degree in genetics and cell and molecular biology from Washington State University where she also obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Dr. Knapp-Hoch then completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in 2008. Following her internship she completed a three-year surgical residency at Cornell University in 2011. She obtained board certification in 2012 and practiced as a small animal clinical instructor at Cornell University from 2011-2014.
  
  Dr. Knapp-Hoch's special areas of interest include surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery including laser ablation of ectopic ureters. She is proficient in advanced wound management and has a special interest in the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to treat difficult surgical and traumatic wounds. She is trained in both the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgical procedures for cranial cruciate ligament disease.
• 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.
• Gaemia Tracy, DVM (practice limited to neurology)
  
  Gaemia Tracy was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Tracy attended The University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts (Biology) degree. While there, he played baseball and Sprint Football. He attended The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine from 2008-2012. Immediately after graduating veterinary school, Dr. Tracy completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Tracy then completed a Neurology and Neurosurgery residency in Jacksonville, FL at North Florida Neurology with Dr. Andrew Hopkins and Dr. John Meeks as his mentors. Dr. Tracy completed his residency before joining Northstar VETS.
  
  Dr. Tracy's professional interests include IVDD, spinal surgery, management of seizures and inflammatory diseases of the brain and spinal cord.
  
  Dr. Tracy currently lives with his wife, son, and their two cats, DD and Bunny. In his free time, Dr. Tracy enjoys taking in any baseball game, and cheering for the Buckeyes and Steelers!
  
  

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.
  
  
• Stacey Wylie, DVM, DACVIM
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  Dr. Stacey Wylie is a Pennsylvania native who received her undergraduate degree from Millersville University in 2009. She earned her veterinary degree from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ. She then returned to Michigan State University and completed a 3-year residency in small animal internal medicine in 2017, receiving Resident of the Year in both 2016 and 2017. Dr. Wylie is excited to be part of the NorthStar VETS team. She loves all things medicine, but her special interests include renal, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases as well as endoscopy and feline medicine.
  
  She currently resides with her husband, their 3 cats (Aeris, Yuffie, and Leon) and adorable pittie mix (Arya). Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, playing ice hockey and volleyball, reading, and playing video games. She is also a passionate MSU Spartan and Philadelphia Flyers fan.
  
  

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’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.
• Heather Knapp-Hoch, DVM, MS, DACVS
  
  Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Knapp-Hoch is excited to return home and join the NorthStar VETS surgical team. Dr. Knapp-Hoch earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Long Island University in 2001. She then traveled across the US to obtain a Masters degree in genetics and cell and molecular biology from Washington State University where she also obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Dr. Knapp-Hoch then completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in 2008. Following her internship she completed a three-year surgical residency at Cornell University in 2011. She obtained board certification in 2012 and practiced as a small animal clinical instructor at Cornell University from 2011-2014.
  
  Dr. Knapp-Hoch's special areas of interest include surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery including laser ablation of ectopic ureters. She is proficient in advanced wound management and has a special interest in the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to treat difficult surgical and traumatic wounds. She is trained in both the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgical procedures for cranial cruciate ligament disease.
• 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

• 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
  
  Rooney has worked in the veterinary field for more than 16 years helping pets and their families. She has trained and managed veterinary staff as well as coached pet parents on important decisions concerning their pets. Through working with veterinarians, connecting with various pet cemeteries, and going through her own pet loss, Rooney has committed her career to help pet owners cope with their loss and provide them with the tools to work through their grief. Certified by the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, she is available now to help clients who want help navigating this difficult part of loving 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.
• Tina DeVictoria, BS, CVT, VTS (CP-CF)
  
  DeVictoria earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University, and became a certified veterinary technician in 2006. In 2013 she also earned her VTS in Clinical Practice - Canine/Feline. She has been working in the veterinary field for more than 15 years, with the majority of her experience in general practice. She has also worked in emergency/referral and research facilities. Tina also teaches at a veterinary assistant program at a local community college. She has authored several journal articles and has a strong interest in internal medicine. She currently works at the AHAA accredited, 2013 Referral Practice of the Year, NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
• Michele Hinks, BS, CVT, VTS (Emergency/Critical Care)
  
  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. She is currently working in the ICU and is the coordinating technician of the NorthStar VETS Blood Bank.
• Stacey Reiling, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), CVPP
  
  Stacey Reiling graduated from Harcum College in 2000 with an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology degree. She became a certified veterinary technician in 2000, and worked as a veterinary anesthesia technician at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Stacey obtained her AVTAA specialty certificate in Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2005. She made the move from university setting to specialty practice in 2010, and became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) in 2015, and joined NorthStar VETS in early 2017. Stacey has interest in anesthesia and pain management for both surgical and non-surgical, domestic and non-domestic patients, as well as a special interest in the mechanics of anesthesia machines and monitors. She loves to teach and has provided many RACE approved presentations for veterinary technicians and veterinarians. Stacey is always looking for ways to improve patient care and comfort.

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.