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standard-title Meet Our Team Our current in-house staff includes 20 doctors, seven of whom are dedicated to emergency care. Our veterinarians are supported by a diverse hospital team of nurses, technicians, handlers and administrators. Central Hospital For Veterinary Medicine is also supported by 10 associated member doctor clinics in the greater New Haven area.

Meet Our Team

Our current in-house staff includes 20 doctors, seven of whom are dedicated to emergency care. Our veterinarians are supported by a diverse hospital team of nurses, technicians, handlers and administrators. Central Hospital For Veterinary Medicine is also supported by 10 associated member doctor clinics in the greater New Haven area.

Doctors

Medical Director

Leyenda Harley, DVM, DACVIM

Dr. Harley received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Norwalk, Connecticut and went on to do a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. She stayed on at AMC as staff in Internal Medicine and was co-director of post-graduate education and the internship program. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and sees patients by appointment. Ask your veterinarian for a referral.

Specialists


Cara Blake, DVM, DACVS, CCRT
Dr. Cara Blake earned her DVM degree at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in 2008. She then completed a small animal surgical residency in a joint program with Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and the Angell Animal Medical Center. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2012.

Dr. Blake was certified as a Canine Rehbilitation Therapist (CCRT) by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI) in 2014. She has also completed coursework in veterinary acupuncture and food therapy at the Chi Institute. Dr. Blake previously worked as an Assistant Professor of Small Animal Surgery at both the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Veterinary Orthopedic Society and is faculty for both AOVET and CRI, She is currently preparing for boards in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Blake’s areas of clinical interest include working dog and sports medicine, minimally invasive orthopedic surgery, regenerative and rehabilitative therapy, and pain management.

Andrea Brodeur, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Brodeur is a native of Massachusetts. She attended Vassar College for her undergraduate degree, and Tufts University for veterinary school. Following this she completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, CT, and a three-year emergency and critical care residency at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey. Dr. Brodeur’s clinical interests include brachycephalic airway emergencies, wound care, and intoxications. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with their five cats, and gardening.
Eric DeMadron, DVM, DACVIM (cardiology), DECVIM (internal medicine)

Dr. Eric de Madron is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Cardiology and the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine. Dr. de Madron has extensive expertise in interventional cardiology (pacemakers, balloon valvulopasties and trans-catheter PDA occlusions), and interventional radiology (placement of tracheal stents for the palliative treatment of tracheal collapse).

Dr. de Madron began his North American career as a cardiologist / internist at the DMV Veterinary Centre in Montreal, Quebec, then continued in Ottawa, Ontario, at the Alta Vista Animal Hospital for 16 years.

His main clinical interests are prevention and management of congestive heart failure,management of systemic hypertension, interventional cardiology and radiology (with a special interest for tracheal collapse in dogs) Dr. de Madron has published over 30 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, he has been a co-author in several textbooks, and has written an interactive CD about blood pressure measurement and management in dogs and cats (Lifelearn,2007). He is the editor and co-author of the textbook, “Clinical Echocardiography in Dogs and Cats”, Elsevier, 2015.

Daniel Dorbandt, DVM, MS, DACVO

Dr. Dorbandt is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with extensive training in both medical and surgical ophthalmology. This provides him the opportunity to pursue his professional goal of preserving and restoring vision in animals. He also has a special interest in ocular oncology and has published research on innovative diagnostic techniques (3D printing) as well as novel treatment strategies.

Originally from Louisiana, he obtained his veterinary degree from Louisiana State University in 2011, after which, he pursued advanced training at Virginia Tech and the University of Georgia. His residency training and Master of Science degree were completed in 2016 at the University of Illinois, where he was awarded the prestigious Resident Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Dorbandt carries this honor beyond the education of veterinary students by striving to educate families about the condition(s) that are affecting their pet’s eye so that the best choices can be made regarding their care.

Carolyn Gross, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)
Dr. Carolyn Gross received her undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst in 2006 and her DVM from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She has special interests in nutritional studies and the study of the digestive system and kidney function.

Dr. Gross completed her internship at VCA in Norwalk, CT and her residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the Excellence in Teaching award.

Through her years in the veterinary profession Dr. Gross has become particulary fond of special needs cats, specifically her one-eyed cat named Zelda, and her cats named Link and Hoggle. Dr. Gross also has two dogs named Ender and Lena.

Jennifer Lansdowne, DVM, Msc, DACVS-SA,DECVS-SA

Originally from Ontario, Canada, Dr. Lansdowne received her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology
from the University of Guelph in 1996, her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2003, and her Masters of Science in Clinical Studies from the University of Guelph in 2003. Her Masters Degree is in minimally invasive surgery and epidural anesthesia and she now also specializes in both orthopedics and complex oncological surgery. Dr. Lansdowne completed a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Colorado State University followed by an Orthopedic Fellowship and Surgical Residency at Michigan State University. She spent two years in Davos, Switzerland working at the AO Foundation Research Institute and then returned to her true passion of small animal surgery, joining a private practice in Pittsburgh, PA until 2012. Dr. Lansdowne spent 7 years at a specialty practice in Middletown, CT recently resigning as Head of the surgery department there in order to join our team.

Dr. Lansdowne has written over 20 scientific publications, several orthopedic textbook chapters, and has lectured both nationally and internationally. As well as being a Diplomate of both the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons, she is an Associate member of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology (VSSO), an AOVet Active Member, and a member of the AVMA.

Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB

Dr. Lindell received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She practiced general medicine and surgery for several years, then completed a residency in veterinary behavior through Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lindell is a Diplomate of theAmerican College of Veterinary Behaviorists. In addition to practicing behavioral medicine, Dr. Lindell enjoys lecturing and writing about animal behavior.
Andrea Looney, DVM, DACVAA, CCRP

Dr. Andrea Looney earned her degree from the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1989 and returned there after a short stent in private practice for an instructorship in Community Medicine and Anesthesiology. She finished a residency in Anesthesiology in 1997, and then took a position at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Angell Animal Medical Center in Bostonwhere she served on staff in general medicine, emergency, and intensive care until becoming Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Assistant Professor at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Specialties, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Her training and interest in animal welfare, palliative care, and pain management then led her back to Cornell where she started the Pain Management and Rehabilitation Service, the outpatient palliative care branch of the Department of Clinical Sciences. It was through her experiences at MSPCA-Angell and Cornell’s pain management service that she became committed to finding unique means, including financially feasible, minimally invasive, symptomatic, and non-surgical mechanisms to treat many common small and large animal diseases and problems. Her main interests lie in provision of quality of life care regardless of financial means, recognition and treatment of animal pain and suffering, spay and neuter as well as symptomatic geriatric care to reduce shelter populations, and teaching of practical anesthesia, pain management techniques. Dr. Looney has authored articles and chapters on these subjects, is boarded in Veterinary Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and is certified in Acupuncture/Veterinary Rehabilitation. Dr. Looney regularly consults on anesthetic and pain management protocols for our highest risk patients.
Kim MacDonald, DVM, CVMA, CCRP, Certified in Veterinary Medical Chiropractic – Animal Rehabilitation / Emergency and Trauma

Dr. MacDonald received her Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia and is a graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College. She completed her veterinary internship at Norwalk Veterinary and Emergency Referral Center. She joined Central Hospital as a Daytime Trauma and Emergency Clinician in 2008.  Dr. MacDonald directs the Animal Rehabilitation Department at Central Hospital.  She received her certification  from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine’s program of Canine Rehabilitation and is also certified in veterinary acupuncture.
Erika Militana, DVM / Anesthesia and Analgesia

Dr. Militana completed her veterinary degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She then completed a one year rotating internship at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego before returning to Cornell for a three year residency in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.

During her residence, Dr. Militana served as chief resident. She has received numerous awards throughout her residency and early veterinary training. These include awards in academic excellence, outstanding recognition in client service, and patient care. She has also received recognition for her interest and accomplishments in several area of clinical science. Dr. Militana is eligible to sit for her specialty boards in anesthesia and pain management.

Dr. Militana joins Dr. Andrea Looney and will work closely with our specialty and critical care teams to create anesthetic protocols for patients at high risk for anesthetic complications, and for those undergoing complicated surgical, cardiac, or other procedures. She will also work with our Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation team to provide multimodal approaches to acute and chronic pain.

SNP_4650Gina Olmsted, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Dr. Olmsted earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stony Brook University in 2003. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Dr. Olmsted completed a small animal medical and surgical internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in 2009. After completing her internship she was employed as an associate veterinarian in a busy practice on Long Island. Dr. ted then went on to pursue a residency in medical oncology at The Veterinary Cancer Center in Connecticut. Dr. ted completed her medical oncology residency in 2013 and received board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the specialty of oncology.

Lauren Pinchbeck, DVM, DACVD

Dr. Pinchbeck graduated from Princeton University and earned a DVM from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. After a small animal medicine and surgery internship in Norwalk, CT she completed a dermatology residency at Ohio State in 2006 to become a member of the American College of Veterinary Dermatologists. Dr. Pinchbeck is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and received the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians Resident Award in 2007. In addition to her research interest in staph infections in dogs, her clinical interests extend to the diagnosis and treatment of middle ear infections, autoimmune diseases and canine atopic dermatitis.
Melvyn Pond, BVMS, MRCVS, DACVS

Dr. Pond, one of the foremost Board Certified veterinary surgeons in the region, performs orthopedic and general surgery here at Central Hospital. Dr. Pond graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine and has held teaching and research positions at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Georgia, University of Glasgow and the Yale University School of Medicine. In 1982, he established a surgical referral practice in Connecticut and has been associated with Central Hospital since that time. Dr. Pond’s patients are generally referred to him by the veterinarian responsible for their routine care. Dr. Pond is one of 20 veterinary surgeons in the United States performing the recently introduced Total Elbow Replacement surgery. Dr. Pond is available for consultation in person and by telephone to discuss your pet’s problems, help with diagnoses and guide you through the process of deciding the most appropriate treatment.
SNP_4821Lance Rozear, DVM, DACVR

Dr. Rozear has been associated with Central Hospital since 2003, interpreting many of our radiographs and performing abdominal and cardiac ultrasounds. He is now here on a full time basis Monday through Friday. He is a 1998 graduate of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Boston Road Animal Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1999 and continued his studies with a radiology residency at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Shortly after completing his residency, he passed the ACVR board examination (2002), thus becoming a diplomate of theAmerican College of Veterinary Radiology. After serving as radiologist at Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. Rozear founded Northeast Veterinary Imaging, LLC (NVI), a private veterinary radiology practice in Connecticut and online.
Julia Shakeri, DVM, DABVP (Avian) – Exotic Animals/Emergency and Trauma

Dr. Julia Shakeri received her DVM from the University of Illinois in 2010. Prior to joining the team here at Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Shakeri completed 5 years of intensive, post-doctoral training in order to be able to confidently provide exceptional veterinary care for the avian and exotic animals in our area. After graduating with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois, Dr. Shakeri completed a 1-year internship in general medicine and surgery here in Connecticut, followed by a 1-year specialty internship in avian and exotic animal medicine in Maryland, and finally a 3-year residency in avian medicine and surgery in Tampa, Florida.

During her career, Dr. Shakeri has mentored and trained veterinary professionals, wildlife rehabilitation workers, exotic animal caretakers, and the general public on topics concerning avian and exotic animal health and welfare. She has worked with large variety of collection types including pets, zoo animals, performing show animals (mostly birds), falconry raptors, non-releasable exhibition and teaching animals, wildlife, and multiple avian and small mammal rescue and shelter societies.


Kristin Smith, DVM, DACVECC

Born and raised in Connecticut, Dr. Smith attended Wesleyan University as an undergraduate, with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and earned her veterinary degree from Tufts University in 2013. Following veterinary school, she completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery followed by a three-year residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. Her clinical interests include management of sepsis and trauma, as well as respiratory emergencies. Outside of work, she enjoys playing piano and guitar, trying to find the best nachos in New Haven, and spending time with her husband, dog, and two cats.
Donna Lee Taylor, DVM, DACVS

Dr. Taylor received her doctorate in veterinary medicine at Washington State University and stayed on for an internship in small animal medicine and surgery.  She then completed a residency in small animal surgery at Oklahoma State University.  Following her residency Dr. Taylor practiced in a multispecialty hospital in Oregon for 15 years and has also practiced in Calgary and Southern California. Dr. Taylor has a broad experience in advanced soft tissue surgery, and also performs neurosurgery for intervertebral disc disease and fracture repairs. She has a special interest in oncologic surgery, soft tissue reconstruction, minimally invasive surgery, interventional radiology and pain management.  Dr. Taylor is a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgery,  the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncologists, the Veterinary Society of Soft Tissue Surgery and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Julia Treseder, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Dr. Julia Treseder grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC and earned her Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Dartmouth College. After college, she studied at the Royal Veterinary College in London for two years. She obtained her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Louisiana State University. Dr. Treseder began her cardiology training with a one-year specialty internship at Auburn University and then completed a cardiology residency at Oregon State University. She has a particular interest in optimal medical management of heart failure, congenital heart disease, and interventional cardiology. Her other interests include running, hiking, traveling, and swimming in the ocean.

Emergency and Trauma

Heather Albino, DVM

Dr. Albino graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and earned her veterinary degree from Saint Georges University in 2011. After graduating she primarily worked in small animal medicine and periodically emergency medicine. More recently she has transitioned to practicing predominantly in emergency medicine. She rescued her dog, in Grenada when she was in veterinary school and has 2 cats that spend most of their days avidly watching the birds at the window feeders. In her free time she likes to hike with her dog, play tennis, and to travel to new places.

328Marianne Freschlin, DVM

Dr. Freschlin completed her undergraduate work at Carnegie Mellon University and obtained her Veterinary degree from Tufts University in 1993. After 3 years in general practice she decided to pursue emergency medicine exclusively. She joined us in 2001 after practicing for 5 years at an emergency hospital in Stratford. Her special interests are in exotics and wildlife.
Kristen Grau, DVM

Dr. Grau graduated cum laude from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 and obtained her DVM at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She has been involved in the practice of veterinary medicine in one aspect or another for over 15 years. Dr. Grau has spent the past 7 years as a veterinarian practicing emergency medicine across Connecticut and New York, including an eight-month stint in the emergency and critical care department at Cornell University. Dr. Grau is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.
Nicole Kennedy, DVM

Dr. Nicole Kennedy graduated with honors from University of Rhode Island, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences. Dr Kennedy graduated from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Dr Kennedy, has a strong interest in emergency medicine and has been actively practicing in emergency since graduation. She is a resident of Winsted, CT where she lives with her husband, J.J., her toddler twins Hailey and Lucas, and her 4 legged child Zoey, a 6 year old black Shepard mix. When She is not working, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, taking family trips and being outside and exploring New England.
Avery Krein, DVM

Tyler Roasa, DVM
Teresa Rodina, DVM

Dr. Teresa Rodina was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and Technology from the University of Rhode Island in 2005 before making a big move south to the Sunshine State. There she attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!) where she obtained her Master of Science in Animal Science in 2007 and then earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Having had enough of the southern heat, she moved back to New England and completed a 1 year rotating internship here in CT. Afterwards, she entered the world of overnight Emergency Medicine and joined the Central family in 2014 as one of the overnight Emergency Service doctors. Dr. Rodina enjoys spending her free time with her dog Reba, who mostly enjoys catching some rays in the back yard in her old age.
Amanda Sterman, DVM

Dr. Sterman graduated from Becker College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She then earned her veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 followed by clinical training at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is internship trained and has a passion for emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, being outdoors with her dogs and horse, and traveling.
Celeste Wells, DVM

Dr. Celeste Wells received her DVM from Tufts University in 2002. After completing a medicine and surgery internship she practiced general medicine for over 7 years. In 2009 she returned to emergency medicine and she’s been with the Central Hospital emergency service since 2014. She lives with her husband, 2 active boys, 2 goats, 7 cats, 1 African Grey Parrot, and an embarrassingly large amount of chickens. When not working she leads a 4-H poultry group and loves to garden and spend time with her family.
Diana Weston, DVM

Diana Weston earned her DVM from Oregon State University in 1991. She moved to Connecticut to do her internship here at Central Hospital. She stayed in CT and raised a Family of 3 while practicing Veterinary medicine for the past 25 years. She has worked as both an emergency veterinarian and a relief veterinarian during this time and loves helping her patients and their people. Some of her interests outside of vet medicine include: family time, being outdoors, taekwondo, and word games.
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Technicians

Veterinary Technician Specialists

Katherine Albin, CVT, VTS (Internal Medicine)
Internal Medicine

Jill Bruno, CVT, CCRP
Animal Rehabilitation

Jill Bruno is a certified veterinary technician. She also has been certified as a canine rehabilitation practitioner from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to her many years of veterinary experience, Jill has also been involved in breeding and showing dogs, agility work and various forms of dog training.

Brynn Harrington, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia, Analgesia)
Surgery

Brynn Harrington attended Quinnipiac University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2004. She started her career at Tufts University in the Neurology Department, and later with the Anesthesia Department for 8 years. In 2010, Brynn obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty certification in Anesthesia and Analgesia. She is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA), as well as, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). In 2013, Brynn left Tufts and began working at Intown Veterinary Group (IVG) in the Ophthalmology department. In 2014 she started working at Central Hospital as a Ophthalmology Technician while also using her skills in the emergency room and ICU department. In 2016 she joined the surgery department where she remains today doing anesthesia and surgical assisting. Most recently, she has helped create the newly formed Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association (CTVTA) where she sits on the board as the president of the association.

Certified Veterinary Technicians

Jennifer Adams
Cardiology

Andrea Barket, CVT

Andrea Barket has been working in the veterinary field since 2006. She earned her Associate’s from Northwestern Community College and became a certified veterinary technician in 2009. She was a teacher on the subject of animal behavior for 2 years at Three Rivers Community College. She joined us at Central in 2013 and is currently working at our Guilford location

Amanda Belton, CVT
Ophthalmology

Amanda attended the University of Maine and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Sciences and Microbiology in 2012. While working in a general practice veterinary hospital in Maine she found her passion for veterinary medicine. She then attended University of Maine at Augusta graduating with an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2014. After completing an externship with Cornell University Veterinary Specialists she joined their Emergency Department and later joined the Internal Medicine Department. At the end of 2015 she joined Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine as an Ophthalmology Technician. Amanda is an active member of the Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association and National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
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Nicole Bertini, CVT
Cardiology / Surgery

Agnieszka Borowski, CVT
Internal Medicine

Jessica Bristol, CVT
Emergency

Stephanie Buchanan, CVT
ICU / Emergency

Pamela Casman, CVT
Ophthalmology

Jennifer Cauchon, CVT
Oncology

Sara Cundiff, CVT
ICU

Thien DeRosa, CVT
Emergency

Stella Drakoulias, CVT
Inside Referral Liaison

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David Gemski, CVT
Head Radiology Technician
(Since 1978)

Dave has been a member of the Central staff since August 1978. He trained with veterinary radiologist Dr. Peter Lord. He currently is the head radiology technician at the hospital, taking x-rays and assisting radiologist Dr. Lance Rozear by preparing radiographs and assisting with ultrasounds.

Amy Guay, CVT
ICU

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Becky Hurlburt, CVT
Critical Care

Becky started her veterinary career in 2003 as an assistant and joined Central Hospital in 2005. After a little over a year she became an ICU technician and joined Dr. Pond as a orthopedic surgical technician in 2007. She now continues to work for Dr. Pond and in our ICU while also helping to train incoming assistants and technicians. She enjoys spending time with her large family consisting of 6 cats and a plethora of birds and reptiles.

Brittany Hurlburt, CVT
Critical Care /
Training Coordinator

Brittany started her career at Central as a Client Liaison in 2011 and left to pursue further training as a Veterinary Technician. We were pleased to have Brittany return to us in 2014 as an ICU nurse. She obtained her Certification as a Veterinary Technician in Winter 2016 and is currently working toward a technician specialty in emergency and Critical Care. She is a primary trainer of incoming staff members and has a great deal of expertise in critical care nursing

Jillian Kahen, CVT
Emergency / Canine Rehabilitation

Monica Keith-Luzzi, CVT
Emergency

Danielle Mauri, CVT
Exotics

Eileen McCabe, CVT
Emergency

Heather McDonald, BS, CVT
Emergency

Heather joined Central after graduating from Mount Ida College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in veterinary technology. Her experience includes several internships completed during her time as a student at Mount Ida College.

Holly Miller, CVT
ICU

Olivia Ransohoff, CVT
Emergency

Julia Willametz, CVT
Emergency

Lisa Wood, CVT
Internal Medicine

Technicians

Alexa Annulli
ICU

Caitlyn Caldwell
Emergency

Alexis Distasio
Emergency

Jason Gaudino
Surgery / Emergency

Annelise Godau
Emergency

166

Kizzy Hernandez
Pharmacy

Since 1985

Rufus James, Jr.
Head Laboratory Technician
(Since 1985)

Rufus graduatied from Southern Connecticut State University in 1985 with a degree in Biology. Rufus joined the staff of Central Hospital in 1985. He worked extensively with hospital founder Dr. Allan Hart in developing some early models of the in-house laboratory analyzers we use on a daily basis. Rufus has been the head of Laboratory Services here since 1995.

Evelyn Keith-Luzzi
Auditing

April Melio
Discharge

April has been a veterinary technician for almost 20 years. She has worked as a technician at Central since 2017 in a number of departments, including surgery and emergency. She currently works with Dr. Lindell in the animal behavior department. In 2011, April became licensed as an animal control officer and continues to maintain that license.

Julia Miller
Exotics / Emergency

Danielle Moore
Auditing

Kira O’Brien
ICU

Christine Page
ICU

Dana Rocco CNMT, R.T. (N) (ARRT)
Radiology / Emergency

Dana received her Associate in Science with a Certification in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Gateway Community College in 2016. She has attended St. Vincent’s College to pursue certification in MRI. Her experience comes from internships in various hospitals including: Yale and the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in West Haven. Dana started her veterinary career as an assistant in 2010, and came to Central as a technician in 2017 and has become one of our technician team leaders. Her focus is in radiology; performing CT scans, x-rays, and fluoroscopy. She also takes special interest in anesthesia and critical care, but her goal is to use her knowledge of different radiologic modalities to help advance the medical treatment of animals.

Stephanie Tomasino
Cardiology / On-Call Supervisor

Stephanie attended University of Connecticut and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Animal Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Health & Society. She started her career in 2012 as a veterinary technician assistant at VCA Cheshire and became an ICU technician in 2013. Stephanie joined our team in 2014 as an overnight ICU technician and became our lead cardiology technician in 2016.
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Management Team

Hospital Director

054

Since 2004*

Ken Aldrich

Ken began his career in veterinary medicine as a kennel worker and continued on to work in multiple technician roles. He graduated from Syracuse University with degrees in Communications and Management. Ken has overseen up to 34 veterinary practices for a veterinary corporation and has consulted nationally on veterinary practice management. He is a founding member and a continuing Board Member of the New Haven County Veterinary Medical Association as well as a founder, past president and current Board Member of the Veterinary Management Council of Connecticut. Ken realized his vision for Central Hospital in building our new North Haven facility in 2013 and greatly expanding our medical capabilities.

Human Resources Director

Since 2006

Lisa Wiecki, SHRM-CP – Human Resources Director

Lisa graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science. Lisa worked as a hospital manager in West Hartford, CT after graduation.  She brought her extensive knowledge of veterinary practice management with her when she became the hospital manager at Central Hospital in May 2006.  Lisa also serves as the Program Coordinator for the New Haven County Veterinary Medicine and has done so since it’s inception in 2008.

Hospital Manager

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Since 1983

Melinda Connors, CVT – Hospital Manager

Melinda graduated from Becker College in Massachusetts with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Melinda began working as a veterinary technician at Central Hospital in 1983 and became the supervisor of the daytime technician staff soon after. Melinda has extensive experience in radiology and surgical assisting. She is one of the main auditors at the hospital in addition to being a member of the hospital management team.

Management

Lynn Acquarulo – Accounts Payable Manager

Lynn worked as a receptionist at Central Hospital while she was in high school and while pursuing a degree in Biology from Southern Connecticut State University. She assisted with our bookkeeping and office management for several years before leaving to raise a family. Lynn returned full-time to Central in 2007 as our accounts payable manager and is very active in the overall management of our practice.

Katerina Cavanagh 1985

Since 1985

Kathy Cavanagh, CVT – Client Care Coordinator

Kathy graduated from Becker College with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined the Central Hospital staff in 1985 as a trauma and emergency technician. She has worked in many different capacities at the hospital over the years including Head Radiology Technician. Kathy has participated for many years in community outreach programs at Central working with local schools and civic groups. She took on the role of Client Care Coordinator in 2005. In addition to her position at Central Hospital, Kathy has served as the Event Coordinator for the New Haven County Veterinary Association since it’s inception in 2008.

Dorothy Dutelle – Special Projects Manager

Dorrie graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and then received her post-baccalaureate degree in Veterinary Practice Management from the St. Petersburg College. She has worked in the veterinary field since she was 15 and was a Veterinary Technician for 7 years . After being a technician Dorrie was a Veterinary Hospital Manager from 2012 until joining our team as the Manager of Special Projects in 2018. Dorrie is also a founder, past president, and current board member of the Veterinary Management Council of Connecticut.

Joseph Jasiorkowski Senior Technician Safety Supervisor

Since 1995

Joseph Jasiorkowski, Veterinary Technician – Safety Training Manager 

Joe worked for several years at veterinary hospitals in Bethany and Orange before joining Central Hospital as a trauma emergency technician in 1995. Joe has extensive knowledge of emergency medicine and animal nursing. He became the supervisor of the Evening Technician staff in 1998. Joe serves as our safety coordinator, managing all aspects of OSHA training and is the Audio-Visual Coordinator for the New Haven County Veterinary Medical Association.

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Since 2015*

Michele Papero, CVT – Referral Manager

Michele graduated from Quinnipiac University and began working as Emergency Room Technician at Central Hospital from 1985 to 1988.  Michele then went on to pursue a variety of positions in veterinary medicine at Yale School of Medicine in Neurobiology and Vector Borne Diseases. She earned her Master’s Degree in Laboratory Science from Quinnipiac University.  Michele was the patient coordinator for the Veterinary Cardiology service for 7 years at VCA- Shoreline under the direction of Dr. Nat Fenollosa. Michele joined our practice in 2015 as the Referring Veterinarian Coordinator.

Since 2006

Siobhan Purser-Blackman, Veterinary Technician – Head Auditor/Inventory Manager

Siobhan has worked in many different capacities in the veterinary industry for many years. She has held positions in several progressive veterinary hospitals in the area. Most notably as an ICU/Surgery/Neurology/MRI technician and an Internal Medicine Liaison at the Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, CT. She joined the management team at Central Hospital as a supervisor in 2006.

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Since 2003

Tina Vitelli – Accounts Receivable Manager

Supervisors

 

Ashley Ivanac, CVT – Technician Supervisor

Ashley graduated from Becker College in 2008 with a BS in Business Management. Ashley first started her technician career in 2000 as a kennel attendant working at Pieper Olson Veterinary Hospital. Ashley joined our team in 2010 as our first internal medicine technician with Dr. Harley. In 2016 Ashley joined Cornell University Veterinary Specialists as an oncology technician. Ashley returned to Central Hospital in 2017 as our specialty technician supervisor. In October 2019 Ashley became the technician supervisor and oversee’s all of our emergency, ICU and specialty technicians at both our North Haven and Guilford location.  

Since 2014

Vicki Landau, BS, CVT – Lead HBOT Operator

Vicki Landau graduated from Misericordia University in 1996 with a BS in Biology. She worked with a VMD who had a special interest in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery for over 3 years. Following that she worked at VREC in Norwalk, CT rotating through various departments eventually becoming the surgical technician supervisor for the last 2 of her 5 years there. She worked as the surgical technician supervisor for over 6 years at Cheshire Animal Hospital and then 2 years at Newtown Veterinary Specialists. Vicki joined us at Central Hospital in 2014 as our Technician Training Coordinator. Pain management and anesthesia are her primary interests, but she also loves working closely with doctors during critical cases.

Dorothy Moore, AS, CVT – Technician Assistant Supervisor

Dorothy has been working in the veterinary field since 2011. She graduated from NCCC in 2013 with an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. She worked at Pieper Memorial as a triage coordinator. In 2014 she joined Shoreline Veterinary Hospital in Clinton. Dorothy joined Central Hospital in 2016 as an ER and ICU technician. Since then, she has worked in Central’s cardiology and emergency surgery departments. She is a member of our training team and enjoys teaching incoming technicians and assistants. In 2019 Dorothy became the Technician Assistant Supervisor.

Riki Pinho – Client Liaison and Discharge Nurse Supervisor/Staff Relations Manager
Ron Ruzicka, CVT – Floor Supervisor/Trainer/ICU/Emergency

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Support Team

Rachel DeRose
Technician Assistant

Christina Esposito
Exotics Technician Assistant

Jordan Feliciano Sot
Office Support/Maintenance

Chantal Hendricks
Surgical Technician Assistant

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Darlene Lawrence
Office Support/Maintenance

Jennifer Leibovitz
ICU Technician Assistant

Mia Ney
Radiology Technician Assistant

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Chris Poggioli
IT Support/Maintenance

Client Care

MaryAnn Bates
Surgery Client Liaison

JoAnn Carvalho
Discharge Nurse

Kelli Dennis
Client Liaison

Sara Dombroski
Client Liaison

ICU Client Liaison

Deborah Little
Client Liaison

Kendall McCorkindale
Nina Hurlburt
Client Liaison

Emily Powers
Internal Medicine Client Liaison

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Gina Vidal, CVA
Client Liaison

Crystal Wilcox
Client Liaison

  • Referring Vet Forms
  • Contact Us

4 Devine Street - North Haven, CT 06473  -  Call (203) 865-0878
535 Boston Post Road - Guilford, CT 06437 - Call (203) 533-6444

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