Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian).
Owner, Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics
Dr. Hess is board-certified by the American Board of Avian Practitioners in Avian (bird) medicine and served as the President of the Association of Avian Veterinarians from 2009-2010. She is also an active member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians.
After graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University, Dr. Hess received her veterinary medical degree from Tufts. She then completed a one-year internship and a two-year residency in avian and exotic pet medicine and surgery at the world-renowned Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Dr. Hess has lectured both nationally and internationally about exotic pet care and has published numerous articles and book chapters on birds and other exotic species.
She is especially interested in exotic pet nutrition. In the late 1990's, she completed groundbreaking nutrition research on the importance of pelleted diets in birds. She presented these findings both in Europe and in the U.S. and later published the research in 2002.
Dr. Hess has also appeared as a guest expert on Animal Planet as part of Drs. Foster and Smith's TV series, "Faithful Friends," and as a featured veterinarian on CBS's popular news magazine show, "48 Hours." She has also appeared weekly as the "Exotic Pet Vet" on the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut cable station, RNN TV.
She is a senior editor of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and a guest editor of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, Veterinary Clinics of North America (Exotic Animal Series) and of Exotic DVM Magazine.
Dr. Hess and her staff chose to specialize in exotic animal care not only because of their love for these special species, but also because the average veterinarian, veterinary technician, and veterinary administrator receive very little training in school about these unique pets.
Staff members were chosen based on their previous personal and professional experience with various exotic species. Even now, with their focus on ongoing continuing education, at the Veterinary Center, they make certain they keep up on the latest in exotic animal care, so that they can provide you and your pet with the most current, cutting edge information available.
The mission of the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics is to care for, protect, and ensure the humane and ethical treatment of all birds and exotic animal species.
The vision of the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics is to study and advance the practice of exotic animal medicine; to educate exotic pet owners about the highest quality, comprehensive medical and surgical care for birds and exotic pets; and to establish the most well-respected bird and exotic animal hospital that is recognized by both pet owners and veterinary colleagues as the only place to go for specialized bird and exotic animal care.
"We are committed not only to providing you with the best medical care but also to treating every client and patient with compassion and respect."
Dr. Midge Ritchie graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical training at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
After attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University, she soon realized her dream was to become a veterinarian. Midge developed great technical skills with exotic pets when she worked as a veterinary technician while completing her veterinary school prerequisites at Columbia University and Hunter College.
During this time, she discovered her love for birds and other exotic animals. She currently shares her home with one bird - a Triton cockatoo named Dylan - and an Eastern Box turtle named Sid, along with 3 dogs and a cat. Dr. Ritchie hopes to become a board-certified avian veterinarian and is very excited to be mentored by Dr. Hess.
After a long career in sales and marketing, Pauline became a New York state licensed veterinary technician because of her love for animals.
Following a 10-year career in emergency veterinary medicine, she added administration and management to her responsibilities and is happy to have joined the Veterinary Center as Practice Manager.
Pauline is committed to using her combination of medical and business savvy to keep the Veterinary Center at the forefront of veterinary medicine and allowing the Center to offer clients and patients a unique, full-service facility for birds and exotics. She looks forward to adding to her knowledge and cultivating an ongoing relationship with the Center.
At the Center, when it comes to ensuring that the staff is offering the best in exotic pet products and services, Pauline leads the way.
Peggy has been a New York state licensed veterinary technician for more than a decade. She received her Bachelor of Science in biology from Iona College and her veterinary technician’s degree from Mercy College. Although Peggy loves all animals, she has a special interest in birds and exotic pets and has worked almost exclusively with these unique species over the past several years.
She and Dr. Hess have worked together for the past eight years and have a special chemistry when it comes to caring for their exotic patients. Peggy’s quiet demeanor and gentle approach make her the ideal technician when it comes to handling birds and other exotic animals. Peggy is the “mom” who makes sure all of our patients are comfortable and cared for at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics.
A native of Westchester, Shannon was a veterinary assistant for the past several years at 2 other local veterinary hospitals and has a special interest in exotic animals.
Shannon is currently working toward attaining New York state licensure in veterinary technology. As an owner of several reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, Shannon has always been around exotic species.
Her ability to wear several hats (as an animal handler, receptionist, or caretaker for boarding pets) makes her the ultimate multi-tasker at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics. You can be sure, though, that whatever she’s doing, with her attention to detail, Shannon can be relied on to ensure that no patient at the Veterinary Center is overlooked.
As a veterinary technician in training, Marilyn will tell you that she loves working at an animal hospital not only just to help animals, but also to help people.
Marilyn has always worked in the customer service industry, but she particularly enjoys her position as the Veterinary Center’s receptionist because this position enables her to have contact with both people and pets.
With her friendly smile, Marilyn makes it her mission to welcome both you and your pet and to ensure you both have a good experience with us.
Our Front Desk Manager, Jessica joined the Veterinary Center to combine her love of exotic animals with her love of organization and customer service.
As a breeder of leopard geckos, Jessie is working toward her associate’s degree and hopes to expand her education in both veterinary medicine and office management. She has always dreamed of working with exotic pets, and now finally, at the Veterinary Center, she can. Jessie’s friendly personality and attention to detail make everyone who visits the Veterinary Center feel like part of the family.
