Our Veterinary Support Staff
Rachael
Hospital Manager
As a master of multi-tasking, Rachael has a unique and varied career path. With a background in economics and finance from both Queens College and Holistic Management International, Rachael decided to take a sharp turn to pursue her passion for food by earning a degree in Pastry and Baking from the Institute for Culinary Education and becoming a pastry chef. Rachael used her business skills to start her own small business – Painted Horse Chocolates – and then decided to put these skills to work in the veterinary industry, working in practice management, sales, and veterinary start-ups. Now as a mother to one daughter, Rachael owns a 40-acre farm in Orange County where she has a dog named Groot, two horses named Flash and Tony, a cat named Q, a goat named Blue, and several chickens. When not running around at Center solving problems, Rachael enjoys learning about permaculture and slow food, foraging for wild edibles (like mushrooms), and creating handcrafted chocolates. If you’re really nice to her, she might just bring you something yummy!
Jennifer
Assistant Hospital Manager & LVT
After graduating from SUNY Ulster with an AAS in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, Jennifer started as a licensed veterinary technician at the Veterinary Center in 2010 when the Center first opened. She worked for many years as a technician both at the Center and then in general veterinary practice. She then moved on to become a practice manager running a local small animal veterinary hospital. Thus, Jennifer brings both her expertise as a technician and her experience in practice management to her role at the Center. When not at work, Jennifer spends time with her husband, two daughters, 2 dogs, 4 cats, and a bearded dragon. When she is not using her analytical practice management skills, Jennifer is busy using her creative side running her own small business making digital pet portraits.
Kenia
Head Technician and LVT
After a career change from working as a college professor, Kenia graduated with Honors from Mercy College with a BS in Veterinary Technology. She has worked at several animal hospitals in the New York area and came to the Veterinary Center with experience in both emergency/critical care and general practice, working with cats, dogs, farm animals, urban wildlife, and exotic pets. Kenia enjoys working with all species and being able to provide the same high quality of care to all. Outside of work, Kenia is still surrounded by animals; she has been involved in animal rescue and advocacy for many years and is a NY state licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Her companion animals include a dog, 4 cats, a 3-legged rabbit, and a bearded dragon; they all share their home with Kenia’s husband, an ever-changing array of foster animals, and a flock of outdoor rescued pigeons.
Gabe
LVT
Having always loved science and animals, Gabe knew from early on that he was destined to work in veterinary medicine. Gabe pursued his love for animals and earned an AAS in Veterinary Science Technology and a BS in Veterinary Technology from SUNY Delhi. While he appreciates all animals, he is particularly fond of exotic animals and especially enjoys educating exotic pet owners about how to care properly for their pets. In fact, he loves to design habitats uniquely for exotic pets. Gabe also loves monitoring exotic animals under anesthesia and following them through surgical procedures from start to finish. When not caring for animals at the Center, Gabe is busy at home taking care of his own exotic pets – 30 reptiles, 2 Nigerian dwarf goats, and 17 assorted ducks, geese, and chickens. While being a licensed veterinary technician is extremely fulfilling to Gabe, he hopes to pursue his doctorate in veterinary medicine, as well, someday.
Shannon
LVT
Since she was a child, Shannon was fascinated by animals, playing in the mud, looking for worms and bugs. The youngest of five siblings, Shannon grew up in Orange County, NY. Her fascination with animals continued when she attended Orange-Ulster BOCES for Veterinary Science in her junior and senior years of high school. She then volunteered at the Hudson Valley SPCA for a few years and decided to pursue a career as a licensed veterinary technician. Shannon then attended SUNY Delhi where she earned an associate’s degree in Veterinary Science Technology and bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology. Wanting to expand her knowledge of all species, Shannon took courses in primatology, exotic animals, and research animals and then completed a semester-long internship at the Bronx Zoo. When she isn’t caring for animals at the Center, Shannon lives with her boyfriend, cat, and dog in Orange County. After a busy day at the Center, Shannon relaxes at home doing creative activities such as drawing, writing, and arts and crafts.
Christina
Veterinary Assistant
Originally from Patterson, NY, Christina has been around and loved animals of all kinds for as long as she could remember, and she most likely will be the first voice you’ll hear when calling the Veterinary Center! She received her Bachelors Degree in Biology at Hartwick college; however, most of the courses she took there were animal-related. After graduating, Christina found her way to the Veterinary Center, where she realized becoming a veterinary technician was her calling. Currently, she is enrolled in the Penn Foster College Veterinary Technician Program. A reptile enthusiast, she has 2 bearded dragons, 2 leopard geckos, 2 western hognose snakes, and 2 poison dart frogs. As she always says, if she could have every animal that came into Center, she would!
Victoria
Veterinary Assistant
A Westchester County native, Victoria has loved and been around animals her entire life. Growing up, she was an avid horseback rider, and she has extensive experience caring for dogs, cats, snakes, turtles, and guinea pigs. One of her favorite activities is hiking with her dogs. She treats each patient with wonder and care, as she does our resident Goffin's cockatoo, Quinn, who adores her. Every day, she’s over the moon to be a part of our Veterinary Center team and to be able serve so many different creatures.
Tiffani
Veterinary Assistant
Originally from Westchester County and a long-time animal lover, Tiffani was excited to start her first job in the veterinary industry at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics. She earned her associate’s degree in business from Dutchess Community College and worked for several years as a pharmacy technician and as a front-end manager in the food industry. New to the veterinary world, Tiffani particularly loves learning new facts about exotic animals every day at the Center. As a mom to two cats and a crested gecko, Tiffani will tell you that her favorite things are cats and coffee and her dream is to someday open her own cat café.
Lisa
Receptionist
Born in Somers, NY, Lisa has an AAS in communication and media arts and has always been an animal lover. She has spent most of her working career working at veterinary offices. Not only does she surround herself during the day with her furry or feathered friends, but also, she has had many animals of her own at home. At one time, she had 3 dogs, 5 cats, and 6 chickens. In her spare time, she enjoys creating art including taking photos (especially portraits of animals), drawing, and her newest hobby, puppet making.