WEST HILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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Our Staff

Doctor

Dr. Alan M. Coren, DVM

Dr. Alan M. Coren, a graduate of Cornell University with Phi Zeta honors in 1980, is our director and senior staff member. Dr. Coren began our practice in May 1982 and under his guidance, we have grown to become one of Long Island's largest, most respected veterinary practices. He is an active member of the AVMA, NYSVMS, LIVMA, and AAHA, amongst other professional organizations. An accomplished surgeon and medical doctor, he leads our group through his desire to always provide the best possible care for his patients and service for their owners. Dr. Coren is an avid sailor, skier, mountaineer, cyclist, and fitness enthusiast. He lives in Dix Hills with his wife, Karen, two sons, Jared and Jesse, two dogs and two cats.

Dr. Seo Hee An, DVM

Bio coming soon!
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Dr. Niccole E. Bruno, DVM

Originally from Queens, NY. At the age of 12 Niccole knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. Graduated Magna cum laude from Tuskegee University in AL with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2002. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 2006. Upon graduation, completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview, NY. Dr. Bruno enjoys spending time with her family and friends, movies, crafts and reading. Dr. Bruno has 2 dogs: Fendi (Peke-poo) and Louie (Maltese) and 3 Siamese cats.

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Dr. Jack A. Heller, DVM

Dr. Heller, a 1995 graduate from Tufts University Veterinary School, is originally from Greenlawn. Dr. Heller spent a year in private practice before completing a small animal medical and surgical post graduate internship at the University of Missouri. In September 1997, he joined West Hills Animal Hospital and found that his advanced university training was right in line with our practice's progressive attitude. Dr. Heller's quest for excellence helps keep us on the cutting edge of all the latest technology.

Dr. Asaf Kerem, DVM

Bio coming soon!
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Dr. Jennifer N. Reth, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Reth earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Cornell University. After one year of small animal practice in Syracuse, NY, Dr. Reth returned to her native Long Island. Since joining the West Hills staff in 2002, her dedication to continuing professional education, meeting client needs, and caring tirelessly for patients have made her a strong asset to the hospital. Her special interests include gastrointestinal & endocrine disease and preventive medicine. When not working, Dr. Reth enjoys hiking, horseback riding, politics, and attending church with her family.

Dr. Stacey A. Ries, DVM

Dr. Stacey Ries graduated from Cornell Veterinary School in June 1995. She spent three years practicing in very progressive small animal facilities in Detroit, Michigan prior to joining our practice in November 1998. Accustomed to providing extraordinary care, West Hills has benefited tremendously from her devotion to her patients. Amongst her many interests outside of work, Dr. Ries has become an accomplished mountaineer and ice climber.

Management

Tracey Brodesser, LVT

Tracey joined the practice in October of 1985, asssisting the doctors on housecalls. After a brief hiatus to start a family she returned to work part time and is now the weekend manager . She has a degree in Animal Science from SUNY Farmingdale.

Lauri Gangale

Lauri has been at West Hills since Feb. 2004. When she is not at the front desk assisting our clients, she is busy taking care of her own full house.....a loving husband, 3 children, a dog, a cat and her lovable guinea pig. Lauri recently acquired her certification in nursing and plans on continuing her education in the nursing profession.

Ghislaine

Ghislaine is a manager at the Commack office. She has been at West Hills for eight years, and has worked in animal hospitals for over 20 years. She has also been actively involved in animal rescue for over 25 years. Her family has lived with everything from horses to teddy bear hamsters, but presently has several cats and a Pembroke Corgi.

Kristina Idler

Kristina joined the staff at West Hills Animal Hospital in November of 2003. An accomplished life long equestrian she began riding locally at the age of 6 and immediately was hooked. Competing at local and regional events in the Equitation and Hunter divisions Kristina has earned many awards including wins in local Equitation Finals. She continued pushing forward in her career by earning a degree in Equine Science and Management. While earning her degree she successfully competed on the intercollegiate huntseat team placing well at regional and zone finals, also competing on the intercollegiate stockseat team earning the title National Reserve Champion in 1997. After collage Kristina continued on to work and ride with a reputable Grand Prix rider and sales farm where she traveled to horse shows across the country. On leave from her initial career due to an injury and still wanting to continue working with animals, Kristina came to find a home working with the staff at West Hills Animal Hospital.

Arthur Schmidt

Building Maintenance
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Technician

Sabrina Antonelli

Sabrina joined West Hills Animal hospital in May of 2005 after attending a veterinary conference at Suffolk Community College. Currently Sabrina is attending Sufffolk Community College in the Veterinary Tech program while working overnight shifts at West Hills. Sabrina has 6 cats, 2 dogs, a turtle, 3 hamsters, and a rabbit, Sabrina is also part of the spay and release program when her time permits.

Laura Campbell

Laura is currently attending Suffolk Community for the Vet Tech program. Laura has moved from the front end being a receptionist to now working in the Treatment area. Here she will be able to utilize her skills and gain experience in working towards becoming licensed tech.

Kelly Burgio, LVT

Already an accomplished equestrian, Kelly joined West Hills Animal Hospital in January 1999. Kelly quickly demonstrated she was as adept with handling small animals as she was with horses. Kelly was enrolled in the Suffolk Community College Veterinary Technician program and become an LVT in 2000. Today Kelly is an important member of our talented nursing staff covering a variety of important shifts.

Danielle Glass, LVT

Danielle has been working with us for over a year now and is in school at Suffolk Community College in the Veterinary technician program. When she can find some time to she likes to ride and help train ponies. As of right now she has 5 cats, 2 dogs and a snake.

Laurie Hansen, LVT

Laurie joined the team at the West Hills Animal Hospital in September, 2006. She graduated from the SCCC Veterinary Science Technology Program in 2003, and spent three years at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview. Her family currently includes three Shetland Sheepdogs named Karma, Nemo, and Tillie as well as a yellow-naped Amazon named Grumbles who will be thirty years old in June. In her spare time Laurie loves reading and horseback riding.

Patricia Kahwaty, LVT

Graduate of SUNY Suffolk's Vet Tech Program in 2007.

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Karen Manuello, LVT

Karen Manuello-Benanti has been an employee at West Hills since 1985. She graduated in 1982 from Farmindale University with her degree in veterinary technology,from there she went on to get her BS in biology from Brockport University. She has been with the practice for quite a long time and has watched it grow into the modern up to date hospital we know now. Karen has four children and a wonderful husband. She also has a bulldog, Spike, and a variety of other pets.

Tara Metzak, LVT

Starting with us in August 2000 as a kennel attendant, while still a high school student, Tara quickly learned all facets of animal care and handling. "Little T" is currently studying in the pre Vet Tech program at Suffolk Community College. Tara's kind and compassionate nature makes her well suited for her career plans. She expects to graduate and become a certified LVT in 2004.

Joanne Moeller, LVT

Joanne joined our team in the spring of 1996 as a licensed veterinary technician. She graduated from Quinnipiac College in 1979 with a BS in Veterinary Technology and received her MA from SUNY at Stony Brook in 1985. Joanne had previous experience as a research associate at Columbia University from 1979-1981 and at SUNY at Stony Brook from 1981-1993 in both the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources and the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. She also spent three years at the Nassau Animal Emergency Clinic as an emergency technician from 1993-1996. Joanne is now a Certified Laboratory Animal Technologist as well as a New York State Licensed Animal Rehabilitator. She is a member of NYSAVT and NAVTA. In addition to to her educational and clinical training, Joanne and her husband have found the time to raise three lovely children.

Christina Pulschen, LVT

Christina has been working with animals for many years and has 3 dogs.

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Janet Sagona, LVT

Janet, a long time client of West Hills Animal Hospital, has been an animal lover her whole life. While raising her family, Janet joined our staff in February 1996 as a receptionist. In a brief period of time Janet found herself drawn to the treatment room and exam room. Shortly, thereafter she announced she was going back to school to become a veterinary nurse. Studying and doing homework alongside her children, Janet graduated Suffolk Community College in 1998 and passed her boards to become an LVT. Janet is an inspiration to all adults who say it's too late to go back and pursue the career you've always loved. Her loving and caring nature has made Janet one of the finest nurses to come through our doors.

Jennifer Soper, LVT

Jennifer started working at WHAH in early 2008 she has 2 dogs, 8 cats, 2 ducks, 2 bunnies and a horse

Nicole Thompson, LVT

Nicole joined our staff in November of 2005 as a treatment attendant. She is currently a student in the Veterinary Technology program at Suffolk community college and expects to graduate as an LVT in May of 2007. She especially enjoys working with exotic pets in the hospital.

Reception

Meaghan Bragg

Meghan became a member of the West Hills Animal Hospital staff back in 2000. At the time she was still in high school and worked in the kennel. She then went on to work as an attendant part-time for a couple of years while maintaining a job at a laboratory. Meghan has rejoined our staff as a receptionist this time, showing her depth as an employee.

Katie Bryne

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Jackie Callahan

Prior to working for West Hills, Jackie worked at local pet shop in Huntington village on Long Island, for four years. Jackie Callahan joined the West Hills receptionist team in the summer of 2005. She will be transferring to SUNY Stonybrook's Marine Vertebrate Biology program in the Fall of 2006 and hopes to continue working with West Hills Animal Hospital staff throughout her college career.

Leah Carritue

Leah joined the West Hills Team in March of 2002 as a Receptionist at our Front Desk. Since joining the WHAH team Leah has earned her degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling and will be continuing her education this Summer.

Olivia Daniti

Olivia is a new receptionist here who loves animals. Olivia currently attends Farmingdale University and is studying nursing.

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Loraine Farrell

Loraine's first love has always been for animals. She worked as a vet tech assistant while in high school, however upon graduation went into the Medical Assistant field and has been working with physicians for the past 30 years. Loraine wanted to go back to animals so applied for a reception position. Loraine has an Appaloosa, Tim for the past 21 years, who's now 26 and full of himself.

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Wendy Fenwick , Patient Care Advocate

Wendy started out as a client at WHAH with her handsome Scottish Terrier, Dart. She started working part time at WHAH when her youngest daughter turned 3. Sadly, Dart has passed, but Wendy remains at WHAH. Late last summer Wendy accepted the position as Patient Care Advocate, a newly created position at WHAH.

Michele Ferchland
Maria Giresi

"New receptionist and loving every minute of it!!!"

Susan Guidice

Sues love of animals brought her to West Hills in October of 2006. When she is not at the front desk making clients smile with her bubbly personality she is spending time with her husband John of 34 years (her high school sweetheart), her dog Rocky and cat Snickers. She enjoys swimming and gardening around her pool, and cooking pasta dinners for her 3 wonderful children.

Beth Kranitz

Beths assoiation with WHAH began when she was a teenager and her family was one of the first WHAH clients. She started working a few years later in our kennel facility, and now has been part of the reception team for well over a decade.Her backround as a dog groomer allows her to bring a vast amount of varied experience to our front desk.She is active in training and showing her dogs,and can proudly boast that amoung her 5 Dobermans and 1 min pin there are 2 champions and 4 canine good citizens and registered therapy dogs. She is now working on training her newest family member,a deaf doberman,towards an obedience and agility title. Beth will soon be taking some time off as she awaits the birth of her first child in Aug,2004.

Kerry Smalling

Commack receptionist
Michelle Stuckey

Shannon Sweeney

I am 20 years old and have currently been working at West Hills Animal Hospital for about 6 months. I enjoy working here and being apart of the staff. I love animals, so it's amazing to work alongside them! This Fall, I am entering my senior year of C.W.Post - Long Island University and will be graduating in May 2008 with a B.S. in Biology. I plan to stay at C.W.Post to earn my M.S. in Medical Hematology and Immunology.

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Audrey Turis

Audrey is our resident puppy greeter. Her warm personality, professional attitude and compassion have made her popular with both our clients and her co-workers. A dyed-in-the-wool Yankees fan; her other passions include her dogs, Napolean and Sally, her husband Billy and her two grandchildren Gianna and Joseph, who always bring smiles to her face.

Diane Turner

Diane was born in Reading, Berkshire, England. She made the move to Long Island about 6 years ago with her two children and her husband after her husband was transferred from the UK to the United States. Diane has a dog Barney and a cat named Molly. She enjoys walking on the beach, cake making, cooking, but her passion is gardening. Diane has been lucky enough to be a stay at home mom, this is her first job after having been out for so long and she states "l am enjoying it very much".

Laura Zagorski

Laura had been a client of West Hills Animal Hospital since 1991, and when a receptionist position opened up in February 1998 we were delighted when she agreed to join our staff. Her background in business school and her exuberant personality has made her an outstanding presence at the front desk. Laura has remained a central figure at our desk throughout these years, taking only a short break to give birth to her third child, Sean!

Kennel

Brittany Bass

Brittnay is a junior at Half Hollow Hills High School East. She loves animals and hopes to become either a veterinarian or an MD when she is older.

Robin Freeman

Robin has had a huge impact on our Boarding Facility since her arrival in 1997. A long time animal lover and experienced kennel attendent, Robin is one of our hardest workers. During our most busy times, she is always the first to arrive to ensure that all of our guests are comfortable and properly cared for. Robin spends lots of extra time with our nervous guests to ease their anxiety and make their stay more enjoyable. Robin takes special pride in keeping our facility clean and orderly and proudly shows it off to prospective future guests and their parents.

Bryan Hirsch

Bryan plays baseball and volleyball. Bryan is currently in High School and has plans on becoming a Vet. Bryan has 2 pugs at home.
Scott Myones

Scott is a returnee to the West Hills Lodge staff. He currently works hard caring for all of our guests. Scott is a kind individual that will help whenever and whereever he may be needed.

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Lauren Pastolove

Lauren is a junior in high school. Lauren volunteers with cats at Last Hope, and very much loves her cat Donut. She has been working at West Hills since September 2007. Lauren has hopes to pursue a career with animals.

Christine Sweet

Christine has been a reliable and helpful employee. Christine has a great mellow personality that simply calms the guests and the people. Christine works well with her co-workers and has been a real pleasure to have at WHAH.

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Annmarie Wengler

Annmarie was born and raised in Queens NY, she and her boyfriend have recently moved to Bellport Long Island. Their family consists of 2 turtles & 2 dogs who are her heart and soul, named Diesel and Goliath. Ever since Annmarie was a child, she has always wanted to work at the San Diego Zoo with wild animals, but ever since she started working at WHAH she thinking she would like to become a vet. Annmarie plans on going back to school soon to study and decide which field she would like to be in.

Jessica VonDolln

Currently a senior in highschool, and would like to go to school to become a vet tech.
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Grooming

Janine Lynch and Cassie Wallace , The Grooming Box

Cassie has been grooming dogs with West Hills Animal Hospital for over 15 years.

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Assistants

Lisa Amoroso

Lisa joined the staff at West Hills in August of 2006. She was born and raised on Long Island and has been involved in the veterinary field since the age of sixteen. Lisa is currently attending college for veterinary science and plans to be fully licensed by the year 2007.

Jessica Balchunas , Exam Room Assistant

Jessica has returned to work for whah in our Commack office, her experience ranges from caring for horses to working with a wide range of animals at the Denver Zoo. Her pride and joy is her feline boy named Merlin, who you may hear her speaking of almost everyday.

Julie Cary , Exam Room Assistant

Julie came to the staff at WHAH in the Fall of 2005. Julies experience stems from her equine past. She is a valuable staff member at West Hills in the attending area and is often found keeping the hospitals appearance to highest standard.

Antonia Columbo , Exam Room Assistant/Tech Assistant

Toni started in the attending area of West Hills in the start of the winter months of 2005. She has an interest in not only cats and dogs but also in the exotic field as well. Toni will lend a hand when ever needed….. cat, dog, ferret, rabbit or bird she'll be there. Toni is currently enrolled in an Vet Tech program.

Jared Coren

Jared is the son of Dr. Coren and has been working at West Hills Animal Hospital since the ninth grade. He is a conscientous and diligent part time employee, working as both an exam room attendant and surgical assistant. Jared is currently an Animal Science major at Cornell University with hopes of persuing Veterinary School upon graduation.

Jesse Coren

Jesse is the son of Dr. Coren and has worked at West Hills Animal Hospital in most departments. Jesse is currently attending college in Maryland.

Melissa Cullen , Exam Room Assistant /House Call Assistant

Melissa has worked at West Hills since July 2000. Mel's area of expertise is handling our patients and she is well known by our clients from her capable presence in the exam rooms or out on house calls with our doctors. Melissa is an Animal Science graduate of the University of Delaware and plans to continue her education in the health field.

Keith Dillon , Exam Room Assistant

Keith is a returnee to West Hills Animal Hospital. Originally starting in the kennel area Keith has moved into attending. He maintains a part-time position at WHAH in addition to his weekly full-time job.He maintaines a part-time position at WHAH while

Jessica Goldberg , Exam Room Assistant

Jessica joined our team of veterinary assistants in the summer of 2005. The passion she feels for animals has dominated her life since early childhood. Jesica has owned and cared for horses since the age of nine. She has always doted on her six fabulous felines throughout the years. Dogsitter, dogwalker, are some of her favorite words. In addition to her academic high school program, Jessica became certified in veterinary assisting following a two year course of study via wilson tech. Jessica came to us straight out of Becker College where she majored in Animal Care.

Sara Hautman , Tech Assistant

Sara joined West Hills Animal Hospital in January 1999 after completing the Wilson Tech Veterinary Assistant program. Coming to us with two years of experience,she quickly adapted to our kennel and has become one of our vital employees. Always placing our guests comfort first, Sara prides herself in remembering the special little things about them. Sara now works in our treatment area taking the same care for our sick patients. When she is not taking care of animals she is at school studying to become a chef.

Ashley Herz

Ashley is a part time Attendant currently working on sSturdays. Ashley has volunteered and worked around animals for her whole life and "Loves her job=]"
Theresa Hittel

Theresa joined the WHAH staff in early February of 2008. She is eager to learn and has future plans to enroll in the vet tech program at Suffolk Community College.
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Hillary Lieb

Most of Hillary's personal experience is in fitness/fitness management. She also has a master's degree in physical education. Hillary has plans for the future to attend Suffolk Community College to get licensed as a Veterinary Technition. She absolutely has a passion for animals.

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Genese Lucas

Went to Springfield Gardens HS and was part of their veterinary science program.
Currently attend LaGuardia CC for veterinay technology.
Been enlisted in the US Army Reserves since Nov 02.
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Sheryll Murray

Sheryll is a part-time attendant, working on Saturdays.
Max Neukirch

Max is currently a part time attendant with a two year western Suffolk Boces certification in veterinary assisting and has scored in the top 10 out of 103 completers in FFA comp for small animals in the 2004-2005 year and was also treasurer for that year.
Max attended a semester at Suny Delhi and currently is attending Suffolk community college. He also currently volunteers at sweetbriar nature center in Smithtown (since 1998) ( www.sweetbriarnc.org ) and at pilgrim state hospital, in Brentwood, in the museum and farm
Max is also a collector of historic artifacts and Camera’s while being an avid photographer of nature and urban decay (abandoned/historic places)

Jessica Osborn , Exam Room Assistant /Tech Assistant

Jessica is a returnee at West Hills. Originally working in the kennel area of WHAH from 2003 to 2005, she has returned to West Hills in the attending area, and is also working as a Tech assistant. She has always loved animals and couldn't see herself doing anything else, she has a cat, dog, chinchilla, and guinea pig.

Jennifer Postel

Jennifer, joining our staff as recently as December 2001, has come to us with a large amount of animal care experience. She had been working in the field since she was seventeen. Jen has had experience in both the human medical field as well as the veterinary field.

Stacie Rosenblatt

Stacie is happy to have recently joined the staff as a part time Attendant and Receptionist. She has worked previously in other animal related positions and finds them very rewarding. She has a strong love for animals big and small and has been riding for many years. As she is unable to have a dog or cat at home because of a family members allergy she is more than willing to lavish all that love onto your pets. While not at the animal hospital Stacie can most often be found at the barn or at Stony Brook University where she is an english major and a psychology minor.

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Lindsay Sanator

Lindsay is joing our attending staff part-time while she works towards becoming an LVT. She will be entering into her second year at Suffolk Community College this fall.
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Nadja Schwenk , RN

A world traveler, Nadja came to work at West Hills in the fall of 1998. Nadja excelled in the treatment area and fast became a talented veterinary assistant. In the fall of 2001, Nadja received an appointment to work full time at the Bronx Zoo as a Head Keeper of rare and exotic birds. The handling skills she acquired working with our own Dr. Hoefer has helped make her position at the zoo even more successful. Nadja still works with Dr. Hoefer one day a week at West Hills Animal Hospital. In May of 2005, Nadja received her RN degree. She now splits her time between the human field and veterinary medicine.

Kristine Sweeney

Kristine works as an attendant at our Commack office on their challenging Saturday’s. In addition she is also a vital part of our main office as she keeps us clean and smelling good.

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Beatriz Uribe , Exam Room Assistant

Beatriz joined WHAH in the fall of 2006. She has been a strong part of our attending team and has been a pleasure to work with. Beatriz has been accepted into the Vet Tech program at Suffolk Community College, Fall 2007.

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