Itching To Understand Your Pet’s Allergies? Our Pet Dermatologist Can Help
Itching To Understand Your Pet’s Allergies? Our Pet Dermatologist Can Help Are your pets’ allergies keeping them (and you!) up at night? Environmental and food allergies can greatly impact your pet’s day-to-day life and getting to the root of the problem can be challenging. At VERG, we have our very own Veterinary Dermatologist to help…
10 Ways to Help Your Pet Recover from Orthopedic Surgery
Just like people, pets may require surgery at some point in their lives. Any surgery, however, is a major event for your pet and can interfere with their daily function after they return home. Knowing how to take care of your pet after they come home can greatly influence a successful recovery, shorten the recovery…
Seasonal Allergies in Pets
Spring means allergy season is here! Did you know your beloved four-legged friend can be susceptible to seasonal allergies just like you? Dogs and cats can be allergic to pollen, spores, and other allergens that appear in the environment seasonally. An allergic reaction occurs when the body responds to a substance in the environment that is typically…
A Comprehensive Guide to Veterinary Anesthesia & Pain Management
A Comprehensive Guide to Veterinary Anesthesia & Pain Management at VERG Brooklyn: Ensuring the Well-being of Our Pets As pet owners, we always want what is best for our furry companions, especially when they need medical care or undergo surgical procedures. Veterinary anesthesia and pain management specialists play a crucial role in ensuring the comfort and well-being…
Fecal Exams Explained: Protecting Your Pet from Parasites
Fecal Exams Explained: Protecting Your Pet from Parasites As a pet owner, you’re likely familiar with taking your furry friend to the vet for their annual check-up. One important test that should be noticed among the various health assessments they undergo is the fecal exam. But what exactly is a fecal exam, and why is it so…
What does a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist Do, and When Does My Pet Need One?
What does a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist Do, and When Does My Pet Need One? Internal Medicine Veterinarians or Internists are board-certified specialists trained to help pets with multiple chronic conditions, solve complex diagnostic problems, and manage long-term illnesses. Their training uniquely allows them to manage these complex illnesses and help pets live their best lives. What’s the…
Johanna Espinoza
Hospital Supervisor
Johanna is a Brooklyn native who has worked in the veterinary field since 1997. She joined VERG in 2007 and became a hospital supervisor in 2020. Passionate about emergency and critical care, she also enjoys mentoring team members and helping them develop new skills.
Outside of work, Johanna loves traveling and spending time with her daughter, Hailey, as well as her pets, Mr. Bear and Cupcake.
Jonathan Castillo
Hospital Supervisor
Jonathan worked in the healthcare industry for more than 10 years before joining VERG in 2021. As Facilities Supervisor, he oversees the maintenance and operation of the building, equipment, and grounds, with a focus on keeping everything running smoothly.
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys building cars and motorcycles, playing video games, and paintball. He also loves spending time with his kids and animals—his dog, Chewie Boom Box, and his bearded dragon, Tillie.
Isaiah Redhead
Special Procedures Coordinator
Isaiah joined VERG in 2021 as an assistant, driven by his passion for animal care and well-being. He now serves as a Special Procedures Coordinator, overseeing the management and quality control of all equipment used by the team.
Outside of work, Isaiah enjoys reading, spending time at the park, being with his family, and caring for his cat, Kumo.
Richard O. Davis Jr.
Hospital Supervisor
Richard O. Davis, Jr. (better known as Davis) has been a hospital supervisor for more than three years. His connection to the veterinary field extends beyond his work at VERG—he was previously the owner of a pet supply and grooming store in Bedford-Stuyvesant. A lifelong animal lover, Davis shares his home with three cats and one dog.
Outside of work, Davis enjoys running through Brooklyn, coaching his youth track team, and baking his signature pineapple cakes.
Kirstin Carey
Financial Services Coordinator
Kirstin has been working in veterinary medicine since 2016, and joined the VERG team in 2025. As a Finance Coordinator, Kirstin provides support to our clients by closely reviewing invoices and fielding billing related inquiries while providing exceptional customer service.
Outside of work, Kirstin enjoys attending concerts, movies and traveling.
Michael Levitzke
Hospital Administrator
Michael has been with VERG since May 2016. Living in suburban New Jersey while working in Brooklyn allows him to enjoy the best of both worlds: quiet suburban life and the energy of the city. Though the commute can be challenging at times, he believes it’s the destination that matters most.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family and their enthusiastic black Lab, Bella.
Dee Hechme
Hospital Manager
Dee is a Brooklyn native who joined VERG in 2007 and enjoys working alongside her compassionate and dedicated colleagues. She brings 25 years of management experience to her role.
In her free time, Dee enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, painting, and gardening, and she has a particular love for oysters. She believes that nothing is permanent and that every moment should be cherished, as tomorrow is never promised.
Crystal Contaldi
Hospital Manager
Crystal is a Licensed Veterinary Technician who has been working with animals since 2001. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings a well-rounded skill set to the hospital. After several years in emergency and critical care and a decade in a stand-alone veterinary imaging facility, Crystal discovered her passion for anesthesia. She relocated from New Jersey to Brooklyn and joined the VERG surgery team in July 2021. She is especially excited to work alongside VERG’s Anesthesiologist, Dr. Ben Gingold.
Outside of work, Crystal enjoys biking, spending time at the beach, trying craft beers, and relaxing with her pets—her cat, Blue, and her two dogs, Martini and Kona.