Brett Levitzke, DVM, Chief Medical Officer

Emergency & Critical Care

Brett received his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Cornell University in 1994 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Upon graduation, he completed a rotating one-year internship in Emergency, Surgery, and Internal Medicine at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, NJ. He then parlayed his keen interest in emergency medicine into a position as medical director of the Brooklyn Veterinary Emergency Services. Sensing the need for a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital, Brett founded the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group in the spring of 2005, where he has since been working as the Medical Director and emergency/critical care clinician. His special interests are cases of trauma—including vehicular and high rise.

When he is not working, you can find Brett cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs in football, playing Texas Hold ‘Em, and having fun with his wife Nicole, son Jack and their dogs JJ and Rosie.

Jillian DiFazio, DVM DACVECC

Emergency & Critical Care

Jillian graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went on to complete her veterinary degree at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her small animal rotating internship at Cornell University and stayed on to
complete her residency in Emergency and Critical Care. She spent the first year and a half post-residency at Cornell university Vet Specialists. Jillian joined VERG in 2016 and developed the Critical Care Service at VERG- something in which she takes great pride in.

Jillian’s clinical interests include sepsis, neurotrauma, endocrine derangements, fluid therapy,
and mechanical ventilation.

Jillian’s personal interests include fitness classes (running, cycling, weight lifting, boot camps,
you name it!), music, and travel. She also spends her days off with her dogs, Ellie (Chihuahua)
and Muppet (some blend of Shih Tzu and perfection).

Kate Crecraft, DVM, DACVECC

Emergency & Critical Care

Kate graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cultural Analysis. She went on to complete her veterinary degree at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. After a rotating small animal internship at VERG, she practiced here as an emergency doctor until deciding to pursue further training. Kate completed her emergency and critical care residency at the Animal Medical Center, pursuing research in trauma, refeeding syndrome, and toxicities. She is excited to be back at VERG. Kate’s clinical interests include electrolyte derangements, endocrine emergencies, and feline medicine. Outside of work, Kate enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring New York. She shares her home with her human, a good brown dog, and a handful of cats.

Samuel Dicker, DVM, DACVECC

Emergency & Critical Care

Dr. Sam Dicker earned his Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College with Honors in Molecular Biology, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Dr. Dicker then completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in New Jersey. He then went on to complete a 3-year residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island. Dr. Dicker’s research during his residency focused on the use of lung ultrasound for detecting life-threatening signs of trauma in dogs. Dr. Dicker is board-certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care. Dr. Dicker’s special interests include point-of-care ultrasound, trauma, respiratory distress, cardiac emergencies, endocrine emergencies, sepsis, and teaching. During his spare time, Dr. Dicker is an umpire for local baseball leagues. He is an avid guitarist, and he enjoys cooking, playing golf, and taking his dog Mowgli on outdoor adventures.

Alexander Schreiber, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Dr. Schreiber grew up in Long Island, New York, before moving to sunny California to attend vet school at Western University of Health Sciences. After getting his degree, he completed a rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles, one of the largest and busiest 24–hour specialty and referral hospitals on the west coast. He then decided to move back east to spend time with friends and family. His favorite cases involve anything immune-mediated and endocrine-related. In his spare time, he enjoys anything nature-related, seeing concerts, exploring New York City, or spending time with his parents and two golden retrievers, Summer and Sally.

Courtney Gallay, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Dr. Gallay is from New City, New York, and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Binghamton University. She then attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the beautiful island of St. Kitts. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking with her rescue dog Ellie, and traveling.

Kathryn James, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Dr. Kate James grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Rhode Island with dual Bachelor’s Science degrees in Wildlife Conservation and Biological Science as well as a minor in Italian. She received her veterinary degree from Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in beautiful Atlantic Canada. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exploring the city, trying new restaurants, spending lazy days doing jigsaw puzzles, and hanging with her 12–year–old French Bulldog, Gabby.”

Meredith Kasprow, VMD

Emergency & Critical Care

Meredith grew up in the Connecticut area and completed an Animal Science degree at the University of Vermont. In 2019 she graduated from veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. After vet school, Meredith stayed in the Philadelphia area to complete a rotating internship. After her rotating internship, she worked as an emergency doctor in Philadelphia before moving to Brooklyn.

On her off time, Meredith enjoys hiking, traveling, and eating at all the delicious vegan restaurants NYC has to offer.

Nicole Trainer, VMD

Emergency & Critical Care

Nicole received her Bachelor of Arts in Biomedical Humanities from Hiram College in Ohio. After a year off spent exploring Brooklyn, she moved to Philadelphia and earned her Veterinary Medicine Doctorate (VMD) from the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 2014 and made her way to VERG for a rotating internship. She has stayed on as a staff ER doctor since then and is happy to call VERG her professional “home.” Nicole’s veterinary interests include soft tissue surgery and radiology.

Nicole is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is an avid ice hockey fan (Go Pens!). Live music, travel, and reading are other passions outside of work. She shares her life with her husband Brett, son Jack, and two dogs, JJ & Rosie.

Sienna Perro, VMD

Emergency & Critical Care

Bio coming soon!

Catherine Frey, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Cathy was born and raised in the California Bay Area and received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Biology from the University of California, San Diego. She went on to complete her veterinary degree at the University of California, Davis.

In her free time, she enjoys being outside, going on long walks with her husky mix, trying new foods, and spending time with friends.

Rachel Marderstein, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Rachel is originally from Westchester, NY. She obtained her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, and then continued her education at Cornell, where she received her veterinary degree. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, and running.

Rachel Price, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Dr. Rachel Price grew up on Long Island and graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology & Immunology. She received her veterinary degree from Ohio State University.

In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her cats, Ollie and Jamie, traveling, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places in the city.

Sara Dietz, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Dr. Sara Dietz grew up in rural Maryland. She attended the University of Delaware (Go Blue Hens), where she received her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as a minor in Forensic Science. She then headed down south to receive her veterinary degree at Mississippi State University, where she adopted two Mississippi pets.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, spending time with friends and family, and lounging with her dog and cat.

Taylor Massengale, DVM

Emergency & Critical Care

Taylor is originally from Northern California. She graduated from California State University, Stanislaus, with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in organic chemistry. She received her veterinary degree from the University of California, Davis. Her interests include emergency medicine, endocrine diseases, and soft tissue surgery.

A few of her personal interests include exploring green spaces, keeping her plants alive and thriving, and searching for the perfect latte.

Vanessa Pinto, BVSc & AH, PAVE

Emergency & Critical Care

Bio Coming Soon.

Benjamin Gingold, DVM, DACVAA

Anesthesia

Ben was born in the distant land of Australia and had, for the past three years, been living and working in North Carolina. He undertook his pre-veterinary training in Zoology at the Australian National University before a job in a wildlife shelter led him to pursue veterinary medicine. He gained his veterinary medicine degree from the University of Melbourne, Australia, in 2013 before going on to work in private practice and then completing a rotating internship at The University of Queensland, Australia. During this time, Ben developed a keen interest in anesthesia, analgesia, and critical care medicine. This subsequently led to him completing a residency program in Anesthesia & Analgesia at North Carolina State University in 2019.

Ben’s particular areas of interest are locoregional analgesia (nerve blocks), chronic pain management, critical care anesthesia & analgesia, and ventilation management.

When not working as a veterinarian, Ben spends his time hiking, camping, seeing live music, and traveling.

He currently shares his home with the most beautiful fluffy cat named Flagyl Fraggle Rock. Ben also hopes to acquire a dog or two, but this decision is yet to be approved by Flagyl.

Dennis Trafny, DVM, DACVIM

Cardiology

Bio Coming Soon.

Michelle Piccione, DVM, DACVD

Dermatology

Dr. Piccione obtained her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2012. She completed her veterinary degree at University of Illinois in 2016. Following graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA South Shore in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Dr. Piccione then returned to the Midwest to complete a dermatology specialty internship and a dermatology residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Piccione’s research during her residency focused on comparing the presence of anti-CCD IgE in atopic and healthy dogs. Additionally, she focused on quantifying biofilm formation in bacterial isolates from canine otitis and evaluating the use of non-antibiotic therapies for inhibition of biofilm formation. Dr. Piccione is board-certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.

Dr. Piccione’s interests include creative management of allergic dermatitis, chronic ear disease, and autoimmune diseases. She enjoys playing tennis, riding horses, and traveling in her spare time.

Alysa Cook, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Internal Medicine

Dr. Alysa Cook completed her internship and residency at Animal Medical Center after receiving a veterinary degree at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing her training in New York, she practiced at a large referral hospital in Atlanta. Her professional interests are endocrine disorders, infectious diseases, immune-mediated diseases, and endoscopy. When she’s not working, Alysa enjoys live music, reading, and exploring the city.

Elena Pavlova, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Internal Medicine

Dr. Pavlova graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Spanish. She went on to complete her veterinary degree at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. The following year, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Blue Pearl Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Atlanta, GA. She then pursued a specialty in Small Animal Internal Medicine by completing a 3–year residency at Texas A&M University. During her residency, her research was focused on gastric ulceration and portosystemic shunts. Dr. Pavlova’s clinical interests include gastrointestinal disease, hepatic disease, and infectious disease. Dr. Pavlova’s personal interests include hiking, traveling, making fresh pasta, and exploring the city in her free time.

Jessica Rivera, DVM, DACVIM

Neurology

Dr. Rivera, a New Jersey native, received her undergraduate degree from the Pennsylvania State University, followed by her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 2011. She then completed a Rotating Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a specialty Emergency and Critical Care Internship at the University of Florida.

Following these internships, Dr. Rivera went on to complete a Neurology and Neurosurgery residency at the University of California-Davis. Her professional interests include intracranial neoplasia and neurosurgery. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, martial arts, sports, and
learning new languages. She is currently fluent in English and Spanish, and is working on her Japanese.

Joli Jarboe, DVM, DACVIM

Neurology

A native of Shepherdsville, KY, Dr. Jarboe graduated from Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine. After spending a year in private practice and two years in a 24-hour referral hospital as an emergency clinician, Dr. Jarboe completed a three-year neurology residency at The University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Jarboe has been a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine for more than 20 years.

Michele Cohen, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)

Oncology

Dr. Cohen is a graduate of Brown University and the College of veterinary medicine at Cornell University. She completed her internship in small animal medicine and surgery at The Animal Medical Center and her residency training in medical and radiation oncology at Auburn University. Dr. Cohen has numerous publications and has lectured locally and nationally on various topics in the field of veterinary oncology. She has also received many awards for her contributions to the field, including the E. Gregory MacEwen Memorial Award for the Outstanding Basic Science Research Project from the veterinary Cancer Society in 2002. Dr. Cohen is one of less than 20 veterinarians to be board certified in both medical and radiation oncology. She was in private practice in Long Island prior to joining The Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group in 2006. Dr. Cohen is available for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of various types of cancer at The Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group. Radiation therapy, if needed, can be performed at a nearby facility.

Nicole Shaw, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Radiology

Dr. Shaw has been part of VERG’s Internal Medicine and Radiology departments since 2006. Her areas of interest include ultrasound, endocrinology, hematology, and infectious and gastrointestinal diseases. She also recently began practicing veterinary acupuncture, and looks forward to making this modality a growing part of her practice. Dr. Shaw received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University, and completed her internship and residency at the Animal Medical Center. When not at work Dr. Shaw loves spending time with her husband and daughters, and their scruffy mutt, Bernie. She enjoys traveling, reading, running, and the karate class she started last year. Kiai!

Matthew Morgan, DVM, DACVS-SA Chief of Surgery

Surgery

Dr. Morgan graduated from Cornell University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. He then completed his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with honors at St. George’s University with his clinical year performed at Cornell University. He was the recipient of the Pfizer Excellence in Small Animal Surgery Award, as well as inducted into the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society. Following graduation, Dr. Morgan completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship and a one-year surgical specialty internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Morgan then went on to complete a one-year research fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in regenerative medicine and stem cell research. In 2014, Dr. Morgan joined the team at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Orlando, Florida, to complete a comprehensive three-year surgery residency for board certification in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. While in Florida, Dr. Morgan served as an assistant surgery laboratory instructor at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, from 2014-2017. Dr. Morgan also proudly serves as a Captain in the US Army Reserve Veterinary Corps. As a veterinary surgeon in the military Dr. Morgan and his unit cares for the surgical needs of the over 2,500 US military working dogs both home and abroad.

Dr. Morgan is passionate about minimally invasive surgical procedures including joint arthroscopy and laparoscopy. He has completed multiple advanced training programs dedicated to the advancement of minimally invasive techniques and has conducted continuing education lectures to veterinarians on advancements in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Morgan’s research interests are primarily in orthopedics and has published multiple articles on canine cruciate ligament surgery (ACL surgery). Dr. Morgan is an avid single engine airplane and glider pilot as well as a passionate deep sea scuba diver.
On his days off he enjoys playing golf as well as serving the Village of Quogue Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and certified EMT.

Publications:
Morgan, M.J., Frazho, J.K. Comparison of TPLO tibial tuberosity fractures with and without an in situ
rotational pin. BMC Res Notes 11, 368 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3474-7

Morgan, M.J., Lurie, D.M. & Villamil, A.J. Evaluation of tumor volume reduction of nasal carcinomas
versus sarcomas in dogs treated with definitive fractionated megavoltage radiation: 15 cases
(2010–2016). BMC Res Notes 11, 70 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3190-3

Jin DW, Peck JN, Tano CA, Morgan MJ. Discrepancy between true distance of tibial tuberosity
advancement and cage size: An ex vivo study. Vet Surg. 2019 Feb;48(2):186-191. doi:
10.1111/vsu.13135. Epub 2018 Nov 22. PMID: 30467883.

Gingold BM, Milloway MC, Morgan MJ. A novel motor-sparing locoregional nerve block technique for
stifle surgery in dogs. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2020 Sep;47(5):731-732. doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2020.06.001. Epub
2020 Jun 20. PMID: 32727674.

Credentials:
Board-certified veterinary surgeon (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons)

Dong-Woo Jin, DVM, DACVS-SA

Surgery

Dr. Jin grew up in Port Washington, NY and attended Stony Brook University for the undergraduate studies. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with magna cum laude. Dr. Jin was heavily involved in scientific research at Brookhaven National Laboratory and studied the effects of isoflurane on neocortical metabolites. He volunteered to serve at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Farm and Education Center for the community. Dr. Jin attended Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for a veterinary degree. He completed small animal medicine and surgical internship, surgical specialty internship, and surgical residency at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Orlando, FL. His professional interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, especially minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopy and laparoscopy. Dr. Jin’s personal interests include sports, technology, and traveling. He lives with Star, a true Floridian mixed breed dog who supported him throughout his internships and residency.

Anjana Mangalat, BVMS, MRCVS

Surgery

Dr. Mangalat is originally from New Hampshire. She attended the University of Vermont, where she obtained her degree as Bachelor of Science. Anjana then chose to pursue her veterinary degree abroad in ‘sunny’ Scotland at the University of Glasgow. She is particularly keen on soft tissue surgery and emergency medicine. A few of her personal interests include hiking/exploring, travel, reading, music of all genres, yoga, and restaurant hopping, among others.

Jelenny Viera, Referral Coordinator

Bio coming soon.

Noelia Perez, Referral Coordinator

Bio coming soon.

Michael Levitzke – Hospital Administrator

Administration

Michael has been with VERG since May 2016 and is the Practice Manager for the hospital. Michael gets to enjoy the best of both worlds living in the suburbs of New Jersey and experiencing the city life of Brooklyn, New York. The daily trip from New Jersey to New York may be challenging some days, but a wise man once said it’s not the commute but the destination that counts! When he is not at VERG, Michael enjoys spending time with his family and their “enthusiastic” black lab, Bella!

Dee Hechme Hospital Manager

Administration

Dee is a Brooklyn native that started at VERG in 2007 and loves working with her compassionate and dedicated co-workers. She has 25 years of management experience. Dee likes to spend her spare time camping, hiking, traveling, painting and gardening, and has an affinity for oysters. Dee is a believer that nothing is permanent, we must make every moment count, for tomorrow is never promised.

Arelis Pomales, Supervisor

Arelis started working at VERG in 2006. She is a warm, spiritual, kind-hearted, compassionate person who loves helping people. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband/family and finds peace when she is surrounded by music. Arelis aspires to be a Musical producer and pursue her own singing career in the future. She truly enjoys her role at VERG, and she loves her team. She strives to make your front desk experience as seamless as possible.

Crystal Contaldi, LVT Supervisor

Crystal is a Licensed Veterinary Technician who has been working with animals since 2001. With over 20 years of experience, she is well-rounded in the hospital setting. After several years in emergency and critical care, and 10 years in a stand-alone veterinary imaging facility, Crystal found her passion for anesthesia. She moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn, and in July 2021 she joined the VERG surgery team. Crystal is especially excited to work alongside our Anesthesiologist, Dr. Ben Gingold. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys biking, beach days, craft beer, and hanging out with her cat Blue and her two dogs, Martini and Kona.

Eugene Park, LVT Hospital Supervisor

Eugene is a New York City native from Queens who enjoys spending time fishing, learning about bushcraft, and practicing primitive survival techniques during his free time. Earning his high school diploma in 3 years, Eugene spent what would have been his final year in high school traveling and doing missionary work in El Salvador and Costa Rica. After returning from traveling abroad, Eugene pursued an education in Veterinary Technology and Nursing at Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City. Upon completing the accredited program and the VTNE, he received his license to practice Veterinary Nursing in 2011. Eugene has extensive experience working in Exotic and Wildlife medicine in Nassau County and is now focusing on Canine and Feline Nursing in Brooklyn at VERG. At home, Eugene’s personal space is regularly invaded by his oversized Pomeranian, Ace, and his oversized cat, Brendan Jones. As a lover of comedy and humor, Eugene is always quick with a joke or a humorous anecdote to lighten the mood in any room and can be easily found by his boisterous and characteristic laughter. If you see (or more likely hear) him, please don’t hesitate to say hello!

Forest McKenzie, Financial Services, Supervisor

Forest McKenzie is a member of the Financial Services Department and Supervisor Team. Before joining the team in October 2020, he spent 7 years working in various hotel management roles. He feels lucky that Covid closed one chapter and started another, with VERG being at the center of that transition. Forest was born and raised in the great state of Ohio and moved to NYC to attend Pace University, where he graduated in 2016 with a BBA in Management. He is currently pursuing his Master of Accountancy degree from Baruch College and hopes to be a CPA one day. If the free time arises, he loves to watch the back of his eyelids or go out for brunch or a good drink around the city!

Johanna Espinoza, Technician, Supervisor

Bio coming soon.

Karen Jones, Supervisor

Karen Jones joined VERG at the beginning of 2001 as a veterinary assistant. She is currently a supervisor who enjoys working with animals and aspires to become a veterinarian. Karen was born and raised in Brooklyn, and when she is not working, she enjoys reading, going to museums, food festivals and street fairs, and taking care of her 20-year-old red-eared slider.

Kenneth Manalang, Technician, Supervisor

Bio coming soon.

Milagros Fernandez, Supervisor

Milagros Fernandez (better known as Milly) has been part of the VERG team since 2014. Milagros has a multitude of medical experiences over the past 25 years in Pediatrics, No-Fault Workers’ Compensation, Neurology, HIV specialty, and veterinary medicine. Milagros has not looked back after leaving human medicine for veterinary medicine, as it is far more rewarding.

On her personal time, Milagros enjoys Sunday dinners with her four kids and husband and wine poolside in her back yard watching her dog Rayvyn chase after birds.

Richard O. Davis Jr., Supervisor

Richard O. Davis, Jr. (better known as Davis) has been a hospital supervisor for 3+ years. Davis’ connection to the vet field goes beyond working at VERG. Davis was the owner of a pet supply and grooming store in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Davis is a huge pet lover who has three 3 cats and one 1 dog.

When not working, Davis enjoys running throughout Brooklyn, coaching his youth track team, and baking delicious pineapple cakes.