Veterinarians
Our staff includes the following veterinarians by categories:Medical Director
- Brett Levitzke, D.V.M., Medical Director
Brett Levitzke, D.V.M.
Medical Director and Emergency/Critical Care Clinician
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 was the founding partner of 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, saltwater fishing, or playing Texas Hold’Em. He shares his apartment with his Springer Spaniel Toby and cat Broccoli.
- Jason Arndt D.V.M., Diplomate ACVIM
Jason Arndt D.V.M., Diplomate ACVIM
Cardiology
Originally from Southern California, Jason attended California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2000. Upon graduation he attended the University of California Davis College of Veterinary Medicine earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He then pursued a rotating internship at the University of Illinois in 2005, and a three year residency in Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania. He has since earned his Diplomate status in Cardiology. Jason has a special interest in interventional cardiology and treatment of arrhythmias. In his spare time he enjoys exercising, snowboarding, and spending time with his girlfriend. He also enjoys time with his beautiful chocolate Labrador Jimmy-Dean, and four cats.
- Jonathan C. Goodwin, Diplomate ACVIM
Jonathan C. Goodwin, Diplomate ACVIM
Practice Limited to Cardiology
Jonathan received his veterinary degree from Tuskegee University. He completed his internship in 2000 at the Coral Springs Animal Hospital, and then went on to complete a cardiology residency at Purdue University from 2005 to 2008.
- Rada Panich, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVD
Rada Panich, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVD
Dermatology
Rada completed her residency in Veterinary Dermatology at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, and spent an additional year at Cornell as a research associate. Dr. Panich has been in private referral practice since 1991, and is currently the only Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in the Long Island and New York City area. Dr. Panich is especially interested in immune-mediated dermatopathies, allergic skin disease and alopecias. She has authored numerous articles and several veterinary textbook chapters on dermatology.
- Nicole Shaw, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVIM
Nicole Shaw, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVIM
Internal Medicine
Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Upon graduation, Nicole pursued a rotating internship in Medicine and Surgery and a residency in Internal Medicine at the Animal Medical Center in New York City from 1999 to 2002. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine. Nicole had been a staff internist at Oradell Animal Hospital from 2002 to 2006 before joining VERG in the same capacity in April 2006. Her special interests include feline asthma, renal disease, gastrointestinal disease, and topics in endocrinology. When not at work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, or playing with her Russian Blue, Maya.
- Amy M. Tamulevicus, D.V.M., MS (Board Elegible)
Amy M. Tamulevicus, D.V.M., MS (Board Elegible)
Internal Medicine
Amy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy for Muhlenberg College in 1995, Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University Graduate School in 1999, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in 2003-2004, and a small animal medicine residency at Kansas State University from 2005-2008. Her special interests include endocrine diseases, particularly difficult diabetic cases, as well as immune-mediated diseases and renal disease.
When not at work, she enjoys running, hiking, and kayaking. She shares her apartment with her Italian Greyhound DiMaggio, two cats (Oprah and Forrest), and two African Grey parrots (Harley and Mango).
- Kelly A. Gavin, D.V.M. (Board Eligible)
Kelly A. Gavin, D.V.M. (Board Eligible)
Internal Medicine
Kelly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cell biology at the University of Connecticut and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University in 2001. After graduation she went on to a rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. She then worked for several years at Park East Animal Hospital on the Upper East Side performing general medicine, emergency medicine, and surgery. Her interest in internal medicine brought her to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where she completed a three year residency in internal medicine. Kelly’s professional interests include endocrinology, immunology, nephrology, infectious disease, and critical care. When not at work Kelly enjoys running, ocean sports, yoga practice, and travelling. Kelly lives in Brooklyn with her cat Gromit.
- Kara Sessums, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVIM
Kara Sessums, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVIM
Neurology/Neurosurgery
Dr. Sessums graduated from Texas A&M University in May of 2000. Afterwards, she worked as an emergency and critical care veterinarian in the Dallas area for three years. Dr. Sessums completed an internship in neurology and neurosurgery at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center in 2004. She then went to the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine for a Neurology residency. Her residency training was completed at Animal Neurology and Neurosurgery of Texas in 2007 where she gained additional neurosurgical training. For the past two years, Dr. Sessums has been practicing veterinary neurology in Colorado and recently relocated to Brooklyn. Her professional interests include refractory epilepsy, treatment of CNS neoplasia and new therapies for GME. Dr. Sessums is available for medical and surgical neurologic referrals and/or phone consultation.
- Michele Cohen, D.V.M., MS, Diplomates ACVIM and ACVR
Michele Cohen, D.V.M., MS, Diplomates ACVIM (Medical Oncology) and ACVR (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 has been in private practice in Long Island prior to joining The Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group. 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.
- Seth A. Koch, V.M.D., Diplomate ACVO
Seth A. Koch, V.M.D., Diplomate ACVO
Ophthalmology
Seth A. Koch, VMD, DACVO, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, educated in Binghamton, NY for undergraduate studies and received his degree in veterinary medicine in 1965 from the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, he obtained an NIH Fellowship to study ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School where he received a masters degree in comparative ophthalmology from the Graduate School of Medicine and the Veterinary School.
Dr. Koch was the first veterinarian to open a specialty private practice and over the years he has trained many students in the field of ophthalmology. He was an adjunct member of the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania for 20 years.
He has published 40-plus papers, contributed chapters to scholarly textbooks and has lectured throughout the U.S., Europe. Considered an expert in the area of Parotid Duct surgery, he has produced an instructional video titled: Parotid Duct Transposition in the Dog (© 2008)
While he resides in Washington D.C., Dr. Koch enjoys reading and traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe.
- Justin M. Goggin, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVR
Justin M. Goggin, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVR
Radiology (Outside Consultation)
Justin M. Goggin, DVM, DACVR, has been board certified in radiologist since 1998. He received undergraduate and veterinary degrees with distinction from Cornell University. He completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery and Radiology Residency at Kansas State University, with additional residency training at UC Davis and Colorado State University. His practice in Northern New Jersey provides radiology consultation and diagnostic ultrasound imaging services for veterinarians in general and specialty referral practice.
His special interests include diagnostic radiology, ultrasound, CT, MR neuro- and musculoskeletal- imaging, and radioiodine therapy program for hyperthyroid cats. Dr. Goggin has authored multiple peer reviewed veterinary journal articles, contributed to several text book chapters and provides continuing education training and lectures to veterinarians on topics in radiology. Dr. Goggin evaluates and provides interpretations of diagnostic images transmitted electronically to him from patients imaged at this practice.
- Raymond G. Prata, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVS
Raymond G. Prata, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVS
Surgery
Dr. Prata graduated from The University of Illinois Veterinary School in 1969. He completed a one year internship program and a three year surgical residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He became a Diplomate of The College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1975. Employed as a staff surgeon there, specializing in neurology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics, he became Head of Surgery in 1979. He was also an Adjunct Professor at New York University Hospital. Dr. Prata left the Animal Medical Center in 1984 when he joined the staff at The Oradell Animal Hospital in Oradell, New Jersey. He specializes in neurology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics. He performs the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) technique for the repair of anterior cruciate ruptures. He is now the chief surgeon at Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group.
Dr. Prata’s professional contributions include authorship of more than 40 publications in neurosurgery and orthopedics, national and international lecturer, and instructor for TTA training courses nationally.
You can also find Dr. Prata on the streams of upstate New York where he indulges his passion for fly-fishing and the outdoors. - Karen Cherrone, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVS
Karen Cherrone, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVS
Karen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Cornell University in 1995 and her
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 1999. Upon graduation, Karen completed a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York and a surgical internship and residency at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Karen has been a staff surgeon at Long Island Veterinary Specialists and at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital of the ASPCA
where she was Director of Surgery. Her special interests include oncology surgery, portosystemic shunts, wound management and reconstructive surgery. When not at work, she enjoys running, hiking and spending time with her chocolate labrador, Winston and cat Riley. - Thomas D. Scavelli, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVS
Thomas D. Scavelli, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVS
Surgery (Outside Consultation)
Founder and Director of Garden State Veterinary Specialists. Thomas is a 1982 graduate of The New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. He completed an internship and 3 year surgical residency program at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He became a Diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1987 and headed the surgical service at The Animal Medical center for 6 years. He established a surgical referral practice (Veterinary Surgical Specialists) in 1990 which has evolved into Garden State Veterinary Specialist. He is also an outside consultant for Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group.
- Timothy P. Anderson, D.V.M.
Timothy P. Anderson, D.V.M.
Emergency/Critical Care Clinician
Tim received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from William Jewell College, a Masters in Animal Science from California State Polytechnic, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin. His post-graduate work included a rotating one year internship in Internal Medicine and Surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and a one year Surgical Internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Jacksonville, Florida. Tim has been employed at the Brooklyn Veterinary Emergency Services and then the Veterinary Emergency Referral Group since 2004, and has special interest in soft tissue surgery, especially gastrointestinal procedures. In his spare time, Tim enjoys bicycling, cooking with his wife, and freshwater fly fishing. He is joined at home by his Irish Setter Mix Nora and his cats Ian, Hank, and Anna.
- Kenneth M.E. Humphreys, D.V.M.
Kenneth M.E. Humphreys, D.V.M.
Emergency/Critical Care Clinician
Kenneth is a 2005 graduate of the Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Brooklyn Veterinary Emergency Services. Dr. Humphreys is a staff Emergency Veterinarian at VERG.
- Danielle Schoen, D.V.M.
Danielle Schoen, D.V.M.
Emergency/Critical Care Clinician
Danielle received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the State University of New York College at Geneseo in 2001 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She completed a clinical year at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a year long rotating small animal internship in Internal Medicine and Surgery at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in Manhattan. Danielle has been at VERG since the summer of 2006, and has a strong interest in endocrine disorders – especially diabetes. Outside of the clinic she is an avid reader, and her other interests include walking her dog Clyde, going to the beach in the summer, and swimming both recreationally and competetively.
- Amy Lipnicki, D.V.M.
Amy Lipnicki, D.V.M.
Emergency/Critical Care Clinician
Amy received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Rutgers University in 2000 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. After completing a clinical year at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, she took a part time position at the Brooklyn Veterinary Emergency Service, and is now a full time emergency/critical care veterinarian at VERG. Her medical interests include gastrointestinal diseases, including liver disease in cats. Amy enjoys painting, rooting for her beloved N.Y. Rangers, and spending time with her two cats Jack and Tubbs and her dog Howie.
- Emma Ryan, B.V.Sc.
Emma Ryan, B.V.Sc.
Emergency/Critical Care Clinician
Originally from Australia, Emma received her Bachelor of Science from Monash University (Melbourne) and graduated in Veterinary Science with first class honours from Sydney University in 2006. Emma's strong desire for travel and adventure lead her move to New York in 2007. After completing a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VERG, she stayed on staff as an emergency doctor. Emma lives in Brooklyn with her husband Ben and a crazy Boston Terrier Waz. During her spare time she enjoys swimming, snowboarding and exploring her new hometown.
- Jennie Kim, V.M.D.
Jennie Kim, V.M.D.
Jennie earned her B.A. in Economics at Yale University in 2002. After graduation, she worked in a neurology laboratory while enrolled in a post-baccalaureate science program at the University of Pennsylvania.
She then earned her V.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. After finishing her rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VERG in 2009, she has stayed on as a staff emergency doctor. Jennie's interests outside of veterinary medicine include running, reading, knitting and spending time with her cat, Bagels. - Yulien Sun, B.V.Sc.
Yulien Sun, B.V.Sc.
Yulien graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology, in 2004 and received her Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne, in 2008. Currently, Yulien is an intern at VERG. During her spare time, she enjoys training in tae kwon do, running, swimming, and reading. She shares her apartment with her tree-climbing Jack Russell terrier Ky.
- Dennis Miller, D.V.M.
Dennis Miller, D.V.M.
Dennis received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stephenson University in 2001 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. He completed his clinical year at the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. After a brief stint in human medicine at University of Maryland's School of Medicine, Dennis decided to follow his true passion in veterinary medicine. His clinical interests include internal medicine and zoonotic (contagious) diseases. When he's not at work, Dennis enjoys traveling and collecting music and movies. He also enjoys hanging out with his three Caribbean cats: Cuda, Annabelle, and the Big White Ham.
- Brisa Hsieh, D.V.M.
Brisa Hsieh, D.V.M.
Brisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis and proceeded to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. After moving eastward from California to Kansas to New York, Brisa is eager to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible during her internship at VERG. Currently, she is interested in internal medicine, oncology and emergency. While acknowledging the importance of balancing her professional life with her social life, Brisa enjoys horseback riding, spending time with her family, and playing with her two cats, Willy and Pork Bun and two dogs, Figgins and Paz.
- Jessica Pizzillo, D.V.M.
Jessica Pizzillo, D.V.M.
Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Old Dominion University of Norfolk, VA in 2004. She then proceeded to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Jessica is really excited to be a part of this year’s intern team at VERG. Her clinical interests are in cardiology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. In her spare time Jessica enjoys knitting, recycle-crafting, and gardening. She also tries to spend as much of her spare time as possible with her husband, Dan, and their dog, Isabella. All three of them try to avoid the wrath of their super mischievous cats: Duncan McCloud and Lola
- Katie Grzyb, D.V.M.
Katie Grzyb, D.V.M.
Katie received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College in 2004 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. She completed a clinical year at University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and is currently in the small animal medicine/surgery internship at VERG. Outside of the clinic, she has many interested including going to the beach, watching baseball, and hanging out with her cat, Cosy.
- Diane Bassman, D.V.M.
Diane Bassman, D.V.M.
Diane received a BA in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998. She worked for several years in New York doing research in the fields of oncology and urology before moving overseas to study Veterinary Medicine in Ireland and Scotland. She earned her Veterinary Degree from the University of Glasgow in 2009. Diane is currently an intern at VERG and her clinical interests include Ophthalmology, Cardiology, and Internal Medicine.
When she is not trying to save the world one dog/cat at a time, Diane enjoys running, reading, playing sudoku, traveling abroad, and exploring New York.