Our Team

Dr. Thomas Brown

Dr. Thomas Brown received his veterinary degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca New York in 1994. Dr. Brown, a fourth generation veterinarian, assumed ownership of Plattsburgh Animal Hospital from then owners, Dr.Thomas Brown Sr. and Dr. Lawrence Sherman in 1994. Dr. Brown continues his special interests in small animal care as well as soft tissue surgery. He has been an avid tennis player for most of his life and enjoys kite boarding and skiing. Dr. Brown and his wife Sarah have been married for 16 years and have four children.

Dr. Joseph Church

Dr. Joseph Church earned his veterinary degree in 2004 from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine located in Ithaca New York. Dr. Church became a partner of Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in 2004. His special interests include small animal healthcare and surgery. Dr. Church takes full advantage of the North Country enjoying fishing, boating and spending time with his wife Camry, five boys and one girl.

Dr. Kate Heatherton

Dr. Kate Heatherton received her veterinary medical degree from Ross University in 2004. She has been seeing patients in the North Country for 15 years. Dr. Heatherton primarily examines small animals, dogs, and cats, but has a special interest in internal medicine. In her free time, Dr. Heatherton savors everything the Adirondacks have to offer, skiing, hiking, and running. She especially enjoys watching her two sons participate in sporting events. Dr. Heatherton has two cats, Riley and Jasper and a dog, Millie.

Dr. Ronald Kim

Dr. Ronald Kim, a graduate of Ross University, completed his clinical training at Purdue University college of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kim's special interests are in internal medicine and pain management.

Dr. Carlea Short

Dr. Carlea Short was born and raised in Northern NY where she grew up surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes.  She completed her Bachelor's Degree at Le Moyne College and went on to earn her veterinary degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Her special interests include small animal healthcare, as well as orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.  In her free time, Dr. Short enjoys boating on the St. Lawrence River, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and spending time with family.  She has one dog named Stanley, who she spoils endlessly.

Ariel Tucker, Practice Manager

Since joining Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in 2015 as a receptionist, Ariel has passionately dedicated herself to the well-being of clients and their beloved pets. Through hard work and commitment, she has gained invaluable experience and insight into veterinary care, ultimately rising to the role of practice manager.

In her position, Ariel prioritizes building strong, lasting relationships with clients, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout their pets’ healthcare journeys. She believes that a compassionate approach is essential and strives to create a welcoming environment for both pets and their owners.

Outside of the hospital, Ariel enjoys playing video games and spending quality time with her family and her three dogs—Ben, Carl, and Claire

SaVannah Lucia, Office Manager

SaVannah joined the Plattsburgh Animal Hospital team in the spring of 2016, upon returning to the Adirondacks after college. She attended SUNY Morrisville for Equine Science and Biology; and pursued her certification as a Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) to expand her knowledge and expertise.

 Her favorite part of the job is building lasting relationships with clients and their pets, and she finds great joy in watching patients grow and return for years of care.

Beyond the clinic, SaVannah is an avid outdoors enthusiast. Whether it's hiking in the Adirondacks with her beloved dogs—Timothy, Belle, and Nanook—or spending time at home with her horses Lacey, Kenzi, and Tiffany, and her miniature donkeys June and Daisy. Her love for animals extends beyond work, and she enjoys these moments she shares with her furry companions.

Jill Cunningham, Lead LVT

Jill Cunningham received her degree as a Veterinary Technician in 1990 from SUNY Canton College, New York. She joined the Plattsburgh Animal Hospital Team in 2013. Jill enjoys educating and assisting clients with the care of their 'furry children.' She takes special care to help her patients feel comfortable in a new environment. Jill is very competitive, likes to stay busy, and looks forward to working with a team to achieve the best goals imagined.

When she's not working, Jill stays quite busy with her five children enjoying everything the Adirondacks have to offer including skiing, biking, hiking, and kayaking.

Rachel Deyo, LVT

Rachel joined Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in 2013 after moving back to the North Country from Rhode Island, where she spent five years working as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She has a strong foundation in animal care, having earned her Veterinary Technician degree from SUNY Canton in 2006. With over a decade of experience in the field, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role. Her passion lies in forming meaningful, lasting relationships with both the clients and their “Furry Kids,” ensuring that every pet receives the highest level of care and attention.

Outside of her work at PAH, Rachel leads a busy life, spending her free time with her two energetic daughters and their beloved dogs, Jack and Sally. Whether she’s chasing after her girls or enjoying outdoor activities with her dogs, Rachel’s love for animals and family shines through in everything she does. She is committed to making every visit to PAH a positive and welcoming experience for both pets and their owners.

Elizabeth Sample, LVT

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Elizabeth joined the Plattsburgh Animal Hospital team in December 2019. She obtained her veterinary license through Penn Foster and has been dedicated to the veterinary field since 2016. Her experience spans various aspects of animal care, and she takes pride in providing exceptional support to both pets and their owners.

 Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys singing, spending time outdoors, and cherishing moments with her husband and children. A passionate chihuahua lover, she thrives in her caring and compassionate role in veterinary medicine. Elizabeth believes in the importance of building strong relationships with her clients and their furry companions, ensuring that each animal receives the best possible care.

Penny Trombley, LVT

Bio coming soon.

Roxanne Auger-Thompson, LVT

Roxanne is a dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technician that earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Canton in May 2024. Originally from Upstate New York, she holds dual citizenship, reflecting her diverse background. As a passionate nutritional advocate for Plattsburgh Animal Hospital, Roxanne offers consultations to client, helping the  make informed decisions about their pets’ health and wellness.

Currently she is furthering her education as a graduate student at Nova Southeastern University, where she is pursuing her doctorate in Forensic Psychology.

In her free time, Roxanne actively contributes to her community as a member of her local EMS/Fire Department. She is also an enthusiastic volunteer, engaging in various community service activities. When she is not serving other, she enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking. Roxanne cherishes moments spent with her beloved pets, which includes dogs, cats and a chinchilla, further showcasing her commitment to animal care and well-being.

Michaela Chase, LVT

Michaela has been an integral part of our team since May 2021, bringing with her over a decade of hands-on experience as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She earned her LVT degree from Medaille College in 2012, and her expertise is utilized across both our Plattsburgh and Lake Placid locations. Michaela is passionate about providing high-quality care for all animals, but she has a particular love for German Shepherds and orange cats. She owns one of each—her loyal dog, Bear, and her mischievous orange tabby, Gus.

Outside of work, Michaela enjoys spending time with Bear, whether they’re hiking, playing in the yard, or simply enjoying the fresh air. When she’s not with her pets, she can often be found on the softball field, where she loves competing in local leagues. Her commitment to animal care and her love for the outdoors truly define her both professionally and personally.

Elaine Peryea

Elainejoined Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in 2014, following the merger of Plattsburgh Animal Hospital and Peru Veterinary Hospital. With a strong background in veterinary care, Elaine spent 6 years working as a veterinary assistant with Dr. Craig and Dr. Sue Russell at Peru Veterinary Hospital, where she developed her passion for veterinary medicine.

Elaine is especially known for her deep love of Beagles, having owned and cared for many throughout her life. Her enthusiasm for these friendly companions is evident, and she welcomes the opportunity to meet your Beagle at the office!

Outside of her work at PAH, Elaine enjoys spending her free time watching wildlife and cherishing moments with her family. She loves exploring the beautiful Adirondacks with her husband and their young Beagle, Duke, always ready for new adventures. Elaine's commitment to animals and her passion for the outdoors make her a cherished member of the PAH team.

Morgan Wright

Morgan began her career at Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in November 2016 as a Kennel Attendant, where she quickly developed a passion for animal care. Her hard work and dedication led to her promotion to Client Service Representative, where she honed her skills in customer service and client communication. Most recently, Morgan has taken on the role of Veterinary Assistant, further expanding her knowledge and experience in the veterinary field.

Currently, Morgan is enrolled in the Veterinary Technician Program at Penn Foster University, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). Her commitment to advancing her education reflects her dedication to providing the highest standard of care for animals.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Morgan enjoys an active lifestyle. She loves spending time with her dogs, exploring the great outdoors through horseback riding and snowshoeing, and enjoying thrilling rides on four-wheelers. Morgan’s enthusiasm for animals and the outdoors showcases her vibrant personality and dedication to both her career and personal interests.

Rayanna Davis, Senior CSR

Rayanna began her journey at Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in 2017, quickly establishing herself as an invaluable member of the team. Her dedication to animal care and client satisfaction became evident as she actively engaged with both pets and their owners, ensuring a positive experience for all. After completing her studies in the CV-TEC Animal Science program, Rayanna transitioned into a full-time role as a Client Service Representative, where she continues to excel in providing exceptional support to clients while managing the hospital's front office operations.

Her passion for animals extends beyond her professional life; outside of work, Rayanna enjoys spending quality time with her diverse collection of pets, which includes ducks, chickens, goats, rabbits, and four crazy cats. Her love for animals and commitment to their well-being is reflected in every aspect.

Maeve Ryan, Department Lead

Maeve joined Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in the summer of 2021, bringing with her a strong foundation in animal care from her studies at SUNY Canton. Known for her outstanding customer service skills and kind demeanor, she quickly became an integral part of the PAH team, building strong relationships with both clients and their beloved pets. Her compassionate approach and attention to detail ensure that every visit is a positive experience for animals and their owners alike.

Outside of her professional life, Maeve enjoys camping and spending quality time with friends and family, often exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Adirondacks. Maeve shares her adventures with her loyal dachshund, Remi, who loves to accompany her on hikes and outdoor excursions. Together, they enjoy discovering new trails and making lasting memories in nature.

Tiffany DeMar, Department Lead

Tiffany became a part of the Plattsburgh Animal Hospital team in 2022 as a Client Service Representative, where her dedication and passion quickly led to her promotion as a Department Lead. With a wealth of customer service experience, Tiffany has developed a strong ability to connect with clients, ensuring they and their pets receive the highest level of care and attention. Her approachable and compassionate nature helps her build long-lasting relationships with pet owners, while her leadership skills keep her team motivated and efficient.

In her personal time, Tiffany loves to unwind by experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, spending time on the water boating, and exploring the outdoors on walks with her beloved dog, Maddie. She is committed to continuously improving the client experience and contributing to the hospital's success.

Jennifer Silver

Jen joined Plattsburgh Animal Hospital in January 2024, starting as a kennel attendant before quickly advancing to Client Service Representative. Her deep passion for animals shines through in her work, and she has even rescued a few pets of her own. In her role, Jen enjoys building relationships with clients and their furry companions, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

When she’s not at the hospital, Jen loves spending time with her nine cats and her dog Jemma, as well as baking and crafting with her wife. Jen's blend of professional dedication and personal passion makes her a wonderful addition to the team.

Amanda Trombley

Amanda joined the Plattsburgh Animal Hospital Team in June 2024. She has dedicated 11 years to the veterinary field working in both large and small animal practices, where she has honed her skills in various roles, from assisting with patient appointments to being the welcoming voice on the phone. Her extensive experience makes her a valuable asset to the team here at PAH, where she is committed to providing exceptional care and support to both pets and their owners.

Outside of work, Amanda leads a busy life filled with family and outdoor activities. She enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and her dog, Diesel. In her free time, Amanda pursues her passions for horseback riding, reading, hiking, and fishing in the beautiful Adirondacks, embracing the natural beauty and adventure that the region has to offer.

Nicolle Knapp, Animal Handler

In 2019, Nicolle joined Plattsburgh Animal Hospital as the first full-time Kennel Assistant, quickly becoming an invaluable asset in the day-to-day operations. Her dedication shines through in her diverse roles, from animal handling to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for pets and their owners. Behind the scenes, Nicolle ensures that every furry visitor receives the care and affection they deserve.

Outside of work, Nicolle enjoys hiking with her dogs, Remy and Bella. She also loves tending to her array of chickens, ducks, and rabbits, taking joy in the responsibilities of animal care. Whether it’s enjoying the summer weather or nurturing her pets, Nicolle embraces her passion for animals in every aspect of her life.