Our Team

At Animal Health and Wellness

The Compassionate Team Helping Your Pets Stay Healthy and Comfortable

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Dr. Templeton, DVM

Owner/Veterinarian

Where are you originally from?
Nassau Country, LI NY

Education and Training
Michigan State University - BS Zoology, DVM

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
37 years

When did you join our hospital?
Day 1

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Puppies, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
I just knew from 4th grade, nothing else interested me for a career.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Keeping visits fun and as stress-free as possible.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Bossing people around.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
3 cats: Westley, Yrsa, Gylden.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Golf, gym, some pickleball, downtime with my wife - including TV, scrabble, cribbage, and gardening.

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Dr. Chen, DVM

Veterinarian

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree(s)?
Amherst College, BA in Neuroscience

Where did you attend veterinary school?
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

What year did you graduate?
2015

Professional organizations/memberships?
AVMA

Special skills or services?
Rotating-internship trained with experience in critical care, specialty, spay/neuter clinics and have practiced in a variety of settings throughout California, Virginia and Long Island.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
The multifaceted roles veterinarians undertake in the human-animal bond, disease control, agriculture, research, and environmental stewardship.

What is your favorite part of being a veterinarian?
Being able to connect with animals and their counterparts in various settings– I’ve visited pathology labs to study zoonotic diseases, studied migratory birds, visited cattle ranches in Wyoming, andtaught vet students in Taiwan.

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you most?
I find eyeballs, emergency medicine and infectious disease fascinating; however, being a generalist is just important.

What do you enjoy most about working with clients and their pets?
Client education and tailoring care to indiviudal needs


Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
2 cats: Izzy and Momo.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Beach combing, birdwatching, ceramics, seeking out hole in the wall eateries (tacos!), watching things grow (plants and humans).

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Dr. Carolan, DVM

Veterinarian

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree(s)?
Cornell University, BS/DVM Accelerated Pathway 2022

Where did you attend veterinary school?
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine 2025

What year did you graduate?
2025

Professional organizations/memberships
VECCS (Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society), member

Certifications or special areas of interest
Special interests include pain management, emergency medicine and utilizing point of care, ultrasound in general practice.

Special skills or services you'd like highlighted
Veterinary medicine always felt like a natural calling for me. For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. My passion was confirmed as I worked and shadowed at local practices, including Animal Health and Wellness.

What is your favorite part of being a veterinarian?
The most rewarding part of being a veterinarian is helping to improve the comfort or quality of life of a pet.


What areas of veterinary medicine interest you most?
I enjoy cases that require some problem solving or creativity to address. Every pet is different and taking a custom approach to care is necessary in veterinary medicine.

What do you enjoy most about working with clients and their pets?
I enjoy having a strong relationship with the families I serve. The importance of preventative care cannot be overstated, and I enjoy being someone my clients can trust for guidance and recommendations.

What do you enjoy doing outside of workWhat are some of your hobbies or interests?

Outside of work I enjoy walking local trails, cooking and trying new recipes or playing pick-up soccer.

Tell us about your pets!
My pets include Mudge, a Labrador Retriever, and Ozzy, a Persian cat.

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Stephanie, MBA

Hospital Director

When did you join our hospital?
2009, when we first opened our doors!

 

Where did you earn your master’s degree?
Boston University, MSc in Business Administration and Management

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree(s)?
Rutgers University, BS Landscape Architecture and Environmental Studies

Stony Brook University, Commendation in Advanced Language Studies in German, 2021

L’Alliance Française /French Institute, French studies 2020 to present

What do you enjoy most about being the director for the clinic? 
I have a great executive team and a dedicated staff!  The position is challenging while being fulfilling. 

Do you have pets?
Dr. Templeton and I have three cats and a very large English Mastiff. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy studying and learning.  I speak five languages and enjoy the continued growth in those languages.  I am a triathlete, enjoy golf and skiing, and spending time with my husband.  We like card games and board games and are often discovering something new to enjoy together.

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Maritza

Practice Manager

Where are you originally from?
Queens, New York

Education and Training:
Queens College – Liberal Arts & Science

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
More than 24 years.

When did you join our hospital?
December 2023

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Emergency and critical care, surgery, client education, team development, hospital operations, and creating positive experiences for pets and their families.

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Emergency and critical care, surgery, client education, team development, hospital operations, and creating positive experiences for pets and their families.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
I have always had a deep love for animals and a desire to help those who cannot speak for themselves. Veterinary medicine allows me to combine my passion for animal care with my commitment to supporting both pets and the people who love them.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
I love being part of a team dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care while offering a balance of traditional and integrative medicine. Watching our team grow and helping create a positive experience for both our clients and patients is what I enjoy most.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Yes! I share my home with several beloved dogs that I have rescued. The latest is Camille, my adorable tripod French Bulldog puppy who never lets having three legs slow her down. My pets keep me smiling and remind me every day why I love working in veterinary medicine

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets, supporting animal rescue efforts, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and making lasting memories with the people I love.

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Sabrina

Office Manager

When did you join our hospital?
2016

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Client Communications, fast paced environment, treating all different breeds of cats & dogs and their cases.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
Growing up around animals my whole life.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Meeting new people, pets, and breeds.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
The daily variety of connection with clients and their pets.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Nori: 10yr old pitbull - Spicy bluenose girl that loves her ball and spending quality time with me at home.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Travel, going to concerts, sports games, spending time with family and friends.

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Corinne, LVT

Head Veterinary Technician

Where are you originally from?

Suffolk County, NY

Education and Training
Associates in Veterinary Science & Technology, SUNY Delhi 2007

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
20+ years

When did you join our hospital?
2009 - Since we first opened

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Dentistry, Fear Free, client education, nutrition, human-animal bonds, radiology.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
Love of animals.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
The bond that I am able to form with them.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Traditional and holistic medicine.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Two Boxers, Maverick and Arriyan.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Travel, beach, baking, gardening, country concerts, spending time with my dogs.

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Nicolette

Veterinary Technician

Whereare you originally from?
Selden, NY

Educationand Training
Bachelors ofScience in Veterinary Technology

Howlong have you been in veterinary medicine?
3 years

Whendid you join our hospital?
January 2025

Whatareas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Dentistry,Fear-free handling, and Feline behavior. I have a special love for cats.

Whatinspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
My love foranimals.

Whatdo you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Helping mypatients feel better and forming a bond with not only them but also theirowners.

Whatdo you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
The relationshipsI’ve made with my coworkers along the way.

Doyou have pets? Tell us about them
I have a Russianblue/Tabby cat named Willow who likes to chew on plastic and smack me in theface while I’m sleeping.

Whatdo you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending timewith my loved ones, reading, and going shopping.

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Carol, RVT

Veterinary Technician

Where are you originally from?
LA, California

Education and Training
Mt. San Antonio College, LA, CA - Completed Animal Health Program.

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
30+ years

When did you join our hospital?
2009

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Oncology.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
My first 2 cats, Beijing & Bangkok.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Different personalities of the dogs and cats.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Working with Dr. Templeton.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Lolita - 9yo pitty chihuahua mix - quiet, lazy, and aloof.
Libby - 2yo pit mix - dumb, hyper, and happy.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my family, working out, and traveling.

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Asia, LVT

Veterinary Technician

Where are you originally from?
Holbrook, NY

Education and Training
Suffolk vet tech program

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
14 years

When did you join our hospital?
2018

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Emergency.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
Love of animals.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Being an advocate for animal health.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Our friendly staff.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Yes, 32 animals (dogs, cats, chinchillas, bearded dragon, crayfish, chickens, turkey, pigs, and bunnies)

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Nature, gardening, hiking, baking

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Melissa, CVT

Veterinary Assistant

Education and Training?
Graduated from Suffolk County Community College with
    Associate of Veterinary Science Technology (5/2024)
    Associate of Liberal Arts (5/2022)

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
4 years including the veterinary program at Suffolk 

When did you join our hospital?
5/2024 - Almost 2 years ago, as soon as I graduated

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?

  • Variety in work
  • Fear free handling
  • Hands-on patient care

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?

  • I always had a passion for animals. I always had a furry friend in my life (dogs, cats, birds) and would bring home stray animals (cats, rodents, turtles) as a kid. 
  • I enjoy doing a variety of different tasks everyday and not one day is the same from another. 

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?

  • Improving quality of life to patients
  • Developing trust with nervous and fearful animals 

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?

  • Approach fear free handling and try making visits as pleasant as possible for patients by providing treats and love.
  • Doing a variety of different tasks

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.

  • Harmony (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)  - Harmony was my patient in the Veterinary program at Suffolk where I had to take care of her for 2 weeks, take her vitals twice a day, run many tests on her, and assist in spay. After 2 weeks of being with Harmony I got attached and couldn’t take her back to the shelter, I had to adopt her! I have now had her for 2 years.
  • Jasper (Dutch rabbit) - I got Jasper 3 years ago, ironically enough from a clown at a kids birthday party

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

  • Outside from work I am usually studying to pass the VTNE to become a LVT.
  • I enjoy exploring new places, going on nature walks and finding unique places to hang out/eat.

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Jessie

Veterinary Assistant

Where are you originally from?
Long Island

Education and Training
Bachelors in Animal Science, Associates in Animal Industry

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
9 years

When did you join our hospital?
2 years ago

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Client education.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
My Dad. I grew up with him taking me to pet stores and pointing out different breeds of dogs.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Advocating for your pet's best life.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Our team.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Bella - AKA Chonk, Feline, 16yo
Stormi - Feline, 6yo

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Hiking, traveling, beach, paddle boarding, reading, learning.

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Ashley

Veterinary Assistant

Where are you originally from?
Farmingville, NY

Education and Training
BOCES for Vet Assisting - 2022

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
4 years

When did you join our hospital?
August 2024

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Surgery, opthalmology, rehabilitation, client education.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
Being able to help animals and their families.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Making animals feel better.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Fun and hardworking staff.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
2 cats: Pumpkin & Winnie.
2 yellow-bellied slider turtles: Marionette & Robbie
Hedgehog: Hugo

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with family, friends, and my pets.

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Anna

Veterinary Assistant & Customer Service Representative

Where are you originally from?
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, raised on Long Island, NY

Education and Training
Environmental Science (BS) and Environmental Planning and Management (BA) - SUNY Plattsburgh.
Applied Environmental Science Program - Miner Agricultural Research Institute.

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
I interned with Dr. Templeton in 2016, and have been providing basic care for animals since, ranging from dogs to diverse wildlife species.

When did you join our hospital?
January 2026

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Preventative health strategies, rehabilitation, alternative and herbal medicine, and client education.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
I have wanted to be an advocate for animals and the environment for as long as I can remember.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Making a difference in their lives.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
The adorable patients and the best colleagues!

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Winnie - hound/german shepard mix. The best adventure buddy
Tortilla the turtle

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy music - I play gigs with my best friends at our favorite restaurants. I also love going to concerts, hiking with my dog, traveling, catching sunsets, time with loved ones, and going to the beach.

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Kayla

Veterinary Assistant & Customer Service Representative

Where are you originally from?

Stony Brook

Education and Training
Currently in vet tech school.

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
3 years

When did you join our hospital?
August 6th, 2025

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Surgery, Fear-Free handling, internal medicine, holistic medicine (acupuncture and herbal medications).

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
Always loved animals since I was young.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Seeing how happy the animals are with their families.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. Tyson & Pudge and Furby & Sydney.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Taking my dog Tyson out for a walk in his wheels.

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Emmy, CSR

Customer Service Representative

Where are you originally from?
Coram, NY

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
Just this past year!

When did you join our hospital?
January 2026

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Welcoming all the pups in and making relationships with them!

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
I always had an interest in it and I love animals!

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Building relationships and trust with the pets and families.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
The people who work here and our patients.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
I have an Australian Shepherd and his name is Milo! He loves car rides, hiking, and of course snuggling at night.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love traveling, hiking with my dog, and doing wedding & couples photography.

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Janis, CSR

Customer Service Representative

Where are you originally from?
Born in NJ, grew up on Long Island

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
Almost 9 years

When did you join our hospital?
August 2019

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Making sure the clients are happy with their experience here.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
My love for animals.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
Being there for pets and their families during good and bad times.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Coworkers/relationships I've built with clients and their pets.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
Millie - almost 18 years old tabby.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my family and friends.

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Regina, CSR

Customer Service Representative

Where are you originally from?
Oakdale NY, now South Setauket

Education and Training
Grad of '79, Nurse Aide Cert.

How long have you been in veterinary medicine?
Over 10 years

When did you join our hospital?
7 years ago

What areas of veterinary medicine interest you the most?
Client Relations.

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
Was asked to join Sachem Animal Hospital by management.

What do you enjoy most about working with animals and their families?
The interaction, smiles, and laughs.

What do you enjoy most about working at our hospital?
Dr. Templeton's down to Earth personality.

Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
I had 2 dogs and 1 cat that have passed now. Mason, Casey, and Haze.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Cornhole and playing with my grandchildren.

Hours of Operation

Mon: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tues: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wed: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thurs: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM