A team trained to make a difference
Our compassionate vets have the know-how to put you and your pet at ease.
Our compassionate vets have the know-how to put you and your pet at ease.
Dr. Thomas Scavelli is the Founder and Director of Garden State Veterinary Specialists. He is a 1982 graduate of The New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. Following graduation, Dr. Scavelli completed a one year rotating 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 a surgical service at The Animal Medical Center for 6 years following his surgical residency. He established a surgical referral practice (Veterinary Surgical Specialists) in 1990, which evolved into Garden State Veterinary Specialists in 1994. He is licensed by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the administration of I-131 (radioactive iodine) to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. Dr. Scavelli’s special interests are orthopedic disorders and surgical oncology. He has lectured numerous times both nationally and internationally. In addition, Dr. Scavelli has authored multiple publications, including textbook chapters and journal articles centered around small animal surgery.
Dr. Michael Hoelzler is a 1999 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a small animal rotating internship at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2000, and a surgical internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Jacksonville, Florida in 2001. He completed a surgical residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. Dr. Hoelzler joined GSVS in the spring of 2004, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2005. His surgical interests include orthopedics and arthroscopic procedures. Dr. Hoelzler has authored several manuscripts and book chapters on related surgical topics.
Dr. Victoria Albano is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist, providing collaborative support to hospital teams and compassionate care to pets who are undergoing treatments.
She has a deep respect for patient safety and shares a special passion when contributing her expertise for soft tissue emergencies and cardiothoracic cases.
Dr. Albano is most gratified by seeing the pets she serves gain vitality and improved quality of life.
She grew up in Staten Island and joined GSVS in October 2025.
When not caring for patients, Dr. Albano loves exploring to find the best pizza and bagel places with her partner, family and friends.
EDUCATION
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Anesthesia and analgesia residency
The Animal Medical Center in NYC
Small animal rotating internship
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Noemie Bernier, a native of Montreal, Canada, has been a board certified staff neurologist/neurosurgeon with GSVS since 2001. Noemie is a graduate of the University of Montreal School of Veterinary Medicine. After receiving her DVM, she completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Purdue University in 1998. In the year 2000, Dr. Bernier finished her residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She received board certification in 2001. Dr. Bernier has a special interest in neurosurgery and cases of encephalitis. On a personal note, Noemie enjoys time spent with her family whether it is cooking, traveling, the theatre, or the everyday adventure of raising of two girls with her husband, who is also a veterinarian. Of course, mention of her family would not be complete without referencing her three cats (Ziggy, Lucy and Bash) and two dogs (Olive and Pablo).
Dr. Robert Ciardullo is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, providing compassion-driven care to pets in New Jersey and beyond.
He is deeply committed to partnering with pet owners, aiming to empower them with a clear understanding of the complex cardiac conditions affecting their pets.
Dr. Ciardullo's keen interest in electrophysiology, arrhythmias, and interventional procedures have restored health, eliminated pain and brought superior quality of life to many pets.
He grew up in Westfield NJ and when not in the hospital, he enjoys fishing, beach days, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
EDUCATION
Cornell University Hospital for Animals
Cardiology Residency (recipient of Residency Teaching Award)
The Animal Medical Center, NYC
Small animal medicine and surgery internship
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Michele Cohen graduated from Brown University in 1995 and from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1999. 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, where she also received a Master of Biomedical Science. Dr. Cohen achieved board certification in medical oncology in 2003 and in radiation oncology in 2005. She is one of only 20 veterinarians to be board certified in both disciplines in the country. 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 has been at Garden State Veterinary Specialists since 2007, and is available for both medical and radiation oncology cases.
Dr. Katrina Cusack obtained her degree in veterinary medicine from University College of Dublin (Ireland) in 2014. After veterinary school, she went on to complete a 1-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery, as well as a 1-year internal medicine internship at VCA Newark Animal Hospital. After her internships, she worked as an emergency doctor at VCA Newark for one year. She completed her residency in Cardiology at Texas A&M University prior to moving back to the north east. She worked at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center as a full-time cardiologist prior to joining GSVSpecialists in 2023. Her special interests include complex congenital heart disease, interventional therapies, and management of complex arrhythmias.
Dr. Cusack enjoys traveling abroad, reading, going to the beach, and spending time at home with her family.
Dr. CarolAnn Daidone is a board-certified specialist in our Neurology & Neurosurgery department.
She combines expertise in neurology with a compassionate approach, working closely with families to help each pet enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Via her focus on neurosurgical procedures, management of autoimmune neurological disorders and treating seizures, Dr. Daidone has helped many pets live a more joy-filled life.
Dr. Daidone grew up in Monmouth County NJ and joined GSVS in October 2025.
When not caring for pets, she enjoys traveling, reading, playing piano, hiking and spending time with her husband and two black cats.
EDUCATION
University of Pennsylvania
Neurology & Neurosurgery Residency
The Animal Medical Center in NYC
Rotating internship
University of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. JoAnn DeMarco is a 1993 graduate of The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, JoAnn completed an internship program at Oradell Animal Hospital, and an internal medicine residency at The New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. She became a Diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1997.
Dr. Edelmann is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist who provides advanced eye care for her patients.
She is widely appreciated by pet owners for her compassionate bedside manner, attention to detail, and meticulous communication.
Dr. Edelmann's main focuses is on vision-restoring cataract surgery. She also provides comfort-restoring procedures for painful conditions like glaucoma, eyelid tumors, dry eye, corneal ulcers, among others. Medical and surgical management of dry eye, corneal ulcers, uveitis, retinal disease, intraocular tumors and other conditions are also available.
She leverages her advanced skills and expertise to provide the best possible outcomes for her patients.
She is known for her skills in microsurgery, actively advancing the veterinary ophthalmology field through clinical academic research, and her many authoritative articles featured in industry publications.
When not working, she enjoys family time, exercise classes, hiking, traveling, swimming in the ocean, binge-watching TV series and spending time with her dog Daisy.
Noteworthy Accomplishments
Winner of the Best Clinical Research award from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Valedictorian of both her High School and UPenn School of Veterinary Medicine graduating classes
Graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences
Education
Cornell University
Residency in Ophthalmology
North Carolina State University
Rotating Medical/Surgical Internship
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD)
University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts
Publications
Dr. Seth Glasser is a board-certified veterinary oncologist, providing life saving care to pets in the area. As a medical oncologist, he uses a wide variety of medications for the treatment of cancer and incorporates other therapies including surgery and radiation when appropriate.
He joined the staff at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in July 2017. Dr. Glasser has published multiple manuscripts and given numerous lectures on a variety of oncology topics. He has an interest in metronomic chemotherapy and fosters a multimodal approach to the treatment of cancer with a focus on quality of life.
“My aim is to always provide families with a variety of options to suit their and their pet’s needs while at the same time keeping quality of life the #1 focus. I also strive to work as a team between myself, my patient’s and their families, and their primary veterinarians.”
In his free time Dr. Glasser enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and traveling. He has 2 long haired miniature dachshunds, Maeby and Maddie.
EDUCATION
Animal Medical Center and Animal Specialty Center, NY
Medical Dual Oncology residency
University of Minnesota
1 year rotating internship
Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Gap Year
Pharmaceutical research and development.
Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY
Undergraduate degree
Dr. Alicia Henderson is a 2002 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in 2003 and a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Tufts University Cummings School of Medicine in 2006. Alicia became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2006. She has particular interests in endocrine, renal, hepatic and immune mediated diseases.
Dr. Danielle Hudak received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her graduate degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a 1-year small animal rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital followed by a 1-year clinical trials oncology internship at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then joined the Animal Medical Center and completed a 1-year medical oncology internship and a 3-year medical oncology residency in 2023. Dr. Hudak is a NJ native and is excited to join GSVS. She enjoys spending her free time with her rescue dog, Gus.
Dr. Melanie Hunt is a board-certified dental specialist providing pets in the tri-state area with compassionate oral healthcare.
Dr. Hunt has spent over 20 years of clinical experience as a General Practitioner performing routine wellness & preventative care, urgent & sick patient care, and general surgery & dentistry.
During her time as a primary care veterinarian, she witnessed firsthand how optimal oral and dental health could profoundly impact a pet’s quality of life.
Dr. Hunt is a New Jersey native who enjoys spending time at the Jersey shore, quality time with her family, and traveling whenever able.
EDUCATION
Veterinary Dentistry Specialists, Mt. Laurel NJ
Residency in Dentistry & Oral Surgery
Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston MA
Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Ryan Fulcher is a 2001 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a small animal rotating internship in 2002 and a surgical residency in 2005 at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He joined the GSVS surgery department in the fall of 2005. Dr. Fulcher became a Diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2006. His surgical interests include thoracic and laparoscopic procedures.
Dr. Roelof Irausquin is a 1999 graduate of the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a small animal rotating internship in 2000, a surgical internship in 2002, and a surgical residency in 2005, all at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Irausquin became a Diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2010. His surgical interests include orthopedics and surgical oncology.
Dr. Susan Meeking is a double board certified criticalist, who has been providing life saving care to pets at Garden State since 2009.
Her professional interests include treating toxicities and trauma. Through her timely and comprehensive care, her patients are able to return home and live full and happy lives.
Dr. Meeking also cares for her veterinary colleagues due to her special interest in emergency doctor wellbeing, training and education.
When not at the hospital, she enjoys travel, reading, skiing, yoga, and watching hockey (Go Devils!).
Awards & Recognition
Recipient of the AMC resident research award for research on obesity and diet in cats.
Education
Animal Medical Center NYC
Combined Emergency/Critical Care & Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency
Animal Medical Center, NYC
Small Animal Rotating Internship
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatchewan Canada
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Dr. Alison Morgera is a 2014 graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an equine rotating internship at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She completed a surgical internship at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, CT and then joined Garden State Veterinary Specialists in 2017 as a surgical intern. Dr. Morgera started her small animal surgery residency at GSVS in July 2018. Alison has received board certification from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in Small Animal surgery.
Dr. Casey Murphy is a 2016 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Casey, a native of Connecticut, received her undergraduate degree from George Washington University. She completed rotating and surgical internships at Oradell Animal Hospital and then joined the Garden State Veterinary Specialists surgery department in 2018 as a surgery intern. Dr. Murphy completed her residency in surgery in 2023 and is excited to remain with GSVS as one of our full-time staff surgeons. Casey became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2024.
Dr. Kate Palmer is a double board-certified specialist, having achieved that status in both Internal Medicine and Emergency & Critical Care.
She has been practicing her passion for exceptional patient care at GSVS since joining us in the summer of 2001. Dr. Palmer is well known in our community for her commitment to the field of veterinary specialty medicine. Most recently, she was part of the examination committee for the American College of Critical Care.
She has a keen focus on neonatal and pediatric emergencies, with many years of experience restoring the health of newborns and young pets. Because of her expertise and compassionate care, there are many families with pets who are living their best lives.
When not in the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her family and small herd of cats, swimming, traveling and knitting.
Education
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine
Internal Medicine residency
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine
Rotating Internship
North Carolina State University, School of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Dr. Leah Park is a 2012 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. Thereafter, she completed a surgical internship at Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center and then returned to Garden State Veterinary Specialists for a small animal surgery residency. Dr. Park became a Diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2023. Her surgical interests include orthopedics, wound management, and postoperative rehabilitation.
Dr Holly Prychka is a board-certified veterinary surgeon, offering services to pets and their owners at our Toms River location.
She brings her whole world into the operating room, blending her deep love for animals with the patience she’s learned from gardening, the curiosity sparked from the great outdoors, and the creativity of trying new recipes. As a veterinary surgeon, she approaches every case with precision, care, and a thoughtful touch that reflects the life she lives beyond the hospital.
Dr. Prychka is a New Jersey native. She is at her happiest outdoors or discovering something new. You'll often find her hiking forest trails, camping under the stars, or cruising along scenic bike paths with her fiancé Gabe and Vizsla Lucy by her side. With a pair of binoculars, she’s always on the lookout for interesting birds along the way.
EDUCATION
Garden State Veterinary Specialists
Internship, Specialty Surgery Internship, and Surgery Residency
Colorado State University
Additional Clinical Training
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (St. Kitts)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Monmouth University
Biology Degree
Dr. Remaks is a board-certified Internal Medicine veterinarian, providing comprehensive care to patients in New Jersey. She is excited to build relationships with her clients and their beloved pets.
Dr. Remaks is skilled in interventional radiology and many minimally invasive procedures. She is most gratified by providing care for urinary disease, aerodigestive disorders, respiratory disease, endocrine disease and more.
Helping pets live their best lives is her true passion.
As a leader in our hospital, she helps guide the future of veterinary care by mentoring our interns to realize their full potential.
Dr. Remaks grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and moved to New Jersey to be near the ocean. She loves spending time with her husband and 4 cats, and her hobbies include trivia nights at breweries, trying new restaurants and learning how to play the piano.
EDUCATION
University of Missouri
Rotating internship and small animal internal medicine residency
Master of Science (MS)
Auburn University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
University of Kentucky
Undergraduate degree
Dr. Diane Scavelli received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her graduate degree from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her small animal rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania, after which she returned to Colorado State University for her surgical residency. Her interests include minimally invasive surgery and wound management. Diane grew up in Monmouth County, NJ and is excited to be returning back to the East Coast.
Dr. Natasha Spanos is a board-certified radiation oncologist, providing compassion-driven care to pets in New Jersey and beyond.
She finds improving the quality of life for pets, through both oncologic and non-oncologic radiation procedures, most rewarding.
“It’s a privilege to play a role in helping pets feel better and in giving families more cherished moments with the companions they love.”
Dr. Spanos grew up in Long Island and joined GSVS in October 2025.
Outside of the hospital, she enjoys trying new restaurants and cuisines, exploring nature, working out, and spending time with family and friends – including her two dogs.
EDUCATION
Colorado State University
Radiation oncology residency
Master of Science degree in Clinical Sciences
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
Rotating Internship
St. George’s University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences
Dr. Andrew (Max) White is originally from Canada and received his undergraduate degree from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, NB, Canada. Max attended Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island and went on to do his Internship in Medicine and Surgery at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He stayed on at the Animal Medical Center to complete his residency in Cardiology. Max became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) and joined Garden State Veterinary Specialists as a full-time cardiologist in 2019.
Dr. Janan Abed is a 2007 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Janan completed a rotating Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship in 2008 at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. Pursuing her interest in emergency and critical care medicine, Dr. Abed then became a faculty member and daytime emergency clinician at the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed an Emergency and Critical Care Medicine residency at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego before returning to the East Coast and working in the field of emergency/critical care.
Janan is a native New Yorker and enjoys many outdoor activities that the Jersey Shore has to offer, including the beach, triathlon, and hiking. Janan shares her home with her cat Minka, and her Shih Tzu-Pomeranian mix Munson. Go Yankees!
Dr. Brandon Halper is a 2019 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a small animal rotating internship, a surgical internship, and a surgical residency at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Halper completed his residency in surgery in 2024.
Dr. Alexandra Kravitz is a Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation veterinary professional, providing care to pets in the tri-state area.
Dr. Kravitz has a passion for neurorehabilitation and helping all pets regain their independence. She also has a love for cats and strives to help her feline patients in creative ways that may not have been available to them in the past.
Dr. Kravitz enjoys anatomy-based specialties and was originally tracking surgery, with a focus in orthopedics. Her interest in biomechanics of motion, bones, ligaments, and joints steered her into a specialty where she could be hands on in the care she provides.
After completing a rotating internship and learning more about the rehabilitation specialty (or “medical orthopedics”), she elected to further her education by becoming certified in rehabilitation. She then returned to pursue advanced training through a residency in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
She continues to enjoy procedure-based medicine where she can use her hands to help patients including joint injections, stem cell harvesting, casting for custom orthotic devices, and shockwave therapy.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Kravitz is getting back into horseback riding and sewing, her two favorite hobbies. She also loves trying new foods and expanding her palate to new cuisines.
EDUCATION
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
Residency in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Ocean State Veterinary Specialists
Internship in Surgery
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
Internship in Medicine and Surgery
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Caitlin Pohlit is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she received both her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. She completed her small animal rotating internship at Texas A&M University in July 2015 and completed her small animal internal medicine residency at Michigan State University in July 2018. Dr. Pohlit’s special disciplinary interests are interventional radiology and endoscopy, gastroenterology, hepatobiliary disease, and feline medicine. She also particularly enjoys working with veterinary students and interns, teaching, and client communication. She is a part of many professional memberships, activities, and community events. At present, Dr. Pohlit spends a majority of her time on clinics but is also working extensively on retrospective research study projects.
When Dr. Pohlit isn’t busy on the clinic floor, she spends time exercising, playing with her awesome yellow lab Paisley, eating great food, and hanging out with friends. She’s a Midwest transplant to New Jersey and is already loving the East Coast!
Dr. Sam Vitali is a veterinarian with a clinical focus in emergency and critical care, dedicated to providing thoughtful, compassionate care to patients and supporting their families through some of their most challenging moments. He enjoys the fast pace and diversity of cases in emergency medicine, which brings together critical thinking, teamwork, and advanced medical care.
He believes excellent veterinary care centers on both patients and the people who care for them. He prioritizes clear communication with families, close collaboration with colleagues, and individualized treatment plans that balance each patient’s medical needs with each family’s goals.
His clinical interests include shock, hemodynamic support, and transfusion medicine. He particularly enjoys the diagnostic and problem-solving aspects of critical care.
At home, he answers to three small dogs whose authority far exceeds their size. He enjoys reading, biking, hiking with his dogs, and has recently taken up gardening- though his plants would probably prefer he found another hobby.
EDUCATION
Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston MA
Small Animal Residency in Emergency and Critical Care
Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston MA
Small Animal Rotating Internship
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca NY
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Bio coming soon!
Dr. Huey is a 2015 graduate of Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine. A native of New Jersey, Michelle received her Bachelors degree in Animal Science from the School of Environmental & Biological Sciences at Rutgers University.
Dr. Dina Rovere has been a longtime emergency clinician at GSVS, working the Sunday shift with our emergency doctors. Dina is a 1992 graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. Dina also completed a Rotating Internship at The Animal Medical Center.
Bio coming soon!
