SUPPORT STAFF AT PETCHESTER VETERINARY
"There are no ordinary cats." ~Colette
"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God". ~Leo Buscaglia
All of our staff are kind, talented individuals who not only love their work but are committed to providing the best of service and the best of care to both you and your pets. Our technical staff is comprised of licensed veterinary technicians who are educated in all the veterinary techniques including, but not limited to, proper animal restraint, animal husbandry, venipuncture, catheter placement, anesthetic monitoring, pain management, clinical laboratory techniques, animal dentistries, and intra-operative and post-operative care.
PAUL STAAR, BS, LVT
Head Veterinary Technician and
Hospital Manager
Paul Staar has been a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) for more than fifteen years. He graduated in 1998 from Mercy College with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Veterinary Science. He has many years of experience as head technical manager, and has served as a mentor to technical students from Mercy College and Westchester Community College. Paul has expertise in feline and canine dentistries, is a skilled surgical assistant, and has a special interest in abdominal ultrasound. Paul also organizes the pain management protocols of the hospital. Paul has volunteered his technical services to spay and neuter programs of Bully Baby Rescue. In addition to his work in the animal health field, he also is a New York State licensed real estate agent. When he is not working, he loves fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife, two children, dog, and two cats.
NICOLE OLIVA, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Nicole Oliva started working in veterinary medicine 10 years ago and knew that this was the path she wanted to take for the rest of her life. Nicole is a NYS licensed veterinary technician and has a passion for anesthesia and dental procedures. She hopes to obtain her VTS in anesthesia in the coming years. She resides in CT with the love of her life and her two happy dogs, Jake and Spunky. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, hitting the beach, and visiting flea markets. She has a true passion for animal rescue and understands the importance of adoption.
SANDRO SPERILLO
Animal Assistant
Sandro Spetrillo started working for Petchester in December of 2020, and is one of our veterinary assistants/receptionists. He has always been around animals despite never owning a pet and shows love to every animal that comes through our doors like they are his own. In his spare time he enjoys skateboarding, watching sports, reading comics, & following his passion for photography. In addition to working in the veterinarian field, Sandro also dabbles in the event industry & uses his photography & people skills to help work parties.
CHRISTINA IACOVINO
Administrative Assistant
Christina was born and raised in New York City. She has had a love for animals her entire life and grew up with 2 dogs, 3 cats, guinea pigs, a tarantula, 3 rats, birds and leopard geckos. It was clear at a young age what career she would choose. Her love for animals only continued to grow and landed her a position at an exotic veterinary clinic in NYC where she worked for 7 years. While working there, she moved up to head receptionist and assisted technicians and doctors with their vital work, further expanding her interest in the medical field as well. Christina brings over 10 years of customer service experience to Petchester. Christina enjoys her days off with her husband, two children and their ferret, Daisy. Christina's family describes themselves as thrill junkies who enjoy traveling to different amusement parks, hiking trails, and always seeking new adventures. She loves painting in her free time and tapping into her artistic side.
JESS CRONIN
Administrative Assistant
Jess Cronin, raised in Westchester, New York, recently welcomed a Belgian Malinois named Whiskey into her home. During her college years at the University of Oregon, she was a student athlete as a stunter on the cheerleading team. With a background in the medical field as a former EMT, she has redirected her focus to studying advertising and design in New York. Passionate about exploring the world, she has a particular fondness for African wildlife, having ventured through Kenya and South Africa. She also spent time living in Australia, where kangaroos were a common sight in her backyard. Passionate about fitness and nutrition, she frequently incorporates her canine companion into her outdoor activities, enjoying hikes and runs together.
GABRIELA VILCHEZ
Licensed Veterinary Technician
in Training
Since Gaby Vilchez was a little girl, all she could think of was one day becoming a veterinarian. In 2020 Gaby moved to the United States from Dominican Republic and started working at Petco as a floor leader for several months until she decided she wanted to pursue her dream in the veterinary field. She started working at Petchester in 2021 and is now going to school to be a veterinary technician as well as taking prerequisites to apply to vet school. Gaby enjoys going out to restaurants and being around her friends and family. Gaby has 3 cats named Nala, Shushi and Loki.
JIMMY CAT
Petchester Clinic Cat
Jimmy, a handsome gray tabby, joined Petchester with the help of Sarah Hart from Cat Assistance. He quickly made himself at home, spending his days lounging around the hospital— until one day, he began limping on his right front leg. Sadly, Jimmy was diagnosed with bone
cancer and had to have that leg amputated. Since then, he’s shown remarkable resilience: he’s pain-free, thriving, and has had no recurrence of cancer. During the Covid lockdowns, Jimmy especially enjoyed having the hospital to himself, basking in the sun under the skylights of the waiting room. Prior to being adopted, Jimmy began struggling with self-mutilation. After extensive diagnostics and unsuccessful treatments, he was ultimately diagnosed with stress. Since his adoption by one of our licensed technicians, Jimmy has flourished — the self-mutilation has completely stopped, and his once-thin coat has been replaced by a thick, gorgeous one. He is now living his best life in a loving home, spoiled and cherished every day.
CAMILLA CAT
Petchester Clinic Cat
Camilla — affectionately known as “Mila”— became part of the Petchester family in 2025, shortly after the loss of our beloved Tony. She was discovered by one of our technicians with three tiny gray kittens and brought to the hospital so mom and babies could be checked out. The technician fostered the kittens until they were ready for their forever homes, while Mila remained with us. From the start, Mila has been incredibly friendly, curious, and affectionate. These days, she spends her time happily exploring the hospital, lounging in her favorite spots, and keeping quiet company with our patients. While you may occasionally see her greeting visitors up front, she mostly enjoys hanging out in the back, where she has become a comforting and welcome presence — both to our staff and to Sal, who is slowly adjusting to life with his new companion.
CINDY CAFAGNA, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Cindy Cafagna developed a deep love for all animals at an early age. Growing up in a household with pets ranging from ferrets and rabbits to cats and dogs, it is no surprise she decided to pursue her passion by becoming a veterinary technician. Cindy worked at a veterinary practice as a kennel attendant for six years before starting her career as a licensed veterinary technician. With over three years of technical experience, Cindy has extensive understanding of surgery protocol, monitoring and anesthesia, and dental cleanings. When she is not at the beach or traveling, you can find Cindy shopping, exercising and spending time with her family and friends. Currently, Cindy resides in Yonkers, NY with six adopted cats, a cockatiel, and two adopted pit bulls, one she rescued and nursed from 2 days old.
YESSENIA BARRERA, BS, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Yessenia Barrera is a NYS Licensed Veterinary Technician from the Bronx. While receiving her Bachelor's in Health Science at Mercy College, she obtained her Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology at Cedar Valley College. Yessenia has a passion for helping animals that went beyond her two dogs and one cat. A hard worker, Yessenia divided her time when in school between working and caring and fostering animals. From treating an epileptic pet rat named Leo, rehabilitating a guinea pig named Timmy, or finding a cockatoo under a car, her determination to ensure an animal’s health is of the utmost importance and her passion from the moment she was asked what she loved to do. Starting as an animal assistant and receptionist, the doctor's and technicians at Petchester Veterinary encouraged Yessenia to pursue her passion for animals and to continue with her education to become a Veterinary Technician. When not working, Yessenia enjoys hiking, playing flag football, playing guitar, fruit picking, and spending time with her family, including her pets.
BESSY GUICH
Animal Assistant
Bessy Guich was born in El Salvador and immigrated to the United States at the age of sixteen. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2002. She loves working with animals and began her career as a kennel attendant in a Westchester veterinary hospital for four years. She then moved to working as a pet-sitter/dog walker for eight years. Along with pets, Bessy also has a special way with children and has worked in childcare for many years. She gives her all in everything that she does. Bessy lives in Yorktown Heights, New York with her husband, son, three dogs, and four cats. Her hobbies include cooking and reading.
JORDAN PRITZ
Administrative Assistant
Jordan‘s passion for animals started from early childhood. She grew up in a household with a Tabby cat and Dalmatian. Jordan also had a special interest in horses and rode equestrian for several years. After graduating high school, she attended Make Up Designory in NYC where she learned how to do make up for print, television, and events. Jordan then went on to work with Bobbi Brown and NARS cosmetics where she focused on doing makeup for weddings and other special occasions. Jordan loves doing makeup but also felt a strong connection with animals and wanted to transition towards working with them. Jordan has great customer service and communication skills and enjoys building relationships with our clients at Petchester. Jordan lives in Crestwood with two dogs of her own, a Belgian Malinois named Xena, and an American Bully named Dexter. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her dogs, family and friends, and relaxing on the beach.
HOLLI KIM
Administrative Assistant
Holli Kim is a compassionate individual with a deep love for animals. Born upstate, she grew up surrounded by a variety of animals, fostering a strong connection with them from an early age. This bond led her to rescue many cats and welcome a golden retriever named Frankie into her family. In 2019, she embarked on a career path aligned with her passion by starting work as a veterinary receptionist/assistant. Holli likes to hike, drive upstate, attend to her plants and to hang out with her husband and her animals.
TONY CAT
Petchester Clinic Cat
Tony, our striking Snowshoe Siamese, joined the Petchester team in 2016. Originally from a Park Avenue apartment, Tony was surrendered when his family decided they could no longer keep him. Thankfully, he was rescued by Sarah Hart of Cat Assistance and soon found his
forever place with us. When Tony first arrived, he was overweight and suffering from bladder stones, which required surgery here at Petchester. Afterward, we struck a special bond, and
Tony became a fixture of the hospital. With the help of a special diet, he shed several pounds and settled into a life of calm comfort in our treatment area, where he could always be found purring, snoozing, and soaking up affection.In May 2025, we said goodbye to Tony as he crossed the rainbow bridge. He will always hold a special place in our hearts and is deeply missed by all who knew him.
SAL CAT
Petchester Clinic Cat
Sal, our proud orange tabby, has been part of the Petchester family since we first opened our doors in December 2013. He was rescued during one of the coldest winters on record by a kind client, Pat Fallon, who sadly passed away a few years later. When Sal first arrived, he was in rough shape — severely matted, covered in bite wounds and infections, and nearly lost one of his ears. After treatment and care here at Petchester, he made a full recovery, was neutered, and quickly claimed the hospital as his domain. Sal has always been known for his protective nature, especially when our staff are handling
particularly feisty cats. He recently endured the heartbreaking loss of his two longtime pals, Tony and Jimmy. Though the adjustment has been difficult, Sal has shown remarkable resilience. With the addition of our newest family member, Mila, he’s slowly learning to accept her company and is once again beginning to show signs of his playful, watchful self. Today, Sal can often be found perched on the highest surface, keeping an eye over his home with the same quiet dignity that has defined him since the beginning.