Meet The Staff of East Oak Animal Hospital
Our dedicated team consisting of management professionals, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and customer service representatives work hard each day to provide top-notch, compassinate care for both our clients and their pets.
Debbie
Hospital Adminstrator and Veterinary Technician
Debbie is a South Jersey native and a VERY familiar face at East Oak Animal Hospital. Debbie graduated from Camden County College and earned her Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology in 1984. Debbie sat for her Veterinary Technician National Exam in 1998. Debbie has been with East Oak Animal Hospital since 1990...WOW. Debbie oversees the daily operations of the hospital, making sure every aspect is running smoothly. Debbie is heavily involved in client interaction and plays a HUGE role in making sure that our customers and their pets get the VERY best care at East Oak. Every corner you turn at East Oak, Debbie's imprint can bee seen in ensuring that our hospital is maintaining high quality standards and top notch service to meet the needs of our East Oak community. Since 2011, Debbie has also been a premium service usher for the Phildalphia Phillies. Debbie has 3 children and 3 grandchildren. She is also "fur" mama to her sweet cat, Penny. Being a season ticketholder, on her down time, Debbie and her husband enjoy tailgating at the Philadelphia Eagles games...GO BIRDS!
Sierra
Lead Surgical Supervisor, Specialty Coordinator and Certified Veterinary Technician
Sierra graduated from Camden County College from the Veterinary Technician Program in 2015 with an Associates Degree in Animal Science and then sat for her Veterinary Technician National Exam in 2020. Sierra has also been a member of East Oak Animal Hospital since graduating in 2015. Currently, Sierra is the lead technician in surgery, assisting on various surgeries and procedures, while also maintaining nursing care to our patients staying in the hospital for medical reasons. Sierra has also taken on the role of specialty surgical coordinator for Dr. Hobday, our NEW board certified veterinary surgeon. She also plays a role in overseeing the surgical staff and.......She also maintains our laboratory, doing weekly and daily maintenance. ......Sierra is "fur" mama to a cat named Stuart. Sierra, along with her husband, also have various reptiles including: 2 snakes, 3 Crested Geckos, a Leopard Gecko, an Emerald Green Tree Skink, and a Uromastyx. They are both true reptile enthusiasts! On her free time, Sierra is an avid book reader, enjoys walks in the park, listening to music, fishing, kayaking, and going to the beach. Sierra understands that your pets bring so much joy to your everyday life. Her daily goal is providing excellent nursing care to each and every pet that walks through the doors of East Oak Animal Hospital.
Carol
Office Management and Veterinary Technician
Carol's education is two-fold, having both an Associates Degree in Veterinary Science and a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. Carol has been a member of East Oak Animal Hospital for 45 years. AMAZING. Carol began her journey at East Oak Animal Hospital as a veterinary technician. Later on, Carol transitioned her role to office management. Carol works behind the scenes helping to manage the business and safety aspect of the veterinary office. Carol and her husband have a small farm where they enjoy raising steer and chickens. Carol also has six cats, Lucy, Frankie, CiCi, Sammy, Graycie, and Emmet
Melissa
Human Resources Office Manager and Veterinary Technician
Melissa has been in the veterinary profession for over 35 years. Melissa has a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. Melissa sat for the Veterinary Technician National Exam in January 1998. She also continued her educational journey with a Masters Degree in Adult Education and Training. Melissa has had a diverse career in veterinary medicine, working in areas of emergency/critical care, orthopedics, diagnostic radiology including MRI, dermatology, management, and general practice. Melissa previously was an educator and assistant director for a veterinary technology program for over 10 years at a local community college as well. Melissa is the Human Resources Office Manager at East Oak. Managing staff, mentoring/training aspects, assisting with social media, community and veterinary outreach, retail, lab maintenance and team building are just a few areas that Melissa oversees. Her goal is to create a positive, inclusive environment that allows the staff to grow and flourish in their roles at East Oak. Melissa also assists in both general and specialty surgery with Sierra. Melissa is the single mom of two amazing daughters. Melissa is also a "fur" mama to 2 Golden Retrievers, Nash and Kimber, as well as her sassy Chihuahua, Nixxie. Melissa has a spunky senior cat, Cassius. She also has 2 birds, Maggie the Senegal parrot and Archie, the Green Cheeked Conure. Melissa enjoys thrift shopping, crafting, spending time with her family, fishing on the river, and cooking.
Caitlin
Educational Outreach Coordinator and Veterinary Technician
Caitlin graduated in May 2020 with a degree in Veterinary Technology from Camden County College. Currently, Caitlin is studying to take her Veterinary Technician National Exam to become certified. Caitlin is the educational outreach coordinator for East Oak. Caitlin works hard to ensure our clients and their pets have all the tools they need to be a success at home! Caitlin is also responsible for our kitten, puppy, and senior kits at the hospital. She adds ALOT of education and a little bit of fun in each bag! Caitlin also also plays a key role as a veterinary technician. She helps assist her fellow technicians in overseeing exam room appointments, technician appointments, medication refills, client callbacks, and works alongside Sierra in both general and specialty surgery. Caitlin has a cuddly senior dog named Joker and a lil'stinker cat named Goose...and boy, he is naughty! In her free time, Caitlin enjoys skateboarding, concerts, and park days with her dog, Joker.
Educational Outreach Coordinator and Veterinary Technician
Caitlin graduated in May 2020 with a degree in Veterinary Technology from Camden County College. Currently, Caitlin is studying to take her Veterinary Technician National Exam to become certified. Caitlin is the educational outreach coordinator for East Oak. Caitlin works hard to ensure our clients and their pets have all the tools they need to be a success at home! Caitlin is also responsible for our kitten, puppy, and senior kits at the hospital. She adds ALOT of education and a little bit of fun in each bag! Caitlin also also plays a key role as a veterinary technician. She helps assist her fellow technicians in overseeing exam room appointments, technician appointments, medication refills, client callbacks, and works alongside Sierra in both general and specialty surgery. Caitlin has a cuddly senior dog named Joker and a lil'stinker cat named Goose...and boy, he is naughty! In her free time, Caitlin enjoys skateboarding, concerts, and park days with her dog, Joker.
Alyssa
Community Outreach Coordinator and Veterinary Technician
Alyssa is a South Jersey native who found her passion for animals during her childhood summers, taking care of wild animals that required care and compassion. Some of those cute critters included birds, rabbits, turtles, and even a baby squirrel named Rue. Alyssa attended Gloucester County College and received her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Later down the road, Alyssa's passion for animals was reignited when she took a part-time position at a hometown animal hospital in 2011. In 2020, Alyssa joined the staff at East Oak. Alyssa is our community outreach coordinator and works closely with Melissa to connect with our Vineland community. Alyssa creates our beautiful bulletin board you see at East Oak that contains GREAT information for our clients and their pets. Alyssa also plays a key role as a veterinary technician. She helps assist her fellow technicians in overseeing exam room appointments, technician appointments, medication refills, client callbacks, and works alongside Sierra in both general and specialty surgery. Alyssa is fur "mama" to a very sweet senior Pitbull named Toby and a spunky kitty named Kevin. On her free time, Alyssa enjoys kayaking, fishing, exploring nature parks and trails, thrifting and gardening.
Community Outreach Coordinator and Veterinary Technician
Alyssa is a South Jersey native who found her passion for animals during her childhood summers, taking care of wild animals that required care and compassion. Some of those cute critters included birds, rabbits, turtles, and even a baby squirrel named Rue. Alyssa attended Gloucester County College and received her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Later down the road, Alyssa's passion for animals was reignited when she took a part-time position at a hometown animal hospital in 2011. In 2020, Alyssa joined the staff at East Oak. Alyssa is our community outreach coordinator and works closely with Melissa to connect with our Vineland community. Alyssa creates our beautiful bulletin board you see at East Oak that contains GREAT information for our clients and their pets. Alyssa also plays a key role as a veterinary technician. She helps assist her fellow technicians in overseeing exam room appointments, technician appointments, medication refills, client callbacks, and works alongside Sierra in both general and specialty surgery. Alyssa is fur "mama" to a very sweet senior Pitbull named Toby and a spunky kitty named Kevin. On her free time, Alyssa enjoys kayaking, fishing, exploring nature parks and trails, thrifting and gardening.
Vanessa
Social Media Co-Coordinator and Veterinary Technician
Vanessa is a recent graduate from Camden County College where she earned her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. Vanessa's previous experience includes working at a South Jersey veterinary practice for over 2 years in the areas of customer service and exam room assistant. Vanessa has been with our practice since the late summer of 2023. She plays many roles in our hospital including customer service, exam room assistant, and surgery. Currently, Vanessa is hard at work studying for her Veterinary Technician National Exam. She also will be attending Rowan University Fall 2024 to continue her veterinary journey. On her free time, Vanessa enjoys concerts, dancing, palying the piano, shopping, and traveling to unique destinations.
Social Media Co-Coordinator and Veterinary Technician
Vanessa is a recent graduate from Camden County College where she earned her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. Vanessa's previous experience includes working at a South Jersey veterinary practice for over 2 years in the areas of customer service and exam room assistant. Vanessa has been with our practice since the late summer of 2023. She plays many roles in our hospital including customer service, exam room assistant, and surgery. Currently, Vanessa is hard at work studying for her Veterinary Technician National Exam. She also will be attending Rowan University Fall 2024 to continue her veterinary journey. On her free time, Vanessa enjoys concerts, dancing, palying the piano, shopping, and traveling to unique destinations.
Sam
Veterinary Technician and Surgical Assistant
Sam's education is two-fold with an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology and a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. Sam is one of the friendly faces you will encounter in the exam rooms but you can also find her behind the scenes, training in surgery. Sam is "fur" mama to a handsome cat, with a quite an unusual name, Cornhole. She also has a goofy dog named Frankie as well. In Sam's free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, going to Philadelphia Union games, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends and family. Sam is also our resident cat, Sunny's, favorite go-to staff member!
Veterinary Technician and Surgical Assistant
Sam's education is two-fold with an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology and a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. Sam is one of the friendly faces you will encounter in the exam rooms but you can also find her behind the scenes, training in surgery. Sam is "fur" mama to a handsome cat, with a quite an unusual name, Cornhole. She also has a goofy dog named Frankie as well. In Sam's free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, going to Philadelphia Union games, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends and family. Sam is also our resident cat, Sunny's, favorite go-to staff member!
Selena
Lead Customer Service Representative
Selena is a warm, familiar face you see at our front desk each and every day. Selena is our lead customer service representative. Selena works behind the scenes as well, making sure that every aspect of customer service is top notch for all our clients and their pets at East Oak. Selena is also responsible for the care and maintenance of all our computer and phone technology, including our client favorite, WEAVE. Selena is also responsible for all new employee training and mentorhship in all aspects of customer service performance. Selena is "fur" mama to her fabulous pup, Santi.
Lead Customer Service Representative
Selena is a warm, familiar face you see at our front desk each and every day. Selena is our lead customer service representative. Selena works behind the scenes as well, making sure that every aspect of customer service is top notch for all our clients and their pets at East Oak. Selena is also responsible for the care and maintenance of all our computer and phone technology, including our client favorite, WEAVE. Selena is also responsible for all new employee training and mentorhship in all aspects of customer service performance. Selena is "fur" mama to her fabulous pup, Santi.
Kelly
Exam Room Attendant, Education Co-Trainer and Customer Service Representative
Kelly received a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science from Stockton University. Kelly is one of our exam room assistants and a bright face you will also see at the front desk. Kelly also assists Melissa in educational development and training at East Oak. Kelly was a key player in training our first two interns from RCSJ over the summer! Kelly's background with animals includes internships with a rescue farm and an emergency pet rescue service. Kelly has a snuggly, lovable cat named Beatrix. In Kelly's free time, she enjoys playing video games and hiking.
Exam Room Attendant, Education Co-Trainer and Customer Service Representative
Kelly received a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science from Stockton University. Kelly is one of our exam room assistants and a bright face you will also see at the front desk. Kelly also assists Melissa in educational development and training at East Oak. Kelly was a key player in training our first two interns from RCSJ over the summer! Kelly's background with animals includes internships with a rescue farm and an emergency pet rescue service. Kelly has a snuggly, lovable cat named Beatrix. In Kelly's free time, she enjoys playing video games and hiking.
Meagan
Exam Room Assistant, Retail Specialist and Customer Service Representative
Meagan was born and raised outside of Ocean City, NJ. After graduating high school in 2019, Meagan began her career with animals at South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. While gaining experience at the shelter, Meagan found her passion for helping animals. She was hired at East Oak in October, 2021 as an exam room assistant. Meagan's goal is to become the very first certified veterinary exam assistant here at East Oak and is currently making strides to make sure that journey is attainable! Next step after that, pursuit for a degree in Veterinary Technology....go Meagan! Meagan is working with Melissa to develop our new retail options including bakery cookies, toys, and EOAH merchandise. Meagan also helps assist in specialty surgery days. Her love for animals extends to her home, with 2 cats and a handsome Golden Retriever named Beau. Meagan also has a horse named Yahtzee.
Marilyn
Exam Room Assistant and Customer Service Representative
Marilyn joined the East Oak Family in June 2023. Marilyn's background experience with animals comes from her previous work experiences in grooming, shelter medicine, and equine care. She is fur mama to 3 BIG dogs and 4 CRAZY cats! She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, car shows, and camping with her husband and the pups. Her future goals are to enroll in a veterinary program to further her knowledge in the field of veterinary assisting and technology...you can do it Marilyn!
Renee
Customer Service Representative, Administrative Work, and Food Orders
Renee has been a member of the East Oak Team since 2019. You can either see Renee greet you with a BIG, warm smile at the front desk or she is working behind the scenes to help our hospital administrator, Debbie, with various jobs throughout the hospital to keep East Oak running smoothly.
Customer Service Representative, Administrative Work, and Food Orders
Renee has been a member of the East Oak Team since 2019. You can either see Renee greet you with a BIG, warm smile at the front desk or she is working behind the scenes to help our hospital administrator, Debbie, with various jobs throughout the hospital to keep East Oak running smoothly.
Peggy
Certified Veterinary Technician, Customer Service Representative, and Educational Co-Trainer
Peggy is a certified veterinary technician. Peggy was a director and educator in veterinary technology for over 20 years at a local community college before retiring in 2021. Peg got the itch to work part-time during her retirement...and we are sure glad she did....she is our latest edition at East Oak! Peg was a BIG contributor to our internship educational training and development over the summer with our students from RCSJ. Peg has a fiesty dog named Rocky and a cuddly feline friend, Shadow. On her down time, Peg enjoys thrift shopping, decorating for the holidays, and spending time with her furry kids.
Certified Veterinary Technician, Customer Service Representative, and Educational Co-Trainer
Peggy is a certified veterinary technician. Peggy was a director and educator in veterinary technology for over 20 years at a local community college before retiring in 2021. Peg got the itch to work part-time during her retirement...and we are sure glad she did....she is our latest edition at East Oak! Peg was a BIG contributor to our internship educational training and development over the summer with our students from RCSJ. Peg has a fiesty dog named Rocky and a cuddly feline friend, Shadow. On her down time, Peg enjoys thrift shopping, decorating for the holidays, and spending time with her furry kids.
Allie
Customer Service Representative and Exam Room Assistant
Allie is one of the friendly new faces at East Oak Animal Hospital. Known for her boisterous laughter and warm, bubbly greetings at the front desk and in the exam rooms! A dedicated lifelong learner with a deep love for animals, she is currently pursuing an Associate's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at RCSJ. When Allie is not at East Oak, she enjoys winding down with podcats, creating intricate diamond art, and delighting her frinds with her off-key singing.
Dani
Customer Service Representative, Exam Room Assistant, and Surgery Assistant
Dani started her journey at East Oak Animal Hospital as an extern through the Rowan College of South Jersey's Career Accelerator Externship Program in May 2024. Dani experienced a vigorous training schedule and comprehensive educational instruction from May to August with East Oak to gain valuable insights into the world of veterinary medicine. She did such an outstanding job during her time at East Oak that we couldn't let her leave and asked Dani to join our team at East Oak. Dani plays a variety of roles within the hospital including customer service, exam room assistant and surgical assistant. Dani is currently enrolled at RCSJ in the pre-veterinary program and a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Her longterm goal is to become a doctor of veterinary medicine. In her spare time, Dani runs a successful petsitting business with a wide variety of pet customers including a potbelly pig! Dani has a sweet, loving Rottweiler name Mazey. When not at school or work, Dani enjoys Disney vacations, nights out listening to local bands and spending quality time with her friends and family. Dani is also a HUGE Harry Potter enthusiast!
Marla
Customer Service Representative and Exam Room Assistant
Marla started her journey at East Oak Animal Hospital as an extern through the Rowan College of South Jersey's Career Accelerator Externship Program in May 2024. Marla experienced a vigorous training schedule and comprehensive educational instruction from May to August with East Oak to gain valuable insights into the world of veterinary medicine. She did such an outstanding job during her time at East Oak that we couldn't let her leave and asked Marla to join our team at East Oak.
As a second-year student at Rowan College of South Jersey, she is passionately pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Her love for animals began during her childhood in Mexico, where she grew up surrounded by farm animals. Since moving to New Jersey at the age of six, she has continued to be deeply connected to both farm and domestic animals. Her family's dedication to animal welfare, inspired by her mother’s tireless efforts to rescue animals, has shaped her commitment to animal care and advocacy. Marla is involved in volunteer organizations such as South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, CU Maurice River, and advocates for underserved communities with a particular focus on DACA recipients and immigrant rights. Marla is fur mom to an adorable short-haired tabby named Pablo.
Gretchen
Customer Service Representative
Gretchen is our newest team member at East Oak Animal Hospital. Gretchen has been working in the veterinary profession for over 14 years as a customer service representative in veterinary medicine. Her knowledge and wisdom in customer/patient service in the veterinary field is invaluable to our dynamic and we are excited that she has joined us part-time! Gretchen has 3 beautiful daughters, 8 grandchildren, and an assortment of canine and feline companions. Gretchen has 5 cats-Wendy, Finnegan, Elliot, Cookie and Minnie. Gretchen has 3 dogs-Betsy, Boomer and Maggie. On her down time, Gretchen enjoys visiting local wineries and breweries with her hubby and friends.