Shantel
Practice Manager

A proud New Yorker, Shantel attributes the city’s indefatigable spirit to shaping her resolute and courageous character.
With a decade of management experience, ranging from the fitness industry to veterinary medicine, Shantel has developed an impressive acumen for leadership. It was during her stint in veterinary emergency care that she discovered her true calling. Helping people and their beloved pets has become her unwavering mission.
Shantel is deeply committed to delivering unparalleled customer and clinical experiences. Her management style is centered on the well-being and accomplishments of our team. She aims to foster a work culture marked by unity, transparency, openness, and joy. Her vision for our clinic is one where the ambiance is not just inviting but infectious. To her, the pinnacle of success is witnessing a satisfied family share their positive experience with their community, reinforcing the bond of trust and care.
Markita
Lead Customer Service Representative
Markita was born and raised in Forest Hills, Queens. Her first pet ever was an orange tabby named Hector, and she knew from a very young age that she wanted to work with animals in some capacity. She learned much of what she knows from her sister, who has been a veterinary technician for more than 15 years. Markita also spent time training with a low-cost mobile veterinary program before finding her way to ASVC. Her excellent communication skills and ability to connect with clients has made her the perfect fit as a receptionist here at Abingdon Square Vet. She loves educating clients on puppy and kitten care, and greeting them with a smiling face every day that she comes to work! At home, Markita lives with three cats (Penelope, Dexter and Chase), one Pitbull named Hatch, three bearded dragons and a leopard gecko. When she isn’t working, she enjoys taking Hatch on long walks and dining out.
Meagan
Customer Service Representative
Meagan originally hails from a small town in Idaho, where she grew up surrounded by pets of all kinds—dogs, cats, horses, llamas, ferrets, and a host of other small critters. Her passion for animal care was sparked at an early age when she and her grandmother began caring for a colony of feral cats. Many years later, the colony is still under grandma’s care—and Meagan enjoys visiting with them on trips back home.
Meagan is passionate about educating clients and strives to provide the support needed to make caring for a pet a little less intimidating, especially for first time pet parents! Her own pet family includes a Corgi/Jack Russell mix named Potato, and three cats named Nicki, Fanny, and Jay. When she’s not at work, Meagan loves exploring the city and spending time at the beach or the pier when the sun’s out.
Juliana
Customer Service Representative
I have just recently graduated from Binghamton University and I am excited to join the team! I love animals, art, and volunteering. I have worked with lots of really cool species such as sea lions and marmosets, but my passion has always been helping people and their pets. I frequently draw pet portraits for my friends and I love seeing how unique and loved each animal is. I started working in customer service since high school and I have loved it ever since. I hope to one day continue my studies and become a veterinary technician so I can work even more hands-on. At home, I have some odd pets such as garden snails and aquarium shrimp, but my shih tzu biscuit is my pride and joy.
Katherine
Customer Service Representative
My name is Katherine and I am a huge lover of animals both big and small. From avians, felines, hamsters, and dogs, its hard to choose a favorite. I am currently studying through Penn Foster to earn my Veterinary Technician License with plans to eventually expand into specialty. One very special talent I am proud to have is dancing. I am currently a dance teacher at Astoria Dance Center and have trained closely with them for over 20 years.
The best part about my mornings is waking up to my best friend, Aragorn. An aussie with the best demeanor and a whole lot of sass. We have recently added a kitten to the family, named Midnight, who has mastered the power of climbing and jumping onto things he shouldn’t. The opportunity to work in two highly rewarding careers is something I will always cherish. Whether it’s helping people with their beloved companions, or teaching children how to embrace the gift of dance, I always have the chance to give back.
Cynthia
Customer Service Representative
I’ve always had a passion for animals of all kinds, having owned a variety of pets from guinea pigs and snakes to birds, and dogs. In addition to my love for household pets, I also have a special appreciation for farm animals and a slight obsession with highland cows. I grew up in the Bronx next to horse stables, where I would volunteer as a teen.
This experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of the needs of different animals and the unique bond they share with their families. As a dog mom myself to a Wheaten Terrier named Benji, I understand the important role animals play in our lives. My goal is to provide compassionate, knowledgeable service that helps make every visit to the clinic a positive experience.
Mary Kate
Customer Service Representative
My name is Mary Kate, and I live in Queens, NY with my sister and our two fur babies, Pebble, who is the sweetest chihuahua mix you’ll ever meet, and Tilapia (Tilly), a very rambunctious but lovable kitten. I graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where I earned my BFA in Illustration. My artistic work matches my passion for helping animals and I was self-employed creating pet portraits when I first moved to the city.
I am currently enrolled through Penn Foster to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician, and love learning about all facets of what Vet Med has to offer. When I’m not working I enjoy tending to my houseplant collection, playing video games, and trying restaurants around the city.
Jordan
Veterinary Technician
Jordan has been a technician since 2017. She obtained an Animal Science degree from Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Tx. Initially started off at a high volume non-profit spay/neuter clinic, then worked at a general practice clinic for 3 years where they performed wellness visits, dentals, soft tissue surgeries, and triage patients. Before moving to NY, she worked in emergency medicine. Although she enjoyed the adrenaline rush from emergency medicine, she wanted a change of scene to a fear free facility and working with healthy patients. Jordan enjoys working with her teammates and building friendships with fur babies! She cannot wait to meet you! In her free time she enjoys painting, dancing, long walks in nature, and working out.
Jessica
Veterinary Technician
Jessica grew up in Maryland and Florida wanting to be a veterinarian. After receiving training in animal handling and as a veterinary assistant, she made the move to New York. Prior to landing at Abingdon Square, she most recently worked at Manhattan AMC. She says her favorite part of working in the veterinary field is using gentle techniques to handle pets and the love that she feels from our pet patients when we help them.
When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys cooking and spending time with her three dogs and pet chinchilla.
Corey
Veterinary Technician
With 14 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Corey has worked with a wide range of animals, from exotics and avians to rodents. His deep admiration for animals drives his commitment to providing compassionate care. Based in Brooklyn, NY, he is a dedicated single parent and proud dog dad to Mylk. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, with Cape Town, South Africa, being his favorite destination.
Paula
Veterinary Assistant
My name is Paula. Born in Los Angeles but raised in Philippines and New York.
I’m currently working as a Veterinary Technician Assistant for 6.5 years. I started as a kennel out with no background experience for 8 months then was given an opportunity to become a Veterinary Assistant . Since then, I learned many skills, gained medical knowledge and understanding the needs of patients and clients. My ability for helping out patients/clients along with being able to communicate well with that has made me want to pursue the veterinary technician role.
During my free time, I love traveling, cooking/baking, and doing outside activities with my husband and dog.
Pamela
Veterinary Assistant
A New Jersey native, I got my start in vet med 9 years ago at the ASPCA and have never looked back. While I identify as pan- petual, I do have a special place in my heart for cats and am always looking to expand my knowledge of their health and behavior. Outside of work, I am an avid gamer (video, tabletop, and board), a plant Mom, a crafter, and a mom to 4 cats and a pit mix, all rescues.
Iraj Manzoor
Technician Assistant
Iraj Manzoor is originally from Karachi, Pakistan and moved to NYC in 2015 to pursue her passion to work with animals. Iraj is an advocate for low stress handling and fell in love with the Fear Free initiative that has completely changed the way she looks at patient care now. She currently holds multiple certifications including being Elite Fear Free certified, AAFP Cat friendly professional certified, Sophia Yin’s Low Stress handling certified and The Human Animal Bond Certified just to name a few. She is currently in school to be a Tech, and then to peruse her VTS in behavior. When not working , you could see her volunteering for local animal rescue organizations or advocating for a more sustainable way of living. She dreams of one day going to Cambodia to volunteer for their nonprofit wildlife organization. She currently lives with her three rescue cats Sherlock,Olive and Bahadur.
Sarah
Veterinary Technician
My name is Sarah, I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. As a child I owned 6 pets who were all cats. As a child I wanted to study Egyptology and explore the ancient artifacts of Egyptian tombs. I changed my mind after getting my first pet and having one encounter having to rescue a stray cat in danger off the street. I’m a growing technician in training pursuing my certification in school to become a licensed veterinary technician. I started out with my training in an ER/Specialty hospital and expanded my growth and experiences through several general practices around the city. I enjoy participating in surgery within the veterinary field because of how busy the flow is from start to finish. I currently own 2 cats one female named Coco and one male named Leon. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my partner and visiting new places to travel together to and I recently found a new interest in finding books to read on my time off.
Mia
Licensed Veterinary Technician
My name is Mia and I graduated from Mercy University in 2023. I live in Manhattan and enjoy trying new restaurants, finding new shows to binge, and spending time outdoors. I have a soft spot for spicy cats and have two torties at home! I have experience in general practice, emergency and cardiology and am obsessed with Cavalier King Charles.
Karina
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon.
Brittany
Technician Assistant
With several years of hands on experience in animal shelter environments, I’ve dedicated my career to the compassionate care and handling of animals in need. My background includes working as an animal handler and caretaker at both the ASPCA and Animal Care Centers, where I supported the physical and emotional well being of shelter animals through daily care routines, behavioral observation, and enrichment activities.
Through this work, I developed a deep understanding of animal behavior, stress management in high volume shelter settings, and the importance of patient, consistent care. I take pride in my ability to build trust with animals of all temperaments, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and valued.
Outside of work, I’m a proud dog parent to Cinnamon, a sweet rescue who constantly reminds me why this work matters. In my downtime, you’ll often find me reading a good book or exploring new restaurants always on the lookout for the next great bite.