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.
Christopher
Customer Service Representative
I was born and raised in Queens and have had an affiliation with animals from a very young age. I grew up with 5 cats and I’ve always had animals in my social circle (my babies!) I’m the proud dad of my terrier mix named Banana who’s an anxious little baby girl whose mission is to drive me insane (with love of course). With a strong customer service background and with intuition and generosity I find being a good fit in Animal Medicine. Helping animals has always been an interest of mine so being a part of a passionate team and like-minded individuals only comes as second nature.
I studied English, Sociology, Gender Studies and Psychology and received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from York College in Jamaica, Queens. My hobbies include playing videos games, listening to music, reading, writing and making people laugh. When I’m not sitting at the front desk you can catch me watching a stream or listening to that same song I’ve had on repeat for 3 years.
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.
Niki
Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician
Niki found her passion for veterinary medicine 7 years ago volunteering for a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Since then she has gone back to school and obtained her veterinary technician license, and has worked in various positions in the field, including general practice, critical care, and treating a wide variety of animals, from military working dogs in Texas to professional sled dogs in Alaska.
Niki has one cat, who has traveled around the country with her the past 12 years. In her spare time, Niki loves to hike, travel, crochet, and explore the local area.
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.
Cheyenne
Veterinary Technician
Cheyenne is a recent graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. She was born and raised in California and just recently moved to New York to fulfill her childhood dream and continue learning and growing in the vast field of veterinary medicine. She has a newly adopted cat and four dogs back home in California and misses them very much, but she finds comfort in helping and bonding with the patients here at Abingdon Square Veterinary Clinic!
Diana
Veterinary Technician
I made my debut in Vetmed early on as a volunteer/intern at my local veterinary hospital for NHS in highschool and I became utterly enamored with it.
Post grad I started working as a vet assistant at the same place and it just cemented my love for the field and provided me such a solid foundation to bounce off of.
I’ve been pursuing my bachelor’s at St. Johns University while working as a tech in GP emergency/critical care and have just been jumping at any opportunity to learn and gain more specialized experience which has led me here at Abingdon Square!
Adriana
Veterinary Technician
Born and raised in New York, I began my journey in the veterinary field four years ago after graduating from college. What started as a career path quickly grew into a passion and deep dedication to treating animals and providing them with the best care possible.
For two years, I lived in Florida, where I worked in both general practice and emergency veterinary medicine—experiences that taught me resilience, adaptability and expanded my knowledge. It was during this time that I discovered my love for the unpredictable and rewarding aspects of veterinary medicine. During this time, I also rescued my 2 year-old small mixed terrier, Bubsy, in Miami, FL!
With dedication to improving the well-being of both pets and their owners, I am Fear Free Certified, ensuring that I can minimize stress and create positive experiences for every patient.
Veterinary medicine is as demanding as it is meaningful. Whether it’s saving a life, comforting a pet owner, or witnessing the strength of the human-animal bond, the work is rewarding beyond measure. Through it all, I am continually inspired by the opportunity to make a difference, one animal at a time.
Ashleigh
Veterinary Assistant
Ashleigh was born in the Bronx and grew up with cats & fishes. As a child, Ashleigh wanted to be a special education teacher for children with autism because her brother is on the spectrum. But years later, when she adopted her own cat as an adult from a shelter in upstate New York, her life was changed for the better — and that’s when she knew she wanted to work in the veterinary industry. Ashleigh went on to spend years volunteering at local shelters before earning her animal care certificate. At ASVC, Ashleigh enjoys helping our doctors and technicians, using her fear free knowledge to provide truly compassionate care to the pet patients we see. She shares her home with her cat, Luke Skye, and enjoys running, cooking/baking, reading and watching movies and TV shows in her spare time.
Marcello
Veterinary Assistant
Marcello was born in Greenwich Village, where he grew up with cats, dogs, fish and a lizard. He loves being close to animals, as well as being involved in medical treatment for them. This no doubt grew out of his experience with pets as a child and is why he has always wanted to be in the veterinary field. He has worked in Oswego and interned in Manhattan and Westchester.
Marcello shares his home with three cats, and in his free time, he loves to read, study, work out and socialize with friends.
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.
Vince
Veterinary Assistant
My name is Vince (they/he) and I’m a graduate student at New York University studying environmental and animal studies.
Though I grew up between Indiana and Illinois, I moved out to New York four years ago and have been enjoying big city life ever since. I started my vet med career in Indiana and have been working in the field for two years now. I hope to invest my skills in bettering the lives of humans and furry friends alike!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my cat, Bug, and my dog, Oswald; playing acoustic guitar; going on hikes; painting; reading; and exploring the city.
Andrea
Veterinary Assistant
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Andrea always knew she wanted to work with animals in any capacity she could. She pursued that dream, attending the Universidad del Turabo and Edic College and then working in the field in both Puerto Rico and here in New York. Andrea says she enjoys every aspect of veterinary medicine, and that being near animals all day is the best part of the job.
When she’s not working, Andrea is a homebody who enjoys hanging out and playing with her two cats and listening to music.
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.