Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian).
Owner, Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics
Dr. Hess is board-certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Avian (bird) medicine and served as the President of the Association of Avian Veterinarians from 2009-2010. She is also an active member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians.
After graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University, Dr. Hess received her veterinary medical degree from Tufts. She then completed a one-year internship and a two-year residency in avian and exotic pet medicine and surgery at the world-renowned Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Dr. Hess has lectured both nationally and internationally about exotic pet care and has published numerous articles and book chapters on birds and other exotic species.
She is especially interested in exotic pet nutrition. In the late 1990's, she completed groundbreaking nutrition research on the importance of pelleted diets in birds. She presented these findings both in Europe and in the U.S. and later published the research in 2002.
Dr. Hess is a guest exotic pet expert on Animal Planet's exotic pet series "Little Pets 101" and "Peculiar Pets 101.” She has also appeared on Animal Planet in Drs. Foster and Smith's TV series, "Faithful Friends."
She has been a guest on CBS’s morning show, “The Doctors,” where she discussed exotic pets for people with allergies, and she has appeared on both the WPIX Morning News and on the Fox morning show, “Good Day NY,” in New York City where she highlighted the benefits of exotic animals as pets. Dr. Hess has been a featured veterinarian on CBS's popular news magazine show, "48 Hours," and she appeared weekly as the "Exotic Pet Vet" on the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut cable station, RNN TV. Dr. Hess also discusses bird health on her monthly radio show, “Bird’s Eye View,” on www.petliferadio.com and makes guest appearances regularly on radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada discussing exotic pet issues.
Dr. Hess has written several articles about exotic pets on syndicated columns nationwide and has blogged about exotic pet topics on well-known pet websites, including www.petconnection.com. She is a senior editor of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and a guest editor of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, Veterinary Clinics of North America (Exotic Animal Series) and of Exotic DVM Magazine.
Dr. Hess and her staff chose to care exclusively for exotic animals because of their love for these special species, but also because the average veterinarian, veterinary technician, and veterinary administrator receive very little training in school about these unique pets.
Staff members were chosen based on their previous personal and professional experience with various exotic species. Even now, with their focus on ongoing continuing education, at the Veterinary Center, they make certain they keep up on the latest in exotic animal care, so that they can provide you and your pet with the most current, cutting edge information available.
The mission of the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics is to care for, protect, and ensure the humane and ethical treatment of all birds and exotic animal species.
The vision of the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics is to study and advance the practice of exotic animal medicine; to educate exotic pet owners about the highest quality, comprehensive medical and surgical care for birds and exotic pets; and to establish the most well-respected bird and exotic animal hospital that is recognized by both pet owners and veterinary colleagues as the only place to go for specialized bird care and advanced exotic animal medicine.
"We are committed not only to providing you with the best medical care but also to treating every client and patient with compassion and respect."
Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cornell University, and she received her veterinary education from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a competitive rotating emergency, medicine and surgery internship at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Florida. During her internship, she had the opportunity to treat numerous exotic patients on an emergency basis.
Michelle has always had an interest in exotic animals. She has had multiple experiences working with exotic species including at the Boston Zoo (Zoo New England), Bronx Zoo, White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee Florida, Minnesota Raptor Center, and even the Greenburg Nature Center in Scarsdale, NY. Michelle shares her home with her husband Jared, who is also a veterinarian, as well as Toby the dog, Kiwi the Quaker Parrot, Smurf the rat, Trogdor the Leopard Gecko, and Ajax the Ball Python.
After a long career in sales and marketing, Pauline became a New York state licensed veterinary technician because of her love for animals.
Following a 10-year career in emergency veterinary medicine, she added administration and management to her responsibilities and is happy to have joined the Veterinary Center as Practice Manager.
Pauline is committed to using her combination of medical and business savvy to keep the Veterinary Center at the forefront of veterinary medicine and allowing the Center to offer clients and patients a unique, full-service facility for birds and exotics. She looks forward to adding to her knowledge and cultivating an ongoing relationship with the Center.
At the Center, when it comes to ensuring that the staff is offering the best in exotic pet products and services, Pauline leads the way.
Peggy has been a New York state licensed veterinary technician for more than a decade. She received her Bachelor of Science in biology from Iona College and her veterinary technician’s degree from Mercy College. Although Peggy loves all animals, she has a special interest in birds and exotic pets and has worked almost exclusively with these unique species over the past several years.
She and Dr. Hess have worked together for the past eight years and have a special chemistry when it comes to caring for their exotic patients. Peggy’s quiet demeanor and gentle approach make her the ideal technician when it comes to handling birds and other exotic animals. Peggy is the "mom" who makes sure all of our patients are comfortable and cared for at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics.
A native of Putnam County, Jennifer completed the veterinary technology program at La Guardia Community College and is a licensed veterinary technician. Jennifer moves quietly and efficiently around the Veterinary Center, already finishing tasks that no one knew she had even started.
Jennifer grew up with a menagerie of exotic pets including hamsters, rabbits, and ducks and is now the proud parent to pet rats, a New Zealand white rabbit, a long-haired guinea pig, 2 dogs, and several fish. She is like a sponge – constantly absorbing new information about exotic pets as she gets her job done.
Whether she’s dealing with a ferret, bird, rabbit, guinea pig, or reptile, Serena’s compassion for animals, no matter how big or small, shines through.
A native of Sleepy Hollow, NY, Serena has been working with animals since 1993. She received her B.S. in veterinary technology from Mercy College in 1999 and became a licensed veterinary technician in 2003.
While she has great love and extensive experience with all species of exotic pets, Serena has a special fondness for ferrets. With one ferret of her own, named Tank, as well as 3 cats (Wrigley, Ace, and Cheeto), Serena could never imagine life without a pet. With her love for all pets and her long term experience with exotics, we are fortunate to have Serena as part of the Veterinary Center team.
Samantha completed a bachelor’s degree in biology at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, and then she went on to do research and teach marine conservation at the School for Field Studies in Baja, Mexico.
There she worked with endangered sea turtles, grey whales, mangrove trees, and the stray dog population. She returned to the states to work as a husbandry member at The Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Working at the Center, she participated in the rehabilitation of many species of turtle and tortoise, as well as various raptors.
While working at the Veterinary Center as a veterinary assistant, Samantha is also working towards a B.S. in veterinary technology at Mercy College and hopes to join the Center as a licensed technician following graduation. When it comes to reptiles, Sam is always eager to share her knowledge.
With her outgoing demeanor and her self-described “go-getter” personality, Angela is the ideal person to handle the busy front desk in the afternoon at the Veterinary Center.
A Westchester native, Angela has worked in the veterinary field since 2004. Having handled the reception desk at another busy Westchester County veterinary hospital that treated exotic pets, Angela is very familiar with the unusual species we see here at the Veterinary Center.
Growing up in nearby Port Chester, Angela has always loved exotic pets and has had several of her own, including ferrets and guinea pigs. Currently the owner of three ferrets – Willie, Peanut, and Pooka – Angela admits that ferrets are her favorite. Whether you have a bird, reptile, rabbit, guinea pig, ferret, chinchilla, or other exotic pet, Angela will welcome you to the Veterinary Center with a big hello; but be sure if you own a ferret, she’s likely to give you an extra smile.
With a smile on her face, Kelly welcomes clients every morning to the Veterinary Center. After serving as a hospital manager at another local animal hospital for more than a decade, Kelly is a seasoned professional when it comes to working the front desk.
Always ready to lend a hand, Kelly is undaunted by new tasks, no matter how big or small. After growing up in Middletown, NY, she now lives right near the Center, so she can always be counted on to open the hospital on time every morning.
