Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian)
Owner, Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics
Website: www.LaurieHessDVM.com ☞
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,” and has been a guest on the "Martha Stewart Show," discussing the importance of educating yourself about exotic pets before you get one. Dr. Hess has also appeared on CBS’s morning show, "The Doctors," where she discussed exotic pets for people with allergies, and on Fox TV’s “Inside Edition,” where discussed bird behavior. In addition, Dr. Hess has been a guest on both the WPIX Morning News in New York City and on the Fox morning show, “Good Day NY,” 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 in syndicated columns nationwide and in well-known exotic pet magazines such as Bird Talk, Birds USA, and Critters Magazine. She also blogs regularly about exotic pet topics on well-known pet websites, including www.birdchannel.com and www.petconnection.com. She is a senior editor of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, as well as a guest editor of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, Veterinary Clinics of North America (Exotic Animal Series) and of Exotic DVM Magazine. She also has been published in internationally recognized veterinary journals including the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Veterinary Record.
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, Sunshine the cockatiel, Nimbus and Luna the rats, Trogdor the Leopard Gecko, and Ajax the Ball Python.
A Massachusetts native, Jillian is happy to be home in the Northeast again. She started her veterinary career working with wildlife and soon became a licensed veterinary technician in the emergency/critical care department of a large referral hospital in Michigan. She, in fact, has published articles on veterinary technology in Veterinary Technician Magazine. Although Jillian enjoyed her years as a technician, in 2006, she found her niche as a veterinary hospital administrator managing a large emergency clinic. After spending years as a jack of all trades administrative, Jillian developed expertise not only in management but also in operational improvements, strategic planning, customer service, and exceptional patient care. To advance her knowledge even further, Jillian is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree in veterinary hospital management at Saint Petersburg College; she will complete her studies in 2014 to become a certified veterinary practice manager. With her attention to detail, meticulous sense of organization, and professional yet compassionate demeanor, Jillian is a terrific asset to the Veterinary Center.
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 more than a decade 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 Bronx, NY, native, Steve received his degree in veterinary technology from LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, NY, in 2003. He has worked with both pet exotic species in private veterinary practice and with wild species at the Bronx Zoo Wildlife Health Center and zoo’s Reptile House. He is also a certified technician in the field of human ultrasonography.
Steve has been interested in exotics since he was 4 years old. He loves all exotic pets but has a special passion for reptiles. Steve got his first pet snake at age 11 and was breeding snakes by the time he was a teenager. Currently, he owns 20 snakes, 3 cockatiels, and a marginated tortoise. With his upbeat attitude and eagerness to always be learning more, Steve is a great team player to have on the Veterinary Center’s staff.
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.
Always a resident of Westchester County, Chelsea is accustomed to the fast paced of life of the front desk. She will soon be earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Masters in Computer Science at Iona College. Her goal is to go on to veterinary school and become a veterinarian, like Dr. Hess and Dr. Ravich. While growing up, Chelsea has been surrounded by animals of all types, including rabbits, dogs, and cats. Her love for pets and her ability to multi-task under pressure while maintaining a smile makes her the ideal person for manning the front desk during the Veterinary Center’s busy Saturdays.
