I grew up on Long Island, born and raised on the north shore in Nassau county. I’ve lived many places, from North Carolina, to the Caribbean, to Texas, and no where feels more like home than Long Island, New York. At the house where I grew up in Great Neck we had a pond, woods and a runoff river that headed to the L.I. sound. I started at a young age bringing home baby turtles, abandoned baby birds and squirrels. I would care for them and release them back where I found them. My parents are animal lovers, so they allowed me to bring these creatures into the house and helped me care for them. According to them, they knew I would be a veterinarian by the time I was 2 years old.

I grew up with dogs, cats, and other creatures. My mother was involved with feral cat spay, neuter and release organizations, so we had a colony of strays that we fed every night. I was shown through my mother’s actions how to care for these stray cats. They were all spayed or neutered, had heated sleeping boxes and had access to fresh water and food. Of course when you start feeding cats outside the other wild life gets wind and they all come to take part in the nightly buffet. So every night we put out food for the cats, and then round two was for the raccoons and opossums. My sister and I would watch them– they all had names, and we would get excited if something new showed up.

Before becoming a veterinarian I went to art school, and then culinary school, but neither of those things made me as happy as the time I had spent as an assistant in animal hospitals. I was finally talked into applying to vet school by one of my mentors when I was about 29 years old. It was going to be a big commitment as I needed to finish undergrad before applying. I was finally accepted by Ross School of Veterinary Medicine, and started veterinary school when I was 32 years old. I moved to the beautiful island of St. kitts for almost 3 years and then to College Station, Texas where I did my clinical year. After graduating, I returned to Long Island – where I have always felt most at home.

I currently live in Huntington with my family, our 2 dogs and 5 cats. We also have a 165 gallon reef tank, with live coral and beautiful salt water fish. Learning about coral has been an amazing undertaking that my husband and I started about 4 years ago. There is so much to learn about the life that is in our oceans. My husband and I also enjoy exploring Long Island, traveling abroad when we can, and staying home with our amazing pets.

Animals were part of my life at a young age. We always had family dogs growing up but with me around that quickly progressed to include family cats, birds, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits and fish. My parents also fostered young puppies and kittens from the nearby shelter, which often involved bottle feeding and around the clock care. When I was asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, I always answered a veterinarian.

Horses played a huge role in completing my path to veterinary school. I was very fortunate to have family on Long Island with horses so any down time I had I spent at the barn. The family farm eventually became a horse rescue and sanctuary for sick, injured and geriatric horses in need of medical care and rehabilitation. I was fascinated that with the right medical care, nutrition and exercise regimen, we could give almost any horse a second chance. I completed my bachelor’s degree in animal science at Delaware Valley University and graduated from St. George’s University of Veterinary Medicine. When I first graduated I worked as a mixed animal veterinarian and cared for any animal that walked, hopped or swam in the clinic door.

My focus now includes dogs, cats and horses. I love being a general practitioner as every day’s adventure is a mystery. Geriatric and wellness medicine are my favorite, I love talking about how to keep your pet healthy and happy at any age. I am certified in veterinary acupuncture and use herbal therapies. I believe that the best approach to health is a combination of conventional and alternative medicine.

I enjoy being outdoors and most of the time can be found riding my paint horse mare Chevy or exploring Long Island with my labrador retriever Shae. I also love shoe shopping, the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Originally from Northern California, my love of animals started at a young age. One of my fondest grade school memories is when I was selected to be the school liaison for the SPCA. I accompanied Blueberry, the service dog, to different classrooms and helped teach about animal welfare. I remember obsessively watching BBC nature shows narrated by David Attenborough. Most of my vacations were spent with my grandparents on Sanibel Island, chasing lizards and small alligators like a young Crocodile Hunter.

I left the west coast for undergraduate studies at Hamilton College in upstate NY where I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. After a brief stint in a Zoology program at Arizona State University, I went back east to Boston and earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Following Tufts, I completed a 1 year Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, and then a 1 year Fellowship in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care also at U of Penn.

After many years on the east coast, I returned to general practice in San Francisco. In 2006 my wife and I moved to her hometown on eastern Long Island. I have been living here since with my wife, two daughters and a Southern hound named Sam (my sole source of male companionship).

In my free time, I adhere to a healthy body/healthy mind mantra. I love being outside and am an avid obstacle course runner and endurance runner. I have completed numerous Warrior Dashes, Tough Mudders, and Spartan races, including two 24 hour World’s Toughest Mudders – a 30 mile Ultra Beast Spartan, and 8 hour Toughest Mudder. I also enjoy spending the day at the beach with my wife and daughters, and still get excited when I find horseshoe and hermit crabs with my daughters.

I grew up on a small farm in Upstate New York. We had pigs, cows, cats, dogs, vegetable gardens and lots of beautiful, dense woods surrounding it all. As a young girl I worked alongside my sisters and parents caring for our animals. Hard work, kind animal care, and being outdoors was my childhood, and I learned important and valuable life lessons which I carry with me today.

Caring for animals became my passion, so Veterinary School was the next step after high school and college. Believe it or not, I was told by many people that a woman couldn’t become a Vet – too much heavy equipment and scary work with large, dangerous animals. Despite these attempts to dissuade me, I knew I could be a Veterinarian, I was STRONG and determined! I was thrilled to be accepted into the Animal Science (Pre-Vet) Animal Science Program at The University of Rhode Island. When I had my first trip to the University’s small farm, it felt like I was home!

A few years later, Veterinary School took me to Ross University on the beautiful Caribbean Island of St. Kitts, followed by a final year of clinical training at Kansas State University. Upon graduation, I moved to Nassau County for my first associate veterinary position. Long Island has become my beloved adopted home, and I have been in practice here since 1998.

When I am not hard at work with my patients, I love cooking for my family, spending time with my dog getting sun burn and poison ivy in my garden, or traveling back upstate to visit with family, smell the sweetness of freshly cut hay, and look at the clear night sky full of stars.

My love of nature and animals began at a very young age. Growing up on the edge of Oyster Bay atop a woodsy tree covered hill, many homes including ours had small pastures and paddocks, horse barns, assorted farm animals, and lots of wildlife. I was blessed with parents who encouraged my curiosity and accepted every tadpole, salamander, turtle, baby bird, frog, and hermit crab that I brought home. Every day was a new animal adventure.

With just a short walk to the beach, I spent long days there turning over barnacle-clad rocks at low tide and dragging a small seine net through the water. I snorkeled the rock jetty and inspected every creature in the tide pools. I was PADI-certified SCUBA diver by age 11, intent on being the next Jacques Cousteau! Every summer I attended Theodore Roosevelt Nature Sanctuary Camp learning as much as I could about raptors and the local marine life. I was a budding veterinarian before I even realized it.

My first position in the veterinary field was at age 14. I rode my bike 3 miles each way and cleaned cages, swept floors, and gave an occasional flea bath. I loved learning about all the different kinds of dogs and cats and watching the doctor perform surgical procedures. I was hooked.

I studied Biology at Franklin and Marshall College and graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Although Vet students learn all species, I chose to focus on dogs and cats exclusively in practice. I have worked as a shelter Veterinarian at two large L.I. shelters, an Emergency Veterinarian, and by far the best – a General Practitioner. Dentistry and Surgery are my absolute favorite aspects of practice as both can make a tremendous difference in a pet’s quality of life in just a short time.

In my free time, I love cruising the North Shore Bays and the Long Island Sound on my Whaler trying to catch fish for dinner or playing with my rascally Dachshund, Maisel. Music, woodworking, and cooking for my family and friends are some of my favorite things.

I am a proud Long Islander – and still love turning over rocks at low tide, dragging a net through seawater, and tide pools. You never know what you will find unless you look.

Positions: Practice Manager, Lead Receptionist, Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Joined BFVC: 2012

Attended school at: SUNY Dehli

My degree is in: Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

I have advanced training, certification, or special interest in: Customer Service

Favorite things: Antique stores, trails of Long Island, My Family (human and fur babies)

My pets: Minky (a feline with Whiskers Extraordinaire), Sir Butters (a French feisty feline) and Tony Toes (Sir Butters extra-toed sidekick)

My family and friends describe me as: loving and family-oriented

What is it like working at BFVC? I love, am thrilled, and feel privileged to be working at BFVC because Veterinary Management has always been my goal but to work with exceptional doctors in a practice that strives to be the best is a dream!

What makes for a great day at work? When the doctors have all the tools they need to practice medicine successfully, and the clients express how happy they are with our service.

Joined BFVC: 2018

Attendeded school at: Enrolled into Penn Foster for Veterinary Technician

My degree is in: (will be in) Animal Science Veterinary Technician

I have advanced training, certification, or special interest in: Certified veterinary assistant in boces. Enrolled/trained in the U.S Naval Sea Cadet Corps throughout my childhood.

Favorite things: Cooking, Baking, Hiking.

My pets: Sawyer (kitty)

My family and friends describe me as: hardworking, a people person, always willing to help in any way, generous, and compassionate.

What is it like working at BFVC? I like working at BFVC because of the wonderful work environment. Everyone loves their job and is always happy to be at work. They are always willing to help with every client.

What makes for a great day at work? When we all work together as a team.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Sferrazza

Attended school at: William Floyd

My degree is in: Progress. I plan to enroll shortly in Veterinary Technology (Nursing) School.

I have special interest in: Dealing with difficult patients – reading a pet’s body language and demeanor, and proceeding to work with them accordingly. I whole-heartedly believe that with patience, a gentle touch and great treats, that most pets will accept handling and love, even in a stressful veterinary setting.

Favorite things: Outdoor adventures, sunrises & sunsets, ice cream, children, animals, reading, sunflowers, long drives with loud music on a beautiful day – windows down, of course!

My pets: Quinn – my Dutch rabbit. Sir Quinn A Bun. Bun, Bun Bun, and Sir when he is naughty.

What is it like working at BFVC: Best Friends provides me with another family. We are always there for one another, work-related or not. Even the toughest days are conquered through team work, music, caffeine, and snacks!

What makes for a great day at work? For me, it’s about the relationships built with our clients and our patients. Having a pet come in and get excited to see me and a pet owner knowing me by name, I love the connections and bonds we share over their fur babies. It truly makes me feel that I belong in this field, and that I am so lucky to have found it.

Attended school at: Eastern Suffolk BOCES Animal Behavior College

My degree is in: Dog Training, Basic Veterinary Care & Veterinary Assistance

I have special interest in: Senior dogs

Favorite things: Adventures with my dogs, spending quality time with family, and watching anime.

My pets: 3 dogs: Victoria (aka Taterbug /Potato) – a lab mix, Nanika – a catahoula leopard dag & Killua – a Doberman Pinscher.

What is it like working at BFVC: Like working with family. Everyone is so friendly and supportive. People welcomed me with open arms and now I can’t see myself working anywhere else!

What makes for a great day at work? Seeing cute puppies and senior dogs! Also, having great music on all day.

Bio Coming Soon!

Joined BFVC when : September 2023.

Attended school at : Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Nassau Community College.

My degree is in : Veterinary Assistance.

I have advanced training, certification, or special interest in : I am a licensed Veterinary Assistant. I have a special interest in marine life.

Favorite things : Going to the beach, traveling, Florida, my dog, watching Christmas movies.

My pets : Fergie – My cutie senior girl. She’s a pug mix with a boston terrier. She loves food more than her family.

My family and friends describe me as : b, independent, trustworthy, and hardworking.

What is it like working at BFVC : I enjoy working at BFVC a lot . The veterinarians and staff are all amazing. Everyone is so kind hearted, helpful, encouraging and supportive.

What makes for a great day at work : Positive vibes

Fun or unusual fact about me : A fun fact about me is I love Astronomy. Everything about space fascinates me.

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Joined BFVC: 2012

Attended(ed) school at:  Colby Sawyer College

My degree is in: Liberal Arts

I have advanced training, certification, or special interest in: Guide dog puppy training, gardening, cooking, and eating.

Favorite things: gardening, history, our pets and children, and cooking.

My pets: Brodie (golden retriever mix), Burger (DSH), Shrimp (DSH)

My family and friends describe me as: funny, thoughtful, patient, understanding, forgiving and versatile.

What is it like working at BFVC? I love working at BFVC. We are kind, helpful, caring, knowledgeable and genuine. The doctors are brilliant diagnosticians and wonderful humans. As a team, we truly make a difference.

What makes for a great day at work? Each day is different. making someone smile, hearing and sharing good news, holding hands with someone who needs a friend, hearing accomplishments of our colleagues. Helping clients navigate the rough patches- making a difference.