VMCLI - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Andrew Lukasiewicz is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of emergency & critical care at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Brooke Hutt is a emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Hutt graduated from Gettysburg College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to earn her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Upon returning home to New York, she completed a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in 2009. The following year, she completed a year-long Small Animal Ophthalmology Internship under the mentorship of Dr. Noelle La Croix.
Upon completion of the Ophthalmology internship, Dr. Hutt joined the VMCLI Emergency team in July 2010. In her spare time, Dr. Hutt enjoys Latin and Standard ballroom dancing, country music, and painting.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Cameron Henke is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of emergency & critical care at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
The Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island is proud to welcome Dr. Cameron Henke. His dedicated and caring approach is another essential part of our compassionate and experienced team. Dr. Henke is a residency-trained Criticalist. Dr. Cameron Henke is a California Central Valley native with ties to Long Island. He attended the University of California Santa Barbara for a degree in physiology completing research abroad in multiple countries. After graduating veterinary school summa cum laude from St. George's University, Dr. Henke returned to California where he was an associate in a small animal general practice. He then completed a one-year internship in private practice before moving on to Michigan State University, where he finished a three-year residency in small animal emergency and critical care and attained Board Certification in 2022.
Clinically, Dr. Henke enjoys managing sepsis, respiratory distress, polytrauma, and complex endocrinopathies. He has a special interest in mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal therapies, and interventional radiology. He looks forward to working closely with pet families and veterinarians to optimize care and improve outcomes in critical patients.
Dr. Henke and the entire Critical Care Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week.
Job Titles:
- ER Lead Clinician & Hospitalist
- ER Lead, Hospitalist
Dr. Dani Wharton is the Lead Emergency Clinician and Hospitalist at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Wharton graduated from Long Island University in 2007 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Psychology & Biology. She went on to pursue her veterinary degree at the Ontario Veterinary College. When she returned to the states, she completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Throughout her tenure, Dani has been instrumental in the advancement of the emergency service and policy innovation, enforcement, and training. She frequently takes the lead on all emergency clinician communication regarding policy reminders and updates within the emergency service. Dr. Wharton is accomplished in all facets of Emergency Medicine and is a highly skilled clinician.
For these reason, Dr. Wharton was promoted to the Lead Emergency Clinician & Hospitalist. She will be responsible for aiding in the coordination, training, and supervision of the Emergency Department. She is charged with promoting greater efficiency and quality of care for our patients and emergency services alike. Additionally, she will aid in, education, personnel enrichment, and medical standardization among the ER Clinicians and Interns, in accordance with the hospitals mission, vision and values.
Dr. Wharton not only enjoys emergency medicine, but also has an interest in Veterinary Behavior. In her spare time, she enjoys country music, hiking, biking, and agility with her rescued pit bull Mace.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
- First and Only Board - Certified Veterinary Dentist
Dr. Daniel T. Carmichael is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Dentistry & Oral Surgery at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Daniel T. Carmichael is the first and only board-certified veterinary dentist on Long Island. Dr. Carmichael graduated from the Cornell University Veterinary College-the same University where his world-renowned father, Dr. L.E. Carmichael, discovered the vaccination for Canine Parvovirus.
Dr. Carmichael later became a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, and after completing a six-year residency, received his Board Certification in The American Veterinary Dental College.
For the six years prior to his arrival on Long Island, Dr. Carmichael had been head of the Dentistry Service at the Animal Medical Center located in Manhattan. He has done numerous television and radio interviews and has lectured on veterinary dentistry extensively.
Dr. Carmichael and his family live on the South Shore of Long Island.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Edwin Brodsky is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Oncology, as well as Co-Chief of Staff & Internship Director at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Edwin Brodsky is one of approximately two hundred board-certified veterinary oncologists in the United States. He graduated with honours from Tufts University in 1999. In 2003, he graduated second in his class with an honors degree from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He received his board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine with a specialty in oncology after completing a residency in small animal clinical oncology.
Dr. Brodsky was the primary author of a recent publication regarding the treatment of dogs with T-cell lymphoma. He also co-authored another paper about canine lymphoma and a paper regarding novel targeted small molecule therapy in cats. Dr. Brodsky still has an active interest in evaluating new and existing therapies for dogs and cats with cancer.
Dr. Brodsky joined VMCLI after practicing oncology on Long Island and in Connecticut for the last seven years.
He also serves as the Medical Advisor to PAWS in Connecticut. He lives on Long Island with his wife, daughter, son, and three cats, a dog, and one guinea pig.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Fiamma De Witte is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Internal Medicine at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Georgina Barone is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in neurology and neurosurgery. She is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist and Co-Chief of Staff at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Gina Barone DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (neurology) joined our Neurology referral service in 2009 and has been a welcome addition to the VMCLI team. Dr. Barone attended Vassar College where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, then received her doctorate from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her senior year at Cornell, Dr. Barone was the recipient of a prestigious award for the student showing academic excellence in Neurology.
Dr. Barone served as a staff clinician at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City for several years, then completed a veterinary neurology residency at the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine. She is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology). Following her residency, she served a one-year post-graduate neurosurgical fellowship and has been practicing in the Long Island area for the past 7 years. She is a founding member of the Veterinary Neurological Society.
Dr. Barone has published many scientific articles on a variety of topics including seizure management, myelography, Chiari malformations, inherited neurological diseases and advances in MRI technology. She has also published many chapters in veterinary textbooks on topics such as facial paralysis, masticatory myositis, muscular dystrophy, and feline neurology. Her special areas of interest include spinal surgery, the treatment of brain tumours, and complementary and alternative therapy. She is currently undergoing advanced training in the use of acupuncture and low-light laser therapy as an adjunct to conventional therapy. She also serves as volunteer medical director for Kindness for Kitties, a local non-profit rescue group and is actively involved in many humanitarian and animal welfare causes.
Dr. Barone has been a strong addition to our team and works to provide the highest level of medical and surgical care for your pets' medical needs. She is skilled in all aspects of both medical and surgical neurology and has extensive experience in the surgical treatment of intervertebral disc disease. Dr. Barone is available for referrals by appointment Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and for emergencies 7 days a week. Please do not hesitate to call for further information, or to discuss a case with Dr. Barone.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Jacqueline Carver is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Surgery at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Jacqueline Carver, born and raised in Colorado, received her veterinary degree from Colorado State University. She relocated to New York City to complete a one-year general internship at the Animal Medical Center where she was named "Intern of the Year". After completing a three-year surgery residency at the AMC, she relocated to Long Island where she has been in practice for over 20 years. She became Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1997.
Dr. Carver performs orthopedic, neurological, oncologic, and soft tissue surgery. She has advanced training and expertise in laparoscopic and arthroscopic procedures. She has a particular aptitude for complex wound management cases, congenital conditions, breed-specific conditions (i.e. brachiocephalic breeds), and "exotic" pet surgery. Dr. Carver is passionate about treating the "whole patient" and incorporates Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Laser Therapy, and Acupuncture when appropriate to maximize the potential for complete recovery. As a certified acupuncturist with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Carver cares for many patients with chronic debilitating conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative spinal conditions. Dr. Carver is always available
Dr. Carver is always available to discuss the use of "regenerative" therapies such as Platelet Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic Acid, and Stem Cell Therapy.
Job Titles:
- Hospital Supervisor & Head Technician
Dr. Jennifer Larson is a Hospital Supervisor & Head Technician at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Jennifer Larson, LVT, CPhT received her Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Quinnipiac University in 2006. During her educational career at QU, Jennifer was also a member of the Quinnipiac University Division I Women's Lacrosse Team and of the QU Organization of Future Veterinary Professionals, which helped raise funds for non-profit organizations.
In 2004, Jennifer's interest in pharmacology and pharmaceuticals motivated her to further her education to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician where she received her certification in affiliation through Dowling College.
Jennifer has been part of the VMCLI family since 2007, where she began as an ICU Technician for the Emergency Department. After a few short months, Jennifer took on the role of Head Technician where she directly planned and coordinated technical staff to promote greater efficiency and quality of care for patients. In 2009, Jennifer became Hospital Supervisor while maintaining the Head Technician position, where she took on a greater function in facilitating the hospital's needs.
Jennifer resides on the South Shore of Long Island, where she spends her free time enjoying time with her family and three dogs, any outdoor activities, traveling, running, and the beach.
Dr. Jessie Scaglione is a veterinarian with training in surgery at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Joshua Morgenstern is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Cardiology at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Josh Morgenstern is Board-certified in veterinary cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He graduated from St. George's University before completing an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, a specialty internship in cardiology at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa Florida, and a residency in veterinary cardiology at Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Morgenstern's clinical interests include congenital heart disease, interventional cardiology, complex cardiac arrhythmia interpretation, and management of congestive heart failure.
When he is not working with pet owners and veterinarians to enhance the lives of his patients, Dr. Morgenstern enjoys spending time with his wife, two dogs, Zeus and Stella, and his feisty cat, Beatrice. He is a die-hard New York Jets and Ohio State Buckeyes fan who can be found mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, and exploring the great outdoors in the off-season.
Dr. Morgenstern and the entire Cardiology Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Meghan Umstead is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Dermatology at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Meghan Umstead to our team of veterinarians and the Dermatology Service! Her main goals are to provide patients with the highest standards of care in a multi-specialty integrative environment.
Dr. Umstead's dedicated and caring approach is another essential part of our compassionate and experienced team.
Dr. Rebecca Berman is a veterinarian at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Co - Founder
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Medical Director
- Member of the Veterinary Emergency
Dr. Robert Composto is a Co-Founder and Medical Director at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Composto graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical year of training at the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced as an associate veterinarian in a large multi-doctor hospital in Brooklyn, New York until 2002, when he became a practicing emergency medicine clinician, as co-owner of Atlantic Veterinary Emergency Center in West Islip, Long Island. It was there his passion for progressive emergency and specialty medicine began.
In 2004 after firmly establishing a reputation for exceptional patient care in his emergency hospital he directed his energy on creating a state-of-the-art, 24-hour emergency and multi-specialty hospital. Dr. Composto with his two partners, Drs. Reed Zaroff and John Fondacaro founded the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island. The Veterinary Medical Center now serves Long Island with crucial, round-the-clock access to a team of emergency doctors and board-certified veterinary specialists dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care and customer service.
Dr. Composto is an active member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the New York State Veterinary Medical Association, the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association, and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.
Dr. Composto was born and raised in New York City where he currently resides with his wife, three children, and his family companions Chili, Bones, Jeru, and Jerm. He considers his family the foundation of his success and when not working he enjoys spending his time with them.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Sean M. Hillock is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Internal Medicine at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Dr. Sean Hillock earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida in Gainsville in 1995. He then graduated with honours and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hillock completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists and subsequently completed a residency in Internal Medicine under the direction of Dr. John Fondacaro.
He is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. His professional interests include canine and feline respiratory, urogenital, hematological and hepatic diseases. The Internal Medicine department is available for consultations Monday through Saturday.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Steven Moirano is a board-certified veterinary specialist with advanced training in the field of Oncology at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
VMCLI is delighted to welcome Dr. Steven Moirano to our team of veterinarians and the Radiation Oncology Service! Dr. Moirano's professional interests within veterinary radiation oncology include the use of hypofractionation and palliative care.
Dr. Moirano has a passion for client education, as this allows owners to make the most informed decisions regarding their pets.
Dr. Moirano and the entire Radiation Oncology Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
- Hospital Administrator
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Supervisor
Kim Nickolas is a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner and certified small animal massage therapist at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.
Kim Nickolas, LVT, CCRP, CSAMT started her education at Adelphi University and then moved on to Stony Brook University. She has always been involved with animals and spent the better part of a year getting her dog back to performance level after a complicated hip surgery. That was a career-changing experience. Kim decided to attend Suffolk County Community College's Veterinary Technician Program where she graduated with honors. She graduated from the University of Tennessee as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP).
Kim continued her studies at Bancroft School of Massage's Small Animal Program (200hr) and is a Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist (CSAMT). She is passionate about all aspects of rehabilitation and has a special interest in sports medicine and athletic conditioning. In her spare time, Kim can be found training and competing around the Northeast in dog agility, competition obedience, and rally obedience with her Border Collies.
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator