HEART + PAW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Implementation
Andre has 15+ years of experience working with dogs and managing group play in dog daycare settings. He is DHA (Dog Handler Academy) Certified, First Aid Certified, and Pet CPR Certified. He has 3 dogs of his own; a black Lab named Pops, a Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Charlie, and a Newfoundland named Amelia. He also has a cockatiel called Hank Moody. When he has free time, Andre enjoys a wide range of activities, including going to the gym, hanging out at the beach, spending time with his dogs, coaching youth wrestling, boogie boarding, camping, cooking, and boxing. He also loves his Jeep and the Phillies!
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Growth Officer
Ashley has been working for Heart + Paw since September 2019. She has always love dogs since she was little and knew she wanted to be around dogs for her whole life. Dogs are her passion. This is her first job working as a dog daycare attendant. She loves hanging out with the daycare dogs and creating relationships with them. She can say some of the dogs are obsessed with her and loves being around her. She likes being able to create connections with their owners because they appreciate her for taking care of their dogs every day. She has three dogs name, Maya, Chloe, and Phoenix. She enjoys going to the beach, doing outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and loves to relax at home with her dogs.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Coordinator at AVS
Brian is a care coordinator at AVS. In his free time, Brian enjoys doing missionary work for his church and loves spending time with his adorable grandson. Brian has a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Emmet and a Pittie named Chloe! Brian brings so much joy and laughter to the office. Brian's goal is to always put a smile on your face whenever you are around him.
Cara has been working in veterinary medicine since 2014. She graduated from Camden County College in 2015 and received her CVT certification shortly after that. She has worked in a variety of veterinary settings, from shelter to emergency to GP. Her favorite things about veterinary medicine are client education and feline medicine. When she is not working, she loves going on walks, traveling to exotic beaches, and going to Ocean City, NJ. She has 2 black cats at home, Bear Cub and Jetty, who are her whole world.
Job Titles:
- Center Director Marlton
- Learn More about Our Center Director
I am a certified veterinary technician with 16 years of experience in the veterinary field. My technician background is in specialty and emergency medicine and more recently leadership. I am excited to join the Heart + Paw team because of the emphasis on quality preventative and wellness care for pets. As the old saying goes "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." When I am not at work, my husband and I have our hands full with our lovely furry bunch at home. I have two dogs named Nibbler and Stitch, and three cats named Butters, Oscar, and Bender. My hobbies include furthering my education in Human Resources, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and the study of the Human-Animal Bond.
Job Titles:
- Director of Talent Acquisition
- Vice President of People Culture
Charlene joined Heart + Paw to bring together her 19 years of experience working on behalf of the veterinary community, her understanding of industry trends and challenges, and her deep passion to have a positive impact on the lives of pets and those that care for them by helping to build strong teams and empower individuals. Prior to joining Heart + Paw, Charlene served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania and Delaware Veterinary Medical Associations. She started with Heart + Paw as the Director of Talent Acquisition at the company's beginning in 2018 and is grateful for being part of Heart + Paw's growth and evolution. She is equally excited to lead an awesome Talent Acquisition team who brings their passion, expertise, and enthusiasm for Heart + Paw and the veterinary profession to the candidate's experience. She lives in Hershey with her daughter Olivia and her four-legged family members Remmie, a mischievous black Labrador Retriever, and 3 cats Midnight, BeBe and MeowMeow.
Chelsea started with Heart + Paw in 2021. She is in the process of becoming a Nationally Certified Master Groomer. Currently, an NCG in non-sporting breeds. She has been in the grooming industry since 2010. Chelsea takes pampering your four legged family members to heart! Her goal is to make sure every dog or cat is comfortable while in her care. Stop in and meet with our Senior Stylist, Chelsea!
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Partner
Hi! I'm Cheyenne! I have been at Apache Trail Animal Hospital for almost three years on the front desk as a care coordinator. When I am not here, I am a student at Motlow State Community College working toward a degree in Mortuary Science, but that doesn't mean I don't love and care for you babies any less. I love to travel, read books, practice archery, and anything spooky. I currently have two cats, one dog, and about 15 fish. My goal is to practice my degree, but also to have a farm with cows, horses, goats, chickens, ducks, and many more! I'm very outgoing and bubbly and can't wait to see you and your babies!
Job Titles:
- Partner Doctor Heart Paw Callowhill
Dr. Karwacki received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University. After graduating, she worked in New Jersey and Philadelphia both in private and corporate practice as well as with a guide dog school. Dr. Karwacki's clinical interests include surgery, behavior, and ophthalmology. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, and Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association.
In her spare time, Dr. Karwacki can be found baking or in her garden with her husband and two sons. She participates in charity cycling events, 5K runs with her older son, and has recently started entering triathlons. Her miniature zoo at home includes two dogs, two cats, a leopard gecko, a hamster, koi pond and seven chickens.
Dr. Honigmann is originally from western Ohio. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2006, and then began practicing in a large multi-doctor general practice in central Pennsylvania at the beginning of her career. She worked in two specialty/emergency practices in Berks and Allegheny counties. After the birth of her third child, she returned to general practice in 2016, working at a long-standing community practice in Pittsburgh. When the opportunity arose to partner with Heart+ Paw at the end of 2019, she started at Lint Veterinary Service with Dr. Lint. The team has evolved, and in March of 2022 transitioned the practice's name to Hannastown Veterinary Center. She shares her home with a chocolate Lab named Oliver and three cats, Bean, Fanta, and Iris. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Honigmann enjoys reading, cooking/baking, bicycling on local rail trails, and planning family trips with her husband and three children.
Dr. Koch received his Veterinary Medical Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to veterinary school, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Psychobiology from the State University of New York at Binghamton. After graduation from veterinary school, he started as an associate veterinarian with a small animal general practice in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. In 2015 he transitioned into a hospital leadership role with a different practice in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His clinical interests include oral surgery and the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases. Dr. Koch lives in Cherry Hill with his wife, two children, dog, and cat. He enjoys traveling, history and spending time with his family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Partner Doctor Heart Paw Ballston Quarter
Dr. Aty Puentes was born in Bogota, Colombia. In 2000, she received her veterinary degree from the National University of Colombia. In 2003, she joined the Smithsonian Institution as a veterinary reproductive researcher in Virginia. In 2009, she received her Master of Science degree in Natural Resources and Wildlife Management from the University of Connecticut. In 2010, she completed the testing required for her to obtain her license as a small animal veterinarian in the United States.
Dr. Puentes moved to Florida to complete her small animal acupuncture certification though the Chi Institute in Gainesville. She moved back to Virginia in 2017. She has a very strong interest in pain management, geriatric medicine and palliative and hospice care. In her free time, she is an avid traveler and enjoys pottery and biking.
Dr. Cady Patchen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from College of Charleston in South Carolina. She acquired her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts with a clinical year at Auburn University. Following graduation, she moved back home to Charleston where she practiced general medicine. She has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, preventative medicine, general pocket pet care, and oncology. At home, Dr. Patchen has four dogs and three cats. Outside the clinic, Dr. Patchen loves hiking, kayaking, baking, and spending time with her menagerie of creatures.
Job Titles:
- Associate Doctor Heart Paw King of Prussia
Dr. Caitlin Blazic grew up in Montgomery County, PA where she is happy to call home again for her family. Upon graduation from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, Dr. Blazic practiced equine and small ruminant medicine. She transitioned to small animal practice in 2015. She enjoys the varied challenges of general practice including soft tissue and oral surgery and the privilege of building relationships with clients while caring for their pets through all stages of life. In her free time, Dr. Blazic can be found having fun outdoors with her husband, two young children, and two dogs, Cali and Rosita.
I graduated in 2018 from Ross University and completed my clinical year at Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine. I've since returned back home to the North New Jersey area, as I actually grew up right here near Lake Hopatcong!
Since a very early age, when my first job involved working with animals, I knew I couldn't see myself doing anything other than learning and improving my ability to help them.
After working in both emergency and general practice environments, I have found that I am most passionate about being a general practitioner. I feel that it is very important to form strong client and patient connections and I am grateful to be able to make a difference in those pets' lives. My specific interests within small animal medicine include preventative care, internal medicine, surgery and dermatology.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending any time outside with my Husband and our dog Rezy. During nice days, you can find me kayaking, exploring any nearby trails or traveling to find beautiful mountains. My other love includes cooking at home for family and friends.
Dr. Carr grew up in Maryland, where she always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. After completing her Bachelor of Science at St. Mary's College, she attended the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. She has a passion for feline medicine after growing up with cats, but also has experience with wildlife and horses. In her free time she enjoys cooking, reading a good book, discovering new restaurants, and traveling. Dr. Carr lives in Philadelphia with her boyfriend, their Great Pyrenees, Appa, and two cats, Lily and Bubs.
Having grown up surrounded with animals, whether it be dogs, cats or horses, being a veterinarian was always Dr Capor's life goal. Career days were the best excuse to dress up in a white coat and bring her stuffed animals along for "check ups". Since fulfilling her goal after graduating from Virginia-Maryland Veterinary College, she has spent her time focused on small animal medicine. Even though her job keeps her inside with all the cats and dogs, She does spend a good amount of time after work with her private equine breeding operation. Her husband and she have a small horse farm in Gainesville where their menagerie of four legged children continues to grow. She works so that her animals can have a great life and she's here to help provide that same life for your pets.
Dr. Frank Gomez received his veterinary degree from Tufts University in 2014. Following graduation, he completed rotating and ophthalmology internships and then practiced at small animal hospitals in New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. He currently lives in North Wales, PA with his fiancée. His clinical interests include internal medicine, ophthalmology, and dermatology. In his spare time, Dr. Gomez enjoys CrossFit, listening to music, and spending time with his fiancée, miniature dachshund, and cat.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder and Chief Veterinary Officer
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. George Melillo, VMD, Co-founder & Chief Veterinary Officer, brings more than 35 years of veterinary experience to Heart + Paw.
In 2018, he co-founded Heart + Paw, a company that has 28 full-service veterinary, grooming and dog daycare centers across 10 states, that is reimagining pet care in every way. He is passionate about creating a practice environment and culture that fosters happy, healthy, and successful veterinary teams in what is traditionally a very challenging field.
Dr. Melillo's decades of experience, combined with a fresh philosophy for pets, pet parents, and the veterinarian teams alike, helps deliver on the Heart + Paw mission: to treat pets and pet parents like family in a way that no one ever has.
Dr. Melillo is frequently interviewed by media and has been featured in media including CNN, Los Angeles Times, iHeartRadio, Reader's Digest, PureWow, Daily Paws, and more. Currently Dr. Melillo serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of Animal Care of Pennsylvania and resides with his wife in the Philadelphia area close to his five adult children, two grandchildren, and his 12-year-old rescue Jack Russell Terrier.
Marlton Heart + Paw is led by Dr. Jared D. Pitt. A South Jersey native, Dr. Pitt has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2013, with accrued experience in general practice, emergency medicine, and even mobile medicine. He is motivated in his work by helping to maintain the human-animal bond and strengthen the connection between pet and owner.
Dr. Julie N. Sanders is a graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM). During her time at the VMCVM she served as Student Ambassador for Purina, class fundraiser, and VBMA treasurer. Upon graduation, Dr. Sanders entered directly into full-time emergency practice with additional part-time shelter & spay/neuter work. Dr. Sanders also served as the consulting veterinarian for Radford University's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for two years before moving to New Jersey to further her emergency career as a Senior Emergency Veterinarian at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital.
In pursuit of work-life balance, Dr. Sanders transitioned to general practice in 2014 as a Chief of Staff for Banfield Pet Hospital in South Philadelphia. Her medical interests include surgery, dentistry, behavior, and nutrition. She successfully revitalized a struggling hospital and was promoted to Director of Veterinary Quality in 2017 - coaching medical quality for over 40 doctors in multiple locations. In 2021, Dr. Sanders expanded her role to managing both business and medicine. She currently serves as Director of Operations for Heart + Paw leading multiple hospital teams across six states. Her medical & surgical skills remain honed through relief emergency shifts at the local specialty practice.
Dr. Sanders volunteer work started well before vet school with Alley Cat Allies, her local SPCA, and Greyhound Welfare (Vice President). Her service continues to this day with donated surgical services at local shelters. She has volunteered with the AVMA since 2012 participating in ECFVG BCSE workshops and becoming elected to two consecutive terms on the Council on Veterinary Service. She remains active with the VMCVM as both a member of the Alumni Board of Directors and student mentor.
Dr. Sanders enjoys traveling and driving motorcycles with her husband, Jason, and stepson Joseph. A life-long dog-person, Dr. Sanders has acquired an appreciation for cats from her cat-in-law, Lo-Mein.
Dr. Kelly Stark is a Virginia native who completed her undergraduate degree at James Madison University and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech. Her clinical passions include internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, and feline medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.
In her free time, Dr. Stark loves to paint, read, practice yoga, weight lift, play piano, and spend time with her husband, their four cats, Doberman, and ball python.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
- VP of Operations
Mary has over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine, first as a doctor in general practice and emergency medicine, and then as a leader with extensive multi-unit management and operational experience. She is passionate about development and creating positive environments for all team members to thrive in. Connection and community involvement is central to her work professionally as well as personally. Originally from Washington DC, she attended Wesleyan University before graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. She loves living in Philadelphia and enjoying all that the city has to offer. She has two small, rambunctious children and two fluffy, rambunctious cats to keep her life busy, but exciting.
Dr. Michael Coughlan has practiced veterinary medicine for over 25 years and has served pets and families in St. Michaels, MD since 2008. Take a moment to meet him and his outstanding support staff, and reach out to us if you have any questions!
Dr. Shultz is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), which means she is able to treat dogs and cats with acupuncture. This holistic therapy can be applied to treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, allergies, neurological disorders, nausea, post-surgical recovery, and much more.
Hey, my name is Fallon. I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I am married to a wonderful man, James, and have two amazing children, Ryker and Kyleigh. I have been in veterinary medicine off and on since I was 16 years old. I have been with Apache Trail Animal Hospital for most of that time. When I wasn't with Apache Trail, I lived in either South Carolina or California where I supported my husband with his military career. I have tried various other jobs, but always manage to come back to veterinary medicine. You can usually find me assisting the doctor during an appointment or working behind the scenes to help take the best care of your pet. When I am not working you can find me spending quality time with my family, reading, hiking, or loving on my cat and dog.
Job Titles:
- Veterinary Assistant / Translator
I was born in Georgia but have lived in Nashville my whole life. I received my bachelor's degree from Lipscomb University in 2021! Ever since I was a kid helping my mom translate at my dog's vet visits, I knew I wanted to go into veterinary medicine. I am currently applying to vet school! I have been at Apache Trail Animal Hospital for almost four years. I do vet assisting but I am also the Spanish translator here. I absolutely love being able to help my clients understand the heath of their pet. I love bowling and listening to Harry Styles. I am a HUGE LOVER of Chihuahuas; they're my favorite breed!
Gabbi has been with Heart + Paw since the Cherry Hill center opened its doors. She started off as a play coordinator, but Gabbi discovered her love for grooming and is now a stylist in our salon. She has been working with animals for more than 6 years and has a passion for providing the best care she can for all the pets who walk through our doors. She upholds Heart + Paw's motto, "Pet Care Reimagined," by tailoring each pet's experience to what they need to make them feel as comfortable and stress-free as she can. When she's finished making your pup look their absolute best, she enjoys hanging out with her own dogs Lyle and Sokka and exploring new places with friends.
Job Titles:
- CCE Master Stylist / Stylist Services Specialist
Helen has been grooming cats and dogs for over 15 years. She is an Internationally award-winning competitive groomer, grooming industry speaker and educator, and a popular grooming competition judge. She is a member of Groom Team USA, and finished 3rd overall and first in the gundog category in the nation for 2021
Helen holds many advanced styling skills from Creative Touches to hand stripping as well as having completed multiple certificate course on geriatric dogs, Asian Fusion Grooming, Animal Behavior and Handling Skills.
In addition to Grooming at Glen Mills Helen also plays a vital role in the operations department as a Style Services Specialist. Helen is responsible for helping to shape Heart + Paw stylists and style specific policies.
When not working Helen can be found traveling the country competing or hanging at home doing DIY projects or playing with her personal pets.
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Partner
Julie Bradford grew up watching her father care for four-legged patients as a veterinarian in Westport, Connecticut. She pursued a marketing and journalism degree from Southern Connecticut State University and worked in property management for many years before returning to her roots as a veterinary hospital manager in Columbus, Ohio. She brings over 16 years of experience in the veterinary industry to her role as a Talent Acquisition Partner at Heart + Paw. She loves getting to everyone she meets and enjoys swapping stories about her crazy dog Lilly, aloof cat Nala and, from time to time, her grandpuppies, Cash and Izzy too. Julie currently resides in Nashville, TN and has 2 grown children, Allison who is graduating from medical school in May 2023 and Justin, who is married and has two beautiful daughters, who are very spoiled by their Grammy!
Katie developed an appreciation for the human-animal bond at a young age which inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After completing and obtaining her degree in Veterinary Technology from Camden County College, Katie successfully passed her VTNE boards, acquiring her license as a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2017. Katie has been working in veterinary medicine for 7 years, during which she also learned a variety of low-stress techniques in addition to acquiring her Fear Free certification in 2017. To help create a better and more comfortable experience for all her patients, she uses Techniques that aid in decreasing, if not eliminating fear, anxiety, and stress for her patients. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping while also spending time with her greyhound, Ruthie, or her cat, Garry Bob.
I've been a vet assistant, handling all types of animals since 2017, with an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Technical Studies and a Riding Master III Certification from Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center I have spent most of my life working with animals and a long history in the horse industry.
Kayleigh was born outside of Philadelphia and raised in Hershey, PA. She has earned an associates degree in Communications and has been working in veterinary medicine for over 2 years. Kayleigh has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember, with many pictures of her as a child with a stuffed animal in hand. Some of Kayleigh's favorite things include brunch, Taylor Swift, and true crime podcasts. She is so excited to continue to cultivate relationships with patients and clients.
Job Titles:
- Learn More about Our Center Director
I have a huge heart for animals and 3 years ago I started working at All Pets, something I've wanted to do forever! I live on a farm with my husband, 2 dogs and 1 cat. I also have chickens, ducks, peacocks and 4 alpacas.
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Partner
Randi has over 17 years of veterinary nursing experience, working in all aspects of veterinary medicine including general practice, specialty, and emergency care. Residing in the Douglassville, PA area, she shares her home with her husband, 3 dogs, 3 goats, 2 pigs, and 15 chickens. She joined the Heart + Paw family at the opening of the Glen Mills Center in 2019, holding positions as Lead Technician and Center Director before being promoted to her role as Talent Acquisition Partner in the Support Center. Randi loves the family feel of Heart + Paw, the welcomed ideas, and collaborations between each department. She is passionate about making connections with each candidate and ensuring their hiring and onboarding experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Robin has been with HVC for 2 years. She enjoys playing with her dog Polly and her chonky cat Maynard. Robin's hobbies include baking and dog sports. The one thing she loves the most about working at Hannastown is meeting all the cute puppies and getting to work with such a great team.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Technician
Sarah has been a Certified Veterinary Technician since 2014 and a technician specialist in emergency and critical care since 2020. She is very passionate about her job. Outside of work, her activities include volunteering for multiple organizations, crafting, and wrangling her own pets.
Tracy is a joy-filled and upbeat member of our team who has a strong passion for animals. Tracy comes from a background of horse care and management. She has an avid love for all types of animals and is looking forward to helping you and your fur babies out whenever you call our clinic!