Veterinarian Long Branch - Meet the Staff

 

Meet the Staff at Long Branch Animal Hospital

 

The first thing you'll notice when you walk into our hospital is the incredibly friendly and inviting staff. Members of our team have been chosen because we know they will provide you & your pet the best possible experience during your visit. Learn more about our team below!

 

 

 

Jennifer Zawistowski, Office Manager 

 

Jennifer joined the Long Branch Animal Hospital team in November of 2017. Her efficient multi-tasking skills and her calm disposition make her a perfect fit for our office manager position.  Jennifer handles everything from answering the hospital phones to administering medications to patients.  She keeps the hospital “in order” on a daily basis and makes sure our clients have a positive experience when visiting us.
 
Before joining our team, Jennifer worked at Plainfield Animal Hospital, Truecare Animal Hospital and Atlantic Veterinary Hospital.  She has more than 22 years in the animal health care field.  She also has a degree in Biology from St. Peter’s University. “Helping patients stay healthy and feel better when they're not” is what she loves best about working with animals.
 

When Jennifer is not working at the hospital, she keeps busy by running her two son’s Justin and Lucas to various sporting events and activities.  She is also a den leader for both of their cub scout dens. In her spare time she enjoys reading, baking and watching movies.  She’s most happy being outdoors, particularly at the beach or in a pool.  Jennifer and her sons also live with two Dogue de Bordeauxs, Cookie and Donut, and their blue/gold Macaw, Junior. 

 

 

Mandy Ferrara-Rivera, Veterinary Technician

 

 

Mandy Ferrara-Rivera, joined our team in June 2018. Mandy’s responsibilities as a technician include assisting doctors, monitoring patients, collecting and processing laboratory samples, taking radiograph’s, and dispensing medications. She also helps out as a client service representative. 
 
Mandy has over 15 years of experience working in the veterinary field. She is Fear- Free certified and a pet bereavement counselor. She enjoys working at Long Branch Animal Hospital mainly because “the doctors and staff are very compassionate, and we all share the same vision for high-quality pet care.”
 
Mandy is recently married and enjoying her new life with her husband and their menagerie of cats, 3 dogs, and rabbit. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, all things coffee, and beach life right here in Long Branch. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole DeSarno, Client Service Representive
 
Nicole is our part-time receptionist who has been with us since June of 2012. She helps our clients schedule visits for their pets and assists our doctors when needed.
 
Nicole brings a smile to all our clients’ faces and helps make your pets feel comfortable. “I enjoy working at this veterinary hospital because it feels like my second home. Since the first day, I started working here, I've been treated like family. Every patient that comes in I treat as if they were my own pet.”
 
Nicole lives with several pets.  She has a Beagle mix named Hancock, three domestic short-haired cats named Angel, Cleo and Lily, two crested geckos named Sparks and Nubs, and Sandy, a bearded dragon.
 
In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and close friends. She also likes baking and learning more about the artistry of makeup.
 
Shanell Acevedo, Client Service Representive

 

Shanell, our client service representative is excited to be a part of such a great team. She helps clients schedule their visits and assists them with any questions they may have. She is fluent in Spanish and assists doctors with translating when needed.

 

Shanell is kind and sweet. She has 3 pets, a Pitbull named Brooklyn, a Terrier Yorkshire named Buster and a Maltese named Eva whom she adores.

 

Shanell enjoys helping others, going to the beach, taking bike rides, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

 

 

Estefany Perez,  Technician Assistant / Client Service Representative

 

Estefany joined our team in October, 2019. She knew she wanted to work in the animal field since she was 5 years old, when she got her first puppy. The strong bond she felt with her dog made her realize that she could never see herself doing anything but working with animals.

 

Estefany graduated with a Bachelors in Biology from Cabrini University. She is currently studying to be a certified veterinary assistant. She hopes to go to veterinary school one day. Before college, she was in the restaurant business for 5 years where she learned her customer service etiquette. During college, she interned at a zoo in Norristown, PA, where she learned animal behavior, husbandry, and medical terminology.

 

In her free time, Estefany enjoys spending time with her two precious Pit Bulls, Mocha and Simba.  She also enjoys going to the beach, running, and traveling.

 

 

Athena McDuffie, Client Service Representative

 

Athena joined our team in May, 2020. She was born and raised in Long Branch. Before coming to work at the animal hospital, she worked at a family owned pizzeria for 16 years. Athena has 2 cats, Spook and Baby. She has always wanted to work with animals and loves the atmosphere at Long Branch Animal Hospital. 

 

In her free time, Athena enjoys the beach, long walks and reading anything with history and mystery. She also enjoys watching football and her team is the Philadelphia Eagles.  She is very family oriented and she recently got married and is enjoying every last bit of it.