Riki B         

Office Manager  

I have been with Newtown Veterinary Hospital since 1999, and have been the Office Manager since 2006.  I am in charge of all the community relations projects at the hospital. These projects include coordinating the Annual Pet Fair and our community outreach programs (such as career fairs, dog walks, business association events and girl scout tours with the help of one of our technicians). I also edit the monthly newsletter, update our hospital's website, create advertisements for the hospital and create all door prizes and sponsorships used at local school events. I love talking to clients and playing with the dogs (I say hi to cats from a distance, as I am allergic to them), and hope to work here for a long time to come.

I have a Heinz 57 Mutt named Bridget born in 2005, a Cockapoo named Maggie born in 2004 and Annie, a Labrador mix born in 2009 all of whom were rescued through NVH. I love to spend time with them. I relax by reading books, drawing, watching movies, and gardening.

Barb P, C.V.T.

Senior Surgical Coordinator

I attended Manor College, the veterinary technology program, and graduated in 2003 with my Associate's Degree. I sat for and passed my certification exam that summer and have been in this field ever since. I really enjoy working with animals and trying to help them under the guidance of a doctor. It is a very satisfying feeling when you are able to help a being that is unable to speak and tell you what is happening to make them feel the way they do.

I started with NVH in September 2003 as a Senior Surgical Technician. As a Senior Surgical Technician, my responsibilities include calculating drugs, inducing anesthesia, intubation of patients, monitoring EKG Pulse oximiter, blood pressure, IV catheter placement, recovery of patients and overall animal care. Being a Manor Grad I have also taken on the responsibility of hosting externship students. In this program Vet Tech students come from Manor College in their last semester to rotate through our facility and learn hands-on techniques and how to apply what they have acquired being in technical school to everyday teching duties. I have also assisted in teaching a semester at Manor College. I enjoyed it very much, but have not had the time to be able to accomplish this again. I look forward to trying to fit it into my busy schedule for future semester if needed.

In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family, close friends, my sons Frankie and Joey, my dogs Stella and Molson. I also enjoy the behavior training aspect of veterinary medicine and like to help educate clients and fellow staff members in this area in my spare time. I have helped with retraining and placement of dogs in new homes and also have helped educate clients on what breeds are appropriate for their households. It is amazing what a little redirection, retraining and exercise can do for a dog that is labeled as destructive or hopeless! It is very satisfying to me to be able to modify some unwanted behaviors with positive reinforcement and placing the dog in the proper home where they will receive the attention that they need to keep them in a healthy state of mind.

I have been married since September 2006 and live with my very understanding and tolerant husband Frank. I also share a home with my dogs Molson (who was rescued) and Stella (who I acquired as a puppy) and of course my sons Frankie and Joey who have also shared a love of animals as well.

John G

Front Desk Supervisor

In November of 2005, I started working at the Front Desk at NVH. I moved to Newtown in 1993 from New York (hence the accent), and was also a previous client. Having the opportunity to have been on both sides of the fence, I was always extremely satisfied with the medical care my cat Muffin received. She was the sweetest cat in the world at home, but unfortunately had the reputation of being one of the meanest patients. The proof of the wonderful care she received was that she lived until almost 22 years. When I started working here, I was actually in awe of the love and devotion that the doctors and staff have for the patients that they treat. They always try and go the extra distance, and I am proud to be on their team. Before coming to NVH, I worked in the fashion/textile industry, but when the industry dried up here and went offshore, it was impossible to find work. I love travel (favorite cities London, Paris and of course my hometown of New York), music (favorites still being the Beatles and Motown), movies (Star Wars, Harry Potter and vintage movies), reading, collecting (vintage Star Wars and Barbie), designing and cooking. I am now the proud "Dad" of Harry, Hermoine and Ron, 3 cats that I adopted from here.

Melissa D

In Patient Coordinator

I was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey but moved to Newtown when I was little and have been living here ever since. My love for animals began when I became a volunteer at Indian Walk Veterinary Hospital in November 2004. I began working as a Kennel Assistant for while I was attending Villa Joseph Marie High School. After graduating, I was accepted into West Virginia University where I received a bachelor's in Animal and Veterinary Science in December 2009. After graduating from West Virginia University, I began working as a technician here at NVH. I hope to be a part of this family for years to come! I am currently in the process of applying to veterinary school and hope to become a successful veterinarian someday.

I have one cat named Princess. Princess was a stray kitten who I took in and nursed back to health. She is the love of my life and I couldn't imagine life without her.

Laura B

Out Patient Coordinator

My name is Laura and I started at the practice in May 2006. When I first came to NVH I started in kennels. After a few months I began as an outpatient technician working in appointments. Now I am the Out Patient Coordinator for the hospital and a Senior Surgical Technician. Newtown Vet has been a great place to grow and learn. What I appreciate the most about working here are the people I work with on every level and the quality of veterinary medicine that I get to be a part of. Not only do we have a caring, gentle, and compassionate staff, but we work together as a team to set a high standard of care for our patients. Our doctors are truly committed to each of their patients, and our technicians take care of your pet as if it was their own. I'm very proud to be a part of the NVH family.

Linda S LVT

Night Out Patient Coordinator

My name is Linda Schiavo, I have been a veterinary technician for 30 years. I have two degrees in science and am currently working towards my M.S. I am applying to Princeton University in 2013 to attend graduate school. My favorite part of my work is radiology, and will be enrolling in a veterinary ultrasonography program this year. I live with nine cats who run my house. I've recently rescued two thoroughbreds which have become the greatest pleasure in my life. I would like to eventually open a retirement home for racehorses!