The Crown Veterinary Specialists team of board-certified experts and skilled veterinarians welcomes you to our practice. It is our privilege to provide the highest quality veterinary care available for your cherished pet in a compassionate environment.
Our board-certified specialists have received extensive post-graduate and residency training and regularly participate in continuing education to keep current on the latest advances within their respective specialties.
MEET OUR TEAM:
Surgery:
Wendy E. Ross, DVM, DACVS
Dr. Ross grew up loving animals and had her sights set on becoming a veterinarian by the time she was five years old. She received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her veterinary degree from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. She completed her residency at the University of Tennessee and attained board-certified Diplomate status in veterinary surgery in 1996. She is a native of New Jersey who graduated from Montclair High School in 1978. Dr. Ross is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association and Metropolitan New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Ross has completed many continuing education courses to offer your pets the best care possible. She has been a guest speaker for the Biomedical Careers Summer Program at Montclair State University, participated in the Mentorship program and Career Day at the Sojourner Truth Middle School, and was a guest speaker on News 12’s “Pet Stop” program. Her publications include: “Evaluation of an Omental Pedicle Extension Technique,” Veterinary Surgery.
Anjilla J. Cooley, DVM, MS
Dr. Cooley is a 1992 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Cooley completed an internship at the University of Missouri of Columbia, and her surgical residency and Masters degree at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. A native of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area, she is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Cooley has taught principles in asepsia, anesthesia, and abdominal surgery to junior and senior veterinary students at Cornell University for 3 years. She has done extensive research in canine urethral healing after trauma. Her areas of interest include: urogenital surgery and head and neck surgery.
Melissa Gibson, DVM
Dr. Gibson grew up in Staten Island, NY where her love of working with animals began with dog obedience and agility training. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University, where she was a member the cooperative living group, Helyar House.
Upon graduation in 2006, Dr. Gibson moved to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts to attend veterinary school at Ross University. She completed her clinical studies at North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated from Ross University in May 2010. She completed a yearlong general internship at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Connecticut, a yearlong surgical internship followed by a four-year surgical residency at Hickory Veterinary Hospital in Pennsylvania and has now joined the Crown Veterinary Specialist & Associates Surgical Department April 2018. Her special interests include minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy and arthroscopy), orthopedics and neurologic surgeries.
Dr. Gibson lives with her husband, Will, their daughter, four mixed breed dogs Lulu, Riley, Charley and Fuzzball, and her chinchilla, Kinji. She likes to read and watch movies in her spare time, and enjoys working with all owners and their pets in the hospital!
Emergency & Critical Care:
Gregory Panarello, DVM DACVECC
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Veterinary School: University of Florida
Internship/Residency: Long Island Veterinary Specialists
Other Education: BS in Bacteriology and Chemistry from Wagner College, NY
Practice history: 12 years as the Director of Emergency and Critical Care as well as a member of the Internal Medicine and Exotic Animal Staff at Long Island Veterinary Specialists; Medical Director of South Shore Animal Hospital (24 hour Emergency and Critical Care hospital) in Staten Island for 5 years.
Personal interests: Aviculture, Yoga
Professional interests: Immune mediated hemolytic anemia, liver failure, Fulminant cardiogenic pulmonary edema, severe sepsis, and abdominal /thoracic ultrasound
Pets: 4 dogs (Penny, Hazel, Teddy, and Tucker), 2 cats (Fran and Midge), a rabbit (Chester), and several exotic birds.
Elena Fromzel, VV
Dr. Fromzel received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from St. Petersburg State Academy of Veterinary Medicine in Russia in 1999 and has dedicated her career to emergency medicine. She practiced for three years in St Petersburg before moving to the United States in 2003. Following a rotating small animal and surgery internship at Red Bank Animal Hospital, Dr. Fromzel went on to practice at several leading emergency and specialty practices in New Jersey before joining Crown Veterinary Specialists in 2016. Her special interests include management of trauma patients and critical care medicine. In her free time, she enjoys reading, downhill skiing, hiking, traveling and spending time with her family, friends, her dog Bard and cat Moor.
Ariann Boylan, DVM
Dr. Ariann Boylan completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut and went on to veterinary school at The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked in emergency medicine as well as general practice since completing her degree. Dr. Boylan is originally from NY and practiced in Ohio for two years prior to moving to New Jersey to be closer to family and friends.
Dr. Boylan shares her home with her fiancé and two dogs, Ollie and Archie, and two cats, Mowgli and Big Boy. She enjoys reading, running, hiking, gardening and snowboarding.
Nicole Braun, DVM
Dr. Braun earned her undergraduate degree in zoology followed by a degree in veterinary medicine at Michigan State University, where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She practiced in a specialty and referral clinic in emergency medicine and critical care for 11 years in the Buffalo, NY area. After taking time off to raise her three children, she was excited to get back to her professional life and joined Crown Veterinary Specialists in 2016.
Dr. Braun is passionate about the human-animal bond and has been a volunteer puppy raiser for Leader Dog’s for the Blind and fostered rescued dogs. She also enjoys riding horses and loves the sport of dressage. She lives with her husband, son, and two Australian Shepherd dogs Panda and Cherry.
Priya DeSoyza, DVM
Nicole Giancristofaro, DVM
Dr. Nicole Giancristofaro completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, Cook College and went on to veterinary school at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a small animal rotating internship at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, followed by a Radiation Oncology Specialty Internship at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Medical Oncology Specialty Internship at The Oncology Service in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Giancristofaro is originally from Hunterdon County, New Jersey and is excited to be back home!
Dr. Giancristofaro shares her home with adopted dog, Izzy, who is usually found wearing her pearls and pink toe-nail polish. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, golfing, football and spending time with her friends and her family.
Pravallika Batchu, BVSc & AH
Dr. Batchu completed her Bachelors in Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) from Hyderabad, India. She graduated in 2015 and practiced in general practice for one year. She moved to the USA in 2017 and attended the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri and completed her equivalence program. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center in Fairfax, Virginia.
Dr. Batchu grew up in rural south India and grew up with farm animals and clowder of cats! She is multilingual and enjoys travelling. Her interests include reading, trail walking, sketching and cooking.
Amanda K. Miller, DVM
Dr. Amanda Miller graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She is an experienced emergency and critical care veterinarian. She was mentored by the late Dr. Dougie MacIntire, an influential pioneer of veterinary critical care medicine.
Dr. Miller’s special interests in the field include toxicities, sepsis, and trauma.
Dr. Miller grew up in Titusville, NJ and is an accomplished equestrian (showjumper). After veterinary school, she relocated to Wellington, FL, which is considered the horse mecca of the country. Dr. Miller still lives in Florida part-time so she spends a lot of time on an airplane commuting between the two states.
Michali Berenstein, DVM
Dr. Michali Berenstein completed her undergraduate studies in environmental science at Barnard College, Columbia University, and went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 2010. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in NYC and has worked as an emergency veterinarian in Staten Island and New Jersey since then. Dr. Berenstein’s special interests include trauma, endocrine emergencies, and oncology. She loves spending time with her furry family of rescued animals, including four cats (Duck, Fish, Bunnie, and Dora) and a standard poodle (Anise). On her days off, you may catch her at a Broadway show, traveling, or diner hunting for the perfect pancake.
Meredith Berger, DVM
Dr. Meredith Berger obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Animal Science from Cornell University in 2004. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University in 2008. After spending 2 years in general practice, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in NYC. Dr. Berger proceeded to gain extensive emergency care experience working in Staten Island and New Jersey since that time. Dr. Berger’s special interests include toxicities, trauma, transfusion medicine, and surgery.
In memory of her coconut retriever, Susan, Dr. Berger volunteers with rescue organizations in the U.S. and the Caribbean, where she sends veterinary medical supplies and helps bring homeless companion animals from the Caribbean to the United States, where they are placed in their forever homes. She loves spending time with her two current rescue pups: Lily the Frenchie and Ellie the Chiweenie. On her days off, you may catch her riding horses at the barn or taking a Caribbean dance class.
Anesthesia & Pain Management:
Berit L. Fischer DVM, DACVAA, CCRP, CVA
Dr. Fischer is a board-certified specialist in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia® who has been with Crown Veterinary Specialists since 2017. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2001. After completing a large animal rotating internship at the University of Georgia in 2002, Dr. Fischer entered private equine practice where she discovered her true calling of becoming an anesthesiologist. She completed a residency in veterinary anesthesia and pain management at Cornell University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2008.
Dr. Fischer joined a specialty veterinary practice in Chicago where she was integral in establishing one of only a few successful anesthesia and pain management departments in private practice at that time. In 2013, she was invited to join the faculty at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and Analgesia where she taught veterinary students and performed research before moving to the East Coast. Prior to joining Crown Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Fischer served as Head of Anesthesia and Pain Management at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Dr. Fischer currently serves on the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia Board of Directors. She has written several anesthesia book chapters and lectured both nationally and internationally. Since becoming boarded, she has continued her education by becoming a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner and certified veterinary acupuncturist. She remains dedicated to promoting and teaching veterinary anesthesia and pain management to the veterinary community.
Dr. Fischer enjoys spending time outside of the hospital with her husband, two daughters, her dogs Margaret and Gizmo, and cat, Pinto Bean. She is passionate about crossfit, cooking, traveling, and being outdoors.
Dr. Joy Tseng
Dr. Joy Tseng attended Cornell University for her undergraduate and veterinary medicine studies. After obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2014, she completed a one-year internship at Unionville Equine Associates in Oxford, PA. In 2018, she completed a residency in veterinary anesthesia and pain management at Cornell University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2019.
Prior to joining Crown Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Tseng was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and Analgesia at Iowa State University. She enjoyed teaching veterinary students and residents during this time, but ultimately decided to move back to the East Coast and apply her knowledge and skills in private practice. Dr. Tseng’s special interests in veterinary anesthesia include acute pain management, usage and monitoring of paralytic agents, and locoregional anesthesia.
Dr. Tseng also dedicates her time to provide continuing education opportunities to veterinary nurses and practitioners.
Dr. Tseng grew up in tropical Taiwan but now enjoys the seasonal climate in the northeast US. In her free time, she can be spotted hiking the trails with her hound and drawing animal portraits.
Cardiology:
Gordon D. Peddle, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Peddle completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University in 2002. He attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania where he received his Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) in 2006. Dr. Peddle then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ in 2006-2007 before returning to the University of Pennsylvania for a residency in veterinary cardiology from 2007-2010.
He achieved board-certification in veterinary cardiology and Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in 2010. Dr. Peddle served as the sole cardiologist for Animal Emergency & Referral Associates in Fairfield, NJ from 2010-2018 before joining the team at Crown Veterinary Specialists in January 2019. He has published original research, review articles, and case reports in the veterinary literature. His particular interests in veterinary cardiology include pulmonary hypertension, management of congestive heart failure, and interventional cardiology.
Dr. Peddle is originally from Garden City, NY. He now resides in Hunterdon County, NJ with his wonderful wife, 2 daughters, and their dog, Rosie. Dr. Peddle loves wildlife, travel, and history. He is also a big Mets and Giants fan when time permits.
Ophthalmology:
Michael Brown DVM, MS, DACVO
Dr. Brown received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1992 and then performed a small animal internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
After returning to Kansas State University for a comparative ophthalmology residency, he received a Master of Science degree for his biochemical study of animal tears.
Dr. Brown became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1996, when he started the ophthalmology practice in Little Falls, NJ. Dr. Brown’s special interests include diseases of the cornea, corneal surgery, intraocular surgery, diseases of the retina, ophthalmic photography and the role of oxidative stress and nutrition on diseases of the eye.
He has written numerous scientific papers and is a noted national lecturer throughout the country, providing veterinary ophthalmology continuing education for veterinarians and technicians.
Dr. Brown consults closely with research organizations to help improve ocular health and vision in animals and people.
Dermatology & Allergy:
Norma White-Weithers, DVM,MS,DACVD
Dr. White-Weithers is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She graduated from Tuskegee University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a Masters degree in Animal Nutrition. She completed a 3-year residency in veterinary allergy and dermatology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. During her residency at the University of Georgia, she was awarded a fellowship to the University of Miami Medical School. This allowed her to broaden her knowledge in Comparative Dermatology. After completing her residency, she returned to Tuskegee University as an Assistant Professor where she achieved tenure-ship.
She has spoken on several topics pertinent to allergy and dermatology in dogs and cats locally, nationally and internationally over the years, and has published several articles on this subject. She has previously been the Editor for The Derm Dialogue, an online journal of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology.
Dr. White-Weithers has been practicing dermatology for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her job. She treats all aspects of dermatological disease, but has a special interest in autoimmune and ear diseases of the dog and cat. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, reading and traveling.
Rehabilitative Therapy:
Amy Flannery, MS,PT,CCRP
Amy Flannery began her career as a physical therapist for people until her passion for pets prompted her to pursue a career in Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness. In 1988, she earned her certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) at the University of Tennessee Veterinary College and became the first certified CCRP in central and northern New Jersey.
Amy is a strong advocate for continuing education and regularly attends canine rehabilitation seminars. She has developed close working relationships with referring primary care veterinarians to provide a state-of-the-art, team approach to rehabilitative care.
Amy is “owned” by her two Saint Bernards, Myrtle and Grizzly, along with their cat, Zeke. Together with her husband Jim, three grown children and two grandchildren, the Flannery family embraces the philosophy of quality of life for all animals.
Oncology:
Gabrielle Angelo, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Gabrielle Angelo, DVM, completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University then earned her veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee in 2012.
She completed an internship in small animal emergency medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Specialists in Brentwood TN, followed by an oncology internship at the same location. She went on to do her oncology residency at the New England Veterinary Oncology Group in Waltham, MA.
Dr. Angelo achieved Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in Oncology in 2017 and prior to starting at Crown in 2019, worked at Veterinary Specialty Care, Mount Pleasant SC. She has published original research, review articles, and case reports in veterinary literature. Dr. Angelo enjoys connecting with clients and working together to determine the course of action that is best for an owner and their pet and having an ongoing relationship with them throughout treatment. She also has a keen interest in lymphoma treatment, particularly because it is a very responsive type of cancer to many different chemotherapy drugs.
Dr. Angelo is originally from New Jersey and is looking forward to living close to her family again. She shares her home with husband Sean, a Tennessee native, two aggressive guard cats, Apple and Pear, and a very friendly pit bull named Loki. She and her husband also enjoy fostering kittens on occasion. She loves to cook, try new restaurants, exercise and read short stories for fun.
Small Animal Internal Medicine:
Carly Bloom, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
Dr Carly Bloom received her veterinary degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then did an internship and residency at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2006.
Dr Bloom moved to Australia to teach and practice at the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. She has also worked and taught veterinary interns and residents at large referral hospitals in New York City and New Jersey.
Dr Bloom enjoys all aspects of dog and cat Internal Medicine. Her special interests include the work up and long-term management of endocrine diseases, especially diabetes mellitus. Additional interests include work up and management of diseases of the kidney and bladder. She enjoys working with older cats with multiple Internal Medicine diseases. She enjoys performing abdominal ultrasound and endoscopic procedures, such as gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, rhinoscopy, and tracheoscopy.
Dr Bloom lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children, two lovely cats, and a rotating roster of foster animals, fish, and pocket pets.