Our Skillful, Compassionate Veterinary Staff
Our veterinary staff are instrumental to the success of our hospital. Each member contributes a unique set of skills to keep the hospital humming so that you and your pet receive the very best care when you’re with us. Meet our technicians, assistants, administrators and more, and set up an appointment soon to meet them in person!
Administration & Customer Service Specialists
Beth Gillies, Practice Manager, CVT
Beth has been the manager at PRAH since 2007. She began working here in high school for the previous owner, Dr. Mikus, and continued with Dr. Manderino during high school and college breaks. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Cook College, Rutgers University in 1997 and began working for us full-time. Beth has also worked at the Bergen County Zoological Park as a zookeeper and part-time as a horseback-riding instructor at Top of the Line Stables. Beth has attended continuing education seminars in human resources, leadership, inventory, social media and more.
In her spare time, Beth enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and fundraising and rescuing for homeless dogs. She is Co-President of a dog rescue organization, Halfway Hounds. She shares her home in Park Ridge with her husband, Mike, son, Luke, rescue dog, Charlotte, and Charlotte's two sister kitties named Stevie and Bobbie.
Trish Paultz, Customer Service Specialist
Trish started working at PRAH in March 2013. Her professional background includes many years as a legal assistant, and she has a B.S. from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.
She lives in Newark with her husband, Jimmy, and their small menagerie including three rescue dogs, Felix, Lady, and Luna; two cats, Mr. T and JJ; and a bird named Hank. Trisha is a board member of the Newark Community Healthy Pet Clinic, which provides routine veterinary care to families in need in Newark. She is also a long-time volunteer at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.
Shannon Thayer, Customer Service Specialist
Shannon began working at Park Ridge Animal Hospital in June 2019. Previously she worked at another veterinary hospital as both a technician and a customer service representative for 6 years. In addition to being a customer service representative, Shannon is a social media and marketing assistant at PRAH. She attended Montclair State University and has her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has a love for the outdoors and spends her free time hiking, dirt bike riding and traveling. She is the proud mom of a beautiful baby girl and four rescue cats Marley, Sabrina, Tabby and Khalessi.
Technicians and Assistants
Nancy Stillman, Veterinary Technician
Nancy has been working at Park Ridge Animal Hospital since April 2000. In addition to being a highly-qualified veterinary technician, Nancy is in charge of our inventory and ordering. She attended Lake Erie College where she double-majored in biology and equine studies. Afterward, she also attended the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute.
Nancy lives in Park Ridge and has two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Gibbs and Ducky. She also has birds, donkeys, and a horse. Additionally, Nancy has been breeding and showing Labradors for many years in her free time.
Erica Oppenheim, Veterinary Technician
Erica joined us in 2011. She graduated from Mercy College majoring in veterinary technology and also has a business degree. Her previous work experience includes critical care at a local emergency animal hospital.
Erica lives in Rockland County with her family including two rescued cats and a dog named Mimi.
Barbara Sierra, Veterinary Technician
Since the summer of 2012, Barbara has been a part of the Park Ridge Animal Hospital team. Her career as a veterinary technician has lasted for many years. Currently, she also works for a veterinary emergency hospital. In her role with us, she enjoys spending time with clients and educating them about pet care. Barbara also enjoys working as a customer service representative.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoys traveling, interior decorating, and gardening.
Laura Fischetti, Veterinary Technician
Laura started working with us in February 2016, yet her career as a veterinary technician began in 2011. Laura graduated Summa Cum Laude from Roger William University with a Bachelor of Science in marine biology and a Bachelor of Arts in environmental chemistry. After college, Laura worked for four years at Six Flags Great Adventure as a Senior Animal Trainer. There, she cared for a variety of exotic animals including reptiles, birds, monkeys, dolphins, sea lions, and more! As you might expect, Laura is also scuba-certified.
In her spare time, she enjoys being with friends and family, watching movies, and visiting zoos and aquariums.
Lea Manitaras, Veterinary Technician
Lea attended college at Fordham University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Lea has always had a life filled with animals, and currently, she owns a dog named Ernesto and a cat named Burt. She used to have a quarter horse named Freckles who she trained to bow and give kisses. She's also trained Ernesto to give high fives! She joined the PRAH family in October of 2016 and enjoys being a technician.
Michael Brothers, Veterinary Technician
Michael has been working at PRAH since September 2017. He loves all animals but has a special place in his heart for cats. Before becoming a technician with us, he previously worked at a pet grooming facility. He loves the excitement and variety of his current role. Michael attended Empire State College and has a bachelor’s degree in science, math, and technology with a concentration in ecology.
At home, Michael has one dog and two cats. In his spare time, he enjoys eating Chipotle, playing video games, and watching baseball games.
Nadia Raposo, Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon.
Nora Mohammed, Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon.