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.
Eileen Hourigan, Customer Service Specialist
Eileen joined the staff at PRAH in May 2010. She grew up in Hillsdale and now lives in Westwood with her husband, Brian, and their rescue dog, Milo. Before joining PRAH, Eileen worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Fundraising Department at the Bergen County YJCC in Washington Township for 13 years and most recently as an Administrative Assistant at Smart Balance, Inc. in Paramus. Eileen enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
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.
June Capano, Customer Service Specialist
June joined Park Ridge Animal Hospital in October 2014, after being a client since she moved to Montvale in 1998. She taught preschool for over 20 years at St. Paul’s in Montvale. At Park Ridge Animal Hospital, June has been able to pursue her other passion which is her love for animals.
She and her husband, Mike, have two children, Michael and Jessica. They also have a rescue dog named Mia who is a certified therapy dog. June and Mia enjoy visiting nursing homes and participating in a children’s library reading program.
Shannon, 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 a 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 named Marley, Sabrina, Tabby, and Khaleesi.
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.
Erin Kirby, Surgery Technician
Erin has been working in the veterinary field for over 20 years. Originally from Rhode Island, Erin grew up riding and showing horses. She also completed an internship program at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Erin worked in emergency medicine on Long Island and now lives in Rockland County. She was hired at PRAH as an expert surgical nurse in November 2010.
When she’s not at PRAH, Erin is probably at a soccer, baseball, or basketball game for one of her two sons or spending time with her rescued Pit Bull Terriers, Pepper and Oliver.
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.
Abbey Frizzell, Veterinary Technician
Abbey has worked at PRAH since March 2013. She has a special interest in surgery and dentistry and has attended many continuing education courses on dentistry, dental X-rays, and anesthesia.
She shares her home in Sussex County with her husband, two sons, two dogs named Nacho and Merle, and two rescued cats named Damien and Burt Reynolds.
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.
Samuel Antoshak, Veterinary Technician
Sam started working at PRAH in August of 2013 and finds that this job is the perfect fit for him! He graduated from Ramapo College and has a deep-seated love for animals. In fact, he has two dogs of his own at home.
In his free time, Sam enjoys fishing, hiking, and boating at his summer house. He is also a volunteer firefighter in Upper Saddle River as well as Park Ridge.
Loren Ferraro, Veterinary Technician
Loren started working with us in March 2014 but has been working as a veterinary technician since 1999. She graduated from Cook College, Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in animal science. Throughout her schooling and career, she has many years of experience in general practice as well as emergency medicine and ophthalmology.
Loren’s favorite hobbies including riding horses and cooking. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, Mackenzie, her two cats, Samantha and Daphne, and her horse, Three To Get Ready, or Threez, for short. Loren shows Threez in both hunter and jumper classes.
Lauren Thau, Veterinary Assistant
Lauren began her journey at PRAH as an unpaid observer when she was in high school. When she was old enough, she joined the team as a veterinary assistant. Lauren worked for us during high school and then came back when she decided to attend college locally at Ramapo College. She'll now be attending Cooper Medical School. Lauren also completed an internship at Pfizer working on a cancer research project. In addition, Lauren is an EMT and volunteers her time with Tri-Borough Ambulance Corp.
Lauren’s family has three rescue dogs named Jessie, a small mixed breed who rules the house, and Simon and Audrey, both Pit Bull mixes who are the best of friends.
Liz Mafla, Veterinary Technician
Liz has been working with Park Ridge Animal Hospital since 2018. She has been passionate about veterinary medicine since she was a child and grew up around different types of animals. She graduated from Bergen Community College with a degree and certification in veterinary technology. Since 2011, Liz has been working as a veterinary technician and has experience in general practice, emergency, and specialty veterinary medicine.
Outside of Park Ridge Animal Hospital, Liz is a certified yoga instructor and teaches weekly yoga classes.
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.
Holly Peacock, Veterinary Technician
Holly began working at PRAH in April 2019. She loves animals of all sorts. Previously, Holly was a kennel manager for a large animal control facility.
Holly shares her home with her son and two Pekingese dogs named Puffy and Pickles. In her spare time, she works as a psychic medium who specializes in animal communication.