Meet the Team of Valhalla Animal Hospital

Debbie has been a long-time resident of Valhalla and has enjoyed working locally at Valhalla Animal Hospital for over 15 years! She graduated from Mercy College with an accounting degree, which she uses daily at the hospital as our resident bookkeeper. She oversees the hospital’s day-to-day operations at work and ensures the hospital runs smoothly. She currently has two dogs, “Nate” and “Katrina” who come to help in the office now and then!

Melissa is a licensed veterinary nurse with over two decades of hands-on experience in the veterinary field. Her career began with a deep love for dogs, which quickly expanded to include a wide range of species — from cats and rabbits to guinea pigs, birds, turtles, and even local wildlife. Her passion for animal care has only grown stronger over the years, and she remains deeply committed to improving the lives of every patient she meets. In 2013, Melissa graduated from Bergen Community College with a degree in Veterinary Technology and became a licensed veterinary nurse shortly thereafter. Driven to expand her knowledge and support the veterinary field from both clinical and administrative perspectives, she went on to earn her BBA in Veterinary Administrative Services in 2022. Melissa joined Valhalla Animal Hospital in April 2025 and is proud to be part of a practice that values compassionate, high-quality care. She especially enjoys assisting patients through their surgical procedures and mentoring the next generation of veterinary technicians and assistants. Outside of work, Melissa is a devoted mom and animal lover. She cherishes her time at home with her son, her dog Rosie, and her three cats — Autumn, Abu, and Roo Roo. Her personal interests include yoga, hiking, and swimming, all of which help her stay centered and energized for the important work she does every day. Melissa lives by the Veterinary Technician Oath, dedicating herself to the care and well-being of animals and the betterment of society through excellent veterinary service.

Alex graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Animal Science. Shortly after, he earned his Veterinary Technician License. Before joining us, Alex worked in the Necropsy suite in the veterinary diagnostic lab for the state of Connecticut. He has also worked in animal husbandry and research at UCONN, NYU, and the Nathan Klein Institute with various animals, including bovine, rodent, and primate species. He has a dog at home named “Roxie.”

With over a decade of experience in the veterinary field, Diana has held a variety of roles, including receptionist, veterinary assistant, pet medical insurance agent, and assistant office manager. She has always had a deep love for animals and shares her home with her two beloved cats, Chester and Lagertha. Her experiences gave her a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by both pet owners and veterinary staff, ultimately inspiring her to pursue a new path in social work. Now a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Diana specializes in pet grief and loss, providing compassionate support during some of the most difficult moments pet owners may face. At our hospital, she offers grief processing services at no additional cost—before, during, or after euthanasia—recognizing how emotionally challenging saying goodbye can be. She also leads wellness and mindfulness exercises for our team, helping staff manage the emotional demands of their work. If you’re facing a difficult time, you can book a free in-person 15-minute grief support session with Diana here.

Wendy has been a part-time team member for over nine years, working mainly as a receptionist. She graduated from a veterinary technician program at Westchester Community College and uses her skills occasionally to assist the veterinarians during appointments and procedures. She has always loved dogs and has two at home, “Mia” and “Skylar.”