After 18 years in veterinary medicine, I’ve learned one thing for sure—I absolutely love the excitement of emergency medicine. No two shifts are ever the same, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I enjoy thinking on my feet, tackling challenging cases, and helping pets and their families through some of their toughest moments. … Read moreMelissa Simonelli
Dr. Dan Shaiken is a veterinarian born and raised in Connecticut who has been serving the communities of central and eastern Connecticut since 2017. Originally from Storrs, Dr. Shaiken earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut in 2013 before receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Tufts University Cummings … Read moreDan Shaiken, DVM
CSR and Veterinary Assistant Sabrina has been with the Veterinary Emergency Center since December 2021. She has been in the pet care field for many years as a groomer, dog trainer, and small animal manager. Now Sabrina works as a CSR and veterinary assistant. In her spare time, she loves going on hikes with her … Read moreSabrina Prosser
Dr. Petrauskas has had a passion for animals and their care since she was a young child. She would often play “veterinarian” on her various pets, and that dream later became a reality. She graduated from Louisiana State with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 and has practiced general medicine and ER medicine in … Read moreCindy Petrauskas, DVM
Technician Devan is a dedicated and hardworking member of our surgical team. She joiined our team two years ago bringing years of referral anesthesia and surgery experience with her from a large referral specialty hospital. Devan is originally from Litchfield County and went on to attend Mt. Ida college. Devan is a gifted athlete who … Read moreDevan Meeker
Surgical Manager Meg began her veterinary nursing career in 2007 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a focus in Veterinary Medicine in 2012. That same year she also became a licensed veterinary technician in New York and Connecticut. During her schooling, she quickly realized her love for surgery and anesthesia and focused her … Read moreMeg McMullen, B.S C.V.T
Dr. Steven Leshem received his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from UMass Amherst in 1996 and a Veterinary degree from Tufts University in 2000. Dr. Leshem completed a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut in 2000. He then spent a number of years as a general practice veterinarian in Colorado. Dr. Leshem then moved … Read moreSteven Leshem, DVM, ACVS
CSR Cory has worked in the Veterinary field for years, including both general practice and emergency. Cory spent her earlier career working as a Therapeutic Recreation Director in long term care, where she developed a Pet Therapy Program for the residents of the facility. Cory has spent her life raising, breeding, and showing all kinds … Read moreCory
Dr. Samantha Lavoie was born and raised in Connecticut. She graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and then went on to attend University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lavoie completed a yearlong specialty internship in Emergency and Critical Care at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists. In her … Read moreSamantha Lavoie, DVM
Veterinary Nurse Gigi’s passion for veterinary medicine started when she was in her junior year of high school. She came to VEC as an intern in 2014 to learn more about the veterinary field. She graduated from UCONN in May 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science/Pathobiology and hopes to attend veterinary school in … Read moreGigi Locicero
