Christie D’Andrea, DVM – Veterinarian and Founder. Dr. D’Andrea is originally from the Midwest. She completed her Bachelor of Science at The University of Michigan in 2005 then moved to Boston to join a cancer research team at MIT. There, she published several papers investigating the roll of the immune system in various types of cancers before deciding to pursue her passion, veterinary medical school. She graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and spent 6 years in private and emergency practice. She loves her clients as much as her patients and felt that both her patients and the people who loved them needed better access to high quality, affordable medical care. Veterinary Urgent Care Center – an after hours, walk in clinic for pets – opened in February of 2017 in Quincy, MA. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive and the team is looking forward to expanding into our Plymouth location in early spring 2019.
Kerri Papanicholas, DVM – Veterinarian. Dr. P graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2007 with a degree in Biochemistry, then went on to earn her veterinary degree at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She completed a one year rotating medical and surgical internship at the New England Animal Medical Center and practiced general medicine at a small animal practice after her internship. She is a highly experienced emergency clinician and skilled surgeon with an interest in internal medicine. Outside of work she enjoys being outside, traveling with her family and spending time with her beautiful horse.
Lauren Zepernick, DVM – Veterinarian
Dr. Zepernick graduated with honors from the University of Vermont with a degree in Animal Sciences. During her time at UVM, she spent a semester abroad in Namibia working with the Cheetah Conservation Fund. She attended veterinary school at North Carolina State University, followed by a rotating small animal internship at Cornell University. After completing her internship, she returned to North Carolina where she spent five years working as an emergency veterinarian, eventually becoming the Director of Emergency Medicine during her final year. Dr. Zepernick is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and provides acupuncture services at VUCC. She also offers home visits for pets with reduced mobility. For more information, check out her website:
http://www.southshorevetacu.com
Dr. Zepernick will covering Dr. D’Andrea’s regular clinic hours while she is out on maternity leave.
Alan Glazer, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal) – Veterinarian
Dr. Glazer graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He completed a small animal internship at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, CT and became board certified in internal medicine in 2007. Dr. Glazer works with New England Veterinary Services providing traveling ultrasounds. Dr. Glazer is available for referring veterinary practices for outpatient ultrasounds during select afternoons/evenings at VUCC. Call for pricing and appointment availability.
Sabrina Almeida – Veterinary Nurse. Hey there, my name is Sabrina Almeida. I’m 24 years old with three amazing pitbull pups that I call fur children! I have four years of experience as a veterinary nurse and am trained in anesthesia and veterinary dentistry. I am currently studying for my degree in Veterinary Technology with Penn Foster. I have a special interest in fear free veterinary exams and I volunteer at the MSPCA during the summer months. I cannot wait to volunteer at the New England Aquarium rescue & rehab center for turtles starting November 2017. I’ve had the pleasure of working & learning with Dr. D’Andrea for four years now. I cannot wait to see what the future holds! I also have end stage renal failure and am currently a diaylsis patient. Waiting for that transplant call can be stressful but I know In time it will come. I’m very fortunate to have a job I love & the ability to escape my health problems a bit! Thanks to all your adorable pets that we take care of!!
Karoll Barreto – 
Veterinary Nurse. Hola my name is Karoll! I am a veterinary nurse at VUCC and I have worked with Dr. D’Andrea for some time before in previous practices. I received my education from both Becker College and Penn Foster College for Veterinary Technician. I have over six years of experience as a Veterinary Nurse and have worked in many fields of veterinary medicine including general practice, emergency, critical care/ICU, as well anesthesia, veterinary dentistry and surgery. I have a special interest in Pain Management. I am usually recognized at work by my black Labrador Enen that always comes with me to work to hang out. I also have more fur babies at home: Cosmo my oldest boy Labrador mix, Blackie my fearless cat, and Wolfgang my tough boy maltipoo. My pets are bilingual and understand Spanish. I am proud to be part of the VUCC team/family!
Melissa Chitolie – Veterinary Nurse. Hey, I’m Melissa, I was born and raised in Boston, MA. I completed my Bachelors of Science degree in Biology at UMass, Lowell. I have over two years of experience as a veterinary nurse and am trained in veterinary dentistry and anesthesia. I LOVE to travel and spend as much time out of the country as possible. By 2018, I will have visited every continent except Antarctica. As one of the veterinary nurses here, my favorite part of my job is spending time with the clients and answering all the questions they have about their pets health. I’m so fortunate to get to work with such an amazing staff here at VUCC and I love the service we provide to the community.
Diana Rodriguez – Veterinary Nurse. Hello, hello! My name is Diana Rodriguez and I decided to make my passion into a career four years ago when I became a veterinary nurse. I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in biology at UMASS Boston and soon after will be applying to vet school! I’m also a proud fur mom of a small maltipoo, Baby Bear who comes to work with me every day. If you come visit us, you may see…or hear him lol. I also have two cats, Bam Bam and 15-year-old Rufus who is the newest adopted member of our family. I can’t forget about my beta fish, Blue. Even before it was my job, I have been helping animals in need. By now the Quincy animal control officers and local shelters know me by a first name basis. I believe all animals deserve respect, love, care and most importantly, a chance. I am so happy to have met Dr. D’Andrea and have the pleasure of working at VUCC where we practice safe handling and our first priority is genuinely the patients well-being. Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life =) !
Kristin Caputo, Veterinary Nurse.
Hi there, I’m Kristin and I was born in raised in Massachusetts. I received my education from Becker college and I have been a veterinary nurse for 7 years now. My background is primarily in emergency and critical care but I am also interested in cardiology and internal medicine. I am excited to work here at veterinary urgent care because I can continue to expand my knowledge in the veterinary field particularly about wellness care and client education! In my spare time I love hiking and exploring with my fiancé Tom and our two dogs Simon, a 6 year old American pit bull terrier and Joon, a 1 year old golden-doodle. As well as our 2 dogs we have 3 cats at home, Roguey a feisty tortie, Fozz a shy ginger cat and Vito, our distinguished geriatric gentleman. I am proud to be a part of the VUCC team!
Andrea Simokonis – Veterinary Receptionist. Hey everyone! I’m Andrea! I studied English Literature at Umass Boston focusing on Shakespearean Literature. I grew up in South Weymouth and now call Adams Shore in Quincy home. I live with my husband and our 2 kitties, Gary and Tristan. We had our first child (a boy!) in early December 2017 and we have been so excited to welcome him into the world!! I’m also a member of the Board of Deacons at Old South Union Church and I’m a volunteer facilitator for the Weymouth Food Pantry. I’ve been a Veterinary Receptionist for nearly 7 years, collectively and I love my job! Greeting all of our clients (both furry and human) is my favorite part of my job. I love seeing all of your furry family members wagging their tails!!!
Michelle Almeida – Veterinary Receptionist. Hi my name is Michelle Almeida, I met Dr. D’Andrea at a previous practice and now I work as a receptionist at VUCC with her. I have several years of experience in client relations and previously worked as an administrator for a private company where I handled scheduling, accounting, payroll and finance. I have a pitbull named Bella and I have Abby the schnauzer mix! Of course the little one is super feisty. I love being outside and hanging out with the family and of course my fur babies. I recently had a transplant and now I take every opportunity to go out and have fun with friends and enjoy life.