Our Staff

MEET OUR TEAM!

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Meet Our VETERINARIANS

DR. ROBERT B. COHEN
Dr. Robert B. Cohen, VMD

Dr. Robert Cohen is a graduate of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and has been in practice for over 40 years. He was awarded the coveted American Animal Hospital Association Student Achievement award for his outstanding scholastic and clinical performance.

Dr. Cohen continued his postgraduate veterinary medical and surgical training at the world’s largest animal hospital, the Animal Medical Center of New York (AMC). He eventually became Head of the Cardiology and Director of Clinics at that world-class facility. After leaving the AMC, he created a high-tech, innovative computer-based cardiac and internal medicine consulting service for veterinarians, which is world-renowned.

Dr. Theresa Ann Cavallaro
Dr. Theresa Ann Cavallaro, DVM

Dr. Theresa Cavallaro is a 1992 graduate of Mississippi State University. She received the President Scholar Award for Excellence in Academic Achievement for two consecutive years. She was formerly the Medical Director of South Shore Veterinary Practice from 1995 until 2002, when she and Dr. Cohen established the larger, state-of-the-art facility at Bay Street Animal Hospital.

Her professional peers consider Dr. Cavallaro to be an extraordinarily gifted veterinarian. Her genuinely heartfelt manner and caring nature set the tone for our animal hospital. Coupled with her track record of over 32 years of veterinary medical excellence, she is sought out by many Staten Islanders to provide expert health care for their beloved pets.

Dr. Justine Candrilli
Dr. Justine Candrilli, DVM

Dr. Justine Candrilli graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Her interest in integrative medicine began at the University of Florida, where she completed her clinical rotation.

Dr. Candrilli is currently enrolled at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion, she will incorporate acupuncture into her traditional veterinary practice as a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

Dr. Candrilli’s interests in herbal medicine, laser therapy, and rehabilitation have allowed her to integrate her knowledge of Western medicine and skills into a holistic approach.

Dr. Peter Donchik
Dr. Peter Donchik, DVM

Dr. Peter Donchik is a Brooklyn native who received a BS degree at Brooklyn College before entering The University of Parma (Italy), where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. He worked for 20 years as the Director of Bay Ridge Animal Hospital before leaving in late 2004 to join Bay Street Animal Hospital.

Dr. Donchik is a first-rate veterinarian who brings his skills, compassion, and kindness to the Bay Street practice.

Dr. Ashley Aanonsen
Dr. Ashley Aanonsen, DVM

Dr. Aanonsen completed her undergraduate degree, earning a B.S. in Biology at Wagner College. She then obtained her Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in the West Indies, completing her final rotating semester at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School from April 2018 to March 2019.

After practicing for a year in general practice, she joined the Bay Street Animal Hospital team in September 2020. Dr. Aanonsen has a strong interest in internal medicine and rescue/shelter medicine. She has become a strong asset to many of the local rescue groups on Staten Island and is a true advocate for the animal community.

Outside of work, Dr. Aanonsen enjoys spending time with her husband and eight fur babies, traveling to Disney, and cheering on the New York Rangers.

Dr. Ashley Aanonsen
Dr. Justin Arleo, DVM
Dr. Arleo completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Long Island University, graduating in May 2025. Following the completion of his clinical rotations at LIU, Dr. Arleo joined the Bay Street Animal Hospital team in June 2025.

Dr. Arleo has a strong passion for emergency medicine and is dedicated to making a positive impact during stressful and critical situations for both patients and their families. He is committed to continuing to expand his knowledge in emergency and integrative medicine to provide the highest level of care.

Outside of work, Dr. Arleo enjoys going to the gym, running, hiking and competing in obstacle course races. He also values spending quality time with friends, family, and his two pups.

Dr. Ashley Aanonsen
Dr. Steven Caban, DVM
Dr. Steven Caban earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2010. Since graduating, he has built a well-rounded career in veterinary medicine and developed a special interest in diagnostic imaging, particularly ultrasound. He enjoys the precision and problem-solving that imaging brings to patient care and loves using it to support accurate diagnoses and thoughtful treatment plans.

Over time, Dr. Caban also discovered a passion for reproductive medicine, which has become one of his favorite and most fulfilling areas of veterinary practice. He finds this field especially rewarding because it allows him to support both pets and their families through important and often emotional stages of care.

Dr. Caban joined the Bay Street Animal Hospital team in January 2026 and is excited to bring his experience, curiosity, and dedication to compassionate medicine to the community. He is committed to continuous learning and staying current with advancements in veterinary medicine so he can provide the highest quality care to his patients.

MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

coming soon
Gabriella Macaluso

Practice Manager

FRAN SPINELLI-PIROZEK
Fran Spinelli-Pirozek

Human Resources

KATHY CALLAN
Kathy Callan

VP of Finance

Cheryl Augustyne
Cheryl Augustyne
Senior Support & Accounts Supervisor
Megan Mahoney
Megan Mahoney
Animal Health Manager