Our Staff
MEET OUR TEAM!
Meet Our VETERINARIANS
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, 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, 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, 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, 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. Victor Stora, DVM
Dr. Victor J Stora is a graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to that, he studied molecular & cellular biology and chemistry at Wagner College. It was there his interest in genetics began.
After graduating from LSU within the top 5%, Dr. Stora accepted and completed an academic internship at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Polytechnic University. Dr. Stora was heavily involved in internal medicine and reproduction. After his internship, he completed a residency in Medical Genetics, Pediatrics, and reproduction at The Matthew J Ryan Hospital, University of Pennsylvania. At UPenn, he oversaw students’ clinical work with cases that included severe pediatric conditions, hereditary diseases and advanced assisted reproduction technology. In 2018, Dr Stora passed his boards in Theriogenology.
His specialization is canine and feline genetics, including genetic counseling and reproduction. Dr Stora has also become well-versed in canine and feline oncology as a special interest. Here at Bay Street Animal Hospital, many of his patients come seeking care for cancer treatment. The treatments provided use medications such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
He currently resides in Staten Island, where he is a breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs, with a current pack of 10.
MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Pat DeSario
Director of Operations
Fran Spinelli-Pirozek
Human Resources
Kathy Callan
VP of Finance
Cheryl Augustyne
Megan Mahoney
Manager-Technicians
