Veterinary Staff Our Team in Staten Island, NY
Dr. Allison Brown, DVM, CVA (CIVT), CVNN Veterinarian
Dr. Allison Brown joined DHVP in July of 1995 as a veterinary assistant and went on to become a licensed veterinary technician 3 years later.
After receiving guidance and encouragement from Dr. Carreras, she went on to veterinary school, receiving her DVM with Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. In July 2012 she became co-owner of DHVP and strives to maintain the excellence in veterinary medicine and surgery set forth by her mentor, Dr. Carreras. Dr. Brown’s interest include Ultrasonography, Internal Medicine and complex endocrine disorders, Nutrition and Geriatric Care.
Dr. Brown is an active member of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT), gaining access to world class education with the support of expert teachers. Dr. Brown continues to study Homeopathy and is also an active member of The American Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy as well as the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. When Dr. Brown is not on the job caring for her patients, she enjoys yoga, cycling, spending time with her husband, 2 children and many fur babies at home!
Dr. Rodney Jerger Veterinarian
Dr. Rodney Jerger graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary medicine in July 2005, followed by a 1-year rotating internship at Metropolitan Veterinary Specialist in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Jerger continued his career development in NYC practicing medicine and surgery at Park East Veterinary Hospital and Richmond Valley Animal Hospital. Dr. Jerger went on to become a mobile ASPCA surgeon in addition to working per diem for the Animal Care and Control of Staten Island. Dr. Jerger joined DHVP in 2012 as well as becoming co-owner of the practice.
After Hurricane Sandy, Dr. Jerger played a vital role in rebuilding DHVP and worked endlessly to sustain the practice. Dr. Jerger enjoys spending downtime with his wife, 2 children, 2 dogs, and Axle the cat, but especially loves to cheer on his favorite sporting teams from his hometown of Cincinnati!
Dr. Christine Macri, DVM Veterinarian
Dr. Christine Macri is a native Staten Islander who began her veterinary career as an assistant at Dongan Hills Veterinary Practice in 2010. She remained with the practice while attending college at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. During that time, she also volunteered at a local animal shelter and participated in a summer internship at the Staten Island Zoo. She graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022, and returned to her DHVP family as a veterinarian to practice under the mentorship of Dr. Brown and Dr. Jerger. In her free time, Dr. Macri enjoys spending quality time with her family, taking long walks with her dog Reilly, and catching up on her favorite reality shows.
Veterinary Assistants
Tom R.
Justine B.
Jillian T.
Michaiah C.
Christina M.
Alyssa C.
Abdul K.
Chris A.
Marcos R.
Amanda L.
Client Service Representatives
Samantha O.
Donna B.
Behavior Consultant
Cathy Behavior Specialist/Consultant
Since she was a young girl, Cathy Montepeluso has felt a profound connection with dogs of all shapes and sizes. Her deep love for these animals motivated her to explore their complex and intriguing psychology from a young age. Growing up as a lifelong New Yorker, dogs have always been integral to Cathy's life, and she dreamed of one day working with them professionally.
However, like many, Cathy ended up in the corporate world after earning her college degree. For the next 29 years, despite enjoying a successful career, her passion for dogs persisted. She was constantly the person who brought her dogs to the office, offered solutions to colleagues facing dog behavior issues, and happily dog-sat for anyone in need.
Ultimately, Cathy's relentless desire to work with dogs prompted her to leave her corporate job and pursue a career dedicated to their care and well-being. Her journey began with certification—graduating with honors—from the NYS Board of Education School for Pet Grooming. What struck her most during her hands-on training was learning about the health risks that dogs face when not properly groomed or cared for.
With her new skills, Cathy launched her business, “Groomed By Cathy,” which centers on grooming dogs with love and compassion. She firmly believes that a dog’s comfort and safety must always take precedence over trendy looks or owner vanity.
Even after obtaining her initial certification, Cathy felt driven to deepen her knowledge. She sought to become NYS certified as a Master Dog Trainer, Canine Behavior Specialist, and Consultant. Under the guidance of Anthony Jerone—recognized by former NY Mayor's Giuliani, Koch, and Dinkins for establishing the Canine Patrol program in New York City—Cathy honed her skills at his school, the only NYS Board of Education-approved institution for these specialized training techniques. There, she studied police decoy training with K9 Unlimited, known for creating exceptional dogs for personal protection and law enforcement.
Today, Cathy is a versatile dog care expert with a collection of 5-star reviews highlighting her exceptional skills. She is also a patient and effective instructor, teaching obedience, puppy training, housebreaking, and essential commands like heel, sit, stay, down, come, and OK/release for prospective dog owners. Her greatest fulfillment comes from witnessing the bond between pets and their owners flourish through the skills she imparts. “Every dog kept out of a shelter makes my heart beat stronger,” she shares.
While some may say that ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend,’ Cathy believes that those who think so have never owned a dog. Her furry companions have truly brought her childhood dream to life.