Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island Veterinarians

Veterinarian Overview

Our mission is to provide patients with the utmost in veterinary care, while addressing the particular needs of their owners. At the Veterinary Medical Center our staff, family veterinarians, and pet owners are all equal parts of a veterinary team. We encourage open communication and deeply respect the values, and wisdom, of our team members.

Wendy Ardolina, DVM (Practice Limited to Dentistry & Maxillofacial Surgery)

Dr. Wendy Ardolina, DVM (Practice Limited to Dentistry & Maxillofacial Surgery) was born and raised on Long Island. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from New York University in 2007. She then earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. After practicing as a general practitioner and then a shelter veterinarian, Dr. Ardolina joined VMCLI in 2018 as a resident in Veterinary Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery under the direction of Dr. Dan Carmichael. She joined our staff full time as an associate in 2021.

Georgina Barone, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology & Neurosurgery)

Dr. Gina Barone DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (neurology) joined our Neurology referral service in 2009 and has been a welcome addition to the VMCLI team. Dr. Barone attended Vassar College where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, then received her doctorate from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her senior year at Cornell, Dr. Barone was the recipient of a prestigious award for the student showing academic excellence in Neurology.

Edwin Brodsky, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)

Dr. Edwin Brodsky is one of approximately two hundred board-certified veterinary oncologists in the United States. He graduated with honors from Tufts University in 1999. In 2003, he graduated second in his class with an honors degree from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He received his board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine with a specialty in oncology after completing a residency in small animal clinical oncology.

Daniel T. Carmichael, DVM, Diplomate AVDC

Dr. Daniel T. Carmichael is the first and only board-certified veterinary dentist on Long Island. Dr. Carmichael graduated from the Cornell University Veterinary College—the same University where his world-renowned father, Dr. L.E. Carmichael, discovered the vaccination for Canine Parvovirus.

Dr. Carmichael later became a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, and after completing a six-year residency, received his Board Certification in The American Veterinary Dental College.

Jacqueline Carver, DVM, Diplomate ACVS

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Jacquleine Carver to our team of veterinarians and surgery department! Dr. Carver performs orthopedic, neurological, oncologic, and soft tissue surgery. She has advanced training and expertise in laparoscopic and arthroscopic procedures. She has a particular aptitude for complex wound management cases, congenital conditions, breed specific conditions (i.e. brachiocephalic breeds), and “exotic” pet surgery.[/vc_column_text]

Robert Composto, DVM

Co-Founder and Director of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.

Dr. Composto graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical year of training at the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced as an associate veterinarian in a large multi-doctor hospital in Brooklyn, New York until 2002, when he became a practicing emergency medicine clinician, as co-owner of Atlantic Veterinary Emergency Center in West Islip, Long Island. It was there his passion for progressive emergency and specialty medicine began.

Emily Cottam,DVM, Diplomate ACVECC

VMCLI is delighted to welcome Dr. Emily Cottam to our team of veterinarians and the Critical Care Service! Dr. Cottam’s special interests include hemodialysis, transfusion medicine, fluid therapy for shock resuscitation, coagulopathies, and trauma. Dr. Cottam and the entire Critical Care Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Cottam or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

John V. Fondacaro, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM

John V. Fondacaro, DVM, MS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)

Dr. Fondacaro is the Chief of Staff of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island and founder of Suffolk Veterinary Specialty Services, PLLC. He received his Bachelor of Science degree and graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude with distinction, from James Madison University in 1992.

Michelle Griego-Valles, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Michelle Griego to our team of veterinarians and the Critical Care Service! Dr. Griego’s’ special interests include ventilator therapy, transfusion medicine, fluid therapy for shock resuscitation, coagulopathies, and trauma, particularly traumatic brain injury. Dr. Griego’s dedicated and caring approach is another essential part of our compassionate and experienced team.

Cameron Henke, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Cameron Henke to our team of veterinarians and the Critical Care Service! Dr. Henke’s enjoys managing sepsis, respiratory distress, polytrauma, and complex endocrinopathies. He has a special interest in mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal therapies, and interventional radiology. He looks forward to working closely with pet families and veterinarians to optimize care and improve outcomes in critical patients. Dr. Henke and the entire Critical Care Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Henke or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

Sean Hillock, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM

Dr. Sean Hillock earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida in Gainsville in 1995. He then graduated with honors and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hillock completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists and subsequently completed a residency in Internal Medicine under the direction of Dr. John Fondacaro. He is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. His professional interests include canine and feline respiratory, urogenital, hematological and hepatic diseases. The Internal Medicine department is available for consultations Monday through Saturday.

Jonathan Mehlrose, DVM

Dr. Mehlrose received a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a Minor in History from Stony Brook University in 1999. He then proceeded to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated with honors in 2004. While in Veterinary school, Dr. Mehlrose established the Ross University Student Chapter of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Post-graduate training included an internship at the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Westbury, NY. He then received two additional years of advanced training in the field of exotic avian medicine and surgery on Long Island.

Josh Morgenstern, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Josh Morgenstern to our team of veterinarians and cardiology department! Dr. Morgenstern is Board-certified in veterinary cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He graduated from St. George’s University before completing an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, a specialty internship in cardiology at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa Florida and a residency in veterinary cardiology at Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Los Angeles.

Bethany Pastina, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology & Neurosurgery)

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Bethany Pastina to our team of veterinarians and neurology department! Dr. Pastina’s professional interests within veterinary neurology include spinal surgery for intervertebral disc disease and treatment of re- fractory epilepsy, as well as meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology. Dr. Pastina is passionate about treating her patients as though they were her own family member and supporting clients through each step of their decision process.

Noelle La Croix, DVM, Diplomate ACVO

Noelle La Croix is a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) and diplomate of the American Conference of Veterinary Ophthalmology (Dip. ACVO). Noelle graduated second in her class in 1997 from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine with academic distinctions, including outstanding performance in ophthalmology. Following graduation, she completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, and then spent two years as an emergency and critical care veterinarian with Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview, New York.

Jill MacLeese, DVM, Diplomate ACVO

Dr. Jill MacLeese was raised on Long Island and is extremely happy to be back in NY serving the veterinary community at VMCLI. She attended veterinary school at St. George’s University, completing her clinical year at North Carolina State University. Upon graduating from veterinary school, Dr. MacLeese completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Southern California Veterinary Specialists in Irvine, CA.

Steven Moirano,DVM, DACVR (RO)

VMCLI is delighted to welcome Dr. Steven Moirano to our team of veterinarians and the Radiation Oncology Service! Dr. Moirano’s professional interests within veterinary radiation oncology include the use of hypofractionation and palliative care. Dr. Moirano has a passion for client education, as this allows owners to make the most informed decisions regarding their pets. Dr. Moirano and the entire Radiation Oncology Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Moirano or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

Meghan Umstead, DVM, Diplomate ACVD

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Meghan Umstead to our team of veterinarians and the Dermatology Service! Her main goals are to provide patients with the highest standards of care in a multi-specialty integrative environment. Dr. Umstead’s dedicated and caring approach is another essential part of our compassionate and experienced team.

Danielle Wharton, DVM, Lead Emergency Clinician & Hospitalist

Dr. Wharton graduated from Long Island University in 2007 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Psychology & Biology. She went on to pursue her veterinary degree at the Ontario Veterinary College. When she returned to the states, she completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island. Throughout her tenure, Dani has been instrumental in the advancement of the emergency service and policy innovation, enforcement, and training. She frequently takes the lead on all emergency clinician communication regarding policy reminders and updates within the emergency service.

Reed Zaroff, DVM