Our Team

                                          



Veterinarians
 


  • Michael Gorra , DVM


    Dr Michael Gorra grew up in Washington, CT and attended Shepaug Valley High School.  He graduated from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997.  he completed an internship in small animal medicine, surgery and emergency care in Cooper City, FL at Veterinary Specialists of South Florida in 1998.  Dr Mike then spent five years in North Carolina, where he worked in emergency and critical care at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas in Cary, NC.  he was also the staff veterinarian for Carnivore Preservation Trust (CPT), which is a rescue and captive breeding facility for exotic cats and other carnivores.  CPT has over 250 animals and includes species such as Tigers, Leopards, Jaguars and Cougars.  Dr Mike returned to his hometown to work with his father, Ferris Gorra, at Aspetuck Animal Hospital in the summer of 2003 and in 2005 took ownership of the practice.  He lives with his family in Washington.    Vetsuite_Img_102048
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  • Patricia Grinnell , DVM, CVA


    Dr Trish Grinnell graduated from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997.  She practiced small animal veterinary medicine in Chapel Hill, NC for nine years before returning to the Northeast to join Aspetuck Animal Hospital.

    Dr Trish is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and has a special interest in Chinese Herbal Medicine.  She lives with her family, including two cats and a French Bulldog, in new Milford.
     
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  • Ferris Gorra , DVM


    Dr Ferris Gorra graduated from Cornell School of Agriculture before obtaining his DVM from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967.  He practiced in a mixed practice in Granby, CT for three years before founding Aspetuck Animal Hospital in 1970.  Dr Gorra was presidents of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association in 1980 and is currently on the CT State Board of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr Gorra is certified to perform PennHIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) radiographs. Presently he works one day a week at Aspetuck Animal Hospital.    Vetsuite_Img_102043
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Management Staff
 


  • Michelle Gorra


    Michelle is the Business Manager  at Aspetuck Animal Hospital.  Michelle has been instrumental in overseeing all of our recent rennovations here at the hospital.  She is very active in the community.  Michelle is married to Dr Mike and they have 2 wonderful girls, Abby and Madeline. 
  • Alice Miller


    Alice joined the Aspetuck Animal Hospital in 2007. She was born and raised in New Milford, relocating to Reno, NV to attend University of Nevada, Reno.  Alice then moved to Washington State and begin her career in Veterinary Management in 1995.  Alice has managed several veterinary practices from a small 2 doctor practice to a large 6 doctor, 7 day per week hospital in California.  She truely loves the profession and always prides herself on providing excellent customer service to all clients and pets at Aspetuck Animal Hospital.  Alice is a member of The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.  
    Alice shows her 4 Rottweilers in Obedience, Agility and Conformation AKC shows throughout the Northeast.  She also enjoys camping, hiking and gardening.
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Technician Staff
 


  • Kristen Bradle , LVT


    Kristen is a Certified Veterinary Technician and has worked at Aspetuck Animal Hospital for 5 years, and currently holds the postion of Head Technician.  Her special interest in veterinary medicine is in Ultrasonography.  Kristen's hobbies include hiking, boating, spending time at the beach and visiting the Hamptons with her friends.  She also enjoys spending time with her Lab mix, Kayleigh-Jade and her best friend Kali Manson.  Kristen also owns Sirus, a 6 year old domestic shorthair cat.   Vetsuite_Img_103400
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  • Lara Barr


    Lara begin her career at Aspetuck Animal Hospital working as a Kennel Attendant while attending Middle School and High School.  During High School she completed a home study course in Animal Science.  Lara has held her current position as Technician for 7 years and has a special interest in veterinary surgery.   She is certified in CPR. In her time away from work Lara enjoys horseback riding and owns 2 horses, Ringo and Amir.  She also owns one cat named Andy that she raised from 4 days old!  Lara also enjoys being outdoor and hiking and pet-sitting for many of our clients.     Vetsuite_Img_103220
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  • Ashley Meade


    Ashley joined the Aspetuck Animal Hospital team in April of 2008 as a member of our reception staff.  Ashley is a very dedicated employee who goes above and beyond to help our clients and their pets on a daily basis.  Ashley now works mainly in the position of  veterinary technician and enjoys helping educate clients on their pets needs and providing the best possible care for them.  She is also CPR certified. Ashley owns 2 German Shepherd dogs, Mya and Bear and a American Staffordshire Terrier, Teddy.  She also owns a calico cat named Zoe.  In her free time away from work Ashley enjoys many outdoor activities such as hiking with her dogs and horseback riding.  Exciting news - Ashley recently welcomed a new baby daughter, Lyla, into her family in May!    Vetsuite_Img_156816
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  • Melissa Inconstanti


    Melissa joined the Aspetuck Animal Hospital team in August of 2009, bringing with her 11 years of technician experience, the most recent being one year working at the Danbury Animal Emergency Clinic.  Her area of special interest in veterinary medicine is Emergency Medicine. Melissa attended Western Connecticut State University and has completed one year of vet tech courses through Penn Foster.  She is also certified in CPR.  Melissa prides herself on being a great mother to her daughter, Sophia.  She is a sports fanatic and has a special interest in the New York Yankees.  Melissa enjoys living on Lake Candlewood and spending time participating in water activities, such as boating  and fishing with her daughter and her boyfriend, John. John & Missi recently had a new baby boy, John Jr! Vetsuite_Img_105664
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  • Nicole Smith


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    Nicole joined Aspetuck Animal Hospital in February 2011 as a Veterinary Technician.  She moved to Connecticut from Massachusetts 1 year ago and she has been a technician for 4 years.  Nicole enjoys all aspects of the veterinary field, with special emphasis on surgery - especially cruciate surgeries.  In her spare time she enjoys many outdoor activities such as riding horses, swimming, boating and hiking.  Nicole has a special bond with her dog Titan, who she raised from 4 weeks of age.  She has done extensive training with him, teaching him how to open doors, sign language and many other useful and special tricks.  Nicole is an avid Red Sox Fan and never misses a game!  Nicole plans to continue her schooling, working towards her Biology Degree.         
  • Taelor Yannielli


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Reception Staff
 


  • Rebecca Rebillard , Head Receptionist


    Rebecca joined the Aspetuck Animal Hospital team in November of 2005.  She has held several positions as receptionist, vet tech and is currently our Head Receptionist.  We are very proud that Rebecca has just completed her Associates Degree from NVCC in Business Management and is currently working on her Masters Degree.  Becca owns 3 dogs, Harry - 1 1/2 year old yellow Lab mix, Lucy - 3 year old Lab mix, Millie - 11 year old chocolate Lab and also has 3 cats, Mica, Boots and Tuxedo.  In her spare time she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her boyfriend, Woody.  Vetsuite_Img_102950
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  • Stephanie Curtiss


    Stephanie joined the Aspetuck team in the position of receptionist in 2005.  With her strong community ties and outgoing personality Steph is a perfect match for her position assisting our clients with all of their pet's needs.  Steph also manages her own small farm which consists of livestock ranging from chickens, pigs and cows to growing her own fresh vegetables.  During the Summer Steph exhibits her award winning cows at many local fairs.  Stephanie holds an Associates Degree from UConn in Dairy and Livestock. She is also a member of the Connecticut Farm Bureau.  Steph also owns 2 Boxers, Leroy and Duncan and 2 cats, Bebe and Gracie.  For recreation she enjoys snowmobiling and quading with her husband and friends.  Stephanie also enjoys baking and cooking for her family and making theme cakes for special occasions.    Vetsuite_Img_102949
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  • Jennifer Clark


    Jennifer joined the staff at Aspetuck Animal Hospital in August 2008 in the position of receptionist. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Messiah College and worked as a teacher in various schools in the New Milford area. During her college years Jen did a semester-long study in Nancy, France studying the French language and culture in a university setting. In 2009, Jen was promoted to the position of Head Receptionist and has been instrumental in making many positive changes and updates in hospital protocols and procedures. Jen has excellent word processing skills and has developed a hospital newsletter. Jen owns 2 dogs, Annie and Tucker and a cat named Samantha. In her free time Jen enjoys many outdoor sports, such as running and gardening and spending time with her dogs and her husband. Jen is also a team leader for the Relay for Life. Exciting new news! Jen and her husband, Steve just had a baby boy, Wesley James. Vetsuite_Img_129556
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  • Becky Turner


    Rebecca "Becky" Turner joined Aspetuck Animal Hospital in February 2011 in the position of receptionist.  Becky has a bachelors degree in Community Clinical Psychology from the University of New Haven.  Becky is also certified in CPR and First Aid. With her outstanding people and communication skills Becky is a tremendous asset to our client services team!   Becky and her boyfriend Scott live in Morris and enjoy riding jet skis and kayaking in Ocean City and Bantam Lake and also working on their house.  They also like to spend time with their friends and enjoy going out for sushi and also cooking in their new kitchen.  They have a cat named Veronica Sage and recently adopted Daisy, a beautiful female pittbull!   Vetsuite_Img_152185
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Kennel Staff
 


  • Kevin Espitee , Kennel Manager


    Kevin joined our Kennel Staff in the Summer of 2009 and was recently promoted to Kennel Manager in January 2011.  Kevin has been a tremendous addition to the Aspetuck Animal Hospital staff, bringing with him many years of experience working at a Doggie Daycare.  Kevin loves spending his days with our boarding pets and assuring that each and every one of them are happy and enjoying their stay!  He has a very outgoing personality and enjoys meeting and talking with our clients. Kevin also assists the technicians when needed as well as helping around the hospital with handyman jobs. During his time away from work he is busy raising his two sons, Mason who is 5 years old and Jake who is 3 years old.  They all enjoy spending time outside, swimming in the lake, riding bikes and hiking on the family property.        Vetsuite_Img_113281
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  • Ashley Warner


    Ashley began work at Aspetuck Animal Hospital in the Fall of 2007 as a member of the kennel staff.  Ashley did an internship at the Animal Welfare Society for 1 1/2 years prior to joining our staff.  Her confident and mild manner make her a "natural" for handling our boarding dogs and cats.  Ashley loves being outdoors and also has a talent for drawing.  She owns 3 cats, Tiger and Sophie and Jack and also some chickens, turtles and fish. 
  • Ashley Brown


    Ashley recently joined our team her at Aspetuck Animal Hospital in August 2011 as a kennel technician.  Ashley completed the FCCTC Practical Nursing Program in Chambersburg, PA in February 2011 and then relocated to Connecticut.  She has extensive experience in both customer service and front office work having worked in the capacity of administrative assistant at a large ski resort in PA for 6 years.  Upon completion of Ashley's kennel technician training we look forward to her cross training in both reception and as a veterinary assistant.  Ashley owns several horses, a cat and an Australian Cattledog named "Dalila".  We are excited that Ashley has chosen to work her at Aspetuck Animal Hospital!     Vetsuite_Img_156817
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Clinic Cats
 


  • Chester & Marlon


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    Chester and Marlon are our resident clinic cats.  They enjoy "assisting" our doctors and staff in their daily duties as well as helping our patients feel more comfortable during their hospital visits.