Animal Clinic of Milford: We Treat Your Pet Like the Valued Family Member They Are
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Sasha Golovyan
1. What inspired you to become a veterinarian? As long as my parents can remember I had wanted to be a veterinarian. There was never a different career path I was willing to pursue. I was born in Kiev, Ukraine and we moved here in 1990 when I was 9 years old. My parents had to endure the countless abandoned animals I had brought home to rehabilitate, and some to keep.
2. Do you have any brothers and sisters? I have a twin brother and an older sister.
3. What is the most exotic Animal you have treated? A chameleon, not to be out done by a pigeon, chicken, or a recent seagull that was brought in.
4. Where did you earn your Bachelors? I graduated from University of Connecticut in 2003.
5. Where did you earn your Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine? Tom and I graduated from University of Minnesota in 2008. I guess you could say we were veterinary school sweethearts.
6. What did you do before you ended up at Animal Clinic of Milford? After veterinary school I completed an intensive rotating medicine and surgical internship at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk and Shoreline in Shelton CT. After this I worked for 6 years at a referral hospital, where I did general practice and emergency medicine.
7. What do you love the most about veterinary medicine? I know the close bond that owners share with their pets. I find it very rewarding to help animals and in turn see the happiness these animals bring to their families.
8. What kind of animals do you own? Our inside animals include an English Setter “Beem, Yellow Labrador “Brinkley”, Chihuahua named Monty, our cat Finn, and 2 hamsters. Our outdoor critters include a menagerie of chickens, 2 miniature horses, a rabbit, and 2 Nigerian Dwarf goats.
9. What do you do for fun? For fun I love just being with my family. We have 2 girls, Julia and Annabel who keep us very busy. On weekends you may find us at Cape cod, petting zoos, home with our animals, or doing outdoor activities like biking.
Dr. Thomas Maley
1. What inspired you to become a Veterinarian? Being a veterinarian is actually a second career for me. Prior to entering veterinary school I was a real estate agent and I taught technology education to high school children. So how did I chose the veterinary field…..I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was a small child and watched my dad raise and show Springer Spaniels, but like many children I did not pursue my dream. After being in a different career I knew that it was not for me, and at the age of 36 I applied and got into veterinary school. I met my wife Sasha during our first year of veterinary school together.
2. What is the most exotic animal you have treated? A leopard gecko
3. Where did you earn your Bachelor’s degree? University of Wisconsin-Stout
4. Where did you go to veterinary school? I graduated University of Minnesota in 2008
5. Where did you grow up and what kind of animals did you have growing up? I was born and raised in Minneapolis Minnesota. We had all kinds of animals growing up including springer spaniels, rabbits, cats, and ducks.
6. What brought you to CT? My wife Sasha is from Orange CT, I guess you could say I moved here for love.
7. What did you do before you ended up at Animal Clinic of Milford? I worked at multiple different hospitals including Banfield in Norwalk, VCA in Danbury, and East Hartford VCA.
8. What do you do for fun? I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, and sailing.
9. What do you love the most about veterinary medicine? I love being able to help sick pets as well as prevent illness and practice good wellness care. I love seeing the happiness pets bring to their owners.
Dr. Charlin Pereira
1. When did you start at ACM? July of 2020
2. Where did you go to school? Ithaca College – B.S in Biology, 2014.
3. What do you love and find exciting about being a veterinarian? I enjoy being able to make a difference in the quality of life and overall health of my patients, and by default, their owners.
4. What inspired you to be a veterinarian? I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after coming across countless animals in need during my time in Costa Rica. I want to be able to provide medical care to these animals, especially situations where veterinary hospitals were hard to come by.
5. What do you do for fun? I like to travel and do “outdoorsy” activities especially with my dogs. I like going hiking, going to the beach and parks. I also really enjoy nail art and pre-COVID I would volunteer at nursing homes providing manicures to the residents, but for now I only practice on myself and my family.
6. What kind of animals do you have at home? Two dogs: Khaleesi & Floki – both mixed breeds. Two rabbits: Jola & Trix -Lionhead/lop mixes. Two finches: Pepita & Sunflower.
Dr. Jordan Kaplan
1. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Goucher College with a B.A in Biology in 2017 and graduated from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
2. What inspired you to become a veterinarian? I have loved animals for as long as I can remember, whether it was bringing home stray animals and wildlife in need, watching almost exclusively Animal Planet on TV, or collecting animal encyclopedias as birthday presents. Between my love for animals and my desire to help others, becoming a veterinarian was the natural choice.
3. What do you love and find exciting? My favorite thing about being a veterinarian is making connections with pets and their owners and getting to help them through all stages of life and all of the ups and downs along the way.
4. What do you do for fun? I enjoy training and hiking with my dog, as well as reading and even a little bit of writing when I find the time or inspiration.
5. What kinds of animals do you have at home? I have an American Bully dog named Quinn, a one-eyed Western Hognose snake named Pocket, and a three-legged Bearded Dragon named Hiccup.
Management
Frank
1. When did you join the Animal Clinic of Milford? I joined them in August 2020.
2. What is your primary role at the Animal Clinic of Milford? Hospital Manager
3. What type of pets are in your family? Brady a Maltese and Bentley a French bulldog –
4. If your pets could say one thing about you what would they say? Get away from me with those gloves on!
5. What is your favorite animal ? A cat
6. If you choose to be an animal what would be and why? I would be a lion. They are majestic and complicated.
7 .Where did you attend school? Sacred Heart University with a Masters in Psychology
8. Why did you choose a career in veterinary medicine? It was natural for me. I started as a kennel technician, then became a technician assistant, progressed to technician and then took on the leadership role as lead technician in emergency veterinary medicine and general practice.
Kelsey
1. What is your primary role at Animal Clinic of Milford? I am the Front Desk Supervisor here at Animal Clinic of Milford.
2. How long have your worked in the veterinary field? I’ve been working in the veterinary industry since 2012.
3. What kind of pets do you own? I have a dog Francesca, and two cats Pumpkin and Gomez.
4. If your pets could say one thing about you what would it be? “We love you but enough is enough with these little holiday sweaters”
5. What do you like best about working at Animal Clinic of Milford? I love how friendly and helpful our entire staff is with both our clients and with each other.
6. What is your favorite part about working with animals? My favorite part about working with animals would have to be seeing pets who were brought in sick or injured coming back to the clinic happy and feeling better, it warms you right up inside. Oh and of course puppies and kittens are a close second.
7. What do you do for fun (hobbies)? I love spending time with friends and family, especially my two sons, Jaxson and Dominic. They keep me very busy!
8. What is your favorite animal? I love all animals! They all have their own personalities and awesome qualities, it’s impossible to pick.
Hospital Sector
Lacey
1. What is your primary role at ACM? Veterinary Technician/Surgery Technician
2. When did you become first interested in the veterinary field? When I was a little girl, I’ve always loved animals. I even went to a Vong High School and worked with animals there.
3. What do you love most about this field and working here at ACM? I love being able to help animals and their people.
4. What do you do for fun? I enjoy going to the gym. I spend time with my son. We go on hikes and bike rides. I also like to eat.
5. What kind of animals do you have at home? I have a cat and his name is Lord Drago of thundercuddles. (my son named him.)
Jayden
1. What is your primary role at ACM? Surgery Technician
2. When did you become first interested in the veterinary field? As a kid I always had an interest in animals. My step-father is a vet and I would always help take care of the sick animals he brough home.
3. What do you love most about this field and working here at ACM? I love the satisfaction of helping others and the family feeling here at ACM.
4. What do you do for fun (hobbies)? I like to go hiking on my days off and spend time with friends.
5. What kind of animals do you have at home (names and breeds please)? I have two frenchies! Milo and Macy.
Morgan
1. What is your primary role at ACM? Veterinary Technician
2. When did you become first interested in the veterinary field?
When I was in high school I went to the Agriculture and Biotechnology Program in Trumbull and instantly fell in love!
3. What do you love most about this field and working here at ACM?
I love the atmosphere working here at ACM. Everyone is so friendly and personable. I enjoy working with the more difficult patients that are “spicy” and the girl to call to make sure the patient and staff member are safe during restraint.
4. What do you do for fun (hobbies)?
I enjoy hiking with my dogs, traveling, going to the gym, and getting my nails done!
5. What kind of animals do you have at home (names and breeds please)?
A Newfie named Laney, a Havanese Labradoodle named Sophie, and two cats named Herman and Evie.
Mel
1. What is your favorite thing about working at The Animal Clinic of Milford? The doctors and staff make you feel part of the family right from the beginning, and because of that, the clients place so much trust in our hands.
2. How long have you been in the veterinary industry? I started in 2016 in the field while in school, but before that, I was working as a dog trainer.
3. What is your primary role at Animal Clinic of Milford? I am a veterinary technician which allows you to learn so much every day because no appointment is the same.
4. What animals do you love to work with? As much as I enjoy working with small animals I really enjoy exotics more they are all completely different, I have worked with bearded dragons, bunnies, hamsters, snakes, and even koi fish.
5. What is your favorite animal? Growing up I had cats, hamsters, bearded dragon, fish, and many strays I would bring home even baby skunks I saved when they lost their parents, but my most favorite was my rat her name was Remy, rats are very intelligent creatures and every day I got to spend with her was always a great time.
6. What is your favorite to do in your spare time? When I cannot be outside I am always playing either Xbox or PS4, it is a way for me to relax otherwise I would love to be outside geocaching, but the best stress reliever has always been billiards.
7. What is your favorite part of your job as a veterinary technician? Getting to know the clients and their pets, finding ways to help them both and the relationship you have with them makes some of the longest days worth it.
8. When did you join Animal Clinic of Milford? I joined Animal Clinic Of Milford 2019
Sayaka
1. When did you start at ACM? November of 2020.
2. What is your primary role at ACM? Boarding staff and Tech assistant.
3. When did you become first interested in the Veterinary field? 2 years ago I lost my first very dog at a young age due to a sickness, so since then I decided to study more about animals and changed my career to this field.
4. What do you love most about this field and working at ACM? I love seeing cute animals of course but what I love most is to see many patients get better and I love all the people working here. Not only are they intelligent but they are devoted, respectful, and hardworking!
5. What do you do for fun? I like playing with my kids and dog, cooking, and traveling.
6. What kind of animals do you have at home?> I have a terrier/Pitbull/Boxer mix, her name is Chloe and she came from a rescue group last year.
7. Other info about me: I’m from Japan and moved to the U.S 3 years ago, I’m almost done with my Veterinary Assistant Certificate at Animal Behavior College.
Bryan K.
1. What is your primary role at ACM? Tech Assistant
2. When did you become first interested in the veterinary field? I’ve always been interested in working with animals ever since I was a kid. I grew more interested, however, after having to put my Akita Niko to sleep.
3. What do you love most about this field and working here at ACM? Seeing different types of dogs everyday and being hands on. As a dog fan that is the most enjoyable.
4. What do you do for fun (hobbies)?Basketball, playing Playstation 5, going to the beach at night, and just running around with my dogs.
5. What kind of animals do you have at home (names and breeds please)?I have three dogs. Ryu, a pit bull. Apollo is a St Bernard, and Clementine a St Bernard mix.
Front Desk Sector
Debbie
1. When did you first become interested in veterinary medicine? I became a certified veterinary technician in 1981 while working at an emergency veterinary hospital in Long Island. I then moved to Connecticut in 1981 and went into banking.
2. What brought you back to the veterinary field? I missed working with animals and their owners.
3. When did you join Animal Clinic of Milford? I have been at Animal Clinic of Milford since 2009.
4. What is your primary roll at Animal Clinic of Milford? I am the head receptionist and client service representative here at the clinic.
5. What do you love the most about working at Animal Clinic of Milford? I love helping people and their beloved pets.
6. What kind of pets to you own? Our fur family consists of Monty a Sheltie, 2 Chihuahuas, and 3 cats that are all rescues.
7. If your pets could say one thing about you what would it be? Thank you for saving me
Kelli
1. What is your primary role at ACM? Client Care Coordinator/Pharmacy
2. When did you become first interested in the veterinary field? Growing up I always had pets. They have been a huge part of my life and this is my way of giving back.
3. What do you love most about this field and working here at ACM? I love seeing all the puppies! Come in and seeing them grow and being able to help any pet in need.
4. What do you do for fun (hobbies)? I like to spend time with my husband and my two dogs.
5. What kind of animals do you have at home? Both of my dogs are rescues. Harper, a German Shepherd mix and Brodie who is Harper’s little brother, is also a Shepherd mix.
Sejada
1. What is your primary role at ACM?
Front Desk Representative
2. When did you become first interested in the veterinary field?
I first became interested in the field after I realized how much of a passion I have for helping animals.
3. What do you love most about this field and working here at ACM?
I love interacting with all of the clients and animals. I try to provide some pep and familiarity when you call the desk so you can feel comfortable with your call to us! There is no better feeling than helping a pet get proper love and care.
4. What do you do for fun (hobbies)?
I do have quite the green thumb and enjoy tending to my garden and plants.
5. What kind of animals do you have at home (names and breeds please)?
I have a tuxedo cat named Astro that I rescued.
Alyssa
1. What is your primary role at Animal Clinic of Milford? Receptionist
2. When did you become first interested in the veterinary field? Since I was a child always wanted to work with animals.
3. What do you love the most about this field and working here at Animal Clinic of Milford? Seeing animals everyday.
4. What do you do for fun (hobbies)? Drawing, Painting, Videogames, Hiking with my dog.
5. What kind of animals do you have at home? Mako 2.5 years old- Staffy/Pit Mix whom I delivered myself