Staff of North Haven Animal Hospital
Karen Gibbs • Melissa Howard • Nancy Howard • Anne Brocar • Cheryl Caplan • Diane Canell • Margaret Kammerer
Karen Gibbs, Veterinary Technician
As one of our veterinary technicians, Karen Gibbs is responsible for assisting the doctors during examinations, prepping patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, performing dentals, and patient care. She has been working in an animal related field for 20 years and joined our team in 2005.
"I enjoy working at this hospital because of the family atmosphere," she says. "Working with this group of doctors is extremely enjoyable."
Karen is a member of the Cheshire Dog Training Club. She also cares for her dog, three cats and a red-eared slider turtle. When not working, Karen likes to spend time with her husband, Mitch, and their two daughters. She also enjoys hiking, biking, traveling to Block Island every summer, and attending her daughters' softball games.
Melissa Howard, Veterinary Technician
Melissa Howard has been with North Haven Animal Hospital since July 2000. As a veterinary technician, her responsibilities include surgery prep, anesthesia monitoring, treatments, assisting veterinarians in exam rooms, in-house laboratory tests, performing dentals, and taking radiographs. Melissa is also a certified phlebotomist.
"I love giving our patients one-on-one attention, especially during our downtime," she says. "I feel that this attention is an important aspect of their feeling better."
When not working, Melissa enjoys hiking, cooking, riding motorcycles, anything pig-related, and being in the woods with her beagle-husky mix Magoo. She also has a tangerine leopard gecko named Gunner.
Nancy Howard, Veterinary Technician
Nancy started working at North Haven Animal Hospital in 1996. Her daily responsibilities include surgical preparation, monitoring anesthesia, performing dentals, patient care, taking radiographs, performing in-house laboratory tests and assisting doctors in examination rooms.
"I love seeing a sick patient get better and go home! This is very gratifying work, and it truly is a very enjoyable atmosphere," she says.
Nancy enjoys two pets at home—Emmett, a pit bull terrier, and Hooper, her 5-year-old cat. In her spare time, she loves cooking, watching football and baseball (especially the NY Yankees) and going to the casino with her family and friends.
Anne Brocar, Veterinary Assistant
Anne Brocar joined the North Colony Animal Hospital in May 2011. As a veterinary assistant, her responsibilities include patient care, assisting veterinarians during exams, treatments, scheduling appointments, answering the phone, running in-house laboratory tests, radiology, and helping whenever necessary. Anne considers her patience and sense of humor to be two of the most important attributes that she brings to the hospital.
"I love getting to know clients and their pets," she says. "I love learning new things from the staff and doctors."
Anne has two cats at home: Jilly and Binx. When not at work, she enjoys selling crafts and spending time with her two beautiful daughters, walking daily, and weekend estate sales.
Cheryl Caplan, Veterinary Assistant
Cheryl Caplan joined the North Colony Animal Hospital veterinary team in September 2006. As a veterinary assistant, her responsibilities include patient care, assisting veterinarians during exams, treatments, appointment scheduling, answering the phone, in-house laboratory testing, and radiology. Of her varied tasks, she says, "They keep my days exciting and interesting!"
When not at work, Cheryl enjoys hiking with her dogs, Tugger and Lucky, attending concerts with her husband, reading, and spending time with family and friends. In addition to her two dogs, she shares her home with four cats: Izzie, Meatball, Baby and Peanut.
Diane Canell, Receptionist
Diane Canell has a genuine love and appreciation for animals and considers the best part of her job "interacting with all the animals and getting kisses from them!" As a receptionist at North Haven Animal Hospital since September 2011, her duties include answering the phone, scheduling appointments, patient check-in and out, filling prescriptions, and preparing vaccinations.
"I enjoy the dedication that the doctors and staff have for all our clients and their well-being," she says. "Our wonderful clientele allows me to develop close and personal relationships."
Diane has four furry companions of her own: Danka, a mixed-breed dog; Sadie, a beagle; and two cats, Hazi and Tippy. Outside work, she enjoys walking with her dogs, gardening, spending time with family, reading, and cooking.
Margaret M. Kammerer, Office Assistant
Margaret Kammerer joined our staff in May 1993. Her tasks include monitoring inventory, reception duties and kennel work.
"After working at this hospital for many years, I enjoy the family atmosphere and dedication of all the employees," she says. "We work very well together and keep our focus on client/patient care."
In the past, Margaret bred Doberman pinschers and participated with them in dog shows. Margaret cares for four dogs, four cats, two birds and a Beta fish.
In her spare time, she enjoys crafts, reading, attending Broadway shows and spending time with her grandson, Ayden.