Meet the Team

Joan Rifkin, or “Joanie” as she’s known around the clinic, is both the Practice Manager and a Licensed Veterinary Technician at Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic. She’s been working in the veterinary field since 2004, rising through the ranks from kennel attendant to technician, head technician, and now practice manager.

Joanie’s love for animals started early—her parents claim her very first word was “bow wow.” Working in veterinary medicine has always been her calling, and being part of the Locust Valley team is truly a dream come true.

Ann has devoted her life to caring for animals—both at home and in the clinic. Her love for pets started early, and when her mother once told her she could have as many as she wanted once she was married, Ann took that to heart—starting with five cats and two dogs!

Ann began working with Dr. Gross at East Meadow Animal Hospital in 1972 and has been by his side ever since, joining the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic team when it opened in 2003. She also worked for the Nassau Animal Emergency Clinic for six years before it closed.

Ann loves her work and the relationships she builds with pets and their people. At home, she shares her life with three beloved dogs: Forest, a Lab mix; Peanut, a Rat Terrier mix; and Callie, a deaf Australian Shepherd.

Jackie has been working in the veterinary field for over a decade, bringing experience, compassion, and a love for animals to every interaction. Before joining the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic team in October 2021, she spent six years at our main location, West Hills Animal Hospital in Huntington.

Known for her warm, welcoming demeanor, Jackie wears many hats as both a receptionist and assistant. She’s a proud dog mom to two energetic Border Collies, Ryder and Rhea, and is passionate about making every client and pet feel right at home.

Bio coming soon…

Eleni joined the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic team in 2022, but she’s been part of our extended family for much longer—our doctors have cared for her pets since she was a child. Inspired by her two beloved dogs, KoKoBean and Georgie, Eleni decided to turn her lifelong love of animals into a career.

Since joining the team, she’s discovered just how rewarding it is to work hands-on with pets and their families. Eleni looks forward to meeting many more furry friends as she continues to grow in the veterinary field.

Bio coming soon…

Kezelle has been a veterinary technician for over 10 years and brings both experience and heart to everything she does. She works at our main hospital, West Hills Animal Hospital, where her passion for animal care shines every day. Kezelle has a special love for Yorkies and is a proud dog mom to her own pup, Kashew. She truly loves what she does, and it shows in the compassion and dedication she gives to every patient she cares for.

Kayla has had a lifelong love for animals and has been surrounded by animals her entire life. Her passion led her to enroll in the BOCES Barry Tech Veterinary Science program, where she gained hands-on experience and a strong foundation in animal care.

Kayla is currently working toward her goal of becoming a veterinary technician and is dedicated to continuing her education and growth in the field. At home, she shares her life with her black lab, Tula, her two cats, Tinkerbell and Princess, and her two rabbits, who further inspire her commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient she meets.

Priscilla has been part of the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic team since 2020, building on her experience in animal grooming since 2018. She began in a shadowing role and soon discovered her deep passion for caring for animals in all circumstances. Priscilla currently shares her home with her dog, rabbit, and a recently adopted kitten, all of whom inspire her love and dedication to her work.

Sallie is from North Carolina and works at Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic while going to university on Long Island. She grew up on a farm and has been around all kinds of animals her whole life. Along with many farm animals, she has a dachshund back home named Sissy. Sallie started working at Locust Valley in early 2025 as an Approved Veterinary Assistant. She will be attending veterinary school in the Fall of 2026. 

Stephanie has always had a deep love for animals and has cared for many pets throughout her life. She began working in the animal care field in 2005 and joined Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic in 2013 as an assistant and receptionist. She then furthered her career by pursuing veterinary technician studies through the Penn Foster program and currently serves as an LVT. She lives with her husband, two wonderful daughters, two dogs, and two cats.

I’ve been working in the animal field since I was 16, starting at West Hills Animal Hospital. When  Locust Valley partnered with West Hills, I made the move and continued learning and growing the skills to become a tech. I have a special place in my heart for animals who need a little extra care, especially special needs and senior pets. Adopting Peanut and helping him learn to walk again changed me in the best way. Caring for older animals and making sure they feel comfort, dignity, and love at the end of their lives is something I truly hold close. I genuinely love working with this team and being surrounded by people who share the same compassion for animals.