Our Staff

🐶🐱 Introducing Our Veterinarians! 🩺

Meet the doctors who make it all happen! Our veterinarians bring knowledge, compassion, and years of experience to every exam, diagnosis, and treatment. They’re here to ensure your pets get the highest level of care — whether it’s a routine visit or a complex case. Passionate about animals and dedicated to their well-being, our vets are the heart of TLVG. 💙

Dr. Marc Gurtman

In 1991, after a few years of uninspired practice as an attorney, Dr. Gurtman decided that he was tired of working with animals :) and pursued a career in veterinary medicine. A 1998 graduate from Cornell University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Marc has special interests in surgery and oncology.

Dr. Gurtman enjoys the challenges of difficult cases and is lucky to have friends that are specialists in various veterinary disciplines to call upon when needed.

Marc enjoys guitar, ice hockey, writing comedy and spending time with his wife Sonali and children Jason and Lauren.

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Dr. Sonali Kothari

Dr. Kothari was born and raised in Canton, Ohio. After four wonderful years in Virginia while at the University of Richmond, Dr. Kothari decided to attend veterinary school at Ross University on the beautiful island of St. Kitts. She completed her final year of clinical studies in Louisiana at LSU and graduated Veterinary School in 2004.

Animals respond to Dr. Kothari’s warm and caring demeanor. Perhaps they sense that “she’s not from around here”.

Driven to offer the “best” medicine, Dr. Kothari will leave no stone unturned in diagnosing challenging cases. She has a special expertise in dermatology and has helped many dogs that had been suffering a life of discomfort due to skin ailments.

Sonali enjoys taking long runs, swimming, tennis, traveling and eating! Although she loves all breeds, Dr. Kothari has a special place in her heart for the small flat-faced kind. Look for Kiwi, Ponzu, Miso, Gnocchi and Maui as evidence when you come visit our practice.

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Dr. Katherine Iovino

Dr. Katie Iovino is a native Long Islander who figured out at a young age that she wanted to be a part of a profession in which she could help those that could not speak for themselves. As a child, she was surrounded by animals of all sizes and species including fish, hermit crabs, mice, parakeets and her childhood black lab. Dr. Iovino completed her undergraduate work at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY and obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.  

While Dr. Iovino loves to practice all aspects of veterinary medicine including dentistry, internal medicine, and surgery, she has a strong passion for the Human-Animal Bond and Animal Behavior. This passion was sparked after completing a training internship at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. She made it a priority to study as much about this topic as possible throughout veterinary school and taught Canine Good Citizen (CGC) dog training classes, as well as dog and cat clicker training labs at her vet school. She then continued her education in Animal Behavior after graduation by completing a mentorship with a board-certified Animal Behaviorist. Dr. Iovino is an Elite Fear Free Certified® Professional which is the highest certification given to veterinarians dedicated to preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress for patients during vet visits. Dr. Iovino is a strong proponent of positive reinforcement training, an idea which she hopes to share with her clients. Her goal is to educate pet owners while making appointments as stress free as possible for her patients. She is also a professor at the Suffolk County Community College Veterinary Science Technology program, helping to train future veterinary nurses. 

Dr. Iovino is a proud pet parent to her cats, Tucker and Sawyer, and her dogs, Kennedy and Summer. In her spare time, Dr. Iovino enjoys yoga, Pilates, biking, and spending time with her husband, Shaun. She is also a certified yoga teacher. Dr. Iovino has an identical twin, so if you ever say “hi” to her outside of the hospital and she looks confused, don’t worry- it’s probably just her twin!

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Dr. Alison Bailes

Dr. Bailes wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a child, practicing medicine on her many stuffed animals. She grew up with the sweetest black Labradors but, it was the pair of kittens adopted as a teenager that rekindled her desire to care for animals as a career.

Dr. Bailes grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Kansas state university with degrees in both biology and life sciences, then Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After practicing two years in her hometown, she joined her partner (they met in Anatomy lab!) here on Long Island

In her spare time, Dr. Bailes enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking with their two dogs, and cuddling three cats. Upon her start at Towne Line Veterinary Group, Dr. Bailes states "I truly believe there are few things that bring as much joy as having a pet, and those pets deserve the best we can give them. I’m very happy to be welcomed into the community and am looking forward to many two- and four-legged friendships."

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Dr. Heidi Barreiro

Originally from Syracuse, NY, Dr. Barreiro’s passion for animals began early—riding horses with her dad sparked a lifelong love that led her into veterinary medicine. She earned her BS in Animal Science from Cornell University in 2006, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 2013.

After completing a rotating small animal medical and surgical internship with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Chicagoland, Dr. Barreiro spent time in emergency medicine before finding her home in general practice. For over a decade, she’s been committed to providing compassionate, well-rounded care. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine, and CPR.

Dr. Barreiro believes in practicing the best medicine she can, while also meeting clients where they are—both emotionally and financially. She’s a strong advocate for open communication and advocating for her patients.

Outside of work, she’s a busy wife and mom of two human kiddos, four cats, and a flock of (about) 15 chickens—they’re hard to count! When she finds a spare moment, Dr. Barreiro enjoys swimming, baking, and her newest hobby: native gardening.

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🐾 Meet Our Practice Manager!

They might not be front and center with a stethoscope but trust us — they’re the one making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. From organizing schedules to supporting the team (and occasionally wrangling a printer or two), our Practice Manager keeps the clinic humming. They're all about helping people help pets — and probably surviving on coffee and a good sense of humor.

Christina Lopez, L.V.T.

Christina is a Long Island native with over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in emergency, surgery, and neurology. She holds degrees in Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Management from SUNY Delhi. Outside of work, Christina enjoys playing soccer and softball, relaxing on Long Island’s beaches, and spending not-so-relaxing time with her family and two rescue pups, Porter and Chip.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions: Christina@Townelinevet.com

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🩺 Introducing Our Veterinary Technicians & Assistants! 🐾

Say hello to the heart of our clinic — our dedicated vet techs and assistants! These compassionate, skilled professionals are with your pets every step of the way, from check-ups to surgeries and everything in between. Their love for animals and commitment to quality care help make TLVG a place you and your pets can trust. 💙

Jillian Aponte, L.V.T.

Jillian is a licensed veterinary technician who has been a valued member of the team for 15 years. With a passion for animal care, she’s known for making both pets and their people feel right at home. Outside of work, she stays busy with her husband, two children, and two energetic English Springer Spaniels. Whether she’s at the hospital or at home, she’s always surrounded by wagging tails and lots of love! 

Megan Budzinski

Hi, I’m Megan! Since 2010, I’ve been proudly caring for our furry patients with a special passion for surgical care. I love creating a safe, comfortable experience for every animal, ensuring they feel well-supported during their procedure. Outside the clinic, you’ll probably find me singing or strumming my ukulele with the children’s choir at my church, belting out show tunes, or snuggled up with my cats, Harry & Hermione. I’m all about Disney, Harry Potter, and adding a little magic wherever I go – at work and at home!

Danielle Mickalauskas

Meaghan Pirone, L.V.T.

Meaghan has been keeping tails wagging and whiskers twitching since 2015 as a licensed veterinary technician. With a big heart, quick hands, and a love for all things furry, she’s your pet’s behind-the-scenes best friend at the clinic. Outside of work, Meaghan enjoys life with her husband, their two lively Boston Terriers, and a curious cat who keeps everyone on their toes.

Jessica Epstein, L.V.T.

Bennett Malatos

Abigail Fagan, L.V.T.

Kelly Pisarz

Victoria Sferrazza, L.V.T.

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📞 Introducing Our Reception Staff! 🐾

They’re the friendly voices on the phone and the smiling faces that greet you at the door — meet our amazing reception team! From scheduling appointments to answering your questions (and sneaking in a few pet cuddles), they help keep everything running smoothly and make sure you and your furry companions feel right at home. 💙

Crystal Davidson

Allie Roppelt

Diana Rossi

Tina Sholes

Tracey Randell

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🐾 Introducing Our Kennel Staff! 🐾

Meet the amazing team behind the scenes who keep your pets happy, healthy, and loved while they’re with us! From early morning tail wags to bedtime belly rubs, our kennel staff works hard every day to make sure your furry family members feel right at home. 💙

Bernadette Chan

Skylar Sattanino

Jaydalynn Castillo

Darah Kelly

Alexandrea Mashburn

Ava Sartor

Jackie O'Neill

🐾 Introducing Our Hospital Cat, Boots!

Meet Boots — our official supervisor, nap enthusiast, and full-time morale booster! When he’s not lounging in his favorite spot or overseeing the day’s activities, he’s there to offer some furry comfort to both staff and patients alike. Boots is an expert in spreading joy, and while he may be a little selective with his cuddles, he’s always ready for a quick chin scratch or a warm hello. Come say hi to our furry friend next time you’re in!

🌈 Gone But Not Forgotten – Esme
This year, we said goodbye to a very special member of our TLVG family — our beloved hospital cat, Esme. She spent many years with us here at the clinic, offering comfort, charm, and just the right amount of sass. In her later years, Esme was lucky enough to find a forever home with Ben, one of our veterinary assistants, where she was surrounded by love and care.

Esme brought joy to so many of us, both staff and clients alike. She’ll always hold a special place in our hearts, and the memories we shared with her will never be forgotten. 💙