Tomeka Smith, DVM
A general practitioner, Dr. Tomeka Smith joined Companion Animal Hospital as hospital director in July 2011. Before then, she cared for pets at the Animal Hospital of Pittsford since 2006.
Dr. Smith grew up in Jamaica and attended the University of Guelph. She received a Bachelor's of Science in Biological Science and graduated with honors in 1999. She went on to attend the St. Georges University College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.
Internal medicine and emergency surgery are among her many professional interests. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the New York Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Smith's hobbies include running, dancing, and traveling. At home, she enjoys the companionship of three cats, Winslow, Bernie and Gracie.
Vanessa Velez, MVB
An associate veterinarian and general practitioner, Dr. Vanessa Velez has cared for pets at many hospitals within MVA. Dr. Velez started at Penfield Veterinary Hospital, and also spent time at Companion Animal Hospital from 2006-2008. She then came to the Pittsford in 2008. She then came to the Pittsford Animal Hospital in 2008, and she currently splits her time between the Animal Hospital of Pittsford and Companion Animal Hospital.
Dr. Velez is originally from Puerto Rico and attended the University of Puerto Rico. She received her Bachelor's Degree in General Science in 1997. Her veterinary education took her to Ireland, where she attended the University College, Dublin Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.
She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the New York State Veterinary Medical Association and the Genesee Valley Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Velez has a number of professional interests, especially internal medicine, soft-tissue surgery, feline medicine and behavioral medicine.
Dr. Velez shares her home with her cat, Piper, and a Bulldog named Knuckles. Wine-making, traveling, yoga, gardening and photography are among her many hobbies.
Gwen Morris, Licensed Veterinary Technician Supervisor
Gwen Morris is the Licensed Veterinary Technician supervisor at Companion Animal Hospital. A member of the Companion medical team since 2005, Gwen most especially enjoys talking with clients and helping them keep their pets healthy. She also is proud to be part of the friendly, family-like staff.
Outside of work, Gwen can often be found showing her thoroughbred horse, Ghost, and participating in hunter/jumper competitions. Her animal companions also include a Beagle/Bassett mix named Herbie, a rabbit named Rex and a bird named Newton. Cooking, camping, boating and hiking are among Gwen's many hobbies.
Tara Shingleton, Kennel Supervisor
Companion Animal Hospital's kennel supervisor and a certified groomer, Tara Shingleton has helped care for pets here at Companion Animal Hospital since 2000. Tara loves animals and especially enjoys working with nervous or agressive animals and helping to keep them calm and relaxed. Tara shares her home with three dogs, Tai, Olga and Lola, and a red tail boa named Nessie. In her spare time, Tara can be found painting, dancing, spending time with her pets and friends and going out on her boat.
Shana Lynn von Rathonyi,
Client Service Representative Supervisor
Client Service Representative Supervisor Shana Lynn von Rathonyi joined the Companion Animal Hospital staff in June of 2005.
Asked what she likes most about her work, Shana simply says it is the human and animal interaction.
Shana has a number of pets, which include a Yorkie named Tarabear, Jack Russell Terrier named Lilo, and four cats named Katie, Bella, Jack, and Bruce Wayne. When not working, she has a home business that she says keeps her busy as well as two wonderful children that occupy what is left of her free time. When there is a moment to spare, she says she and her husband enjoy the occasional date night.