Cortland
Veterinary
Hospital
Our Team
Compassionate. Dedicated. Skilled.
cali, hospital queen
Cali became our hospital greeter when we adopted her in 2013 from a client who could no longer keep her. At that time, she was 11 years old and she has since become the hospital matriarch. Cali spends her days overseeing her subjects, the humans and pets who enter her domain. She usually does this with her eyes closed while sleeping in a sunny spot or on the reception desk. Cali sets the tone, as royal cats are known to do, and though she often solicits petting, she has her limits. Other favorite activities include staring at staff during their lunch breaks, occupying chairs when needed by staff, and perching on Jolene's desk, keyboard, or shoulder when Jolene is trying to work in her office. We all know Cali rules.
RONA, HOSPITAL PRINCESS
aka corona cat aka rona Mae
Little Rona was purring loudly when she arrived on 4/20/2020. That was the day the CCSPCA brought the skinny stray to us to assess her injuries. Her major problems involved her back legs. She couldn't walk on her left hindleg due to an old injury. It was unbelievable she was walking with her right hindleg despite having an infected knee wound and broken bones in her paw! We instantly fell in love with Rona and we devised a treatment plan that included giving Rona her forever home at CVH. Rona was an amazing, trusting patient for each of her procedures that included her left hindleg amputation, her spay surgery, and later extractions of many diseased teeth. Most days, Rona can be found chasing objects throughout the hospital, meowing at everyone for attention, and asking for 1st breakfast, 2nd breakfast, lunch, 1st dinner, 2nd dinner, and dinner snack. Rona hasn't stopped purring!
Dr. Mark Martin, owner
Dr. Martin graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1972 and from Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. He responded to a job listing at the Cortland Veterinary Hospital immediately after graduation and was hired as an associate veterinarian by Dr. Edward Steinfeldt. In 1982, Dr. Martin became the owner of the practice. He has enjoyed working with many pets and their owners over the years. Recently, Dr. Martin has semi-retired to allow more time to spend with his family and to pursue his interests in skiing, fishing, and tennis.
Dr. Jerald Shing, owner
Dr. Shing is a Cornell graduate ('80 and '84) and he considers himself lucky to be doing the work he loves. He especially enjoys soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and geriatric medicine. It is very gratifying for him to team with families in caring for their pets and to see generations of families entrusting the caregivers at CVH with their pets' well-being. The marvel of veterinary medicine struck home when he successfully anesthetized and surgically removed a lump from his daughter's goldfish. When not taking care of pets, he takes care of plants, goes hiking and canoeing. His family has three goldfish and two dogs. Marco is a senior pom-chi who was surrendered locally and Chloe is a rescue from Kentucky. Some day in the future, Dr. Shing plans to raise a flock of chickens just like to ones he tended while growing up in rural Massachusetts.
janis, bookkeeper
Janis graduated from Capital University in Bexley Ohio with a bachelor's degree in biology. She became a licensed animal health technician and was hired by Linworth Animal Hospital in Linworth, Ohio. In 1978, she moved to New York and began working at the Cortland Veterinary Hospital in 1982 as a technician and office manager. During that time, she also became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and cared for many song birds and small mammals. She is now mainly retired, and although she misses the many clients and patients she enjoyed over the years, she has more time to focus on her five grandchildren! She has a Cairn Terrier named Zeb and a 3 legged cat named Roo.
JOLENE, HOSPITAL MANAGER
aka CAT WHISPERER
Jolene graduated from SUNY Canton in 1996 and began working as a licensed veterinary technician at CVH that fall. Among her many talents is the magical ability to soothe scared snarling cats. Over the years, she mastered the art of veterinary nursing and, in 2018, she was promoted to hospital manager which means she's the force that keeps the hospital running. Jolene and her husband, Jeff, have 2 sons, Brennan and Brysen. Their family includes three Llewellin English Setters: Tye, Remi, and Blue, and three cats: Ivy, Virginia, and Bella. Jolene's pastimes include boating, fishing, hiking, and traveling. By the way, the staff has lost count of how many of our clients are Jolene's relatives and friends.
BRITTANY,LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Brittany started working as a kennel attendant at CVH in 2012 when she was a high school student. Here is where she discovered her passion for caring for pets and she set her sights on a career as a vet tech. After graduating from high school, she attended TC3 and then enrolled at SUNY Delhi for her vet tech degree. We were elated when Brittany decided to return to CVH to embark on her new career. Brittany left for a short period to gain new skills working in the ICU at Cornell, then returned full time. She's currently parenting Potato, a Frenchie she adopted from a rescue group by way of Ohio. Brittany also fosters Frenchies awaiting their forever home because just like potato chips, you can't just have one.
Zach, veterinary assistant
Zach's super power is gaining the trust of feral cats. This is a skill he gained from years of volunteering at CNY SNAP which shelters cats waiting for adoption and provides low cost spay/neuter services. Zach joined us in 2022 to start his dream job of caring for pets in a healing environment.
Zach currently shares his home with three fish and three cats- Ruthie, Seneca, and Simon. As might be expected, two of the cats were adopted from CNY SNAP.
Janell, pharmacy technician/receptionist
Janell joined our team in January 2023 after 20 years in the pet retail industry and after 28 years as a CVH client. She has a biology degree from Hofstra University.
One thing you'll notice about Janell is how excited she is to meet your pet. Her enthusiasm may even lead to a song and a dance for your four legged companion. Janell is known to be especially enamored with orange tigers and hamsters.
As the "foodie" of the office, she's always talking about dining out or the next church supper. Janell and her husband, Ken, love to play scrabble and usually play 200-300 games each year.
Alice, receptionist
Alice joined our team in April 2023 and she is a familiar face to many of our clients because she grew up in East Homer. Alice graduated with an associates degree in computer drafting and design from ITT Technical Institute of Liverpool in 2014.
On weekends, you can catch Alice at estate sales and antique shops. She enjoys spending time with friends and with her favorite bloodhound named Millie. Alice also loves to cook and bake.
brandy, receptionist
Brandy joined our team in November 2020 and she's done exceedingly well in deciphering Dr. Martin's and Dr. Shing's handwriting. There's a steep learning curve. Brandy has worked in customer service in a myriad of fields for 22 years and she has a business degree with an emphasis in financing from TC3. Brandy works part-time on Saturdays at CVH. The rest of the week, she works in the insurance industry. Brandy shares her Dryden home with two cats and one dog. Octavia is a sassy brown tiger, Hunter is an orange tabby who lives up to his name, and Elmer is a beagle mix who loves to create new fashion trends like open-toed sneakers! The favorite part of Brandy's job is meeting your pets!