Your neighborhood pet care in the finger lakes
In the heart of Moravia New York, our locally owned vet hospital is more than just a place of healing for pets; it's a part of the community. We believe in the power of unconditional love for our furry friends. With a small and dedicated team, we provide personalized care that goes beyond the conventional, combining holistic approaches with modern veterinary medicine to nurture your pet's physical and emotional well-being.
At our hospital, you'll find not only trusted experts but kindred spirits who share your love of pets.
Our Pet-loving Family
Emily LaDuca Burke
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Growing up in beautiful western NY allowed me wonder and respect for nature. My hard working family instilled values of empathy and diligence that I still hold dear today. I graduated from William Smith College with dual degrees in Geoscience B.S. and Environmental Science., B.A. and entered a career working as a physical scientist for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) conducting hydrographic surveys, navigation responses and charting in the US Gulf Coast during some of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history. Yet I still searched for how I was meant to best serve others in this lifetime. When I realized my true calling, I left my ocean career to dedicate myself completely to the art of Veterinary Medicine and graduated magna cum laude Louisiana State University in 2013. I have been a full time general medicine and surgery practitioner since graduating and am current owner of Moravia Veterinary Hospital.
I am honored to be part of a profession dedicated to helping others by preserving the human animal bond remembering to always stay humble and kind.
Dr. Marieke Lafian
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Dr. Lafian studied Veterinary Medicine in The Netherlands at Utrecht University and graduated in 2015. She started working at Moravia Veterinary Hospital in 2017 and has loved working here ever since. Dr. Lafian and her husband and have two cats: Ned and Kevin. In her free time Dr. Lafian enjoys sowing, knitting and spending time in her garden.
Dr. Amy Barron
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Dr. Barron is a 2021 graduate of University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College in Canada, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduation, she came back to her hometown of Groton, NY and joined a large practice in Ithaca, NY as a general practice doctor. After almost 3 years, Dr. Barron decided she wanted to be in a smaller practice and joined the Moravia Veterinary Hospital team!
Along with her husband, she lives with her 1-year-old son and her two Yellow Labradors, Remington and Rusty. In her free time, she likes to scrapbook, garden and be outside with her family. Dr. Barron grew up on a small beef farm that her parents still own, where she loves to hang out with some of her favorite cattle.
Dr. Kristen Kowalewski
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Dr. Kowalewski grew up in New York’s Hudson Valley region and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 2016. She went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in Glendale, Arizona from Midwestern University in 2020. After veterinary school, she completed advanced training during a 13-month rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services before continuing her career as an associate veterinarian at a busy practice in the greater Rochester area.
Dr. Kowalewski’s professional interests include emergency and critical care medicine, and she is especially passionate about building meaningful relationships with clients and their pets.
She currently lives in Cayuga County with her husband and Doberman Pinscher, Kali. In her free time, she enjoys riding and competing with her horse, Fiona, boating on Cayuga Lake, and spending time with family and friends.
Brittany Wainwright
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Brittany is a Licensed Veterinary Technician, graduating from Genesee Community College in 2021 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. She got her love for all animals at a young age, growing up in the veterinary community. Brittany enjoys reading, boating, spending time with her 3 doggos; Remington, Ruby, and Diesel, and she also has two bearded dragons; Boogs and Stubbins.
Sarah Cuddeback
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With a Bachelor's degree in Canine Training and Management from SUNY Cobleskill and currently pursuing a Master's degree in Agriculture Education at SUNY Oswego, Sarah has dedicated her career to the betterment of animal welfare and education. Currently serving as a Teaching Assistant for the Animal Science program at TST BOCES in Ithaca, NY, she is actively involved in shaping the next generation of animal enthusiasts and professionals.
In addition to academic endeavors, Sarah contributes expertise here as a Veterinary Assistant. She passionately assists in providing top-notch care for our beloved animal companions. Sarah describes her work as not just a profession, but a reflection of her profound love for animals and joy in ensuring their well-being. Through commitment to animal welfare and education, she creates a positive impact within the animal community, one paw at a time.
Shannon Miller
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Shannon Miller joined our family in October 2024 as our Administrative Assistant but has been a client of ours since the practice opened. While Shannon does not have a background in the veterinary world, she has had a career in positions that require compassion and understanding. She has a great love for animals and enjoys her time with her dog Piper and two cats Benjamin and George. She also plays a very active role as a mom to her children Lillian and Elijah.
Kelly Cuddeback
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Our lead technician, Kelly, has been with the hospital since its opening in 2005. Kelly is a Moravia local who graduated from SUNY Delhi in 2001 with an associate degree in applied science in veterinary medicine. She’s the no-nonsense mother hen of the hospital that keeps us afloat as well as a mother of three beautiful boys at home. Her greatest joy is watching her boys grow.
Mattea LeFever
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Mattea LeFever is an accomplished professional with a strong educational background and a passion for animal science. She holds an AS in Veterinary Technology, and a BS in Biology from Medaille College. Furthering her education, Mattea earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Cornell University, demonstrating her dedication to not only expanding her knowledge but also to the art of imparting it to others.
Since 2011, Mattea has been serving as an Animal Science Career and Tech teacher at the TST BOCES, where her expertise and enthusiasm have inspired countless students. Her role extends beyond the classroom, as she is the writer of the Cornell Veterinary Science Curriculum for High School Students. Recognizing her valuable contributions, Mattea was hired back as a private contractor to update and enhance the curriculum, showcasing her ongoing commitment to the improvement of educational resources in her field.
She has been an integral part of the Moravia Veterinary Hospital since 2009, where she has worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Her hands-on experience in the clinic further enriches her teaching, providing students with real-world insights into the dynamic and evolving field of animal science.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Mattea enjoys spending quality time with her two daughters, Charlee and Frankie, who share her passion for animals and actively contribute by helping at the Moravia Veterinary Hospital. With a solid foundation in education, practical experience, and a proven track record, Mattea LeFever is a dedicated professional making significant contributions to the worlds of veterinary medicine and education, all while cherishing the moments spent with her family.
Linda Griffiths
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Linda started coming to Moravia as a client in 2007 and officially became a part of the team in 2016. Her family includes 4-legged kids as small as mice and as large as Holsteins, mostly rescues enjoying their second chance at life. Linda loves being a part of this practice and part of this community!
Rebecca Soules
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A Licensed Veterinary Technician here at Moravia, Rebecca graduated from SUNY Delhi in 2017 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Medicine.
Becca is a Skaneateles native whose passion with animals started at a young age, when she would rescue bunnies and birds from the cats. She shares her home with her rambunctious border collies, grumpy cats, and mischievous ferrets and her fiancé Corey.
Mandie W.
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Mandie is an assistant at our clinic with a love for animals of all sizes. Mandie has two cats who are referred to as the soups (Tortellini and Chickapea), two beagles, and a horse. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crochet, and spending time with her beautiful pets.
We’re Hiring!
Looking to join the Moravia family? Check here for open positions or send us a general interest resume to moraviaveterinaryhospital@gmail.com.
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We are currently hiring for a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Please e-mail resumes to moraviaveterinaryhospital@gmail.com.
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