Meet Our Team

At Corning Animal Hospital, our team is the heart of everything we do. Our veterinarians, technicians, groomer, and support staff bring together decades of experience, ongoing education, and a shared commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.

Our Veterinary Team in Corning, NY

As trusted veterinarians in Corning, NY, we take pride in building long-term relationships with pets and their families through attentive service, clear communication, and genuine respect for the human–animal bond. Serving pet owners throughout Corning and the surrounding area, our team works collaboratively to ensure every patient receives individualized care in a welcoming, professional environment.

Our Veterinarians

Joshua Clay

Joshua Clay, V.M.D.

I came to Corning Animal Hospital in 1995 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. There are many things I enjoy about working here. Getting to know our patients and clients is a great part of my job, and I always treat my patients as if they were my own pets. Every day is different here, and we never get bored! I love learning new things and putting my experience to work for the benefit of the animals we see and their families. I’m also fortunate to work with a great group of dedicated professionals who all have the same goal, which is to use their energy and skills to provide excellent animal care and customer service.

When I am not at the office, I enjoy being outdoors doing things like skiing, cycling, backpacking, and, of course, spending time with my own pets. Other things that keep me busy are traveling, home improvement projects, and woodworking.

Emilija Zygelytė

Emilija Žygelytė, D.V.M.

I started working at CAH in the summer of 2019. I was originally born in Lithuania, but before moving to Corning, I was a long-time resident of Ithaca, having gotten both my undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Cornell University. I enjoy my work here because I love creating a relationship with my patients as well as their owners and being able to stay with them over time. In veterinary medicine, my area of special interest is surgery. I like to spend my spare time at the barn with my horses and my dog.

Veterinary Technicians & Assistants

Kristen Crooker

Kristen Crooker

Licensed Veterinary Technician
My name is Kristen. I began working at CAH in 2017 as a dog walker. I graduated with my associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Alfred State in the Spring of 2022, and now I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I’ve had an interest in veterinary medicine from a young age and always felt compelled to help animals that were in need. My favorite part of being a Veterinary Technician is that each day brings something new, and I am able to connect with clients through their pets. My two favorite dog breeds are Beagles and Cocker Spaniels, and some of my favorite activities include spending time in the woods with my dogs and going to the movies!

Theresa D

Theresa Dougherty

Licensed Veterinary Technician
I’ve worked as a Veterinary Technician for over 25 years now. In that time, I specialized in Emergency medicine and shelter medicine. I have an extreme love for geriatric animals and often foster them. My favorite part of the job is the technician–client–patient bond that is formed. I love all parts of educating the client. In my free time, I enjoy Bon Jovi concerts, camping, and art. I currently have 5 cats and a foster dog at home. I look forward to meeting you and helping your pets.

Lindsey

Lindsey Salisbury

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Hi, my name is Lindsey, and I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician here at Corning Animal Hospital. I graduated from Alfred State College in the spring of 2023 and have been interested in a career with animals since I can remember. My favorite part of my job is making animals feel comfortable while they are here for surgery or treatment. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with my fiancé, and entertaining our little zoo consisting of our dog Maggie, our 4 cats (Milo, Maxie, Marley and Skittles), and our cockatiel Miss. Feisty.

Katie Andrews

Katie Andrews

Licensed Veterinary Assistant
Hi there! My name is Katie, and I have had a great passion for animals since I was little. I spent 8 years in the military, which in turn paid my way through college. I have quite a wide array of animals including cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, geckos, snakes, a turtle, and a bunch of fish. In my free time, I enjoy working with reptiles and other exotic pets, as well as gardening and foraging for wild foods. I plan on continuing to expand my knowledge on exotics and adding more to the family!

Lyric Simpson

Lyric Simpson

Veterinary Assistant
Hello! My name’s Lyric, and I was given the honor to help care for your pets in August 2022. I’ve known ever since I was a child that I was going to spend my life working with animals in one way or another. I’m very excited to get to know you and your pets. I look forward to helping you take the best care of your loved ones.
In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes and walks with my friends and my dog Freya, hanging out with my bearded dragon, Zilla, playing video games, and making art.

Marina Di Bella

Marina Di Bella

Veterinary Assistant
I am one of the veterinary assistants here at Corning Animal Hospital. I have two cats, a German Shepherd, and some fish. In my spare time, when I am not with my daughter, I am oil painting, playing video games, or listening to some old vinyl records. My favorite thing about working here is that every day is different.

Emily Rightmire

Emily Rightmire

Veterinary Assistant
Hello, I’m Emily, and I’m a veterinary assistant here at CAH. I went to GST BOCES for Animal Science during high school to help me prepare for the vet field. I have always had an interest in advocating for animals since they can’t advocate for themselves. I have one dog, four cats, a bird, and a lizard. I am very interested in zoology and hope to go for my bachelor’s here in the next year or two.

Katherine Cybulak

Katherine Cybulak

Surgical Assistant
I joined the CAH family in August of 2016 as a veterinary assistant. I have since expanded my role to work as a surgical assistant, as well. My passion for animals started when I was introduced to horses at a young age. From there, my interest in both small and large animal medicine grew as I made my way through college and completed my bachelor’s degree in equine business management. In the near future, I would like to pursue the path of becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Breslynne Peterson

Breslynne Peterson

Veterinary Assistant
My name is Breslynne Peterson. I have had a lifelong passion for working with animals and am proud to be a Veterinary Assistant at Corning Animal Hospital. I graduated from Mansfield University with a bachelor’s degree in General Biology and a minor in Business Administration, which allows me to bring both scientific knowledge and strong organizational skills to my work. I am currently continuing my education by studying Veterinary Technology through Penn Foster, with the goal of further expanding my skills in animal care.
Outside of work, I am a devoted pet owner to six cats (Munchie, Moo, Honey B, Miki, Banksy, and Butters) and a dog named Odie. My love for animals extends beyond the clinic, and I am happy to meet and work with your animals!

Grooming Services

Michele Mihalko

Michele Mihalko

Certified Professional Groomer

I am a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Dog Grooming and have proudly been grooming at CAH since 1999. Growing up surrounded by animals, working with pets has always come naturally to me.

I truly enjoy being part of each pet’s transformation—it brings me both joy and a strong sense of satisfaction. One of the things I love most about grooming is that no two days are ever the same, which keeps my work exciting and rewarding.

I am committed to staying current in this ever-evolving industry by regularly attending grooming seminars and continuing education opportunities. I am certified in CPR, first aid, and business management, and I also hold additional certifications in grooming Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Doodles, and senior pets.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, my dog, Tres, and two cats. Our most recent addition is Squishy the hamster. You’ll often find us at concerts, kayaking, camping, or riding ATVs.

Animal Care Attendants

Heather Mihalko

Heather Mihalko

Animal Care Attendant/Inventory Assistant
I help care for every pet that stays with us, whether it’s for a short visit, a procedure, or a longer stay while their family is away. I have been part of the CAH team on and off since 1999, supporting many areas of the clinic. In addition to my role as an animal care attendant, I also assist with inventory management. I bring many years of knowledge and experience in the animal field and have cared for a wide range of pets and critters over the years.

Heather Adsitt

Heather Adsitt

Animal Care Attendant
I started working at CAH in the summer of 2025 as an animal care attendant. I own a dog named Roxie and an axolotl named Jiggles. I plan on furthering my education to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Some things I like to do when I’m not at work are rollerskating, line dancing, hiking, and spending time with my dog. I look forward to spending time and taking care of all the pets that come in.

Nicole Fahy

Nicole Fahy

Kennel Coordinator/Animal Care Attendant

I’ve been working at CAH since 2019. I started as a dog walker, then became an animal care attendant. I also help oversee that everything is operating smoothly in the kennel for your pets during their stay. My passion for animals started when I was little and has continued to grow since then.

I currently have three cats—Jason Bourne (JB), Huntress (Tess), and Ewok—a hedgehog named Stella, and two Lionhead rabbits named Juniper and Luke. And, of course, my twelve laying hens and my colonies of bees.

It’s an honor that you trust us to take care of your little critters. I’m looking forward to taking care of them, and I’ll try not to spoil them too much.

Leadership & Office Team

Jamie Lynn Golden

Jamie Lynn Golden

Practice Manager
I have been caring for pets and their people at Corning Animal Hospital since 1998. As the practice manager, I am “behind the scenes” often, but still enjoy connecting with clients and their pets as much as possible.
I have a passion for senior animals. As much as I love puppies and kittens, it’s the oldies but goodies that really pull my heartstrings. I have had a couple of wonderful experiences adopting senior pets from the shelter.
I currently have a 9-year-old beagle named Gertie. She is crazy, full of energy, and LOVES people!

Mary Jo Naida

Mary Jo Naida

Business Office
Being an animal lover all of my life, what better job than at Corning Animal Hospital? We have an amazing staff here to take care of your babies. I work on the bookkeeping side of things here, but I always take the chance whenever I can to say hello to your furbabies. When not at work, I am with my boxer, Daisy, and my Siamese cats, Finn and Leah.

Michelle Cook

Michelle Cook

Office Manager
I began working with animals when I was 16 years old. I have experience with dog control, wildlife, and large animals. I have two dogs: Aanshi and Kovu. I also have two cats: George and Kramer. I joined the CAH family in 2015. I love the outdoors and spending time with my family.

Office Pet

Marshmellow Kitty

Marshmellow Kitty

Resident Cat
I came to live at CAH in January 2018. Since coming to live here, I have taken on many different roles, including greeter, snuggler, experienced napper, and food thief.
I love living here. Every day is a new adventure. I make friends with anyone I meet. When you stop in, keep an eye out for me.

A Team You Can Trust With Your Pet’s Care

From experienced veterinarians to compassionate support staff, every member of our team plays an important role in providing thoughtful, reliable care. We’re proud to be local veterinarians in Corning, NY, who value long-term relationships, continued learning, and treating every pet like our own.