Our doctors and staff are dedicated to your pet and your overall experience. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with your pet’s healthcare.
Our doctors and staff are dedicated to your pet and your overall experience. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with your pet’s healthcare.
Meet Our Staff
Dr. Ali Hawthorn
Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Hawthorn was born and raised in Oswego, NY. She left Central New York to pursue her veterinary career but is thrilled to be back home! Dr. Hawthorn completed her undergraduate degrees from SUNY Delhi and Cornell University. She completed her clinical year at Texas A&M University and received her DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
After working as a Veterinarian in Arizona, Dr. Hawthorn moved back to Central New York and took over ownership of Highland Animal Hospital. She is excited to have planted her roots in the CNY area where she is near her family and friends. Her passion lies in animal welfare and surgery, making sure that each patient is treated as her own. Outside of the Animal Hospital, you can find her with her two dogs in tow – Charlie and Walter! Whether it be a long hike or a day to relax, they are always together.
Dr. Hawthorn is honored to be a part of the Central New York community and looks forward to serving you and your pets for many years to come!
Dr. Lindsey Chadwick
Supervising Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Chadwick began practicing Veterinary Medicine in June of 2020 in Port Huron, Michigan, and recently relocated to Central New York for new and exciting opportunities. A native of Orangeville, Ontario, Dr. Chadwick completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, earning her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Animal Science. Her clinical year was done at Michigan State University and she earned her DVM with Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in May 2020. Her passions lie in dermatology and preventative medicine. Additionally, she strives to be an approachable person and believes that client communication is of utmost importance in a veterinary clinic.
Growing up, she lived with her four older sisters on her parents’ horse and hobby farm. During her youth, she was active in 4H and equestrian competitions, honing her skills in hunter/jumper and eventing. In her free time, she likes to relax with a good book and a cup of Starbucks coffee. She also enjoys horseback riding, spending time with her family and taking her dogs on hikes and runs.
Dr. Chadwick got engaged in early 2021 to fellow Veterinarian and Ross University graduate, Dr. Nick Bogumil. They reside together with their three dogs in Camillus. Grizzly is an eight-year-old Black Lab who loves to swim, and play fetch all day. Rocket and Drax are five-year-old Coconut Retrievers who enjoy napping in the sun and indulging in Puppuccinos from the Starbucks drive-thru.
Dr. Rachael Ambrosia
Associate Veterinarian
Growing up in the Bay Area of California, Dr. Ambrosia headed east and attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville for her undergraduate studies. She then worked as an emergency room technician in Baltimore, MD for a time before heading to St. Kitts for veterinary school. She completed her clinical year at Colorado State University and received her DVM from Ross University.
Following veterinary school, Dr. Ambrosia worked at a large animal practice in Colorado before transitioning to small animal medicine in California and Brooklyn for three years. She has since moved to Liverpool with her fiancé Andrew who is completing his pediatric residency at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Together they have Oualie (Ollie for short) – the most perfect Coconut Retriever they adopted while Dr. Ambrosia was in veterinary school on St. Kitts. She is named after their favorite beach. They also share Sunday who is a sassy, fire-breathing Thoroughbred mare. Rounding out their fur family are two tabby cats named Cooper and Chokmo. Cooper is a shy and loving tripod orange tabby and Chokmo is a brown tabby who has been Dr. Ambrosia’s sweet and steadfast companion since undergraduate school. She considers her pets to be her children since she’s had them all since they were very young.
In her down time, you’re most likely to find Dr. Ambrosia competing with Sunday, traveling to all corners of the world, and enjoying the outdoors while camping, kayaking and hiking with her dog. She also enjoys exploring wineries, breweries, and national parks.
Some fun facts about Dr. Ambrosia are that she has worked the famous Iditarod Dog Sled Race, and she has been to 44 states and 24 national parks.
While her passion lies in preventative medicine, she sees the importance in empowering owners to be the best advocates and caregivers for their pets. She also enjoys practicing dentistry and providing palliative care for end-of-life services.
Dr. Maria Brant
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Brant completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Albany and obtained her DVM from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also received certifications in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) and Veterinary Herbal Medicine (CVCH) from the Chi Institute in Florida. Born and raised in North Syracuse, Dr. Brant returned to upstate New York to begin her career. She practiced for 11 ½ years in Canastota and then worked for the next six years as a Relief Veterinarian. During this time, she was brought on board with Highland Animal Hospital to do relief work and she absolutely fell in love with our clinic! While the cuddles and kisses she receives from her canine and feline patients throughout the day are a plus, what she really enjoys about her work is the variety of patients and cases she sees and bringing her sick patients back to health.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Brant enjoys reading fantasy-based books and playing video games. She also loves cooking and spending time with her husband Mike and their two daughters Freya and Lilly. Seven-year-old Freya loves video games like her Mom and Dad and is also into cars, Legos, reading and drawing. Her four-year-old sister Lilly enjoys singing, dancing and puzzles.
Dr. Brant’s family also includes two fur children. Willow is also a Standard Poodle who loves to cuddle and gather all the attention she can get! Rounding out the family is their 13-year-old cat named Lorelei. She spends her days chasing crumpled paper and her toy mouse and napping between all the fun.
Dr. Gabrielle Donnelly
Associate Veterinarian
A native of Long Island, NY, Dr. Donnelly began her studies at SUNY ESF where she met her husband during her senior year. After attending veterinary school at the University of Illinois, they returned to the Syracuse area along with their cat, Mocha. She is a tortie who boasts plenty of “tortitude”. She loves to meet new people and hang out on her window hammock watching wildlife.
Dr. Donnelly is an avid reader who especially enjoys thrillers and memoirs. She is even a member of a book club! Travel is also a passion of hers, having visited 17 different countries so far. Her favorite places to explore have been London, Amsterdam, and her honeymoon destination – Bali.
One of the things she appreciates most about veterinary medicine is getting to witness the human-animal bond. She welcomes the opportunity to help strengthen that bond that people have with their pets, whom many consider part of their family. Her veterinary passions also lie in nutrition, dental health, and dermatology.
Holly
Practice Manager
Holly grew up in Central New York but spent some time in the Adirondacks after graduating high school. She moved back to the area to be near family and now she and her fiancé are proud parents to two little girls. As a family, they enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and hunting. When she finds free time, she loves reading and drinking coffee.
Her favorite part about working at Highland is interacting with the clients, talking about their families, and watching their two and four-legged children grow.
Rachel
Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician
After taking a short hiatus to raise her two children and operate her own business, Rachel makes her return to the animal world as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She joined the team at Highland in January 2021 and is passionate about client communication and education, along with patient care. She strives to make sure each client fully understands the care their pets have received.
Rachel and her family have taken an interest in hobby farming and have four goats, one cow, and a variety of pigs and chickens. Both of her young daughters, Vivian and Violet, love animals like their Mom and are the best helpers around the farm. Vivian is eight years old and is a lover of crafts and all things science, while her six-year-old sister Violet loves to dance and wants to be Elsa from Frozen when she grows up. They also have one four-legged family member. Heidi is a nine-year-old French Bulldog who loves helping with all sorts of farm chores, naps and stealing her human sisters’ food.
Ashley
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Mexico, NY is where Ashley calls home. When she was looking for a place to buy a home and raise a family, she looked to the same hometown community where she was born and raised. She graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at SUNY Canton in 2008 and then continued her education at SUNY Oswego, earning her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2011.
What Ashley loves most about her job at Highland is helping animals and being their advocate. She appreciates feeling like she made a difference for someone at the end of a long day. When she’s not caring for our clients, she enjoys camping, softball, swimming and going to the zoo.
She also loves spending time with her family. Her boyfriend Dennis loves snowmobiling, while her 15-year-old Damien likes to hunt, fish, and do karate. Rowen is eight and enjoys soccer, karate, and riding ATVs and snowmobiles. Aspen is the baby of the family at 18 months and is learning to walk, run and talk.
Rounding out their family is Brody, a 13-year-old Cocker Spaniel/King Charles Cavalier mix, three-year-old German Shepherd Angel, four cats and three goats.
Christina
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Christina grew up in Canaan, NY in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains region and moved to the area in 2019 with her fiancé Lorne. They both share a love of the outdoors. Christina enjoys hiking, traveling, swimming, and site seeing, while Lorne is an avid hunter and fisherman. Spending time with her family and friends is also very important to her.
Together Christina and Lorne share Murphy, Apollo, and Orion. Murphy is a 13-year-old flamepoint Siamese cat who is snuggly, vocal, silly and clingy. Apollo is also a flamepoint Siamese cat, but he is usually sleepy, hungry, and oblivious to his surroundings. Finally, Orion is a typical 5-year-old long haired German Shepherd – he’s vocal, silly, and loves water, running, and playing.
Patient care is Christina’s favorite part of her job. She thrives on making the patient’s experience coming to the vet as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Jessi
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Jessi grew up in the small town of Redfield, NY where the country atmosphere allowed her to have a carefree childhood. She knew she wanted to raiser her family the same way, and they now live in a wooded cabin where they’re able to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Her four-legged family includes three dogs, two cats (Olive and Muff), a few rabbits and pheasants and she hopes to add some farm animals one day. Her dog Sophie (her soul dog) is a product of five different breeds and has been with her since her college days. Myla Mae and Scrat are her two German Shorthair Pointers. Myla is well behaved but has the craziness of a typical pointer. Scrat is their old man who is now enjoying the retired life and never leaves the recliner.
What draws Jessi to the field of veterinary medicine is the diversity within it. She enjoys getting to know the different breeds, their behaviors, and their health. She also treasures the people she crosses paths with – some of them have become lifelong friends. The problem solving and critical thinking involved with emergency medicine is what really excites her. Being able to bring someone’s pet back to health is a feeling like no other. She truly values the appreciation she receives from clients because of the work she does.
Sarah
Licensed Veterinary Technician
After meeting her husband, Sarah moved from Phoenix where she was born and raised to Altmar. She still resides there with her husband, three children and many animals. Her husband Kevin enjoys anything with wheels – from working on cars, to Jeeping and four wheeling. Her three children Katie, Laurissa and Hunter are very active and spend their time listening to music, playing video games and sports, studying and spending time with family and friends. Between work and family, Sarah loves being outdoors swimming and fishing. She also enjoys photography and going to concerts. One day, she dreams of starting a homestead and spending time with her animals.
Her fur family consists of two Husky/German Shepherd mixes, Zeus and Cherokee and her three cats Cain, Turbo and Shiva. Rounding out the mix are her Blue Quaker Parrot named Chandler, three budgies, multiple chickens and a goat named Ninja.
Sarah loves being a Veterinary Technician because there is always more to learn. She values developing lifelong relationships with her clients and their pets and takes pride in helping calm nervous animals and make them more comfortable.
Jes
Lead Veterinary Assistant
Jes is one of six siblings who were born and raised in Central New York. At Highland, she loves working with the animals and helping out with their care. She has two German Shorthaired Pointer mixes, Jake and Henry. Jake is a lovable goof and Henry is full of attitude and loves to cuddle. Her bearded dragon Abraxos loves to go on adventures with his harness and Ziggy is a sassy crested gecko.
You can usually find Jes outdoors kayaking, fishing, camping and hiking with her dogs. When she decides to stay home, she enjoys playing video games, drawing, crocheting and is an avid reader.
Bethany
Veterinary Assistant
Bethany was born in Watertown, NY but relocated frequently as a military child. She has lived in places as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, and Germany before returning to New York to be closer to family. Bethany’s favorite place to live was Alaska, as she is a winter girl at heart and could spend all day playing in the snow.
Outside of work, Bethany enjoys playing video games with friends, reading, watching television and playing board games with family, and going for a leisurely run. She also has two pets whom she adores. Gizmo is an older Pomeranian mix who loves everyone. He loves to go for walks and spend time outdoors in the sunshine, but he absolutely loathes bathtime. Skipper is her beloved Yorkshire Terrier who sadly passed over the rainbow bridge in 2019. Skipper was her shadow, and he would skip around at the sound of the bag of Pupperoni or the wrapper on American cheese. Her pets are her family and mean the world to her.
What Bethany loves most about her work at Highland is seeing all the pets that come into the clinic, joking around with her coworkers, and keeping the lab organized.
Ellen
Veterinary Assistant
Kelsi
Veterinary Assistant
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Kelsi made the move to Camden for her boyfriend’s job – with one important condition: if they were moving, she was getting horses. Since then, she’s built a life full of animals, both at home and at work.
Kelsi’s favorite part of being a Veterinary Assistant is getting to work with animals every day and meeting all the pets that bring so much joy to their owners’ lives. Her passion for animal care started early and led her to study Animal Management, during which she completed internships at the Buffalo Zoo and Niagara Aquarium. There, she gained hands-on experience working with a wide variety of species.
Outside of work, Kelsi enjoys riding her horses, showing dogs, and cheering on her beloved Buffalo Bills. Her life is full of furry and feathery companions, including corgis Churro and Lilo, Stitch the Great Dane, horses Pizza, Calzone and Khaleesi, Waffles the mini donkey, cats and a duck.
Samantha
Veterinary Assistant
While currently residing in Oswego with her fiancé Jacob, Samantha is a native of Mexico, NY. She graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at SUNY Canton in 2022 and jumped right into her field of study, joining the team at Highland. She loves helping families and pets in need and appreciates the great staff she works with and being able to educate our clients.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys watching Netflix, riding horses and hiking.
Samantha and Jacob share nine animals together. First are outdoor loving dogs Buddy, Lucy and Raven. Lyle, Alabama, Scar and Mississippi are cats of varying ages. Two lizards round out their family.
Taylor
Veterinary Assistant
Taylor grew up in Fulton, NY and graduated high school in Phoenix, NY. After earning her associates degree in science, she attended SUNY Oswego and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Zoology. She is currently furthering her education and hopes to one day attend veterinary school. Her passion for animals is motivating her to become a vet. What she loves most about working in this field is that she is a people person, and she loves meeting all the clients and helping when she can.
In addition to her mom (who also loves animals) and dad, Taylor also has two four-legged family members. Owen is a 7-year-old English Black Lab and Mischief is a Bombay cat who is going strong at 12 years old.
Jenn
Lead Client Care Receptionist
Joining the Highland family as a receptionist in 2020, Jenn loves meeting new clients and patients. She enjoys being able to help the animals and their families in any way she can.
Originally from Fulton, Jenn currently resides in Baldwinsville with her boyfriend. Together they have a three-year-old Great Dane named Elliott. For a big dog, he can be very shy at first, but he warms right up once he gets to know you. They also have a one-year-old Golden Retriever Sir Winston. He is a silly boy who loves everyone and wants nothing more than to be outside getting dirty and playing in his pool. While Jenn loves the snow we get in Central New York, she also enjoys long summer walks with her pups and adventuring on the motorcycle with her boyfriend.
Audra
Client Care Receptionist
The mountain life in Idaho treated Audra well for two years, but she eventually decided to come home to Central New York where she was born and raised. In her travels, she decided that working with animals was her calling. They are her passion and being able to interact with them every day in such a great atmosphere is a wonderful feeling. She lives for the outdoors and doesn’t leave out her fur babies.
Her three dogs, Marley, Lucy and Lady love joining her in her outdoor adventures. Audra is the oldest of three siblings and is happy to be living back home near family and friends.
Emma
Client Care Receptionist
Emma was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, and is proud to serve pet owners and their beloved companions as a Client Care Receptionist. Her favorite part of working in veterinary medicine is being there for patients and their families through every stage of life, celebrating joyful moments while also offering compassion and support during difficult times.
When she is not at the hospital, Emma enjoys making memories with her family. She and her husband, a Marine Corps veteran and her high school sweetheart, have been together for many years and are raising their three adopted children. Their family loves spending time at their camp on the St. Lawrence River in the beautiful Thousand Islands region. Emma also enjoys gardening and taking advantage of every opportunity to be outdoors.
At home, Emma’s family is rounded out by four pets who keep life exciting. Anakin, their cat, is a cherished member of the household. Odin, a Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog mix, is happiest when he’s in the water. Jade, a Saint Bernard and Mastiff mix, is known for her loyal and protective nature, and Husky/Pitbull/Terrier mix puppy, Pickles, brings endless enthusiasm and energy to the family.
Kara
Client Care Receptionist
Raised in Central Square, Kara always felt a strong connection to this community. Even after spending time away at college, she realized there’s nowhere else that truly feels like home.
Outside of work, she is passionate about anything that lets her be creative – whether that’s exploring new hobbies, trying out fun fashion finds, or adding a fresh personal touch to her living space through decorating.
Her family means the world to her, including her mom, two sisters, and brother. Kara also shares her home with two beloved pets – her dog Yvette who adores her stuffed “babies”, nature walks, and ruling the house like a true queen; and Mancer, her affectionate black cat who loves nothing more than being cozy indoors with his favorite people.
Virginia
Client Care Receptionist
Virginia is a people person, so her position as Receptionist at Highland Animal Hospital is perfect for her! She loves interacting with our clients and likes getting our furry friends the help they deserve. Throughout her life, Virginia has experienced living in many different places such as Cleveland, NY (where she is from), Texas, Florida and Minnesota. For the past 11 years, she has lived in Central Square with her Mom Rosemary and her lovable but stubborn yen-year-old Yorkie mix Harley.
When she is not busy greeting our clients, she enjoys reading, crocheting, playing trivia games and spending time with family and friends.
12 Gertrude Drive
Central Square, NY 13036
(315) 668-7387
info@highlandanimalhospitalcny.com
Sun: Closed
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tues: 7:30am-6:00pm
Wed: 7:30am-6:00pm
Thurs: 7:30am-6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am-6:00pm
Sat: Closed
We Accept:
Major Credit Cards | Cash
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Hours:
Sun: Closed
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tues: 7:30am-6:00pm
Wed: 7:30am-6:00pm
Thurs: 7:30am-6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am-6:00pm
Sat: Closed
Payment:
Cash accepted
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Highland Animal Hospital Copyright 2021 | Website by Christina Clemente
