David Halpern, DVM (Owner)
Graduated Louisiana State University Veterinary School in 1986. Practice owner and medical director since 1988. He is also the co-owner of Quality Veterinary Care and West Hempstead Animal Hospital. Dr. Halpern is very proud that his Daughter Amy has chosen to follow in his footsteps. Special interests in general medicine and exotics medicine.
- Education:
- Louisiana State University Veterinary School
Richard Valdes, DVM
Graduated NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell in Special interests in surgery. Works with exotics Bilingual – Spanish
- Education:
- College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell
Zareen Mistry, DVM
Dr. Mistry was born and raised in Michigan. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Physiology from Cornell University, then went on to veterinary school at Kansas State. After completing an internship in Boston, she worked as an emergency and general practice vet for 5 yrs in New Jersey. In 2010, she got married and moved to Hong Kong with her husband. She moved to NY and joined the Lefferts team in 2012. Her interests include internal medicine, dentistry, and ultrasounds. She lives in Long Island with her husband, 2 beautiful children, and yellow lab, Maggie Mae. She had the honor of being appointed Medical Director of the hospital in 2015.
- Education:
- Veterinary school at Kansas State
Payal Mittal, DVM
Dr. Payal Mittal was born and raised in Michigan. Dr. Mittal graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Psychology. After a year, she decided to pursue her dream career as a veterinarian. Dr. Mittal graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Her adventure in veterinary school involved a clinical year at Louisiana State University. Her special interest includes surgery, internal medicine, and imaging. She lives with her 2 cats (Kung Pao and Moonpie) in Manhattan and visits her family in Michigan whenever possible. She is very excited to join the wonderful staff here at Lefferts Animal Hospital.
- Education:
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Jessalyn Chandonnet, DVM
Dr. Jessalyn Chandonnet is originally from Dracut, Massachusetts. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) with a bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary medicine, and then went on to complete veterinary school atTufts University. After completion of veterinary school in 2016, she made the decision to move to New York to start her career with the wonderful team at Lefferts Animal Hospital. Her medical interests include internal medicine, ophthalmology, and imaging. She now lives with her two cats, Bonsai and Willow, in Brooklyn.
- Education:
- Veterinary school at Tufts University
Deborah Delshad, VMD
Dr. Deborah Delshad was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, with a bachelor’s degree Animal Sciences/Pre-Vet and then moved to Philadelphia to complete veterinary school at University Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She moved to New York to start her career and is excited to be part of the fantastic team at Lefferts Animal Hospital. Her medical interests include surgery, theriogenology, and imaging.
- Education:
- University Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Kevin Birchler DVM
Dr. Kevin Birchler began his experience with animals during his Bachelors in Biology at the University of Michigan, where his focus in ecology led him to field work with marine birds in Galapagos. Following 4 years of large animal experience managing a ranch with horses and alpacas, he completed his veterinary studies at the University of Glasgow. The first 5 years of his veterinary career were spent at a small animal practice nearby his alma mater in Ann Arbor, and has now been a member of the Lefferts Family since 2018. His interests range from preventative and internal medicine, to radiology and general surgery. He lives in nearby Queens with his wife and dog, always ready to explore their new surroundings.
Steven Yang, DVM
Graduated from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with an interest in internal medicine and ultrasound, critical care, and dentistry. As a native New Yorker, he attended Fordham University to acquire an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences. His decision to join Leffert’s Animal Hospital was based on the attraction for a large, complex caseload in a general practice setting, the presence of excellent mentorship, and the desire to return to his home city where his family resides. During his free time, he spends time with his tortoiseshell cat Crispy, travels to Thailand, plays video games, and practice classical piano.
Mary Spetsieris, DVM
Dr. Mary Spetsieris grew up in New Jersey and completed her undergrad in biology and environmental studies at Colgate University. After college she lived in Denver for 2 years and then received her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Canada. She currently lives in Astoria with her french bulldog mix, Cornelius. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, snowboarding and exploring new restaurants. Although she loves all animals, she especially has a soft spot for ones with flat faces (brachycephalics)
Andrea Pollard
Hospital Manager
Andrea was born and raised in Guyana until she was 13 then she migrated to New York. She attended Mercy college after high school hoping to become a veterinarian but life had different plans. Andrea has been working with Lefferts Animal Hospital since March 1998. She started working in kennel and has worked her way up the ladder and the manager in November 2008. She is always looking for ways to better herself as a leader, manager and most of all as a human being. She is also known as the puppy midwife for all c-sections. In her spare time she enjoys Traveling, on and off Broadway plays as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Amal
General Manager
Amal is a Graduate from Medical School of veterinary Medicine Cairo University with 30 years’ experience working at animal hospitals. Amal has worked for Lefferts from 1989 till 2004 for 15 years and from 2009 till now
Hobbies include Traveling, Swimming, listen to music and Volunteering at church community.
Erika
Head Technician
Lisa
Technician Staff
Denise
Technician Staff
Peggy
Technician Staff
Damaris
Technician Staff
Michelle
Technician Staff
Kim R.
Technician Staff
Nathanya
Technician Staff
Fifi
Head Receptionist
Kathy
Receptionist
Lisa B.
Receptionist
Elizabeth
Receptionist
Pamela
Receptionist
Kimberly H.
Receptionist
Camila
Receptionist
Emily K.
Head Veterinary Assistant
Kayla
Veterinary Assistant
Enola
Veterinary Assistant
Amber
Veterinary Assistant
Cecilia
Veterinary Assistant
Tyler
Veterinary Assistant
Justin
Veterinary Assistant
Johanna
Veterinary Assistant
Tawayne
Veterinary Assistant
Zenaida
Veterinary Assistant
Louis
Head Kennel Attendant
Jennifer, Joshua, Travis, Elizabeth, Patrick and Angela
Kennel Attendant
Krishana
Groomer
