Dr. Smith-Gervais

Dr. Smith-Gervais graduated in 2001 from Ross University. She spent a clinical year and an additional year to fulfill requirements for foreign graduates. She returned to New England after graduation and worked as an associate veterinarian in Worcester, MA for 3 years before moving to CT. She concentrates on small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Smith-Gervais further developed her skills by working at a local emergency clinic. Currently, she resides in northeastern CT with her newlywed husband, 15 year old step-daughter, and two dogs--Chester and Duke. In her spare time she enjoys watching movies, home improvement, and playing Wii.

Dr. deBlok

Dr. deBlok received her DVM from Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary medicine on 2001. Prior to graduating from veterinary school, she had a myriad of experience in veterinary medicine. She received an A.S. and B.S. in Animal Science, worked as an assistant horse trainer, assistant dog groomer, veterinary technician and veterinary receptionist in a variety of settings. Dr. deBlok enjoys being the “family doctor” for pets and practices both general medicine and surgery. She likes to practice with a holistic approach, and tries to consider her client’s and patient’s lifestyles when making medical decisions. When Dr. deBlok is not working, she is a 4-H volunteer, enjoys working out, horseback riding, reading and hanging out with her two cats, Herman and Harley.

Dr. deBlok would like to take this opportunity to honor her very beloved dog Daisy, who died May 28, 2007. She was an exceptionally special dog who touched the lives of many and who will remain in their hearts forever.

Dr. Friday

Elizabeth Friday was born in Norwich, CT. She attended Norwich Free Academy. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of New Hampshire and received her DVM from the Ohio State University in 1998. Dr. Friday currently resides in North Stonington with her husband Christopher and their son Alexander. They share their home with two cats, Bukie and Asparagus, and two dogs, Gobi and Dakota.

Lona

Lona was born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut where she currently still resides with her four legged children, Walter and Ozcar, both English bulldogs, and Jac and Ralf, two kitties adopted from the hospital, and her husband Mike. Lona began her journey with All Friends Animal Hospital in 1998 as a part time customer care specialist. Through the years, Lona has filled every position from the front desk to surgery technician. Lona graduated in 2003 from Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor in Business and shortly thereafter, became the Hospital Administrator. In August 2009, Lona fufilled a dream of purchasing All Friends Animal Hopital with her two partners.

Jeannie

Jeannie has been employed as Office Manager of All Friends Animal Hospital since January 2004. She is a graduate of Norwich Free Academy, Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island and the New London School of Business. Prior to coming to All Friends, Jeannie was employed for 16 years at Pare Engineering Corporation in New London. She resides in Preston with her husband, Bob and daughters, Kendall and Alexandra. Extended family members include her pugs, Carol and Olive, and cats Rocky and Henry.

Tara

Tara was raised in Preston where she currently reside with her husband, Todd, their twin daughters Ava and Brooke, and their four dogs and three cats. Tara has been “happily” employed by All Friends Animal Hospital for the past ten years. She has had the pleasure of getting to know clients and their pets, sharing in the joy as they bring a new pet into the family and also being there with them as they have to peacefully say goodbye.

Sarah

Sarah has been a Veterinary Assistant for ten years and has been employed at All Friends Animal Hospital for six years. She subsequently passed a rigorous State exam and now is a certified Veterinary Technician. Sarah resides in Griswold with her Akita, Tonka and her cat Maynard. She is a passionate equestrian and spends most of her free time with her horse Clay.

Holly

Holly is an advocate of adoption and will always take the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of spay and neuter.  Holly is a presently a college student, expecting to graduate in 2010.  When she is not studying or doing homework, Holly is showering affection on her cats, Mr. Moo and Anakin, or her recently adopted greyhound, Ki.  Holly is a newcomer to All Friends, but has been in the animal care field for 7 ½ years at the local humane society working in the trenches of animal rescue.  In 2006, Holly and her husband CJ volunteered to raise “Becker” for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.  He is now a successful guide dog living with his owner in Utah.

Rebecca

Rebecca began her career as an Animal Care Technician at the Connecticut Humane Society in 1999. In 2004, Rebecca joined the team at All Friends Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant. She is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician Program through Pen Foster Career School; where upon graduation will be a Certified Veterinary Technician. Rebecca is very passionate about all animals, especially horses. Currently, Rebecca has four cats, Emma, Romeo, Boots, Malachi and a Boston terrier named Whittaker.

Julie

Julie graduated from Pine Manor College in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her degree in Biology in 2000. She began her career as a Veterinary Assistant in 2001. Her career path eventually led to All Friends Animals Hospital in the fall of 2007. In 2009, Julie passed the exam to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. Julie has a special interest in emergency medicine and pain management. At the end of the day, Julie goes home to her husband Dan, her son Benjamin and her two meows, Moosie and Abby.

Leigh

Leigh as been working at All Friends Animal Hospital for almost two years, which she describes as “wonderful.” She has had a love for animals since she was young. Leigh is the mother of two lovely children, Billy, 13 and Nicole, 11, who also love animals. They have four cats, Jewel, Samantha, Maxx and Mickey. They also have a rabbit named Marshmallow and a Golden Retriever named Buddy. Leigh is currently taking a Veterinary Technician course through Penn Foster Career School. Within two years, she hopes to be a certified veterinary technician for All Friends Animal Hospital.

Joanne

Joanne started her veterinary career about five years ago, but is a new comer to All Friends Animal Hospital. She currently resides here in Norwich, Connecticut with her husband, two girls and her faithful friend, an eleven year old German shepherd, Sarah.
Joanne feels every family should have a pet. The unconditional love they give will greatly enrich any family’s life.

Sarah

Sarah was born and raised in the small farm town of Preston, Connecticut. Surrounded by animals while growing up, from a young she grew to love all kinds. She joined the All Friends Animal Hospital family in late August of 2007. Sarah works “behind the scenes” of All Friends, cleaning and offering a helping hand where it may be needed. She is currently a junior at Norwich Free Academy, graduating class of 2009. After high school, Sarah hopes to attend the University of New Haven where she will major in forensic science.