Meet Our Team

Dr. Michael Brennen

Veterinarian

Dr. Brennen grew up in Niagara Falls, NY with six siblings. His father was a physician, which sparked Dr. Brennen’s interest in medicine. This combined with his affinity for animals, led him to choose his career when he was very young.

After graduating from Cornell with a B.S. in 1985, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the same institution in 1990 and moved to Seattle where he was an associate at a progressive small animal hospital for 4 years. When Dr. Brennen decided he would like to raise his family in New York, he began looking for a quality practice in New York State to purchase. In 1994, he became the owner of Lake Road Animal Hospital, a hospital that has provided exemplary care since its establishment over 60 years ago.

Dr. Abigail Mulligan

Veterinarian

Dr. Abigail Mulligan was born in Central Massachusetts where she rode horses with her local 4H club and later moved to Chicago to attend college at the University of Chicago. She lived in New York City for a few years before attending Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. During Dr. Mulligan’s final year at vet school, she was the president of the Feline Club and won the American Association of Feline Practitioners outstanding student award. She also completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery in Rhode Island before moving back to the Finger Lakes Region in 2014. Dr. Mulligan joined our team in September of 2017 and enjoys meeting new clients and their furry families.

When not working at our hospital, Dr. Mulligan loves snuggling with her two cats, Toblerone, Godiva, and walking her very energetic pit bull mix, Nala. She is a free spirit who loves kayaking and downhill skiing, as well as traveling whenever she can.

Dr. Mulligan’s favorite thing about being part of LRAH: The amazing and welcoming team members and great clients.

Dr. Kathryn Hughes

Veterinarian

Dr. Hughes was born in Michigan City, Indiana, but grew up in western Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. Dr. Hughes’s golden retriever “Rusty” was her constant childhood companion, and at the age of 8 she decided she wanted to be a veterinarian. The rest of her youth was shaped by that goal. Dr. Hughes was also fortunate enough to have her own horse throughout junior and senior high school. She dedicated many happy hours to his care.

Dr. Hughes earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University in 1976 and went on to veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 1981 and has worked continuously in private practice since then.

Dr. Hughes’s primary passion is her pets. She loves the outdoors, especially hiking. She also enjoys snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Erin

Licensed Veterinary Nurse, Supervising Nurse, Writer

Erin was born and raised in Corning, NY. A graduate of Corning East High, she attended SUNY Delhi and graduated with her AAS in Veterinary Technology in 2000. Following graduation, she worked at a pharmaceutical company, then made her way back to working with animals when she started at an emergency clinic in California. After moving back to the area in 2004, Erin worked at local clinics before becoming a member of our team.

Erin joined us at Lake Road Animal Hospital in 2008 and has since become our supervising veterinary nurse. She has a strong interest in dental therapy for animals and hopes to continue to further her education in this area. Erin also contributes to our website, marketing, and technology departments. Erin is also active (SOS) which assists with low-cost spay/neuter programs.

When not working at our hospital, Erin enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, John, and their children, Zane, Hannah, and Lilia. They love canoeing on the river and other outdoor activities. She and her husband also foster through Rainbow of Hope Animal Rescue as an intern family home before the dogs find their fur-ever homes. Erin enjoys reading and relaxing with friends, family, and pets.

What Erin enjoys most about being a part of the LRAH&K Team: Being able to help ease the discomfort of not only the animals but also our clients. She enjoys working in an environment that really focuses on patient well-being.

Mary

Licensed Veterinary Nurse, Fear Free Certified, Social Media Contributor

Mary was born and raised in Elmira, NY. She attended SUNY Delhi, earning her AAS in Veterinary Technology. She worked in the local veterinary community for several years before joining our team in 2013. Along with her veterinary nursing and technical talents, Mary is especially interested in laser therapy to help with inflammation and pain control.

Mary spends a lot of time with her pets. She is an avid outdoors woman and enjoys spending time with her father and friends, as well as playing softball. Mary also contributes to our Snapchat page.

Mary’s favorite thing about being a part of the LRAH&K Team: Watching the kittens and puppies grow up, knowing that she and the rest of our team are a vital part in their veterinary care.

Rebecca

Licensed Veterinary Nurse, Writer, Client Service Representative

Rebecca was born and raised in Pine City, NY. After graduating from St. Thomas More homeschool, she attended SUNY Canton for her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology. She has experience working on her family’s goat and sheep farm since 2005 and joined the Lake Road team in 2014 on a seasonal basis. She finished her college degree and is now a licensed veterinary nurse. Rebecca also contributes to blog writing for our website and social media pages. She enjoys helping out on the farm doing maintenance work, kidding (birthing, her favorite part!), vaccinations, and participating in goat shows.

When she is not working, Rebecca spends much of her time with her family. As the oldest of 10 and a twin, she has a lot of responsibilities and enjoys making memories with the people and animals in her life. Along with the goats, sheep, rabbits, and other farm animals, Rebecca also lives with her dog, Zoe, a border terrier who is always excited to welcome family and visitors. Her other interests include writing – both fiction and non fiction – acrylic and watercolor painting, singing with her twin sister, playing the piano, and reading historic fiction in her spare time.

Rebecca’s favorite thing about being a part of the LRAH&K Team: Getting to know the clients and patients and being part of an amazing team of people who are able to touch so many lives.

Sonja

Licensed Veterinary Nurse

Sonja grew up in Bolton Landing on Lake George, New York and graduated from Bolton Central School. She then earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA in 2015. Sonja spent two years working as a licensed veterinary technician at a small animal hospital in Alexandria, Virginia before moving back to New York and joining Lake Road Animal Hospital in 2017.

Sonja and her husband enjoy spending time with his family in the Finger Lakes Region and visiting Sonja’s family in the Adirondacks. They have two dogs; a springer spaniel, Dixie, and a coonhound, Abby. Sonja’s hobbies include skijoring with her dogs, scrap booking, sewing, and traveling. The Caribbean, Germany, and our National Parks are some of her favorite destinations. Sonja is also an avid outdoors women and an adventurous spirit who loves mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and even white water rafting.

Sonja’s favorite thing about being part of LRAH&K Team: Our high standards of care for patients and clients. Her goal is to help educate pet parents on how to be their pet’s best advocate. She treats every patient with as much care and love as if they were her own furry family.

Ashlee

Kennel Manager, Social Media Manager, Exam Room Assistant, Writer, Fear Free Certified

Ashlee was born in Merced, California where her father was stationed in the Air Force. Her family moved to a small town in Pennsylvania when she was a child to be closer to friends and family. After graduating highschool and meeting her husband, Freeman, she moved to Horseheads, New York and married in 2008. Ashlee and Freeman now have three children, two dogs, and own a home near Ithaca, New York. Making a difference, getting involved, and helping others has always been a commitment for Ashlee. She has past experience as a care aid in a retirement home and other human health care offices.

Joining us at Lake Road Animal Hospital in 2010 as a veterinary assistant, Ashlee has since become a kennel manager, our social media manager, and assists the doctors in exam rooms. She also contributes to our website, blog writing, marketing, and PR departments. Ashlee holds a Fear Free Certification as well as a Solving Canine Behavior Problems Certificate from Cornell University. She enjoys traveling for continuing education and has a passion for science and discovery.

When not working at our hospital and kennel, Ashlee spends time with family and friends, traveling, writing, hiking, and various outdoor activities.

What Ashlee enjoys most about being a part of the LRAH&K Team: Strengthening the bond between clients, pets, and their veterinary team, our progressive medicine, and our empowering culture.

Carrie

Practice Manager, Writer, Fear Free Certified

Carrie was born and raised in Owego, NY (the coolest small town in America). She received her bachelors in Environmental Studies from Binghamton University and a biology certification in Secondary Education at Elmira College. Carrie has many years of experience working in the veterinary industry.

Carrie joined us at Lake Road Animal Hospital in 2008 as our practice manager. She holds a Fear Free Certification and is active in the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Carrie is also a member of the Well Managed Practice Group. She continues her veterinary knowledge by attending continuing education classes in veterinary practice management.

When not working, Carrie spends a lot of time with her family. She is her daughter’s number one fan. Carrie enjoys brewing craft beer with her boyfriend. She feels the gardening is the best part of brewing, where they grow their own hops. She has an extended furry family of her own pets. Carrie also loves going boating and kayaking with her family, and friends.

What Carrie enjoys most about being a part of LRAH&K are our strong team, our inspiring culture, and our dedication to client education. She enjoys strengthening the bond between people and their pets.

Mandy

Kennel Manager, Exam Room Assistant, Puppy Camp Manager, Fear Free Certified

Mandy was born and raised in Elmira Heights, NY where she graduated from Thomas Edison High School and went on to Corning Community College. She has experience working at the Chemung County SPCA, Humane Society, and Barnes and Noble.

Mandy joined our team in 2012 as a veterinary assistant and has since become a kennel manager, puppy camp manager, and she assists the doctors in exam rooms. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional. Although Mandy enjoys the medical side of the animal field, her interest lies more in canine behavior and puppy socialization.

When not at work, Mandy enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She has done work with agility trials with her own dogs in the past and is hoping that she will be able to start agility again when she has another addition to the family.

What Mandy enjoys most about being a part of LRAH&K: Our kind and knowledgeable veterinary team. They are all passionate about what they do and are a constant inspiration and motivation for Mandy.

Cherie

Client Service Representative Supervisor

Cherie was born in Hartford, CT before moving to Elmira.  She attended Corning Community College focusing on early childhood and human services.  Before coming to work at Lake Road in 2005, Cherie worked at Wegmans for 15 years and was a manager at the Elmira 1-2-3 theater.

When not at work, Cherie enjoys spending time with her husband, Tom, and their many furry critters. Cherie remembers when she first came to Lake Road it was to pick up her parents’ dog, Sammi, from the kennel. He loved it here so much that when Cherie found out they were hiring, she decided that she would come and stay too!

What Cherie enjoys most about being a part of the LRAH&K Team: Working with our amazing clients and coworkers. Most days you can find Cherie at our reception desk, make sure to stop in and say hello.

Sharon

Veterinary Assisant, Kennel Technician, Fear Free Certified

Sharon was born and raised in Hornby, NY.  She attended West High School and took classes at Corning Community College before being hired in the animal field in 1990.  A part of the Lake Road Team since 2002, Sharon also spent time working at the Chemung County SPCA.

When not at work, Sharon enjoys spending time with her son, friends, and family, especially outdoors. She also enjoys time indoors reading and relaxing.

When asked what her favorite part of Lake Road Animal Hospital and Kennels is, Sharon responds that it’s the clients, staff, and animals that make her job so enjoyable.  Make sure you stop in and say hi to Sharon, whether she’s over at the kennel, or at the hospital helping out our technicians!