Meet the Dentistry Team

Alice Ekerdt, DVM

Dr. Alice Ekerdt was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University. She worked in general practice for six years prior to starting her dentistry residency in New York.

Dr. Ekerdt is a member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry and the American Veterinary Medical Association. She has a full house with two dogs (Finn and Nigel) and two cats (Tiki and Mango).

In her free time, Dr. Ekerdt enjoys creating artwork, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.

EDUCATION
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2009 

SPECIALTY TRAINING
The Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, Residency in Dentistry and Oral Surgery, 2015-2018

Colleen McCarthy, DVM

Originally from Waltham, MA, Dr. McCarthy earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Brandeis University in 2002 and continued there for her master’s degree in molecular and cell biology which she earned in 2004. She then went on to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and has been practicing small animal medicine in Massachusetts since May 2009.

“Obviously, healing sick puppies and kittens is the most rewarding part of being a veterinarian. But developing long-term relationships with clients and their pets is the most satisfying part of my job,” says Dr. McCarthy. “I love working with clients to develop personalized care plans for their furry children and, in turn, feeling like these families welcome me not only as a doctor but also as a friend.”

Dr. McCarthy is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Her professional interests include dentistry, feline medicine, behavior, oncology, and multi-modal approaches to pain management.

At home, Dr. McCarthy cares for her clowder of domestic shorthair rescue cats (Percy, Meeks, Roxy, Frankie, Avery, Silver, and Peanut Butter as well as her foster cat, Ebenezer) and a disabled Betta Fish named Gustavo.  Her hobbies include reading, music, knitting, yoga, writing, and exploring local cuisine.

EDUCATION
Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2009

Jessica Riehl, DVM, DAVDC

Dr. Riehl joined Angell in 2016 after practicing at a veterinary specialty hospital in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Dr. Riehl then completed an internship in West Islip, NY followed by a residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in 2014. Dr. Riehl has served on the Credentials Committee for the AVDC (American Veterinary Dental College).

EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2010

SPECIALTY TRAINING
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Residency in Dentistry and Oral Surgery, 2011-2014
The Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, Rotating Internship, 2010-2011

Michael Johnson, CVT, Dentistry Supervisor

Michael is a 1990 graduate of the Vet Tech Program at Colorado Mountain College (CMC). He was then invited to join the CMC faculty as a staff member following graduation. In 1991 Michael entered the VTI-Vet Tech Intern Program at the AMC in NYC. After graduation from the internship, he remained at the AMC for 8 years until he was recruited to join the newly formed Angell Dentistry Department as a Supervisor. Michael has held that same position for the past 18 years.

Julissa Almendarez, CVT

Julissa graduated from Mount Ida College with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology in May 2012. As part of her Mount Ida education,  Julissa completed two internships at Angell, one with General Medicine and one with Dentistry. She began working with the Angell Dentistry department shortly after graduation. She has also worked as a human EMT since 2001 and continues to work on a part-time basis with a private ambulance company in the Metro Boston area

Ashley Catizone, CVT, Dental Technician

Ashley graduated from Mount Ida College with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology in May 2017.  She spent a year working in Emergency Medicine, and earned her certification in 2018.  Having an interest in dentistry and anesthesia, she made the change to join the Angell Dentistry department in February 2019. Now she enjoys brushing all three of her dogs’ teeth after their dental cleanings!

Joanne Malley, CVT

Joanne graduated from North Shore Community College in May 2012 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She began working at Angell in the Clinic and became certified in August 2012. She began working the Dentistry service in October 2014 and has been an essential team member ever since.

Marina Zolofra, CVT, Dental Technician

Marina graduated from New England Institute of Technology with an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology during September of 2018. She shortly became certified in November of 2018. While working as a technician assistant in emergency and critical care, Marina completed two internships as a part of her NEIT education. Her first internship was in general medicine at Coventry Animal Hospital in Rhode Island, where she grew an interest in dentistry; where as her second internship was in emergency and critical care medicine at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island. Marina has also been a private dog trainer since 2016 and continues to train from time to time.