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

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, Dental Technician Lead

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

Nikki Auriemma, Dental Assistant

Nikki was born and raised in Boston, MA and her love for animals started very early on in life. She started working at Angell back in 2014 and has since bounced around to different positions learning new skills and growing in her career along the way. She left Angell to become a Vet tech for a while and gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the veterinary field. She is very excited to be back at Angell and working with the dentistry team where she can utilize all her new skills!

At home, Nikki lives with her husband, Jordan, and two loveable pit bulls Petey Pablo and Glitch (who are the true bosses of the household). In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, rescuing animals, camping, and all things music.

Lindsay Drew, CVT, Dental Technician I

Lindsay graduated from University of Rhode Island with an Animal Science degree in 2013. She interned at Plimoth Plantation one summer and Franklin Park Zoo two summers. Lindsay decided to get an associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster and graduated in January 2020. In May Lindsay passed the VTNE to become a CVT. She has 2 dogs, Korra and Tucker at home. She also has 2 new baby rats, Roxanne and Natalie Marie.

Rebecca Kemmer, CVT, Dental Technician I

Rebecca graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a minor in Equine Science. She began working as a veterinarian technician at a small and large animal practice, where she worked for 2 years. In 2019, she came to join Angell in the Dentistry Department. Rebecca has recently become a Certified Veterinarian Technician in June 2020.

Joanne Maloney, CVT, Dental Technician II

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.