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The Long Island Bird and Exotics Vet Clinic Team
Dr. Shachar Malka
Diplomate ABVP & Diplomate ACEPM
Dr. Shachar Malka is LIBEVC’s medical director. He has more than 20 years of experience working with avian, reptiles, exotic pets and wildlife. He completed an internship at the University of Guelph, Canada and a three year residency program at the University of California, Davis in exotic pet medicine and surgery.
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Dr. Malka's professional interests include: surgery and minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy, and advanced imaging.
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Dr. Malka co-founded the American College of Exotic Pet Medicine, an organization dedicated to training and certifying veterinarians in exotic pet medicine and improving the field of veterinary medicine as a whole. He is boarded in exotic pet medicine by the American College of Exotic Pet Medicine and in avian medicine by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
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He continues to publish scientific articles on a variety of topics in avian and exotic animal medicine and lectures at national and international veterinary conferences. See Dr. Malka's Publications.
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Dr. Malka is the founder of Rift Valley Wildlife Clinics, a non-profit that cares for wildlife locally as well as in East Africa, where he volunteers much of his time providing veterinary care to animals in need.
Dr. Nicole Sands
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Dr. Nicole Sands is a graduate of Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine where she worked in the exotics department as a student technician and volunteered at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Health Center. She completed a Rotating Small Animal Medicine and Surgical Internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey where she gained lots of experience in emergency medicine as well as working with exotic pets. Prior to veterinary school, she worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician at the Humane Society of New York. Dr. Sands grew up in Brooklyn, New York and is happy to be back in the city. Her professional interests include Avian surgery and medicine as well as endoscopy and diagnostic imaging. Outside of vet med, Dr. Sands enjoys playing video games, making crochet dolls, cooking, and spending time with her family. She shares her home with a spicy green cheek conure, 4 budgies, a rabbit, lots of fish, shrimp and 2 cats.
Dr. Margaret Lee
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Dr. Margaret Lee graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to vet school, she worked as a veterinary technician in small animal general practices and worked as a hospital/lab assistant at the New York Aquarium. While in vet school, she worked part-time as a technician at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital and had the opportunity to volunteer with the Belize Zoo. Dr. Lee’s professional interests include wildlife/zoo medicine, neurology, critical care and emergency medicine. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Her hobbies include baking, painting, and of course, spoiling her dog, two rabbits and hammy.
Stephanie Wieczorek
Lead Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Stephanie is an LVT who graduated Mercy College in 2020. With a passion for animals of all shapes and sizes at a young age, she knew she would work with them as a profession. She grew up with an abundance of species from dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish and small mammals. On her free time she loves to go hiking with her Labrador, play video games, and spend time with her husband, cats, Leopard Gecko and rats.
Sara Woods
Veterinary Technician/Practice Manager
Sara has had a passion for animals from a young age, growing up with a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals. Her journey into veterinary medicine began with her first job at PetSmart while in college, where she discovered a love for working with animals, especially in the small pet department. Although she spent a few years as a photographer, Sara ultimately decided to make a career change and pursue her dream of working with and caring for animals. For over seven years, she has loved working with the team at LIBEVC, where she finds great fulfillment in contributing to their mission. Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her fur babies. She’s an avid reader and enjoys camping. Whether at home or outdoors, Sara's life revolves around her love for animals and her passion for learning and growing.
Sarah Hoogenboom
Veterinary Technician
Sarah has been a dedicated member of the Long Island Bird and Exotics Veterinary Clinic (LIBEVC) team for six years, where she has developed a deep passion for avian and exotic pet care. She has a special connection with reptiles and birds and takes pride in helping pet owners provide the best care possible for their unique companions. Sarah’s love for wildlife conservation began at a young age and continues to inspire her work today. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, pottery, and hiking, which allow her to unwind and stay connected with nature. She is also excited to further her education in veterinary medicine and continue making a positive impact on the lives of pets and their families.
Fernando Martinez Villafranca
Veterinary Technician L.V.T. and M.V.Z.
Fernando is an LVT from the University of the State of New York, he graduated in Veterinary Medicine in Mexico, at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico in 2020, he is currently in the process of obtaining a Veterinary Medicine license in the State of New York He did an intership at the ZOOMAT zoo in Tuxtla Gutiérrez Chiapas where he worked with wild and captive crocodiles, he also did a clinical stay at the Zacango zoo in Toluca Mexico, he is passionate about wild and exotic animals, his favorites are reptiles . In his spare time, he loves to exercise, listen to music and podcasts, and hunt for good food in the Big Apple.
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Hallie Ovadia
Veterinary Assistant
Hallie brings a unique perspective from her experiences as a Bronx Zoo zookeeper in the ornithology department. Her care is immensely precise and delicate ensuring that every patient leaves our clinic feeling a little more understood and a lot more loved. Hallie has a particular affinity and deep appreciation for guinea pigs, crediting them for teaching her a new love language, how to "love from a distance." Hallie shares her home with two beloved guinea pigs and Milo, an exceptionally happy pup.
Karen Mezynski
CSR
Karen’s love for animals was evident from early on: as a child Karen’s pets included freshwater fish, newts, an albino clawed frog, cats and a dog. Karen graduated from Long Island University CW Post with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology, and is a certified Open Water SCUBA diver. Karen volunteered for the New York Aquarium’s Animal Department, and was later hired as a Wild Animal Keeper. Karen’s nine years of service with the Wildlife Conservation Society includes experience with shark transport, sea lion training, and bottle feeding a 250 lb. walrus calf. In 2012 Karen took part in the Superstorm Sandy animal rescue efforts which included saving displaced seahorses from flooded exhibit areas. In her downtime Karen enjoys yoga and physical fitness, as well as playing board games and spending time in nature with her daughter.
Isabel Fife-Cook
Veterinary Assistant/Aquatic Nursing Consultant
Isabel earned her M.A. in animal studies from NYU, where she studied ethology and animal welfare science with a concentration in koi and goldfish behavior. Her post-graduate research objectives include investigating novel opportunities to species-specific environmental enrichment in aquaculture and improving husbandry standards for ornamental fishes. Isabel has been fascinated by animals for as long as she can remember, spending her childhood reading ZooBooks, sketching birds and turning over logs to search for hidden critters. As an adult, Isabel remains passionate about zoology, animal protection and science communication and plans on pursuing further education in veterinary medicine or research science. When she’s not at the clinic or writing papers Isabel enjoys drawing and painting, listening to podcasts, making fun of terrible movies with her partner and attempting to train her birds not to poop on the keyboard.
Stephanie Ibanez
CSR
Stephanie has always had a love and passion for animals, finding comfort and companionship in the pets she’s had throughout her life. After graduating and working as a medical assistant for many years, she had the opportunity to work in animal transport and alongside various rescue groups. This experience confirmed that her true passion lies in working in an environment where she can be around animals and people who share that same love. Working at LIBEVC has allowed her to do just that. In her free time, Stephanie provides boarding services for pets when their owners need to travel. She loves spending time at home with her own pets, including her dog Polo and Leopard Gecko Tres Leches. Stephanie also enjoys occasional travel, dining out, and listening to music.
Linda Sucuzhagnay
Veterinary Assistant
Linda always had loved animals for as long as she can remember. She received her B.S in psychology and biology in City college where she also played college soccer. Linda has experience working in an emergency veterinary hospital and also runs her own pet sitting business. She is currently working towards becoming a LVT and taking classes through Penn foster vet tech program. Linda is always looking to learn more to continue to improve her patient care. She loves working with all exotic species but has an extra soft spot for sugar gliders! During her free time she enjoys going to dance classes, playing video games, and spoiling her cats, sugar gliders and bearded dragon.
Alex Piotrowski
Veterinary Assistant
Alex has been a cat owner and animal lover her entire life, only recently discovering her adoration for rabbits. After leaving the restaurant industry to pursue her career in animal medicine she became a mom to 3 rabbits in just 6 months. Now having been in this field for almost 3 years she lives at home with her 2 cats, 4 rabbits, and 1 guinea pig. If she’s not at work you can find her walking around catching pokemon or watching scary movies at home with all of her fur babies.
Barry Gutierrez
CSR
Barry was always interested in animals growing up; always having a cat in the house, and watching Animal Planet. He graduated from University at Albany with an undergraduate degree in biology. After graduating he volunteered at North Shore Animal League working in the dog department. Outside of work Barry enjoys video games, movies, and being out with friends.