Meet the Heart of VHI 

At the Veterinary Heart Institute, exceptional care starts with exceptional people. Our dedicated team brings together expertise, compassion, and innovation to provide advanced cardiac care for your beloved pets. With diverse backgrounds and shared values, we work as one to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of treatment—and every family feels supported throughout their journey with us.

Cardiologists

Dr. Pelosi

Veterinary Cardiologist & Cardiac Surgeon

As the driving force behind VHI, Dr. Pelosi brings a wealth of experience in both veterinary cardiology and cardiac surgery. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication, she ensures every patient receives individualized, gold-standard care.

Dr. Michael Cocchiaro

Known for his thoughtful, data-driven approach to cardiology, Dr. Cocchiaro brings deep diagnostic expertise and a collaborative mindset to every case. He is passionate about helping pets live longer, healthier lives while guiding families with clarity and care.

On same page under “client support and operations” (no photo yet)
Kristen Lare
With a master’s degree in professional writing and more than 30 years of experience in marketing and communications, Kristen brings a strategic storytelling lens to the Veterinary Heart Institute. She is energized by the opportunity to focus on meaningful work that advances veterinary cardiology and amplifies the people behind it.

Also….can we add a “save-the-date” message on the home page? It is for an upcoming conference this fall. We want to start promoting asap. I’m not sure where this could go, but would like your best suggestion for visibility. Audience is veterinarians, so it could also go on that landing page but I’d like it to be separated from the content.
I can deliver content asap. Just wondering about how it can be displayed on the site.

Dr. Sleeper

Veterinary Cardiologist

A pioneer in the field, Dr. Sleeper blends her academic depth with real-world clinical excellence. Her thoughtful, compassionate approach makes her a trusted partner in every pet’s care plan.

Our Cardiology Fellows

Dr. Browning

Humble, driven, and deeply committed, Dr. Browning brings daily passion to her work as a VHI-EVI cardiology fellow. Her curiosity and dedication make her an invaluable presence on our team.

Dr. Andreoli

Known for her vibrant personality and cross-disciplinary expertise, Dr. Andreoli is both a clinician and an instructor in echocardiography. Her creative energy and love for cardiology shine through in everything she does.

Dr. Pacifici

Originally drawn to cardiology to expand the services he could offer his patients, Dr. Pacifici has since become a passionate advocate for excellence in cardiac diagnostics and imaging. His commitment to growth continues to elevate the level of care we provide.

Dr. Fernando Garcia

Dr. Fernando Garcia. Dr Garcia has completed two clinical internships, a veterinary anesthesia residency and master of sciences in veterinary clinical sciences. His interests are ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, cardiorespiratory and pain physiology and effects of anesthetics in these systems.

Dr. Montilla

With dual diplomate status in the Society for Theriogenology and the American College of Theriogenologists, Dr. Montilla offers a unique perspective on patient care. His fluency in both English and Spanish enhances communication and comfort for our diverse clientele.

Nurses and Echocardiographers

Anthony Puccio

East Coast Technician & Echocardiographer

Anthony’s journey from technician to skilled echocardiographer reflects his deep commitment to excellence in ultrasound diagnostics. As an instructor, he also shares his expertise to help raise the standard of care across our team.

Matthew Nguyen

Bio Coming Soon!

Joe Maloney

Bio Coming Soon!

Client Support & Operations

William Lord Lim

Receptionist

As the welcoming and soothing voice of the VHI, William ensures every client feels at ease from the first point of contact. His strong organizational skills and tech savvy keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Erika Pond

Assistant in Strategic Planning & Lead Technician

Erika bridges the clinical and strategic sides of our institute. She plays a key role in growth planning, while also coordinating technical operations and client communication with care and precision.

Samantha Wagner

EVI Financial Coordinator

Samantha oversees financial operations within our EVI network. Her work behind the scenes keeps our partnerships strong and our services seamless for both clients and clinics.

Web Designer

Dario Berardi

Bio Coming Soon!

A Multilingual, Compassionate Approach

We are proud to serve a diverse community, offering care and communication in multiple languages to ensure that every detail is understood—and every client feels heard.

At VHI, we don’t just treat hearts—we care with heart.

Whether it’s a routine check or a complex procedure, our team is here to guide, support, and care for your pet every step of the way.