Meet the Team

Veterinary Education: Ross University; Clinical Training at Oklahoma State University

Dr. Pirolo DeVincenzo, a Long Island native from Commack, NY, has always felt a strong calling to care for animals. Her journey into veterinary medicine began in high school, where she worked at a local veterinary hospital and volunteered at nearby shelters, helping to socialize animals in need. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Vermont in 2009.

While in college, Dr. DeVincenzo discovered a passion for emergency veterinary medicine and gained valuable experience working in fast-paced ER settings. These early professional and volunteer roles confirmed her path and ultimately led her to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical year at Oklahoma State University and earned her DVM in 2015.

Dr. DeVincenzo practiced at VCA Hauppauge Animal Hospital before joining the team at West Hills Animal Hospital in 2020. Her veterinary interests include pain management, dermatology (especially allergies), behavior, and end-of-life care.

She lives in Bellport, NY with her husband, two daughters and their beloved rescue German Shepherd. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and riding her Vespa

Veterinary Education: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Katie Avelar is a graduate of Cornell University, where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She is a proud member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and holds USDA APHIS accreditation. Dr. Avelar’s professional interests include animal behavior, preventive medicine, palliative care, and strengthening the human-animal bond—an area she is especially passionate about.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Avelar enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, their twin boys, daughter, and two beloved mutts. When she finds a rare quiet moment, she loves running, playing tennis, knitting, and baking.

Veterinary Education: Massey University, New Zealand

Dr. Lancer brings a lifelong passion for animal care and a global perspective to his work as a small animal veterinarian. Originally from Melville, NY, Dr. Lancer knew from the age of seven that he wanted to work with animals. His journey began with volunteer roles at local clinics and wildlife rehabilitation centers, laying the foundation for a career built on compassion and curiosity.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from Binghamton University, where he played lacrosse, served as a resident assistant, and volunteered with local shelters and ambulance corps. After gaining hands-on experience as a veterinary assistant in both general and specialty practices, Dr. Lancer took his education abroad—earning his veterinary degree from AVMA-accredited Massey University in New Zealand in 2009.

Dr. Lancer began his clinical career in a rural mixed-animal practice, treating a wide range of patients from cats and dogs to sheep and goats. In 2012, he returned home to Long Island and completed a competitive internship at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, where he was recognized for outstanding performance.

His professional interests include preventive medicine, clinical pathology, dermatology, soft tissue surgery, nutrition, behavior, and infectious disease.

Dr. Lancer lives in Huntington with his wife, Alexis—a primatologist—their son Leo, their dog Logan (a pit bull), and two cats, Tui and Kea. When he’s not caring for patients, you’ll find him enjoying the outdoors, working on cars, or diving into the latest tech.

Veterinary Education: Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Cerniello grew up in Dix Hills, NY, and by kindergarten, she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. Dr. Cerniello received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in Animal and Food Science. She attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical rotations at Louisiana State University in 2017.

She started her career at North Shore Animal League America, where she gained extensive experience in rescue, surgery, and medical cases. In 2019, she joined Greenwich Village Animal Hospital and became the medical director there in 2021. After many years away from Long Island, Dr. Cerniello is excited to return and join the West Hills network. Her professional interests include dentistry, dermatology, and preventative medicine. Dr. Cerniello lives in Centerport with her husband and her two children. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, reading, baking, and exercising.

As a proud Long Island native, Erica has always been passionate about working with animals. Over the years, she has gained well-rounded experience. This includes roles in an animal shelter, an emergency veterinary hospital, and a general practice setting. These positions have allowed her to develop a strong foundation in animal health, welfare and compassionate care.

Outside of her professional work, Erica remains deeply involved in animal rescue. Her family fosters dogs through a rescue organization, and she also volunteers with a sanctuary where she oversees operations supporting both volunteers and cats.

At home Erica shares her life with her fiancé,  two young daughters and with beloved family pets. Their household includes three dogs; a Chihuahua mix, two Aruban Cunucu mixes, as well as three domestic short-haired cats. Erica enjoys spending quality time with her family, attending local shows, and community events. She also enjoys relaxing at home watching true crime documentaries.

Friends and family describe Erica as compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to ensuring the highest quality of care and respect for all animals.

Bio coming soon…

Laura has been a dedicated member of the West Hills family for over a decade.  She contributes her expertise and passion to every project she takes on at West Hills North. Holding an LVT license since 2014, Laura is a skilled veterinary technician with a deep commitment to providing excellent service to all the pets that come through our clinic doors.

Outside of work, Laura is a proud pet parent to two adorable cats, Tuna and Salmon. She is also a passionate traveler and loves exploring new places, while capturing stunning moments through photography along the way.

Ginamarie is a graduate student pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and currently serves as an inpatient psychiatry intern at Stony Brook Medicine. She joined West Hills North in 2024 and quickly became known as the hospital’s unofficial “cat lady,” a title rooted in her lifelong love of animals.

Growing up, she often brought home stray animals in need of care, an early sign of the compassion that now defines both her personal and professional life. While she is building a career in acute inpatient psychiatry, she remains deeply passionate about animal rescue and advocacy.

Outside of work, Ginamarie enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and being happily ruled by her two beloved cats, Xena and Medusa.

Jason has been in the veterinary field for the past few years and took the role of veterinary assistant when he joined the West Hills North family back in 2023. His career in animal care began at the Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, where he studied animal science, gaining valuable hands-on experience. 

Before joining the clinic, Jason worked with animals at an emergency center, further honing his skills in veterinary care. Outside of work, Jason enjoys reading, painting, and playing video games with friends. At home, he enjoys the chaotic companionship of his tabby cat Goblin. 

Growing up surrounded by cats, dogs, fish, and birds inspired Jocelin to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2020, caring for every patient as if they were her own. She graduated from the Veterinary Technician program in 2022 and joined the West Hills North family in September 2025.

Outside of the hospital, she is a first-time mom to her toddler, Julien, and a proud cat mom to Nyx and Luffy, whose coat colors reflect her love for Halloween. In her free time, she enjoys watching anime, cheering for FC Barcelona, and diving into crime and horror/thriller stories.

Bio coming soon…

Sydney graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Since 2021, she has gained hands-on experience working with a variety of animals, including zoo species at the Queens Zoo and marine mammals at the Long Island Aquarium.

Her passion for animal care and welfare has inspired her to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Sydney joined the West Hills North family in October 2025 and looks forward to continuing to build her skills and knowledge in the field.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Ollie, and her two cats, Scooby and Nyla. When she’s not with her pets, Sydney can often be found teaching kids how to swim or playing rugby.

Taylor joined our West Hills North family in August 2025.  She is a proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned her B.S. in Animal Science and Technology with Summa Cum Laude honors.  She has spent the last decade immersed in the world of animal care. With experience ranging from domestic pets to exotic wildlife, farm animals, and even zoo species, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to every creature she encounters.

Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending time with her friends and family. When she’s not caring for animals, you can find her attending concerts, watching Netflix shows, or reading romance and fantasy novels.