Meet the Team

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; 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 and their two beloved rescue German Shepherd mixes, Homer and Gavin. 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: 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.

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