Staff Bios

Linda PesekLinda Pesek VMD, DABVP (Avian) graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and has been working in private practice on Long Island for over 20 years. She has been board certified in avian medicine for over 8 years, and has written numerous articles on avian care for journal and internet publications. She enjoys lecturing at local bird and exotic pet clubs, and has also been a guest lecturer at the Association of Avian Veterinarian’s annual conference. Dr. Pesek is not only passionate about medicine, but also about rescue and rehabilitation.

Alexandra WilsonAlexandra Wilson, DVM, joined the practice in April, 2007. She received a B.A. in Neuroscience from Oberlin College and worked as a research scientist before pursuing veterinary medicine. Dr. Wilson studied at Ross University and Louisiana State University where she was able to work in one of the best exotic animal departments in the country. After completing her veterinary degree, Dr. Wilson became an associate veterinarian at a private practice in Washington State. In addition to her passion for exotic animal medicine, she also enjoys soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Wilson is currently pursuing board certification.

Lorelei TibbetsLorelei Tibbetts, LVT, has been with the hospital since it opened in 2004 and is the practice manager as well as the director of nursing. Originally from Boston, she received her BA in journalism from Boston University. Lorelei’s lifelong love of animals, especially birds, eventually pulled her away from writing into the field of veterinary medicine. After graduating from the Veterinary Technology program at Mercy College in 2001, Lorelei has been working exclusively with birds and exotic pets. In addition to being an outstanding nurse with over 10 years experience, Lorelei’s special interest in exotic animals has allowed her to contribute to the field by teaching at local veterinary technology programs and veterinary hospitals. She shares her home with a Sun Conure, a Grey Cheeked Parakeet, a Double Yellow Headed Amazon, and a very patient husband!

Jennifer BernsteinJennifer Bernstein, LVT, has a B.A. in psychology from Manhattanville College. While working at a veterinary hospital during college, she realized that her love of animals would never let her leave the veterinary field. She subsequently started the Distance Education Veterinary Technician Program through Cedar Valley College based in Texas. She obtained her NY State Veterinary Technician License in January 2007, after working in the field for 10 years. Jennifer currently lives in Yonkers with 2 cats, a turtle, a cockatoo, and a lovebird.

Corina Quist, started working with animals at the age of 12 as a shelter volunteer, and has never looked back. She has been a veterinary nurse for 20 years, and has had the good fortune to work for progressive veterinary medical and animal welfare institutions on both coasts. Her work has given her experience in small animal and exotic medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, public education, and teaching. Corina lives happily in Brooklyn with Naboo, the cat, and Laverne and Pinkerton, the finches.

Serena Yeung attends Mercy College and is studying to be a veterinary technician. Her love of exotic animals is the result of interning at an avian specialty store and the Staten Island Zoo. She is owned by a Maximilian Pionus, a Goffin’s Cockatoo, a Meyer’s Parrot, and a rabbit. In her free time, she enjoys designing avian habitats.

Alexis HansenAlexis Hansen is a native of Ohio who recently graduated from Fordham University as a pre-veterinary student with a degree in biology. She is currently working towards attending veterinary school. She lives with two cats and a bearded dragon.

Lauren PalladinoLauren Palladino
For the past six years, Lauren has been working on the human side of medicine in her hometown of Nashville, TN. After re-locating to The Big Apple, she decided she wanted to spend her time working with animals and other animal lovers. She lives with a Pomeranian, a lovebird, and a hamster.

Tracy RitterTracy Ritter
After studying Human Behavior at Long Island University, Tracy decided to follow one of her passions and attend Culinary School. Our “resident chef” says that working at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine allows her the opportunity to combine both of her passions: the culinary arts and love for animals. Whether preparing a gourmet meal for her family and friends or for a catering job, Tracy always shares some treats with her Rottweiler, Zora.

David OlenikDavid Olenik began working at The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine as a porter in 2006. He is the first member of the HIRE program to work at the Center. David likes knowing that he is helping the animals by keeping the hospital clean. His favorite animal patients are rabbits.