Welcome to Riverside Veterinary Hospital!
Dr. Vanessa Velez and Dr. Kirsten Mueller, along with their staff, would like to welcome you to Riverside Veterinary Hospital. We look forward to servicing our clients and their pets and we always welcome new clients. Riverside Veterinary Hospital is a full service companion animal hospital committed to providing the quality care your pet deserves and you expect.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Kirsten Mueller
Dr. Kirsten Mueller is a dedicated veterinarian with over 17 years of experience in small animal medicine and surgery. After completing her veterinary education at Ross University and Oregon State University, Dr. Mueller began her professional journey in 2008. She further refined her skills through an internship at Rochester Veterinary Emergency Services, where she developed expertise in critical care and emergency medicine. While Dr. Mueller’s primary focus is small animal medicine, she has cultivated a special interest in exotic animal care. Her comprehensive approach to veterinary medicine is informed by her passion for surgical procedures and her commitment to providing compassionate care to all her patients. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Mueller maintains a small hobby farm where she cares for goats, alpacas, horses, and chickens. This hands-on experience with a variety of species enhances her understanding of animal health and behavior across different contexts. As a mother of two children, Dr. Mueller balances her professional responsibilities with family life, bringing warmth and understanding to her interactions with pet owners and their beloved companions. Looking toward the future, Dr. Mueller is enthusiastic about expanding her expertise into alternative medicine, particularly acupuncture, to offer her patients a more holistic approach to health and wellness.
Dr. Vanessa Velez
Dr. Velez was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in General Science from the University of Puerto Rico in 1997. Following her undergraduate studies, she moved to Ireland to attend the University College Dublin, School of Veterinary Medicine, where she received her veterinary degree in 2003. That same year, Dr. Velez relocated to Rochester and has been practicing veterinary medicine ever since. Her professional interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and feline medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Velez is an avid traveler and has explored many countries around the world. She also enjoys spending quality time with her friends and her beloved dog, Lola.
Hospital Manager
Jennifer
Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience in the animal care field. As a graduate with a BS in Biology, she began her career as a laboratory technician working with exotic species and was later promoted to laboratory manager. Over the years, she has developed a broad skill set in both animal medicine and operational management. She found her professional home at Riverside Veterinary Hospital, where she serves as the hospital manager. This role allows her to combine her passion for animal care with the strategic and operational aspects of running a successful veterinary practice. She resides in Rochester, NY with her husband and their children. A dedicated sports mom, she spends much of the year cheering from the sidelines at her kids’ athletic events. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys boating, camping, and gardening during the warmer months, and curling up with a good book during the winter season.
Veterinary Technicians
Owen
Owen began his journey working with animals in 2005 as a kennel attendant and assistant. Inspired by his passion for animal care, he pursued a degree in Veterinary Technology at Alfred State College. After graduating, he launched his career as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and has been dedicated to the field ever since. A Rochester native, Owen lives locally with his wife and two sons. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys scenic motorcycle rides, local music events, and playing sports with his kids. His home is also shared with four beloved rescue pets—a dog named Layla, and three cats: Abigale, Axl, and Slash. Owen is excited to welcome you to the office and looks forward to providing compassionate, high-quality care to your pets for years to come.
Noelle
Noelle has had a lifelong love for animals. While attending Wheatland-Chili High School, she began working as a kennel attendant at a local veterinary hospital, sparking her interest in animal care. She went on to attend SUNY Cortland and Medaille College, earning her license as a Veterinary Technician in 2004. Since then, she has devoted her career to working with animals, developing a strong passion for shelter medicine. For many years, Noelle cared for rescue dogs and cats at Scottsville Veterinary Hospital and later at One Love Pet Adoptions. At home, Noelle stays busy with her two teenage sons, but enjoys spending her free time hiking, gardening, reading, or enjoying a night out with her husband and friends. She also loves experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes and baking challenges. Her home is filled with a variety of beloved pets, including Ginger, a Shepherd mix; Salem the cat; a guinea pig named Hurley; two rats; and a Bearded Dragon named Rexie. Noelle is a dedicated and valued member of the Riverside team, committed to providing thoughtful, lifelong care to every patient she meets.
Michelle
Michelle has been working with animals for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the Riverside team. After graduating from SUNY Delhi and becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician, she gained valuable experience at several respected organizations, including The Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, Westbrook Veterinary Hospital, Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services of Rochester, and Companion Animal Hospital. Her journey eventually led her to Riverside, where she has become a dedicated and compassionate member of our team. Michelle cares deeply for all animals but has a special place in her heart for cats. She shares her home with her beloved 19-year-old cat, Simmons, and a leopard gecko named Luna. Michelle recently became a homeowner and now lives with her sister, Lisa, and her nephew, Rocco. She truly enjoys getting to know our clients and their pets, and she is especially passionate about caring for senior animals and feline patients. Michelle is committed to delivering excellent veterinary care with kindness and attention to every detail.
Katie
Katie is a dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technician with over 15 years of experience serving the Rochester area. She brings a strong foundation in both general practice and specialty care, along with a deep commitment to patient well-being. A graduate of SUNY Delhi with a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology, Katie is known for her clinical expertise and compassionate approach. She is especially passionate about client education and believes in the power of preventive and lifelong veterinary care. Katie stays current with advancements in the field and takes pride in helping pet owners make informed decisions about their animals’ health. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her beloved dog, Scruffy. She also loves reading, gardening, and baking. Katie’s extensive experience and heartfelt dedication make her an invaluable member of our hospital team.
Veterinary Assistants
Richie
Richie is one of the longest-standing members of our team and has been with us since the very beginning. With over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field, his dedication to animal care is unwavering—and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Richie has a deep love for all animals and treats every patient as if they were his own, a perspective that makes him an invaluable part of our team. A Rochester native and the youngest of six siblings, Richie now lives in Churchville with his partner and their three beloved cats: Mouth, Calli, and Mischief. While he enjoys the comforts of home, Richie also loves antiquing, browsing local malls, curling up with a good book, and watching his favorite shows. Richie dreams of one day owning a home filled with the many unique collections he’s gathered over the years. His warmth, compassion, and attention to detail ensure that every pet he cares for is in excellent hands.
Alyssa
Alyssa joined our team in May 2022 and has been working in the veterinary field since 2019. She is known for her compassionate care and strong work ethic. At home, she shares her life with her beloved senior Siamese mix, Clooney. A passionate advocate for mental health, Alyssa is especially focused on supporting the well-being of those working in veterinary medicine. She understands the emotional demands of the profession and is committed to fostering a culture of support and awareness. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys staying active and exploring the outdoors. She loves hiking, nature photography, and seeking out new adventures. If Alyssa isn’t out exploring the outdoors, you can find her cheering on the Buffalo Bills as a die-hard fan or adding to her ever-growing tattoo collection. A recent highlight in her life was getting engaged at the summit of Phelps Mountain—her seventh high peak in the Adirondacks! Alyssa’s dedication to her teammates, her patients, and her profession make her a valued part of our team.
JoAnna
JoAnna is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant with a lifelong passion for animal care. Her journey began in high school through an agriculture class that sparked her deep love for working with animals. She went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Equine Science and Management from SUNY Morrisville, where she developed a strong foundation in animal health, husbandry, and behavior. Following graduation, JoAnna worked as a trail guide on a horse farm, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in equine care and safety. Today, she brings that same commitment and care to her role in veterinary medicine. She is especially excited to continue growing her skills in small animal care and is devoted to providing compassionate, high-quality support to both patients and their families. Outside of work, JoAnna enjoys time with her family and her beloved pets—Harley the Pitbull, Tilly the cat, and Corona the horse. Her hobbies include reading, crocheting, riding, and participating in horse shows.
Alesha
Alesha is a motivated member of the Riverside team whose lifelong love for animals shines through in everything she does. Her passion for animal care began in high school through the Animal Science BOCES program, where she gained her first hands-on experience working with a variety of species. Before joining Riverside, she worked at CountryMax and fostered animals through ROC the Dogs Rescue, deepening her commitment to helping animals in need. Alesha is beginning her career in veterinary medicine while pursuing her Veterinary Technician degree, and she’s eager to keep expanding her knowledge and skills in the field. Outside of work, she lives on a small hobby farm with her family which includes her boyfriend, their two children, two dogs, a cat, four lizards, seven Kune Kune pigs, and a flock of chickens. She enjoys volunteering in the community and spending quality time with her family and animals.
Receptionists
Joy
Joy was born in Rhode Island and moved to Florida with her family at the age of eight. She loved growing up by the ocean, but in her twenties, she set off for Colorado, eager to experience life in the mountains after years in the Florida sun. It was there that she started her family and discovered her passion for veterinary medicine. Joy began her career in the veterinary field in 1998 and continues to find it incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. In 2003, her family relocated to New York to be closer to extended family. Since then, Joy has become an integral part of our team, wearing many hats—from front desk reception and administrative support to stepping in wherever needed to keep the clinic running smoothly. Her favorite part of the job is client education; she takes pride in knowing that the guidance she provides can positively impact the health and happiness of a pet. Joy is the proud mother of two daughters, Kaitlyn and Emma, and shares her home with two English Bull Terriers, Piper and Bubba. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and camping. She dreams of traveling to Scotland and Ireland, and one day hopes to explore all of the U.S. National Parks.
Cindy
Cindy has been working in the veterinary field for over 15 years and she comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She owns four dogs and she trains and travels with them throughout North America as they compete in athletic competitions; she has been involved in the competitive dog circuit for 20 years. No matter the weather, she loves being outside spending time with her dogs and she especially enjoys gardening. Cindy is always striving to expand her knowledge in veterinary medicine and loves forming relationships with our clients and their pets to help give them the best care possible!
Amylynn
Amylynn is a dedicated and compassionate veterinary professional and began her career as a veterinary assistant in 2021, where her love for animals and kind-hearted approach quickly stood out. Recently, Amylynn embraced a new role at our front desk, where she continues to grow professionally while building meaningful connections with clients and their pets. Outside of work, Amylynn is a devoted mom to her two children, Olivia and Jameson. Her home is also filled with furry love—she shares it with her three cherished cats: Miss Kitty, Sylvia, and Cora. With her warm demeanor, strong work ethic, and genuine passion for veterinary medicine, Amylynn is committed to making every visit a positive experience for pets and the people who love them.
