Meet Our Veterinary Team in Cherry Hill, NJ

Emma Christopher

DVM

Dr. Emma Christopher discovered her passion for veterinary medicine while volunteering and later interning at the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in Texas, where she worked closely with injured and rehabilitating wildlife. That experience inspired her lifelong commitment to helping animals and the people who care for them.

Dr. Christopher earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Texas before graduating from the Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout her education, she gained valuable hands-on experience working as a kennel assistant and developed a strong foundation in compassionate, patient-centered care.

Her professional interests include surgery, exotic animal medicine, and avian care. She enjoys working with a wide variety of species and is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge and skills throughout her veterinary career.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Christopher enjoys birdwatching, hiking, sculpting, playing video games, and exploring local boba tea shops. She is also passionate about animal welfare and enjoys fostering kittens from local shelters. At home, she shares her life with her partner and their own “small zoo,” which includes a dog, four cats, two birds, a snake, and a lizard.

Sandra Taketoshi

DVM

Dr. Sandra Taketoshi’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a deeply personal experience that shaped her lifelong passion for animal care. As a child, her beloved dachshund, Gahdhi, suddenly became paralyzed and required emergency spinal surgery. The compassion and dedication shown by the attending veterinarian, who took the time to thoroughly explain the situation and care for her pet, left a lasting impression and ultimately inspired Dr. Taketoshi to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Taketoshi earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida. During her training, she gained valuable hands-on experience through externships with renowned avian specialists Dr. Greg Harrison and Dr. Susan Clubb, further strengthening her expertise and passion for exotic and avian medicine.

In addition to her clinical work, she is actively involved in animal welfare and volunteers her time with Cape Atlantic Cats and Asbury Road Rescue, supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts in her community.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Taketoshi enjoys staying active through pickleball, watching movies, and exploring new and exotic cuisines.

Korie Lyons

Vet Tech

Bio Coming Soon

Peter M. DiGeronimo

Peter M. DiGeronimo studied biology and anthropology at Drew University before earning a graduate certificate in veterinary public health and his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. He worked in small animal and exotic pet practice in New Jersey for 5 years before completing a specialty internship in zoological medicine at Louisiana State University, In 2016, Dr. DiGeronimo earned a Master of Science in wildlife health through the University of Edinburgh. For 3 years, he was a clinical instructor in the Exotic Companion Animal Service at PennVet where he continues to serve as an adjunct professor of zoological medicine. Dr. DiGeronimo works full- time at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and became a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine in 2020.

Jennifer Popert

Vet Tech

Jennifer Popert is a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Technician at the Animal and Bird Health Care Center. With 10 years of experience in the field, Jennifer has become an invaluable asset to the veterinary team. She completed her education at Camden County College, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of animal care.

Jennifer takes immense pride in her work and holds a special place in her heart for the well-being of her patients. She believes in treating every animal as if they were her own, providing them with the utmost love, attention, and care they deserve. Jennifer’s genuine empathy and nurturing nature make her a trusted advocate for the animals under her care.

As a Veterinary Technician, Jennifer’s responsibilities extend beyond routine procedures and medical treatments. She strives to create a comfortable and stress-free environment for both the animals and their owners. Her ability to communicate effectively with pet owners, addressing their concerns and providing them with clear guidance, contributes to the overall well-being of the patients.

Jennifer remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, ensuring that she can provide the best possible care to her patients. She is known for her attention to detail, patience, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of animals.

When Jennifer is not tending to the needs of her patients, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and fostering animals in need. Her love for animals extends beyond her professional life, as she actively participates in animal welfare organizations and advocates for responsible pet ownership.

Jennifer Popert’s dedication to veterinary medicine and her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care have made her an indispensable member of the Animal and Bird Health Care Center team. With her warm demeanor and genuine passion for animals, Jennifer is truly a beacon of hope for all creatures in need.

Taylor George

CSR

Hi! I’m Taylor, a customer service representative with the Animal & Bird Health Care Center since May 2023. My experiences as a CSR afford me an opportunity to assist pets and their care takers. On my free time I like spending time with family and friends, trying new foods, going to new places, and meeting new furry, scaly, feathered, and tiny friends.

Cory Patton

Vet Tech

Cory has always wanted to work with exotic animals. When he was little, he wanted to be a zookeeper and work in the reptile house or working with birds. Cory has found his passion for helping animals. Cory has been with The Animal and Bird health Care Center Since 2019.

Kimberly Ruggio

CSR

Kim has been a star at our front desk since early 2018! She lives in Florence NJ with her husband Dennis, 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 parrot (all rescues!!!) In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with her pets and playing bingo.

Damian Potere

Vet. Assist, Kennel Leader

Damian has been with the Animal & Bird Health Care Center since 2000. He leads the boarding facility and is also a veterinary assistant. Damian’s extensive experience working with animals allows him to anticipate their needs and ensures that they are met. Damian is invaluable to our team and consistently a client favorite.

Heather Nasife

Heather has known since she was 5 years old that she wanted to work with and help animals. She started off working with Wildlife at Mercer County Wildlife Center, which led her to the career as a Veterinary technician. She is currently working on finishing her bachelor’s degree in Biology & has four cats, two Guinea pigs, and a Rabbit. Heather loves what she does for a living & feels that it is not a job, it is her path in life.

Nicole Lum

Technichan

Nicole Lum is a dedicated technician at the Animal and Bird Health Care Center. With a solid background in veterinary medicine, she has been practicing for over a decade. Nicole spent the first eight years of her career working full-time, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her profession. Currently, she works part-time while continuing to provide exceptional care to her patients.

Nicole’s educational journey began at Cherokee High School, where her passion for biology and animal welfare first took root. She then pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Rutgers Camden, further deepening her knowledge in the field. To enhance her practical skills and gain a teaching certificate, Nicole attended Rowan-Teaching, solidifying her expertise in veterinary medicine.

When it comes to veterinary medicine, Nicole takes immense pride in her reliability and initiative. Her strong work ethic ensures that she consistently goes above and beyond for her patients. She understands the importance of being dependable and takes every opportunity to provide top-notch care to the animals entrusted to her.

Outside of work, Nicole cherishes her free time in the great outdoors. She finds solace in taking her beloved dogs for long walks, enjoying the fresh air and the companionship of her furry friends. Additionally, Nicole finds joy in gardening, appreciating the beauty of nature and nurturing plant life.

Nicole Lum is an invaluable member of the Animal and Bird Health Care Center team, combining her extensive veterinary knowledge, strong work ethic, and love for nature to provide exceptional care to every patient she encounters.

Tara Emery

CVT

Tara is a graduate of Becker College, located in Worcester, Massachusetts. She has been with the Animal & Bird Health Care Center since 2006 and successfully passed her certification exam as a veterinary nurse in 2010. Tara enjoys horseback riding, traveling, and going to movie theaters whenever possible. Tara lives in Cherry Hill with her husband, 2 sons, 3 cats & 2 dogs.

Dr. Stefan Gallini

VMD

​Dr. Gallini received his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 and graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts & Science in 2015. He is passionate about wildlife, zoological, and exotic companion animal medicine and has studied a number of interesting species, including captive hermit crabs, marine mammals in New Jersey, and Asian elephants in Thailand.
Outside of work, Dr. Gallini remains involved with wildlife medicine by assisting the Marine Mammal Stranding Center with whale necropsies and organizing veterinary student volunteers. He currently resides in Philadelphia with his cat, Charlie, and enjoys swimming, playing the piano, and exploring the city with friends.

Jennifer Cromwell

VMD

Dr. Cromwell is a 1998 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She studied biology and chemistry as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond graduating in 1994. She lives in Haddonfield New Jersey with her husband and young son. She has one dog, two cats and lots of fish. Dr. Cromwell enjoys swimming and skiing, gardening, cooking, travel and Words With Friends. She has a professional interest in endocrinology and soft tissue surgery.

David S Kupersmith

DVM

Dr. David Kupersmith is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and joined the Animal & Bird Health Care Center in 1992. A partner in the practice, Dr. David Kupersmith was previously a lecturer for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and a speaker at national trade shows for the pet industry. He has also written a column for a ferret magazine, and recently hosted and lectured at an Oxbow Pet Product seminar on Small Mammal Medicine that was attended by over 60 veterinarians from the Delaware Valley and beyond. Dr. Kupersmith has answered viewers questions on a CBS3 Ask-The-Vet phone bank and speaks at many local organizations.

​Dr. David Kupersmith is a member of many national organizations including the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians and the Association of Avian Veterinarians. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife.
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When not practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. David Kupersmith enjoys world cuisine cooking and dining. He lives in Collingswood with his rescue dog, Oriana, a pit bull mix.