Meet The Staff
Dr. Alison Birken, DVM
Dr. Alison Birken received her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. Following her graduation, she served an internship at the nationally renowned Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa, Florida, where she gained extensive experience in the emergency, routine and preventative treatment of a wide variety of small animals. Upon completion of her internship, she spent 3 years working in a well established general practice in Hollywood, Florida. Her expertise includes all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery.
Dr. Birken actively participates in continuing education seminars several times per year. She is a member in good standing of The American Veterinary Medical Association and The Florida Veterinary Medical Association.
“My passion for the care and wellbeing of animals began when I was a child. For as long as I can remember I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. Throughout my entire career, I have always strived to take care of every pet as if it were my own. I can think of no better way to spend my day than bringing joy to animal lovers by returning their pets to good health,” said Dr. Birken.
Dr. Naomi Cushner
Dr. Naomi Cushner earned her veterinary degree from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University. While at veterinary school, Dr. Cushner gained experience working with a wide variety of animals from sea turtles to exotic birds, and house pets of all kinds.
After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Cushner worked in private practice until joining the Victoria Park Animal Hospital. Dr. Cushner brings extensive experience in surgery, dentistry, preventative care, and emergency medicine to our practice. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.
In her spare time, Dr. Cushner enjoys travelling, spending time with her husband, two children, her dog Zoey, and her two cats, Clyde and Turkey. Dr. Cushner knew as a child that she wanted to be a veterinarian and is passionate about providing the best care to pets and their families.
Denise Jones, Office Manager
My name is Denise and I have been working in the animal field for over 18 years. My passion and love for animals began as a child. When I was young, I would tell people one day I want to live on acres of land so that I can save the stray animals and give them a deserving home.
My experience began as a veterinary receptionist which progressed to a general manager for a veterinary hospital for 10 years. I met Dr. Birken while she was doing relief work for a veterinary hospital I was working at. From the moment I met her I could sense the compassion and love she has for animals. I was thrilled to learn she was opening her own clinic and there was an opportunity for me to work with her.
My hobbies include being in the outdoors, camping, and mudding. I am married, have five children, and am a proud grandmother to our 2 grand-kids Chloe and Cage, who I love to spend time with. My Granddaughter is my weekend buddy, we love to go to the movies together. I have five rescue dogs and a rescue cat with three legs. I enjoy finding loving homes for strays and am proud to say I have fostered and placed hundreds of animals in wonderful homes.
Beth, Veterinary Technician Supervisor
Beth has been a Vet Tech at Victoria Park Animal Hospital for over a year and has previous experience working with hundreds of horses, as well as accumulating for her own small menagerie of various reptiles, rodents, and birds that she’s kept throughout the years. Graduating top of her class in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, she went on to work as an artist in the video game industry for over 13 years. She loves painting, spending times with her amazing co-workers, and caring for her Siberian Husky and cats.
Sarah, Surgery Technician supervisor
Sarah is one of our veterinary technicians at VPAH and is our resident “Cat Lady”. She joined our practice in the summer of 2016 after moving from Maryland. She currently has 6 cats and a several rats who she dotes on daily. Sarah’s family has three large dogs back at home who she loves dearly. Before working here, Sarah helped run The Canine Cognition Lab at Hood College where she got her Bachelor’s degree. She’s also worked at a show dog kennel with Kerry Blue and other Terriers and for a cat rescue and done volunteer work with animal shelters. Here at Victoria Park we are so happy to have such caring “Cat Lady” who also loves dogs and all kinds of critters!
Blake, veterinarian sonographer Technician
Blake is a veterinary technician. She is our sonographer at VPAH, doing our ultrasounds and echocardiograms. She joined our practice in March of 2020. Blake also built and runs our VPAH website. On her free time, Blake enjoys hanging out with her fur babies and watching Nascar with her boyfriend. Blake received her AA in business, and currently going to Penn Foster for Vet Technician certification.
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Emma, Veterinary Technician
Desiree, kennel technician
jesse, kennel technicain
Sam, Receptionist supervisor & Veterinary Technician
Earlene, Receptionist
DIANET, RECEPTIONIST
VPAH Now offers Telemedicine for your furry friends!
Convenient care at home, explore our telemedicine services designed to provide quick consultations for your furry friends without the stress of a clinic visit.
What We Offer:
- Virtual consultations for minor health issues, follow-ups, and behavioral consultations
- Advice on medication management, dietary needs, and wellness checks
Prepare:
- Have your pet's medical history ready for discussion
How to Book a Virtual Appointment:
- Click here to make a request
- Call the hospital at (954)617-8724