Medical Team
Kimberly Golden, DVM, Internal Medicine Clinician
Dr. Golden is a native New Englander and is very excited to be back in the northeast. She developed a love for animals at a young age. Dr. Golden enjoys forming long-standing relationships with clients while working together to determine the best treatment plan tailored to each individual patient.
She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies. It was during her clinical year of veterinary school at the University of Florida where she discovered a keen interest in internal medicine. She continued her education with a 1-year small animal rotating internship at Bay Area Veterinary Specialists in California and then an internal medicine specialty internship at Memphis Veterinary Specialists. She then completed a 3-year internal medicine residency at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Michigan. After completing her residency, she worked in San Antonio, Texas before moving back up north.
Dr. Golden has clinical interests in all aspects of small animal veterinary internal medicine with special interests in feline medicine, infectious diseases, immune-mediated disease, and gastroenterology.
Dr. Golden has two cats named Mia and Wilson who adopted her in St. Kitts and a pit bull named Guinness. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, weight lifting, hiking, water sports, and kickboxing.
Jonathan C. Goodwin, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Goodwin attended Cornell University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He earned his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University. In 2000, after completing an internship with an emphasis on internal medicine and cardiology at Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Dr. Goodwin went on to complete a cardiology residency at Purdue University, finishing in 2008.
Dr. Goodwin is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the sub-specialty of Cardiology.
Kay Kim, VMD, Dip. ACVO
Dr. Kay Kim grew up in northern New Jersey as the middle child of three. She benefited from the perks that come with life outside the city, such as trips to Broadway musicals, concerts at Lincoln Center, and renowned museums while still enjoying the quiet of small town suburbia. Although she always had a love for animals, Dr. Kim did not initially plan on being a veterinarian, and graduated with honors from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After graduation, Dr. Kim worked for three years as a veterinary assistant in a small animal hospital on the Upper East Side of New York City. This job changed her life, as it allowed Dr. Kim to realize that caring for animals and their owners would be an inspiring, challenging, and rewarding career.
She received her Veterinary Medicine Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. Following completion of a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kim joined Long Island Veterinary Specialists in 2010 for a one-year ophthalmology internship under the mentorship of Dr. John Sapienza. In 2013, Dr. Kim completed a three-year residency program in comparative ophthalmology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and achieved board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Dr. Kim returned to LIVS in September 2013 as a staff ophthalmologist. Her areas of special interest include infectious corneal disease and cataract surgery. While the majority of her patients are of the cat/dog variety, Dr. Kim has examined the eyes of creatures of all shapes and sizes, ranging from geckos to guinea pigs to horses and even reindeer. As an active member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society and Long Island Veterinary Medical Association, she hopes to continue sharing her knowledge of veterinary ophthalmology with her colleagues through continuing education.
Dr. Kim is excited to be returning to the New York metro area, where many of her friends and family still reside. In her spare time, Dr. Kim enjoys reading, kickboxing, hiking in Harriman State Park with her Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Maddie, and napping with her two cats, Luke and Linus.
Nicole Leibman, DVM, Dip. ACVIM
Dr. Nicole Leibman, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), grew up in New York City and spent her entire childhood knowing she wanted to be a veterinarian. She realized that dream when she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Liebman went on to complete a one year internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, and a three year residency in Oncology at Colorado State University. Dr. Liebman has practiced in clinical oncology for nearly 15 years and has collaborated on numerous publications in veterinary oncology. She has received both the Veterinary Cancer Society Award for her publication on canine cutaneous mast cell tumors and the Robert S. Brodey Memorial Award for Outstanding Clinical Science Research Project in Oncology. Dr. Leibman is currently involved in clinical trials regarding injection site sarcomas in cats, novel therapeutics in lymphoma, and supplements for the treatment of malignancies in dogs. In her spare time, Dr. Liebman enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her beloved pets; Louie the Black Lab, Eddie the French Bulldog, Murray the SharPei, and Stella the Puggle.
Fernando Leyva, DVM, DAVCS-SA
Dr. Fernando Leyva grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Boca Raton, Florida. From an early age he was intrigued by how things worked, and how they could be made better. At the age of three, his curiosity and love of animals was sparked by his Golden Retriever, Okie. When it came time for college, he decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Leyva graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Sciences. He attended Colorado State University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. During veterinary school he was the recipient of the prestigious Thomas L. Spurgeon Award for Excellence in Anatomy. Also, while in veterinary school, he completed a research fellowship with the Neuroscience Department at Stanford University School of Medicine.
After graduating from veterinary school, he completed an intensive one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at Florida Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center. He went on to complete a one-year small animal surgery internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Leyva has completed a comprehensive three-year surgery residency for certification in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, under the direction of Dr. Dominic J. Marino, with the Department of Surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. He has been involved in numerous research projects and has been published in a number of scientific peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Leyva’s clinical interests are in neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and soft tissue reconstruction. His research interests involve spinal cord trauma. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, watching sports, spending time outdoors, and exploring everything that New York City and Long Island have to offer.
Catherine A. Loughin, DVM, Dip. ACVS, Dip. ACCT
Dr. Catherine Loughin grew up in a small town west of Cleveland, Ohio. Her interest in animals began at the age of 4 when her father brought her to their cousin’s veterinary clinic. Her cousin was proficient in canine and equine surgery, and his influence guided her career into veterinary surgery. Dr. Loughin obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan, and doctor of veterinary medicine from Michigan State. Dr. Loughin was a general practitioner for 2 years at Animal Medical Hospital in Charlotte, NC. She then accepted a 1 year general internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. That one year progressed into a second year as a surgical intern, and then 3 more years for a surgical residency and she is now a staff surgeon. Dr. Loughin has published over 20 research papers, several book chapters, and has been an invited lecturer locally, nationally and internationally. She is one of the founding members of the Canine Chiari Institute at Long Island Veterinary Specialists, and she is the director of education and research. She also sits on the medical advisory board for the Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation. Dr. Loughin’s surgical interests are neurosurgery, orthopedic, and reconstructive surgery.
Dominic J. Marino, DVM, Dip. ACVS, Dip. ACCT, CCRP
Dr. Dominic J. Marino is the Chief of Staff of Long Island Veterinary Specialists, the Director of the Canine Chiari Institute, and a founding board member of the New York Veterinary Foundation. He is one of four children and grew up in Plainview, Long Island, the son of a Plainview pediatrician (Leonard) and a singer/ small business owner, and supermom (Jane).
Dr. Marino pursued his life-long animal passion by attending Auburn University in Alabama where he attained a B.S. in biology and a DVM degree. Following graduation, he attended the University of Georgia participating in a small animal internship in medicine and surgery. Excited to return to his home state, Dr. Marino was accepted for a residency in small animal surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City where he was honored with both the Martin and Beatrice Weiser Outstanding Research Award and the North Shore Animal League Petering Scholarship Award.
Dr. Marino is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American College of Clinical Thermology and is the former head of Orthopedic/Neurosurgery service at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Fulfilling his desire to make “cutting edge” veterinary medicine available to the pets of Long Island, he joined with Drs. Kaplan, Sapienza, and Panic to start “Island Veterinary Referral” which later evolved into Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Marino has published many scientific articles, and authored chapters in both human and veterinary medical textbooks. He lectures extensively on many surgical topics including soft tissue, orthopedic and neurosurgery at both human and veterinary surgical conferences nationally and internationally. Dr. Marino has collaborative research projects with several institutions including: Stonybrook Medical School and Brookhaven National Laboratory on LI.
Dr. Marino served as the surgical consultant to Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY, chairman of the Eastern Veterinary Orthopedic Society, and on the National Advisory Board of North Shore Animal League of America. He is currently an executive board member of the New York Veterinary Foundation, The Police Surgeons Benevolent Association and the medical advisory board of the CSF foundation. He currently serves as surgical consultant for: The Humane Society of New York, NY. North Shore Animal League of America, Port Washington, NY; Bide-A-Wee Animal Adoption Center, NY, The Guide Dog Foundation, Smithtown, NY; Sweet Briar Nature Preserve, Smithtown, NY; and the Riverhead Marine Mammal Rescue, Riverhead NY.
Dr. Marino is the veterinary surgeon for New York City Police Department, MTA Police Department, Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Sherriff’s Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Port Authority of the State of New York, US Customs and Border Patrol, Federal Air Marshalls and the Secret Service.
Dr. Marino enjoys running marathons, half marathons, travel, fitness, "all things Italian" and spending time with his family and house full of pets.
Patrick Roynard, DVM, MRCVS, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery)
Dr. Patrick Roynard was born and raised in green and rainy Normandy, and has always been fascinated with animals. Dr. Roynard always wanted to be a veterinarian and was delighted when he was accepted into the prestigious National Veterinary School of Alfort (Paris, France), the oldest veterinary school in the world. In 2006, Dr. Roynard graduated from veterinary school at the age of 23, and was awarded a Thesis medal for his work on surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.
Initially involved in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Roynard quickly developed a special interest for Neurosurgery and Neurology. He completed a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Dick White Referrals, a highly recognized veterinary specialty hospital in Cambridgeshire, England, prior to joining LIVS for a 2-year specialty internship in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Following this program, Dr. Roynard went on to start a 3-year residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the renowned University of California-Davis. Upon completion of this residency at LIVS, Dr. Roynard has remained on staff and is certified in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (specialty of Neurology/Neurosurgery).
Having received training in microsurgery from human neurosurgeons, Dr. Roynard has a special interest in Neurosurgery and integrative treatment of tumors affecting the brain and spinal cord (that is using all the tools currently available for the best outcome for your pet). Dr. Roynard is certified in canine cervical disc arthroplasty (intervertebral disc replacement) and has published in peer reviewed journals on canine intracranial diseases and vertebral tumors.
In his downtime, he enjoys keeping up to date with veterinary research, spending some outdoor time with his partner and their dogs, hitting the gym or being involved in any activity related to rugby, his second passion.
Angels Prades-Sapienza, DVM
Dr. Angels Prades-Sapienza graduated from the Univeristy of Barcelona, Spain in 1989. After working in private small animal practice in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, Angels completed an externship at Maison-Alfort in Paris, France. She came to the US for the first time to do a one-year externship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center , and then returned a few years later to fuflfill all the requirements for license certification in NY State. Angels has been a team member of our facility since its inception. Angels´primary interest is in internal medicine and ultrasonography. She is also well versed in veterinary anesthesia. Angels can be seen wearing several hats at Long island Veterinary Specialists; she assists primarily in the internal medicine department, but also regulary oversees activities in the ophthalmology department as well. Angels loves the team approach at LIVS and the interactions between departments at our facility.
When not working, Angels is busy with her two children, Marc and Angelina. She is married to our veterianry ophthalmologist, Dr. John Sapienza. As a family, they enjoy travel to Europe, especially her home country of Spain. Angels is fluent in 4 languages: English, Catalan, Spanish and French. She has 2 energetic dogs (1 rescue Golden Retriever named Zara and an adopted Yellow Labrador called Mark), a guinea pig named Janie and Gómez the lizard. Angels enjoys spending time with her family, reading historical fiction books, cooking Spanish and Catalan meals. She makes a delicious Spanish paella and does an annual calçotada with her friends and family (home-grown green onion feast).
John S. Sapienza, DVM, Dip. ACVO
Dr. Sapienza is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists since 1993, and he is the consultant veterinary ophthalmologist at the Bronx Zoo and the N.Y. Aquarium. Dr. Sapienza is the head and department chairman of the ophthalmology section at New York’s largest private practice referral center Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, New York. Dr. Sapienza’s special interests are cataract surgery with phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, laser glaucoma therapy, glaucoma implants, and reconstructive eyelid procedures. He was the first veterinary ophthalmologist to perform phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in animals on Long Island, New York.
Dr. Sapienza was the first veterinary ophthalmologist in the USA to perform injectable foldable acrylic intraocular lens implants in dogs. He has conducted extensive studies on the effect of laser energy in eyes with glaucoma, and has published several articles on glaucoma therapy, Golden Retriever (Pigmentary) uveitis, and ocular reports in exotic species. Dr. Sapienza is the first and only veterinary ophthalmologist to perform laser glaucoma therapy on Long Island pets (dogs, cats, ferrets and horses included!). Dr. Sapienza's special surgical interests include: endolaser glaucoma therapy, glaucoma implants, vitreoretinal surgery with repair of retinal detachments as well as cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants. Dr. Sapienza currently is the only veterinary ophthalmologist in the Northeast USA who performs repairs of detached retinas in dogs, and has received referrals for retinal disorders from all over the country.
He has lectured extensively throughout the Continental United States, Hawaii, Japan, Europe and South America. Dr. Sapienza speaks fluent Spanish, and is a frequent lecturer in Spain, as well as North and South America, for interactive advanced courses in Spanish. John received national attention for his medical treatment of "Ashley" the cat, owned by Regis and Joy Philbin, resulting in an appearance on the "Live with Regis" show.
John is married to his lovely wife, Dr. Angels Prades-Sapienza, a veterinarian from Barcelona, Spain, and they have two wonderful children, Marc and Angelina. The Sapienza family enjoys their extended pet family of 2 dogs, a guinea pig, a lizard, a bee hive and 6 laying hens. John enjoys traveling with his family and in his down-time, tending to his garden, fig trees and grape vines.
Michel Selmer, DVM, MS, CTCVMP
Dr. Michel Selmer is an Integrative Veterinarian and one of a handful of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Practitioners in the world that holds a Master’s Degree.
Dr. Michel Selmer attended Long Island University and grad¬uated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychol¬ogy. Following his undergraduate studies, he was admitted to Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine and earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. Following his Traditional Veterinary stud¬ies, he was admitted to the Chi Institute where he graduated with the top honor of being a Certified Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Practitioner (CTCVMP).
Dr. Selmer is a published author and consults with other veterinarians as well as pet parents around the globe. In 2018, he made the exciting decision to join the Long Island Veterinary Specialists team as the Lead Veterinarian in their Integrative Medicine Department.
The passion Dr. Selmer has for his profession - and his love for all animals - has contributed to the high quality medicine that he practices.
Joshua W. Tumulty, DVM, Dip. ACVIM
At an early age, it was clear to Dr. Tumulty’s friends and family that he was going to dedicate his life to the well-being of animals. Whether it was dogs, rabbits, birds, the family pet skunk, or the local deer and turkey, animals were always an influence in Dr. Tumulty’s life. His journey to becoming a veterinarian was finally realized when he graduated in 1999 from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Tumulty graduated with honors from the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, where he received both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University, where he was awarded the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Award for Excellence in Small Animal Medicine. Dr. Tumulty completed a one-year internship in a small animal medicine and surgery, and a two-year residency in small animal internal medicine at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. While a resident, Dr. Tumulty received the Outstanding Veterinarian Award for Excellence. He is board certified by The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is currently Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at Long Island Veterinary Specialists.
As chairman of the Internal Medicine Department, Dr. Tumulty has enjoyed his role as mentor to the many young veterinarians at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Through the last decade he has helped guide many young doctors toward finding their passion in veterinary medicine – be it in a specialty area or in general practice. Dr. Tumulty’s goal is to work together with referring veterinarians to provide the highest level of medicine, as well as to support and educate families as they explore all available options for their pet, allowing them to enjoy a life free of pain and suffering, preserving their dignity and elevating their quality of life. Having had personal pets diagnosed with diabetes, thyroid disease, renal failure, and lymphoma, Dr. Tumulty sees every patient as if one of his own. His professional areas of interest include all aspects of internal medicine, including medical oncology, cardiology, as well as ultrasonography and minimally invasive video endoscopy.
Dr. Tumulty is a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, but followed his career and his heart to New York. Away from work, Dr. Tumulty finds his greatest happiness with his family, including one dog and cat (each rescued). He and his wife enjoy attending the theatre and rooting for the Steelers, but especially spending time with their son. On the weekends you may find them at the local dog park exercising their dog, or the playground, trying to keep up with their son.
Robert Waddell, DVM, Dip. ACVS-SA
Robert Waddell, known to most as Bob, grew up in Nassau County, New York as the middle child to a NYPD officer and an airline stewardess. Bob grew up with a menagerie of pets including Golden retrievers (Ivy, Holly, Amber, Dahlia), a black lab (Kitt), Yellow Labradors (Lucky, Huckleberry), an Amazon Yellow Nape Parrot (Maxwell), and a squirrel (Squbba the Super Squirrel). Dr. Waddell graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. Bob was on the way to becoming a NYPD officer like his father, when he switched his career plan. He decided to combine his drive to help people with his love of animals. He began his career at North Shore Animal League and Long Island Veterinary Specialists before heading off to veterinary school.
Dr. Waddell earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree when he graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Waddell completed his veterinary clinical training at Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine and was the recipient of the Brasmer Award for Small Animal Surgery. Remembering how much he enjoyed working at Long Island Veterinary Specialists and helping his childhood community, he returned to his home to complete an intensive one year small animal internship in medicine and surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. He then completed a one year surgical internship before again returning to Long Island Veterinary Specialists where he completed a three year residency program, under the direction of Dr. Dominic J. Marino. Dr. Waddell enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery with special interests in orthopedic and neurologic procedures including those that are minimally invasive.
When he is not providing care to his patients, Dr. Waddell enjoys spending time with his extended family; still located on Long Island, spending time in nearby Manhattan, hiking with his dogs, and losing himself in the art of carpentry work. He is an avid fan of the New York football Giants, New York Mets and the New York Islanders.
Meredith von Roedern, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Meredith von Roedern grew up in beautiful Golden, Colorado, where, at a very young age, she developed a passion for helping animals. As an 11 year old volunteer at a local animal hospital, she decided to dedicate herself to a career in Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Von Roedern received her undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary, she went on to earn her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Relocating to the east coast, she completed rotating internship, specialty emergency and critical care internship and a critical care residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Dr. Von Roedern is an active member of the AVMA. Her area of special medical interest is enteral and parenteral nutritional support and mechanical ventilation. During her free time, Meredith enjoys spending time with her husband, Larry, their two rescue dogs, and their cat. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and competing in triathlons; having completed her first this summer, the New York City Triathlon.