Dr. Jake Zaidel lives his lifelong dream of serving his community as a veterinarian each and every day. After pursuing an undergraduate education at Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs School, Dr. Zaidel earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree at Cornell University. He has served his profession as a Leader in the New York State Veterinary Medical Society’s L2K program and is Past-President of the Capital District Veterinary Medical Society.

Dr. Zaidel co-founded and for several years, served as Treasurer of Eastline Romp & Play, a non-profit corporation that has partnered with the Town of Malta to develop and maintain a dog park within the community.

Dr. Heather Gilkes Zaidel graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. She continued her education at Cornell University, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

In addition to her numerous professional associations, Dr. Heather Gilkes Zaidel serves on two committees for the New York State Veterinary Medical Society: the College Liason and New Graduate Committees. Both opportunities provide a simple means for Dr. Gilkes Zaidel to make a positive difference within the profession.

Dr. Michelle Bombard is a Capital region native. She graduated from Galway High School in 1993, then completed a double major at Binghamton University, where she graduated with a BS in Biology and Environmental Studies in 1997. She continued her education at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her DVM degree in 2002.

Dr. Bombard has been practicing companion animal medicine in the Saratoga area for over 20 years. Her primary interest is in preventive medicine, helping her clients to achieve a higher quality of life for their pets as long as possible.

Dr. Bombard is a member of the local, state, and national veterinary medical associations. She served as the Capital District Veterinary Medical Society’s Continuing Education Chairperson for three years, for which she was recognized with a CDVMS service award for her efforts to bring continuing education to local veterinarians. She co-chairs the regional grassroots legislative network for the CDVMS to help foster communication between veterinarians and their legislators on topics that may affect the welfare of animals, the practice of veterinary medicine, and interaction between veterinarians and their clients.

Michelle and her husband Mark live in Galway where they have begun building their home on a few acres (so they’ll always have room for a few horses for trail riding). They have two boys, who will grow up constantly surrounded by animals. Dr. Bombard’s personal interests include horseback riding, skiing, camping, and spending time with family.

Dr. Alex Kent grew up in southern New York state but did his undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts. He then moved to beautiful Prince Edward Island in Canada to attend the Atlantic Veterinary College to complete his veterinary degree. This was followed by a one-year internship at Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, MI. He has worked as a veterinarian in Ohio, Quebec, and Connecticut but has settled in the Capital region.

When he is not working to keep pets healthy, he is spending time with his wife (who is also a veterinarian), two young daughters, and their dog Posie and cat Frankie. 

Dr. Jane Farrell (Neidhart) has been a practicing veterinarian in Saratoga County
for the past 15 years. She graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in 1983, and studied in the Masters of Philosophy program. Dr. Jane went on to graduate in the top ten of her class from the University Of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989.

Dr. Olivia Gliserman grew up in Round Lake and attended SUNY New Paltz for her undergraduate degree. After earning her DVM from Ohio State University, she returned to the Capital region after graduation in order to be closer to her family.

Throughout her veterinary education, Dr. Gliserman developed a special interest in surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, and clinical pathology. She also enjoys behavioral medicine. During her spare time, Dr. Gliserman enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband Mike and her cat Hobbes.

Originally from Staten Island, NY,  Dr. Pam’s veterinary path began in 1994 when she joined her family veterinarian’s team. She worked there for over 13 years until leaving to attend Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Pam worked in general practice in New Jersey for a decade before exploring feline-only practice, and later urgent care and mobile/house-call practice.  She has returned to general practice at Malta Animal Hospital and is now fulfilling her dream of living Upstate!

Her special interests include cats and feline medicine, dentistry, ultrasound and behavior. Dr. Pam has earned the Cat Friendly Veterinarian Certificate from the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA), formerly the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). 

Outside of work, Dr. Schuech, her husband and their rescued Anatolian Shepherd dog enjoy hiking, kayaking, travel and native plant gardening. Their cats make sure all meals are prepared on-time regardless of outdoor plans!

Dr. Sara Whaley grew up in the scenic Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, where she discovered her passion for animals at just five years old, dreaming of becoming a veterinarian. She spent her youth in New Hampshire on a hobby farm, where she first developed her hands-on experience with animals. Dr. Whaley later met her husband, Matthew, a fifth-generation dairy farmer from southern Vermont, and together, they share a love for animals and the countryside.

Dr. Whaley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Clarkson University in 2019, where she founded a beekeeping club to share her enthusiasm for pollinators and sustainable practices. She then gained valuable experience working in veterinary hospitals from Boston, MA to Latham, NY before being accepted into Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. While at Ross, Dr. Whaley continued her work in beekeeping by founding a beekeeping club for fellow students, while also cultivating special interests in cardiology, surgery, and ophthalmology. She completed her clinical year training at the University of Illinois, where she refined her skills and knowledge in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Whaley is thrilled to return to the Capital Region with her husband, two beloved cats—Aladdin and Schwartz—and their friendly Labrador, Flynn. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with family, watching movies, traveling, reading, and playing card and board games.