Dr. Nicholas Pope grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, knowing from an early age that he wanted to be a veterinarian. Inspired by his grandmother, who managed a multi-doctor veterinary clinic in his hometown, Dr. Pope developed a passion for veterinary practice ownership, exceptional patient care, team leadership, and practice management. He now enjoys life in beautiful Somerset County, where he lives on a small farm with his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Pope, and their sons, Benjamin and William. Outside of work, Dr. Pope’s life revolves around animals—including two beloved dogs, Nora and Brody, and a small herd of cows, goats, and chickens. When he’s not at the clinic, you can find him fishing the Raritan, golfing, or simply admiring his cows.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in central New Jersey, Dr. Amy Lipnicki was fond of all types of animals growing up. She attended Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and minored in Marine Biology. She then pursued her dream by graduating with High Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After veterinary school, Dr. Lipnicki returned to Brooklyn to practice general medicine and surgery at Marine Park Veterinary Group. She also worked for several years as a staff ER doctor at the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group, Brooklyn’s only 24-hour emergency and referral center at the time.

In 2013, Dr. Lipnicki co-founded Mill Basin Veterinary Clinic, where she served as medical director and built strong bonds with clients and patients in the South Brooklyn neighborhood. Family brought her back to her roots in New Jersey in 2022, and she is delighted to have found a home with the Symbios Animal Health team. Dr. Lipnicki looks forward to meeting their valued clients and patients.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Lipnicki enjoys all things outdoors, including hiking, running, gardening, and obstacle races. At home, she enjoys crafting, watching movies, and spending time with her husband, Joshua, their three cats (Patrick, Eugene, and Ham Sandwich), and their rescue dog, Micco.

Bio Coming Soon!

Dr. Dunham is a proud New Jersey native, having grown up in Lawrenceville, NJ. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Arcadia University before pursuing her veterinary education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical rotations at the University of Illinois. Dr. Dunham is passionate about both learning and teaching, with particular interests in behavior, endocrinology, and dermatology.

Throughout her career, Dr. Dunham has demonstrated a commitment to growth and excellence. She began as an Associate Veterinarian and quickly advanced to Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital. She then joined IndeVets, where she served as the Area Medical Director for NJ, NY, CT, and RI. Now, she is excited to continue her professional journey at Hunterdon Hills Animal Hospital.

Dr. Dunham resides in Hunterdon County with her husband, Steve, their three cats—Taco, Salem, and Murphy—and their beloved dog, Peanut. 

When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Dunham enjoys outdoor adventures like kayaking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. Yet, she’s just as happy spending a cozy rainy day on the sofa, reading alongside her husband and their furry companions.

Dr. Mark Steckroat, a Levittown, PA native, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Delaware Valley College of Science in Doylestown, PA, in 1985. He went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. Following graduation, Dr. Steckroat began his career in a farm animal practice in the Poconos, where he worked for two years before relocating to New Jersey. For the past 20 years, he has practiced small animal medicine in Princeton, NJ.

Dr. Steckroat brings a unique expertise to Hunterdon Hills Animal Hospital, with a special focus on small farm animals and pocket pets. His commitment to education and compassionate care ensures that every patient—whether a dog, cat, goat, or pocket pet—receives the best possible treatment.

Dr. Steckroat resides in Readington Township with his wife, Leslie, their son, Bryce, a black lab named Taley, and three cats: Kody, Kami, and Tucker. He also tends to a small herd of eight Nigerian Dwarf goats. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, woodworking, gardening, and restoring classic cars.

At Hunterdon Hills Animal Hospital, Dr. Steckroat’s addition to the team has further strengthened our practice. With three dedicated doctors and a relief veterinarian on hand, we are better equipped to meet our clients' needs while continuing to provide exceptional care to our patients.

Dr. Kurt Blaicher grew up in Morris Plains, New Jersey, and attended the University of Pennsylvania ('77), where he earned a degree in Biology and also started at left offensive tackle for the Penn Quakers Varsity football program. He graduated first in his class from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (Go Vols!) in 1982 and has worked in New Jersey since graduation. Dr. Blaicher and his wife, Susan, owned a successful practice in Plainfield from 1987-2007, which they later merged with a larger local hospital. Missing the smaller hospital atmosphere and practice ownership, they are now extremely energized and happy to have the opportunity to open Blaicher Veterinary Health Care in Bedminster.

Dr. Blaicher is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, with Board Certification in canine and feline practice, and serves on the ABVP Credentials Committee. He also serves on the Practitioner Editorial Review Board of the veterinary journal Compendium. He is passionate about all aspects of private practice, particularly soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, internal medicine, and canine reproduction.

When not at the hospital, Dr. Blaicher relaxes by windsurfing, skiing, cooking, playing guitar, traveling, target and defensive shooting, ballroom dancing with Susan, and engaging in all aspects of photography. He is a member of the Stewartsville Presbyterian Church Choir, and he and Susan are long-standing volunteers with Meals on Wheels in Warren County. Although their children are grown, their house is still full with three dogs, two cats, two cockatiels, and a Hanoverian horse.

Dr. Kellie Daly, originally from New Rochelle, NY, earned her degree in Neuropsychology from Binghamton University (SUNY-Binghamton) and her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri in 2002. Since then, she has practiced small animal medicine in New Jersey. Dr. Daly first met Dr. Blaicher in 2010 at Plainfield Animal Hospital, and she is excited to be reunited with him at Blaicher Veterinary Health Care.

Dr. Daly is the proud mother of her young son, Kyle. Her home is also filled with pampered pets, including cats, a dog, fish, and a boa constrictor. Outside of work, she enjoys binge-watching Netflix, baking, knitting, reading, and spending quality time with her family. She often says, "I am thrilled to be part of the Blaicher Veterinary Health Care family of friends!"

Dr. Ellen Levitian was born in Russia and moved to the United States at age five. From a young age, she developed a passion for animals and was determined to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Pre-Veterinary Animal Science from Rutgers University, followed by her veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical year at North Carolina State University.

Dr. Ellen is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for your four-legged family members, with a strong focus on client education. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her pets, Ariel (a Black Labrador Retriever) and Morgan Mufasa (an Orange Tabby Cat), as well as horseback riding, traveling, lounging by the pool or beach, and exploring new foods and wines.

Dr. Ascher considers herself lucky to have been able to follow her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Biology & obtained her DVM from Auburn University. She enjoys being surrounded here at Clover Hill with a staff that loves people & animals and a culture of kindness & compassion. Dr. Ascher enjoys surgery, challenging cases, dentistry, and is USDA accredited. In her spare time, she cares for two aging kitties, three dogs, and four horses. She also enjoys gardening and ballroom dancing with her husband, Bill.

Dr. Chelsey joined the Clover Hill team in August 2023. Dr. Chelsey attended Wilson College for her BS in Biology and earned her DVM from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Chelsey is a New Jersey native who has worked the last 6 years in Central NJ. She strongly believes in the power of the human-animal bond and works to educate pet parents to provide their furry family members with the best care possible. Her special interests include veterinary dentistry and palliative care. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her significant other Michael working on their many projects and relaxing with her cats Yams, Baby, Mozzie, and Papi. She believes cats are like potato chips, you can’t just have one!

Dr. Artuso graduated from Muhlenberg College with a BS in natural sciences and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She practiced for three years in Basking Ridge before joining Clover Hill Animal Hospital in 2001. Dr. Artuso is fear-free certified and accredited by the USDA to provide health certificates for international travel. Her focus is on preventive care, wellness, and internal medicine. Dr. Artuso and her husband, Brian, have four active children who keep them busy. When not with family, she enjoys reading, gardening, practicing yoga, paddleboarding, or watching sports while snuggling with her four cats: “Z,” Celia, Jackson “the trouble maker,” and Raelyn.

Carole Zydiak's journey into veterinary medicine began long before school, rooted in her upbringing in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Her earliest memories revolve around pets and local wildlife, starting with her first cat, Blueberry, and a spirited mockingbird named Admiral. Riding horses through the cornfields became a cherished pastime, instilling a deep sense of responsibility for the animals that enrich our lives with so much joy. This commitment continues to drive her mission to make a positive impact in veterinary care.

A proud Gator, Carole completed both her undergraduate and veterinary studies at the University of Florida. She went on to build her expertise through experiences in small animal practices across diverse regions: the Florida Keys, Tampa Bay area, where she completed an internship at Florida Veterinary Specialists, and Southern California, before returning to her roots in Central New Jersey.

With over 20 years of practice in Central NJ, Carole continues her dedication to veterinary medicine through ongoing education and meaningful connections with both old and new families. She has special interests in dermatology, nutrition, and end-of-life care, bringing compassion and skill to each patient.

Carole’s family includes her three children: Aidan, a student at the University of Florida; Nadia, attending the University of Delaware; and Dania, who is set to graduate from Hillsborough High School. At home, Carole enjoys the companionship of her dogs, Chimmie and Changa, and her cats, Lyle and Bucky.

In her free time, Carole can be found hiking, traveling, skiing, or tackling obstacle course races—embracing every opportunity to stay active and adventurous.

Dr. Denning was born and raised in New Jersey, where she was an avid equestrian and surrounded by animals, fueling her drive to become a veterinarian. She received her bachelor of science degree from Penn State University and went on to receive her DVM from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, graduating with multiple awards.

Dr. Denning’s veterinary interests include internal medicine, wound management, and preventative care. Outside of work, Dr. Denning enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat, Nelson.

Dr. Victoria Blake was raised in South Jersey, where she enjoyed working with therapy horses from a young age. She attended Michigan State University for her undergraduate studies and was a member of the university’s animal welfare judging team. During her time there, she had the opportunity to embark on study abroad programs focused on animal science at agricultural universities in Scotland and the Netherlands. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Zoology, she went on to earn her VMD at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Blake’s professional interests include Fear Free and low stress handling, preventative medicine, and surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her cat, Jasmine.

Dr. Elizabeth Pope grew up in NJ with the dream of becoming a veterinarian from a young age. She graduated from Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, where she met her husband, Nick, a fellow veterinarian. After graduation, they returned to the Garden State. Dr. Pope resides locally with her husband, their sons, Ben and William, her Labradors, Brody and Nora, and a small herd of cows.

‍

Dr. Pope has enjoyed being part of South Branch Veterinary Services since 2017 and has a personal interest in internal medicine, dentistry, and team management.

Dr. Meredith Schepp has been practicing in central New Jersey for the past 9 years. Originally from New York, she completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at the University of Rochester. She went on to earn her DVM degree at Ross University and spent her clinical year at Oklahoma State University. Her particular areas of interest include client education, surgery/dentistry, pain management, and palliative care. Dr. Schepp is a Fear Free Certified Professional and she believes strongly in the Human-Animal Bond, striving to work with pet parents to find the best outcomes for their families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, rock climbing, reading, and going to the beach. She is also an avid Broadway and Harry Potter fan! She loves spending time with her two dogs, Atlas and Luna, and cat, Milo.

Dr. Jamie Ulassin was born and raised in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She grew up riding horses, which is where her love for animals initially began. She attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she obtained her bachelors in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She then went on to obtain her VMD at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Dr. Ulassin has special interest in small animal soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and internal medicine. In her spare time she loves hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with her husband, and her two dogs; a Chow Chow named Sarge, and an American Bully named Harley.