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Get to know us!!

Here at Mandak Veterinary Services our goal is to provide you with comfort knowing your pet is in the best hands possible when it comes to their care! Get to know the veterinarians and staff that will be taking care of your pets.

Owner/Veterinarian

Dr. Teddy Smith

Dr. Teddy Smith is the heart behind Mandak Veterinary Services. A fourth-generation native of the farm on Middleline Road where the clinic now stands, she grew up immersed in farm life — an upbringing that shaped not only her work ethic, but her deep-rooted love for animals and community. Click here to read more!

Dr. Teddy Smith is the heart behind Mandak Veterinary Services. A fourth-generation native of the farm on Middleline Road where the clinic now stands, she grew up immersed in farm life — an upbringing that shaped not only her work ethic, but her deep-rooted love for animals and community.

Her path to veterinary medicine began early. At just four years old, she vividly remembers watching their family vet save a cow and her calf during a difficult delivery. That moment stuck with her, and she knew from then on exactly what she wanted to do with her life.

Throughout her youth, Dr. Teddy was heavily involved in Saratoga County 4-H, gaining hands-on experience and lifelong lessons through educational events and showing horses in both English and Western disciplines. Her dedication led her to Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where she majored in Animal Science before earning early admission to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

While pursuing her education, Dr. Teddy launched Mandak Stables to help support herself. She taught horseback riding lessons, boarded horses, offered pony rides, and ran summer camps — a true testament to her drive and entrepreneurial spirit.

After graduating in May 1998, she used a $5,000 graduation gift from family to open Mandak Veterinary Services the following month. The practice began as a mixed animal mobile service, with Dr. Teddy working out of a small, heated room attached to her indoor riding arena — a space that also served as a viewing room for parents during riding lessons. That one-room clinic became the foundation for what Mandak is today.

In 2006, the first official clinic building was constructed, and since then, it has expanded multiple times — always growing from that original room where it all began. The most recent addition was completed in 2020.

In 2015, Dr. Teddy expanded her knowledge even further by studying chiropractic adjustment and spinal manipulation. Recognizing that some patients needed more than conventional medicine could offer, she pursued advanced training to provide holistic, integrative care. She’s since helped countless animals maintain comfort and quality of life far beyond what medication alone could offer.

Of all her accomplishments, Dr. Teddy is most proud of her two daughters — strong, compassionate, and independent women who have each found their way back to the clinic after college to pursue their own careers in veterinary medicine. Working alongside them is one of her greatest joys.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Teddy cherishes time with her soulmate, Joe, and their two Dobermans. Together, they enjoy traveling, camping, going to the beach, and exploring new places. She also finds peace in reading and riding horses whenever she can.

For Dr. Teddy, veterinary medicine is the perfect blend of her two greatest passions: helping animals and helping people. What she loves most about Mandak is the team — a group that has grown beyond coworkers into something much closer to family.

Dr. Teddy has dedicated her life to building Mandak from the ground up and remains deeply grateful for every client, patient, and team member who has been part of the journey.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Sara Radigan

Dr. Sara Radigan has been an Associate Veterinarian at Mandak Veterinary Services since 2010. She grew up in Stone Ridge, NY, and earned her Bachelor of Science in biology at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Sara attended the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in Scotland. Click here to read more!

Dr. Sara Radigan has been an Associate Veterinarian at Mandak Veterinary Services since 2010. She grew up in Stone Ridge, NY, and earned her Bachelor of Science in biology at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Sara attended the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in Scotland. Click here to read more!
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Heather Tillson

Dr. Heather Tillson, an associate veterinarian at Mandak Veterinary Services, has been with the practice since the fall of 2019. Dr. Heather grew up locally, having been born and raised in Galway. After graduating high school, she did her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Martin as an animal science major. Click here to read more!

Dr. Heather Tillson, an associate veterinarian at Mandak Veterinary Services, has been with the practice since the fall of 2019. Dr. Heather grew up locally, having been born and raised in Galway. After graduating high school, she did her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Martin as an animal science major. Click here to read more!
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Eve Fontanella

Assistant Office Manager

Suzanne

Suzanne has been working in veterinary medicine for 16 years and counting, and she’s been an invaluable part of the Mandak team through many seasons of growth and transformation. Her journey into vet med began with a deep love for animals and hands-on experience helping veterinarians with her own horses. After assisting Dr. Teddy during a particularly memorable farm call back in 2009, she was offered a job on the spot — and the rest, as they say, is history! Click here to read more!

Suzanne has been working in veterinary medicine for 16 years and counting, and she’s been an invaluable part of the Mandak team through many seasons of growth and transformation. Her journey into vet med began with a deep love for animals and hands-on experience helping veterinarians with her own horses. After assisting Dr. Teddy during a particularly memorable farm call back in 2009, she was offered a job on the spot — and the rest, as they say, is history!
Suzanne brings a wealth of experience and heart to her role, and she especially loves getting to see pets through every stage of life. Building relationships with clients, offering support, and sharing helpful information during their pets’ toughest moments is something she takes great pride in. She’s passionate about the combination of traditional and alternative therapies and loves seeing how both can work together to bring about the best outcomes.
Outside of the clinic, Suzanne manages a horse boarding farm in Ballston Lake, home to 23 horses and a lively mix of other animals. Her two Cavalier Spaniels — Ruthie Jo, the self-proclaimed farm queen, and Lainey Rae, a curious and mischievous puppy — help keep the barn in order, along with a crew of barn cats who handle rodent control and supervise the dogs. She also has a few retired horses who now enjoy peaceful days as companions, and her main horse Tiger, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred with whom she competes in eventing, a sport that combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
When she’s not at work or managing the farm, Suzanne loves spending time outdoors with her animals and being immersed in the equestrian world. A fun fact about her? In 2011, she packed up her car and traveled cross-country and back over the course of a month — just for the adventure.
Suzanne graduated from Morrisville College in 2009 with a degree in Equine Science and Management, and while she once thought her future would revolve solely around horses, she’s incredibly thankful that life led her into the veterinary world. The Mandak team is her second family, and being part of such a supportive and passionate group has made her journey all the more special.
Office Manager

Heather

Heather Minett, who has been with Mandak Veterinary Services since Dec. 2019, wears many hats here. While she is the head receptionist, she also handles most of the customer service tasks, assists Dr. Teddy and Suzanne on some management duties, and even occasionally works in the back as a veterinary assistant. Click here to read more!

Heather Minett, who has been with Mandak Veterinary Services since Dec. 2019, wears many hats here. While she is the head receptionist, she also handles most of the customer service tasks, assists Dr. Teddy and Suzanne on some management duties, and even occasionally works in the back as a veterinary assistant. Click here to read more!
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Lexie

Lexie has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician at Mandak Veterinary Services since 2011. She grew up in Washington County with deep roots in agriculture, spending her childhood surrounded by farm animals and learning the ropes alongside her dad. Click here to read more!

Lexie has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician at Mandak Veterinary Services since 2011. She grew up in Washington County with deep roots in agriculture, spending her childhood surrounded by farm animals and learning the ropes alongside her dad. She was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA, and especially loved raising pheasants — a memory that still stands out today. Her passion for ag continues as she stays active in Washington County 4-H, helping local kids show dairy cows and stay connected to the lifestyle she grew up with.
After high school, Lexie attended SUNY Canton to earn her veterinary technician license. She had always felt a special connection to animals and knew she wanted to use that to help both pets and people. When it came time to look for a job, she was drawn to Mandak by its mixed animal focus and laid-back, small-town atmosphere. While the clinic now focuses primarily on small animals, Lexie says it still feels like home — a group of hardworking women with strong ties to agriculture and community.
Lexie is passionate about every aspect of her work. She loves being there for pets and their people through all stages of life — from new puppy visits to the more difficult goodbyes. Whether she’s helping celebrate joyful milestones or offering compassion and guidance during tough times, Lexie finds deep meaning in the care she provides.
Outside of work, Lexie enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter on their small farm. They love camping with their horses, going to music festivals, and traveling across the U.S. to ski and snowboard as a family. At home, they share their space with a full crew of animals, including their two dogs, Georgi and Pavel; their horses, Cruz, Willow, and Rev; a mini pony named Keebler; a mini donkey; and a few chickens to round it all out.
Lexie says that what makes Mandak so special is the strong family vibe among the staff and the way everyone supports one another — no matter what kind of day it is. For Lexie, being part of this team and doing what she loves every day is exactly where she’s meant to be.
Veterinary Assistant

Marisa

Marisa Neuhaus, who has been a veterinary assistant at Mandak Veterinary Services since Oct. 2021, always knew she wanted to work with animals, despite not having any pets until she was in middle school. Click here to read more!

Marisa Neuhaus, who has been a veterinary assistant at Mandak Veterinary Services since Oct. 2021, always knew she wanted to work with animals, despite not having any pets until she was in middle school. Click here to read more!
Receptionist

Shayne

Shayne has been working consistently in veterinary medicine for the past two years, but her connection to the field runs much deeper. As the daughter of the practice owner, Dr. Teddy, Shayne grew up in the clinic, surrounded by animals and veterinary care her whole life. Click here to read more!

Shayne has been working consistently in veterinary medicine for the past two years, but her connection to the field runs much deeper. As the daughter of the practice owner, Dr. Teddy, Shayne grew up in the clinic, surrounded by animals and veterinary care her whole life. After earning a degree in Business Management while competing in college rodeo out west,
she returned home to join the team full time — a place that’s always felt like a second home.

Shayne’s favorite part of her job is the relationships built with clients and their pets. She loves welcoming new puppies and kittens to the clinic and watching them grow over the years. Seeing sick patients get the care they need and return to good health, or helping older pets stay comfortable and happy, is what makes her role so rewarding.

Outside of work, Shayne stays busy with her animals and rodeo. She has a Miniature Australian Shepherd named Texas, who has been her sidekick for many years and has shared many adventures and life changes with her, a cat named Elvis (a former Mandak resident!) who some will know is full of personality and makes her laugh daily, two horses; Sudz, her breakaway roping horse; and Lark, a young horse still learning the ropes, as well as a few calves she uses to practice breakaway roping. Most of her summer is spent on the rodeo trail, and when she’s not in the arena, she enjoys going to concerts and spending time with friends and family.

Shayne feels incredibly grateful to be part of the team her mom has built. The clinic holds a special place in her heart, and she’s proud to contribute to a place that has been such a big part of her life.

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Libby

Libby Grignon has been with Mandak Veterinary Services since the spring of 2018. She is a veterinary assistant but is currently working on becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician through online classes. Click here to read more!

Libby Grignon has been with Mandak Veterinary Services since the spring of 2018. She is a veterinary assistant but is currently working on becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician through online classes. Click here to read more!
Veterinary Assistant

Sydney

Sydney has been working in veterinary medicine since February 2022. She often says that no one inspired her more than her younger self — the version of her that dreamed big, worked hard, and refused to give up on finding her place in the world of vet med. That same drive and determination continues to guide her today as she builds a career doing what she loves most: helping animals and the people who love them.

Sydney has been working in veterinary medicine since February 2022. She often says that no one inspired her more than her younger self — the version of her that dreamed big, worked hard, and refused to give up on finding her place in the world of vet med. That same drive and determination continues to guide her today as she builds a career doing what she loves most: helping animals and the people who love them.

One of Sydney’s favorite parts of her job is working with fearful or shy dogs. She finds deep fulfillment in earning their trust — going from a pup who won’t make eye contact to one who’s leaning in for attention is something she never takes for granted. Watching those same pets come in for follow-up appointments with more confidence is the ultimate reward.

She’s recently developed a special interest in pet nutrition and also takes great care and pride in creating keepsake paw and ear prints for pets who cross over the rainbow bridge — helping families honor and remember their companions with love.

Sydney's home life is as full and lively as her work life — she jokes that she has a bit of a zoo! She shares her days with two dogs, Oiden (a German Shepherd mix) and Annie (a Great Pyrenees), as well as four cats: Kilo, Cookie, Oreo, and Banjo. She also has a horse, Mickey, who was gifted to her by a best friend as a kind of housewarming present. Many of her animals have incredible rescue stories — from being found under dumpsters to being rehomed or adopted — and they each hold a special place in her heart.

When she’s not at the clinic, Sydney loves spending time with her family. She and her husband have two young boys, both under the age of 10, who keep them on their toes! Together, they enjoy camping, hanging with their animals, watching sports, or just curling up on the couch for a cozy rainy day. Sydney also loves hitting the trails on Mickey, working on obedience training with her dogs, and recently, getting back into golfing.

The best part of working at Mandak, Sydney says, is the team. From the beginning, they believed in her, even when she wasn’t sure she believed in herself. They never gave up on her — they lifted her up, supported her, and helped her find herself again. Now, being part of a team that truly feels like family makes each day feel purposeful, even during the hardest moments.

Receptionist/Social Media Manager

Magan

Magan Wittemeyer started her career at Mandak Veterinary Services in Sept. 2011 as a Veterinary Assistant. Over the years she began working as a receptionist and is now the creative genius behind the business’ social media pages. Click here to read more!

Magan Wittemeyer started her career at Mandak Veterinary Services in Sept. 2011 as a Veterinary Assistant. Over the years she began working as a receptionist and is now the creative genius behind the business’ social media pages. Click here to read more!
Veterinary Assistant

Rachel

Rachel Millington has been a veterinary assistant with Mandak Veterinary Services since Jan. 2020. She is currently working on completing classes online to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Click here to read more!

Rachel Millington has been a veterinary assistant with Mandak Veterinary Services since Jan. 2020. She is currently working on completing classes online to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Click here to read more!
Veterinary Assistant

Chelsea

Receptionist

Krystal

Krystal Koster has been a receptionist at Mandak Veterinary Services since Sept. 2016. She grew up locally, attending Burnt Hills—Ballston Lake high school, and later went on to Morrisville State College where she majored in Equine Science and Racing. Click here to read more!

Krystal Koster has been a receptionist at Mandak Veterinary Services since Sept. 2016. She grew up locally, attending Burnt Hills—Ballston Lake high school, and later went on to Morrisville State College where she majored in Equine Science and Racing. Click here to read more!
Veterinary Assistant

Alaina

Alaina joined the world of veterinary medicine in 2023, bringing with her a deep-rooted passion for animal care. Her journey into vet med was inspired by her time working on a horse farm, followed by an unforgettable internship on a goat farm in Barnard, Vermont. Click here to read more!

Alaina joined the world of veterinary medicine in 2023, bringing with her a deep-rooted passion for animal care. Her journey into vet med was inspired by her time working on a horse farm, followed by an unforgettable internship on a goat farm in Barnard, Vermont. The farm’s owner, a mentor and friend, introduced Alaina to the world of small ruminant care and farm management — a path that continues to guide and inspire her. To this day, visiting that farm remains one of her favorite things to do.
Currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program, Alaina is excited to continue learning and growing in the field. Her dream is to one day work more extensively with large animals, but for now, she finds joy and fulfillment in every patient she gets to help — especially the ones with wagging tails. Her favorite parts of the job are the gratitude she sees from clients and the simple joy of spending her days surrounded by dogs.
Outside of the clinic, Alaina is an adventurer at heart. She loves all things outdoors — from hiking and paddleboarding to camping and tennis — and is always up for trying something new. A collector of hobbies and a self-proclaimed “armchair expert,” she also enjoys dabbling in visual arts and writing, and has a deep curiosity for language, science, art, and just about everything in between.
Alaina says what makes this team so special is the way everyone supports one another, with lots of laughter and love woven into every day. She feels grateful to be part of such a positive and uplifting environment.
At her core, Alaina is driven by her faith and the desire to share the love of Jesus with the people and animals she meets. Her compassion, curiosity, and joy for life make her a wonderful part of the Mandak team.
Veterinary Assistant

Jillian

Jillian joined Mandak Veterinary Services in January of 2023 as a veterinary assistant, bringing together her lifelong love for animals and a strong desire to make a difference in their lives. From day one, she’s felt right at home — the welcoming environment and close-knit team have made her feel like family. Click here to read more!

Jillian joined Mandak Veterinary Services in January of 2023 as a veterinary assistant, bringing together her lifelong love for animals and a strong desire to make a difference in their lives. From day one, she’s felt right at home — the welcoming environment and close-knit team have made her feel like family.

In addition to her work at the clinic, Jillian has been a firefighter since the summer of 2022. Her passion for helping others and serving her community drives both her roles, and she’s currently on track to become a full-time firefighter with plans to earn her paramedic certification.

Jillian says helping people in emergencies is her calling, and she is excited to continue pursuing that passion.

When Jillian is not at work or on duty, you will find her spending time with her two favorite companions: her Labradoodle, Goliath, and her thoroughbred horse, Coco. Both animals bring joy, comfort, and balance to her busy life.

A fun and surprising fact about Jillian? She can play “Piano Man” on the harmonica — which she says is a quirky talent that never fails to get a smile!

Jillian is proud to be part of the Mandak team and values the connections she makes with clients, pets, and coworkers every day.

Veterinary Assistant

Ava

Ava has been working in veterinary medicine for about two and a half years and joined the Mandak Veterinary Services team in August of 2023. Her journey into vet med was driven by a lifelong love of animals (obviously!), and she’s never looked back. Click here to read more!

Ava has been working in veterinary medicine for about two and a half years and joined the Mandak Veterinary Services team in August of 2023. Her journey into vet med was driven by a lifelong love of animals (obviously!), and she’s never looked back.
For Ava, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing animals leave their appointments feeling better than when they arrived. Whether it's a wagging tail or a relieved owner, those moments make every day worth it.
Outside of work, Ava has a full house with her two dogs — Bronx, a 9-year-old pit mix, and Bella, a 5-year-old beagle/pit mix — plus her mischievous 2-year-old cat, Chico, who keeps things interesting (to say the least).
Ava’s passions go beyond animals — she’s a plant lover and a big fan of live music and concerts. A fun fact? She was a competitive dancer for 15 years!
What Ava loves most about being part of the Mandak team is the people. “We are a family,” she says, “and even on the toughest days, the people here make it all worth it.”
Veterinary Assistant

Kyra

Kyra joined the Mandak Veterinary Services team in 2025, beginning her very first role in the field of veterinary medicine. Although new to the profession, her passion for animals started early. Click here to read more!

Kyra joined the Mandak Veterinary Services team in 2025, beginning her very first role in the field of veterinary medicine. Although new to the profession, her passion for animals started early. Ever since she was a child visiting the vet with her own pets, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in this field — inspired by the care and compassion she witnessed firsthand.

What Kyra loves most about her job is being part of the team that helps animals feel better. Whether it’s comforting a nervous patient or assisting in their care, she’s grateful to play a role in making a difference for each pet that comes through the door.

Kyra is currently enrolled in Penn Foster, working toward becoming a licensed veterinary technician. She’s excited to continue learning and growing in the field she’s always dreamed of joining.

At home, Kyra has a “mini zoo” of her own! She shares her life with Rhea, a Husky/Lab mix; Monty, a spunky Mini Poodle/Papillon mix; Alex, her cat; a bunny; a lizard; and some fish. Her love for animals doesn’t stop when she leaves the clinic! Outside of work, Kyra enjoys hiking with her dogs and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Kyra loves being part of the Mandak team, where everyone has been incredibly welcoming and helpful — something she especially appreciates as someone just starting out in the field.

Veterinary Assistant

Sam

Sam has been working full-time in veterinary medicine for the past two years—but her journey in the field started long before that. As the daughter of our practice owner, Dr. Teddy, she often jokes that she learned to count to ten by counting medications and learned her ABCs by filing charts. Read More

Sam has been working full-time in veterinary medicine for the past two years—but her journey in the field started long before that. As the daughter of our practice owner, Dr. Teddy, she often jokes that she learned to count to ten by counting medications and learned her ABCs by filing charts. She spent summers working part-time in the clinic during high school, and even continued helping remotely with bookkeeping while attending college out of state.

Inspired by seeing the impact veterinary care has on people’s lives through their pets, Sam found her passion in building meaningful relationships with clients and their animals. “It's always a good day when I see one of my favorite clients or pets on the schedule,” she says. “The bonds we create over time are what make this job so special—and getting to do it alongside a team that feels like family is a huge blessing.”

At home, Sam is just as surrounded by animals. She has two dogs: Dixie, a loyal miniature Australian Shepherd who’s been by her side for over 10 years, and Gracie, a hilarious, feral-in-spirit Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who keeps both Dixie and her on their toes. She also owns four horses—Dolly, her breakaway roping horse, Hope, her barrel horse; Arya, her young prospect currently in training; and Tia, her retired horse who started her career as a rodeo athlete.

A graduate of Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications, Sam is also a professional rodeo athlete, competing in barrel racing and breakaway roping. When she’s not at the clinic, in the arena practicing, or on the road competing, she enjoys time at the gym, going to concerts, walks with her dogs, and hanging out with friends and family.

We’re incredibly proud to share that Sam will be starting veterinary school at Kansas State University in Fall 2025—an accomplishment that has been a long time in the making, and we are excited to see where it takes her in the future!