
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.

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.


She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she also competed on the NCAA Division I rifle team, receiving a full athletic scholarship. After completing her undergraduate studies, she attended St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, and graduated in 2014. Following vet school, Dr. Heather completed a one-year equine hospital internship at Rood and Riddle Saratoga.
Her career continued in the world of equine sports medicine, working for a private racetrack practice where she cared for elite race horses at Saratoga, Belmont, and Aqueduct in New York, as well as Keeneland in Kentucky.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Heather leads a full and active life. She’s a proud mom to her son, Noah, and serves as head coach for the Galway Junior Trap Team — a competitive shotgun sports team for local high school students. She also shares her knowledge by teaching classes and labs for the Saratoga BOCES Animal Science program. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and caring for the animals on her small farm in Glenville, NY.
Dr. Heather shares her home with a lively crew of pets, including four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels — Avery Jane, Otis James, Ruby Rae, and Delilah Grace — along with two cats, a pot-bellied pig named Eleanor, guinea pigs Tippy and Shadow, and a collection of ducks and chickens. She and her partner, Chris, also have an off-track Thoroughbred named Horoscope.
Professionally, Dr. Heather has a strong interest in surgery and emergency medicine and is always eager to expand her knowledge and skills to better serve her patients. She enjoys being part of a team that is down to earth and genuinely understanding of their clients — something she values deeply in both her coworkers and the care Mandak provides.

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.


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.

One of Marisa’s favorite parts of the job is how every day is different. Whether she’s learning something new, assisting in patient care, or connecting with clients, she enjoys the variety and fast-paced nature of the work. She also has a particular interest in pharmacology and finds it fascinating how different medications can support and improve patient outcomes.
Marisa shares her life with three beloved dogs: Ranger, a German Shorthaired Pointer with plenty of energy; Gizmo, a beagle-chihuahua-pomeranian-shih tzu mix (yes, really); and Jack, her “ancient” Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix who holds a special place in her heart as her senior soulmate.
Outside of work, Marisa enjoys fishing, camping, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. A fun fact? Her family owns a pizzeria named after her.
Marisa holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in business, and she enjoys blending her academic background with hands-on experience in the clinic. For her, one of the best parts of being at Mandak is the people — having coworkers who are also friends makes even the hardest days more manageable, and she’s grateful to be part of a team that truly supports one another.
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.


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.


What Rachel loves most about her work is being there for clients through the entire journey of their pet’s life. She values the relationships built over time and takes pride in offering support through both the joyful and difficult moments. Her greatest passion lies in end-of-life and hospice care. Having personally experienced the loss of her father, Rachel developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the gift of humane euthanasia — the ability to offer peace and comfort during a pet’s final moments is something she holds with great reverence.
Rachel shares her home and heart with a variety of beloved animals. Mater Tater is a goofy, lovable St. Bernard/Bulldog/Boxer mix with a heart as big as his personality. Ellie, a sweet Labrador mix, is the patient big sister to both Mater and Rachel’s daughter. She also has two horses: Hudson, a chestnut gaited trail horse she rides for pleasure, and Kahlua, a bay Quarter Horse who is helping her daughter discover the joy of riding. At home, Bunbun the bunny enjoys roaming the house and going on stroller rides, and a lively flock of chickens adds plenty of character to the family’s little farm. Rachel also recently dove into the world of aquatics with a growing collection of betta, guppies, and snails.
When she’s not at work, Rachel enjoys trail riding with Hudson and Kahlua, working around the farm, and soaking up family time at camp — especially relaxing by the fire or paddling the lake in a kayak. Her days are often filled with cheer practice, swim lessons, and new adventures with her daughter, who keeps her life full of fun, motion, and meaning.
A fun fact about Rachel? She went on a safari to South Africa with her dad during her senior year of high school — an unforgettable experience that deepened her love for animals and the natural world.
For Rachel, the best part of working at Mandak is the genuine sense of family within the team. “Coming to work is simply coming to my second home,” she says, and she’s grateful every day to be part of such a compassionate, supportive group of people who lift each other up through every high and low.


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.

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.

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.”
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.
Since childhood, Taylor has always had a love for animals and knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Joining the BOCES program as a junior in high school was a turning point — it introduced her to the many different opportunities within the veterinary field and confirmed that this was the right path for her. Her internship at Mandak played a big role in shaping her goals, thanks to the supportive and welcoming staff who made learning fun, exciting, and meaningful.
At home, Taylor has two dogs, Lucy and Cooper, as well as a cat who completes her furry family. Outside of work and school, she enjoys horseback riding, traveling, hiking, and spending time outdoors exploring new places.
For Taylor, the best part of being at Mandak is the people. “It’s really like a family here,” she says. “Everyone is so nice, and it’s such a positive environment to be a part of.” She’s excited to continue growing and learning as she works toward a future in veterinary medicine.

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!