Our Veterinarians
Meet Our Veterinarians
Meet our veterinarians at Westford Veterinary Emergency Referral Center, dedicated to providing expert care and support for your pets.
Get to Know Our Veterinarians!
Our veterinarians are passionate about providing your pet with the highest standard of care. With years of experience and a deep commitment to animal health, they are here to ensure your pet receives expert treatment tailored to their needs. Take a moment to learn more about the dedicated professionals who will care for your pet.
Dr. Maura Carney, DVM (Internal Medicine), Director of Specialty Services
DVM (Internal Medicine), Director of Specialty Services
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Amanda Crawford, DVM, DACVAA, Director of Specialty Services
DVM, DACVAA, Director of Specialty Services
Dr. Amanda Crawford, DVM, DACVAA, serves as the Director of Specialty Services at Westford Veterinary. She earned her DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 2015.
Following graduation, Dr. Crawford completed a Small Animal Internship at Tufts University and a Zoological Medicine and Surgery Internship at Colorado State University and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where she developed an interest in anesthetic management for exotic species.
After a year in emergency practice, she pursued an Anesthesia Internship at the University of Pennsylvania and later completed her Anesthesia and Pain Management Residency at Tufts University in 2022. Dr. Crawford became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2023.
Her professional interests include critical care anesthesia, ultrasound-guided local anesthetic techniques, and pain management, especially for chronic conditions, to enhance her patient’s quality of life.
Her primary goal is to provide compassionate and high-quality anesthetic care to all animals in her care. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Crawford enjoys hiking, baking intricate desserts, and spending time with her husband, young daughter, their dog, cats, and snakes.
Dr. Ashley Hegler, DVM, DACVIM
DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Ashley Hegler, DVM, DACVIM, was born and raised in Miami, FL. She graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Biology and Psychology in 2011 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Upon graduation from veterinary school, she performed a rotating internship in CT at VCA VREC and Shoreline. Dr. Hegler completed her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Louisiana State University and became board-certified in 2019. Dr. Hegler returned back to CT, working in specialty private practice from 2019 until 2023 before moving to MA to be closer to friends and family.
Dr. Hegler’s professional interests include infectious disease, immune-mediated disease, gastrointestinal disease, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, endocrinology, hepatobiliary disease, and urinary disease.
When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and getting lost in a really great book.
Dr. Penelope Buechner, DVM, DACVO, Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Dr. Penelope Buechner has been practicing veterinary medicine for 15 years. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Dr. Buechner has a true passion for veterinary ophthalmology, finding immense joy in working with her patients and their owners. She takes great pride in excellent client communication, top-tier patient care, and utilizing fear-free methodologies to ensure a comfortable experience for every animal. With expertise in a wide range of surgical options, she finds nothing more rewarding than restoring vision to a once-blind pet.
Outside of work, Dr. Buechner is an avid hiker and is currently tackling the “52 With a View” New Hampshire mountains list. She loves spending time with her husband, two children, and their beloved 4-year-old Labrador, Rufus. A passionate reader and traveler, she frequently visits Canada, where her family resides.
Dr. Bruno Massat, DVM, DACVS, DACVSR, CCRP
DVM, DACVS, DACVSR, CCRP
With 37 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Bruno Massat brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to his role at Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center. A proud graduate of the University of California, Davis, where he completed his residency, Dr. Massat has honed his skills in a range of advanced veterinary practices.
Dr. Massat takes immense pride in meticulously planning and executing every surgical procedure, ensuring the highest standard of care for each patient. His approach reflects his unwavering commitment to precision, compassion, and the well-being of the pets entrusted to his care.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Massat enjoys the thrill of riding his Kawasaki, embracing the open road as a way to recharge and find balance.
Dr. Mallory Watson, DACVS
DACVS
Dr. Mallory Watson has been practicing veterinary medicine for 8 years, having earned her degree from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
She finds great fulfillment in offering pet owners the chance to improve their pets’ well-being, whether through fixing a broken leg or safely removing an ingested sock. The joy of seeing pets recover quickly after surgery is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Watson enjoys hot yoga, skiing, and hiking with her dog, husband, and baby boy, balancing her passion for animals with her love of the outdoors.
Dr. Kathryn Weiss, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Lauren Wilmarth, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Dr. Lauren Wilmarth has been practicing veterinary medicine for 8 years. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut before earning her veterinary degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Wilmarth is known for her thoroughness, excellent communication skills, and deep empathy toward both her patients and their owners. She is committed to providing the highest level of care while ensuring that her clients are well-informed about their pets’ conditions.
Outside of work, Dr. Wilmarth enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets—her Golden Retriever, Chewbacca, and her cat, Mittens. She also enjoys exploring local coffee shops and staying active, and she occasionally assists in the operating room alongside her husband, an equine surgeon.
Dr. Leah Young, DVM
DVM
Dr. Leah (Ferguson) Young, DVM, MS, DACVIM, was born and raised in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Animal Science in 2006 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Purdue University in 2010, where she was awarded the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) award for proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery.
Upon graduation from veterinary school, she performed a rotating internship at VCA South Shore Weymouth, followed by a one-year internship focused on emergency and critical care medicine at Massachusetts Veterinary Hospital in Woburn, MA.
After her internships, she moved west to pursue a three-year residency in small animal internal medicine at Colorado State University. She completed her residency and obtained a Masters in 2015.
She practiced in Cleveland, OH, from 2015 until 2022 before moving to MA to be closer to family. She has many professional interests but is especially interested in immune-mediated disease, gastrointestinal disease, endocrinology, and urinary disease.
When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and eating good food.
Dr. Elissabeth Mae Roumanis, Cardiologist, VMD
Cardiologist, VMD
Dr. Elissabeth Mae Roumanis, VMD, has been practicing veterinary medicine for 46 years, with a special focus on cardiology. She completed her undergraduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Roumanis began her cardiology training as a first-year veterinary student, working at a congenital heart disease study unit. She had the privilege of learning from Dr. Donald Patterson, a pioneer in veterinary cardiology who helped uncover the genetics of heart disease in dogs, a condition strikingly similar to that seen in humans.
Her training involved performing selective and non-selective cardiac catheterizations on affected puppies, closely monitoring their health and the progression of their heart murmurs—often at heart rates near 300 beats per minute in neonates.
By her third year, Dr. Roumanis had gained enough expertise to be sought out by interns for cardiac consultations. Her lifelong affinity for animals, especially dogs, led her to take great pride in helping patients live longer, more comfortable lives.
She consistently works toward extending their quality of life, often by 4 to 5 years, with the proper cardiac care. Her clients regularly express their appreciation, with many wishing their own human cardiologists communicated as clearly and effectively as she does for their pets.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Roumanis enjoys inventive problem-solving around the home, riding her warmblood horse, “Nomar” (a 16.2-hand mix of Clydesdale and Thoroughbred), and practicing Tang Soo Do, a Korean form of karate in which she holds a 5th-degree black belt. While she once enjoyed skiing, she now prefers less vigorous activities due to the natural passage of time.
Dr. Cindy Cesar, DVM
DVM
Dr. Cindy Cesar is a compassionate and dedicated emergency veterinarian with a lifelong passion for animal care. Raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Cesar knew from a young age that veterinary medicine was her calling.
She pursued her academic interests at Rhode Island College, earning a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, before taking a hands-on approach to animal care through roles at her local zoo and a nearby small animal practice. These formative experiences solidified her commitment to the field.
Dr. Cesar continued her education at Tufts University, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the prestigious Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Eager to refine her skills, she undertook a rigorous internship at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment & Specialties in Walpole, MA, where she received advanced training in emergency medicine.
Upon completing the program in 2020, she discovered her deep passion for emergency veterinary care and joined the dedicated team at Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Cesar enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking and traveling. She is an avid reader and enjoys binge-watching Netflix series.
A true food enthusiast, Dr. Cesar loves exploring new cuisines around the world and cherishing moments with her family. She shares her life with her husband, James, their two dogs, Maggie and Gracie, and their cats, Mosque and Penelope. Together, they enjoy making memories and sharing snacks, creating a fulfilling and joyful life.
Dr. Sheela Kerr, DVM
DVM
A Massachusetts native, Dr. Sheela Kerr always wanted to be a veterinarian. She grew up always seeming to find the stray cat to bring home and pet sitting for all the neighborhood animals.
After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, she moved to Indiana, where she studied veterinary medicine at Purdue University. Upon earning her DVM degree in 2005, she moved back to Massachusetts.
Dr. Kerr has been working in small animal medicine ever since. Previously, she has been employed at various general practices in Central Massachusetts. While she enjoyed the relationship developed with both clients and patients, she decided to join Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center and switch from preventative medicine to urgent care.
Dr. Kerr enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and spending time with her family outside of work. She and her husband abide by the law of twos—two dogs, two cats, two kids—to keep their lives crazy yet manageable.
Dr. Christian J. D'Orazio, DVM
DVM
As one of the founding members of Westford Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center, Dr. Chris has been part of the Westford team since 2012. Before earning his degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, he was an ER/ICU veterinary technician in emergency hospitals throughout New England.
Following his clinical year at the University of Missouri Veterinary Teaching Hospital, he returned to New England to work in emergency hospitals as an emergency clinician and surgeon.
Dr. Chris lives on a local horse farm with his wife and family. Together, they have many horses, dogs, goats, and cats. An avid outdoorsman and mariner, he enjoys hiking local trails, is a certified scuba diver, and holds a United States Coast Guard captain license.
Dr. Jenny Palmer, Physical Rehabilitation Veterinarian
Physical Rehabilitation Veterinarian
Dr. Jenny Palmer, a Physical Rehabilitation Veterinarian with 13 years of experience, earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
She takes great pride in fostering close relationships with both her patients and clients, ensuring that they feel supported throughout the recovery process, whether for short- or long-term physical rehabilitation.
Dr. Palmer enjoys making the journey of recovery easier by addressing challenges and making at-home adjustments for her patients. In her free time, she loves spending quality moments with her family, walking around the lake near their home, cheering on the Celtics, and getting lost in a good book.
Dr. Rachel Duffany, Director of Emergency Services, Emergency Veterinarian
Director of Emergency Services, Emergency Veterinarian
Dr. Rachel Duffany, with 10 years of veterinary experience, attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
She prides herself on delivering excellent patient care and fostering clear communication with clients. Her goal is to ensure pet owners fully understand their pets’ conditions and have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about their care.
Outside of work, Dr. Duffany enjoys reading, hiking with her dogs (two German Shepherds and two pit bull mixes), traveling, and embracing the busy role of a toddler’s personal assistant.
Dr. Mallory Watson, DACVS
DACVS
Dr. Mallory Watson has been practicing veterinary medicine for 8 years, having earned her degree from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
She finds great fulfillment in offering pet owners the chance to improve their pets’ well-being, whether through fixing a broken leg or safely removing an ingested sock. The joy of seeing pets recover quickly after surgery is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Watson enjoys hot yoga, skiing, and hiking with her dog, husband, and baby boy, balancing her passion for animals with her love of the outdoors.
Dr. Kathryn Weiss, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Lauren Wilmarth, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Dr. Lauren Wilmarth has been practicing veterinary medicine for 8 years. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut before earning her veterinary degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Wilmarth is known for her thoroughness, excellent communication skills, and deep empathy toward both her patients and their owners. She is committed to providing the highest level of care while ensuring that her clients are well-informed about their pets’ conditions.
Outside of work, Dr. Wilmarth enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets—her Golden Retriever, Chewbacca, and her cat, Mittens. She also enjoys exploring local coffee shops and staying active, and she occasionally assists in the operating room alongside her husband, an equine surgeon.
Dr. Leah Young, DVM
DVM
Dr. Leah (Ferguson) Young, DVM, MS, DACVIM, was born and raised in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Animal Science in 2006 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Purdue University in 2010, where she was awarded the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) award for proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery.
Upon graduation from veterinary school, she performed a rotating internship at VCA South Shore Weymouth, followed by a one-year internship focused on emergency and critical care medicine at Massachusetts Veterinary Hospital in Woburn, MA.
After her internships, she moved west to pursue a three-year residency in small animal internal medicine at Colorado State University. She completed her residency and obtained a Masters in 2015.
She practiced in Cleveland, OH, from 2015 until 2022 before moving to MA to be closer to family. She has many professional interests but is especially interested in immune-mediated disease, gastrointestinal disease, endocrinology, and urinary disease.
When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and eating good food.
Dr. Elissabeth Mae Roumanis, Cardiologist, VMD
Cardiologist, VMD
Dr. Elissabeth Mae Roumanis, VMD, has been practicing veterinary medicine for 46 years, with a special focus on cardiology. She completed her undergraduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Roumanis began her cardiology training as a first-year veterinary student, working at a congenital heart disease study unit. She had the privilege of learning from Dr. Donald Patterson, a pioneer in veterinary cardiology who helped uncover the genetics of heart disease in dogs, a condition strikingly similar to that seen in humans.
Her training involved performing selective and non-selective cardiac catheterizations on affected puppies, closely monitoring their health and the progression of their heart murmurs—often at heart rates near 300 beats per minute in neonates.
By her third year, Dr. Roumanis had gained enough expertise to be sought out by interns for cardiac consultations. Her lifelong affinity for animals, especially dogs, led her to take great pride in helping patients live longer, more comfortable lives.
She consistently works toward extending their quality of life, often by 4 to 5 years, with the proper cardiac care. Her clients regularly express their appreciation, with many wishing their own human cardiologists communicated as clearly and effectively as she does for their pets.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Roumanis enjoys inventive problem-solving around the home, riding her warmblood horse, “Nomar” (a 16.2-hand mix of Clydesdale and Thoroughbred), and practicing Tang Soo Do, a Korean form of karate in which she holds a 5th-degree black belt. While she once enjoyed skiing, she now prefers less vigorous activities due to the natural passage of time.
Dr. Cindy Cesar, DVM
DVM
Dr. Cindy Cesar is a compassionate and dedicated emergency veterinarian with a lifelong passion for animal care. Raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Cesar knew from a young age that veterinary medicine was her calling.
She pursued her academic interests at Rhode Island College, earning a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, before taking a hands-on approach to animal care through roles at her local zoo and a nearby small animal practice. These formative experiences solidified her commitment to the field.
Dr. Cesar continued her education at Tufts University, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the prestigious Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Eager to refine her skills, she undertook a rigorous internship at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment & Specialties in Walpole, MA, where she received advanced training in emergency medicine.
Upon completing the program in 2020, she discovered her deep passion for emergency veterinary care and joined the dedicated team at Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Cesar enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking and traveling. She is an avid reader and enjoys binge-watching Netflix series.
A true food enthusiast, Dr. Cesar loves exploring new cuisines around the world and cherishing moments with her family. She shares her life with her husband, James, their two dogs, Maggie and Gracie, and their cats, Mosque and Penelope. Together, they enjoy making memories and sharing snacks, creating a fulfilling and joyful life.
Dr. Sheela Kerr, DVM
DVM
A Massachusetts native, Dr. Sheela Kerr always wanted to be a veterinarian. She grew up always seeming to find the stray cat to bring home and pet sitting for all the neighborhood animals.
After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, she moved to Indiana, where she studied veterinary medicine at Purdue University. Upon earning her DVM degree in 2005, she moved back to Massachusetts.
Dr. Kerr has been working in small animal medicine ever since. Previously, she has been employed at various general practices in Central Massachusetts. While she enjoyed the relationship developed with both clients and patients, she decided to join Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center and switch from preventative medicine to urgent care.
Dr. Kerr enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and spending time with her family outside of work. She and her husband abide by the law of twos—two dogs, two cats, two kids—to keep their lives crazy yet manageable.
Dr. Christian J. D'Orazio, DVM
DVM
As one of the founding members of Westford Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center, Dr. Chris has been part of the Westford team since 2012. Before earning his degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, he was an ER/ICU veterinary technician in emergency hospitals throughout New England.
Following his clinical year at the University of Missouri Veterinary Teaching Hospital, he returned to New England to work in emergency hospitals as an emergency clinician and surgeon.
Dr. Chris lives on a local horse farm with his wife and family. Together, they have many horses, dogs, goats, and cats. An avid outdoorsman and mariner, he enjoys hiking local trails, is a certified scuba diver, and holds a United States Coast Guard captain license.
Dr. Maura Carney, DVM (Internal Medicine), Director of Specialty Services
DVM (Internal Medicine), Director of Specialty Services
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Amanda Crawford, DVM, DACVAA, Director of Specialty Services
DVM, DACVAA, Director of Specialty Services
Dr. Amanda Crawford, DVM, DACVAA, serves as the Director of Specialty Services at Westford Veterinary. She earned her DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 2015.
Following graduation, Dr. Crawford completed a Small Animal Internship at Tufts University and a Zoological Medicine and Surgery Internship at Colorado State University and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where she developed an interest in anesthetic management for exotic species.
After a year in emergency practice, she pursued an Anesthesia Internship at the University of Pennsylvania and later completed her Anesthesia and Pain Management Residency at Tufts University in 2022. Dr. Crawford became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2023.
Her professional interests include critical care anesthesia, ultrasound-guided local anesthetic techniques, and pain management, especially for chronic conditions, to enhance her patient’s quality of life.
Her primary goal is to provide compassionate and high-quality anesthetic care to all animals in her care. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Crawford enjoys hiking, baking intricate desserts, and spending time with her husband, young daughter, their dog, cats, and snakes.
Dr. Ashley Hegler, DVM, DACVIM
DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Ashley Hegler, DVM, DACVIM, was born and raised in Miami, FL. She graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Biology and Psychology in 2011 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Upon graduation from veterinary school, she performed a rotating internship in CT at VCA VREC and Shoreline. Dr. Hegler completed her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Louisiana State University and became board-certified in 2019. Dr. Hegler returned back to CT, working in specialty private practice from 2019 until 2023 before moving to MA to be closer to friends and family.
Dr. Hegler’s professional interests include infectious disease, immune-mediated disease, gastrointestinal disease, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, endocrinology, hepatobiliary disease, and urinary disease.
When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and getting lost in a really great book.
Dr. Bruno Massat, DVM, DACVS, DACVSR, CCRP
DVM, DACVS, DACVSR, CCRP
With 37 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Bruno Massat brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to his role at Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center. A proud graduate of the University of California, Davis, where he completed his residency, Dr. Massat has honed his skills in a range of advanced veterinary practices.
Dr. Massat takes immense pride in meticulously planning and executing every surgical procedure, ensuring the highest standard of care for each patient. His approach reflects his unwavering commitment to precision, compassion, and the well-being of the pets entrusted to his care.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Massat enjoys the thrill of riding his Kawasaki, embracing the open road as a way to recharge and find balance.
Dr. Jenny Palmer, Physical Rehabilitation Veterinarian
Physical Rehabilitation Veterinarian
Dr. Jenny Palmer, a Physical Rehabilitation Veterinarian with 13 years of experience, earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
She takes great pride in fostering close relationships with both her patients and clients, ensuring that they feel supported throughout the recovery process, whether for short- or long-term physical rehabilitation.
Dr. Palmer enjoys making the journey of recovery easier by addressing challenges and making at-home adjustments for her patients. In her free time, she loves spending quality moments with her family, walking around the lake near their home, cheering on the Celtics, and getting lost in a good book.
Dr. Rachel Duffany, Director of Emergency Services, Emergency Veterinarian
Director of Emergency Services, Emergency Veterinarian
Dr. Rachel Duffany, with 10 years of veterinary experience, attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
She prides herself on delivering excellent patient care and fostering clear communication with clients. Her goal is to ensure pet owners fully understand their pets’ conditions and have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about their care.
Outside of work, Dr. Duffany enjoys reading, hiking with her dogs (two German Shepherds and two pit bull mixes), traveling, and embracing the busy role of a toddler’s personal assistant.