Meet the Team

.Veterinary Education: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Internship: Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Residency: The Ohio State University – Cardiology & Interventional Medicine

Dr. Keith Blass is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and a native of Greenlawn, NY. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University, followed by a year-long internship at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to complete a three-year residency in Cardiology and Interventional Medicine at The Ohio State University.

Before launching his own telecardiology practice in 2014, Dr. Blass practiced in a busy referral hospital in Washington, D.C., gaining extensive experience in diagnosing and managing complex heart conditions in pets. He is also a published author in several leading veterinary journals and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology.

Outside of work, Dr. Blass enjoys playing soccer, running, and strumming on his guitar.

Veterinary Education: Auburn University
Internships: Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center of Westbury
Residency: Washington State University

A Long Island native, Dr. Caroline Hohlman earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 2018. While she once planned a career in dairy medicine, she quickly discovered that 4 a.m. farm calls and coffee deprivation weren’t the right fit. During her final year of veterinary school, she found her true calling in oncology—a specialty that allowed her to combine medical complexity with deep, lasting bonds with patients and their families.

Dr. Hohlman completed a rotating internship at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center of Westbury, followed by an oncology internship at Washington State University. She stayed at WSU to complete her residency in medical oncology and obtain a master’s degree. Now a board-certified specialist, she has returned home to Long Island to be near family and enjoy the coastal life once more.

Her clinical interests include all aspects of oncology, with a particular fascination for histiocytic sarcomas. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Hohlman loves to travel (often with her Black Lab mix, Finn), go for long runs, and tend to her thriving plant collection.

CCRP Education: University of Tennessee

Taking care of animals has always been an important part of Victoria’s life. During high school, she attended a Vocational Veterinary Science program where she had the opportunity to shadow a large rehabilitation department. This formative experience solidified her true calling—to help injured and elderly animals regain mobility and live more comfortable, fulfilling lives.

Victoria began her formal education at the State University of New York at Delhi, where she earned her Degree in Applied Science in May 2007 through the Veterinary Technician program. After graduation, she worked as a Veterinary Technician at a local small animal hospital, deepening her clinical skills and passion for patient care.

In December 2009, Victoria became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee. In 2015, she completed both the university’s Nutritional Case Manager Program and the Osteoarthritis Case Manager Program, further enhancing her ability to support patients’ recovery, mobility, and long-term wellness. From 2008 to early 2016, Victoria directed a large specialty hospital’s rehabilitation department, overseeing daily operations and performing hands-on physical rehabilitation with her patients.

In 2016, Victoria took a major step forward in her career by creating the Rehabilitation Department at Gold Coast, where she currently serves as the Director of Physical Rehabilitation. In this role, she has built a thriving program dedicated to improving the quality of life for countless pets through compassionate, evidence-based care.

A true testament to her dedication, Victoria has opened her heart and home to several handicapped pets who require lifelong physical therapy. Not only does she possess the expertise to help animals in need, but she also understands firsthand the emotional connection between pets and their families.

Outside of work, Victoria enjoys spending time with her husband Eric, their sons Roman and Tristan, and all of their beloved fur babies.

Veterinary Education: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Internship: The Animal Medical Center
Residency: Red Bank Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Ariel Kravitz has deep roots on Long Island. Her early passion for animals began with years of volunteer work at organizations like North Shore Animal League America and the Long Island Riding for the Handicapped Association. Recognized as Humane Teen of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States, Dr. Kravitz had the unique opportunity to assist in surgical MASH clinics on Native American reservations—experiences that sparked her love for veterinary surgery.

After graduating from Great Neck South High School, Dr. Kravitz earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Vanderbilt University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated Phi Zeta, the national veterinary honor society.

Dr. Kravitz completed a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, followed by a three-year residency in small animal surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She has presented at national conferences and authored several research articles in the field of veterinary surgery.

Her clinical interests include all aspects of surgery, with special focus on soft tissue and oncologic procedures. She is certified in PennHIP and VetStem stem cell therapy, and most recently completed training in veterinary acupuncture—an integrative tool she uses to enhance patient recovery, reduce pain, and promote healing.

When not in surgery, Dr. Kravitz enjoys traveling, exploring New York City, and spending time with her family, her cat Millie, Sheltie Emmy, and her beloved dog-nephew Cooper

Education: Cornell University
Internship: The Animal Medical Center (NYC)

Veterinary Education: Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Residency: University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Carol Margolis is a board-certified specialist in small animal reproduction (Theriogenology) and a proud Long Island native, originally from East Setauket. She began her academic journey at SUNY Stony Brook, earning a Bachelor of Science in General Biology in 2008. During her high school and college years, she developed a strong interest in dog breeding and was active in collegiate equestrian competition.

Dr. Margolis earned her veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical year at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. While studying in the West Indies, she was deeply involved in campus and local community life—volunteering at a local zoo, captaining her school’s volleyball team, and enjoying the natural beauty of the island through hiking, camping, and scuba diving with her adopted island dogs.

After graduation in 2012, Dr. Margolis worked in a high-volume small animal practice serving a low-income area of the Bronx. She then completed a prestigious AKC/Theriogenology Foundation–sponsored residency in small animal reproduction at the University of Pennsylvania. She became board certified by the American College of Theriogenologists in 2016.

Following her residency, Dr. Margolis remained at the University of Pennsylvania as a Lecturer in Reproduction, Pediatrics, and Medical Genetics. She trained residents and fourth-year veterinary students in clinical theriogenology while also delivering lectures to third-year veterinary students.

Now, Dr. Margolis is thrilled to return home to Long Island—bringing with her the specialty of small animal reproductive medicine to serve the community where her journey first began.

Education: Auburn University
Internship: University of Missouri
Residency: University of Missouri

Dr. Carissa Norquest is a board-certified veterinary oncologist who is passionate about combining advanced medical care with compassionate, individualized support for pets and their families. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University before completing both her rotating internship and medical oncology residency at the University of Missouri.

During her first year of veterinary school, Dr. Norquest found herself navigating a cancer diagnosis in her own childhood pet. This experience led her to find her calling in oncology as she developed a strong appreciation for client communication and an understanding for the art of guiding families through complex medical decisions. Dr. Norquest’s clinical interests include a personalized approach to chemotherapy, ultrasound-guided diagnostics, and collaborative multimodal cancer care. She is passionate about client education and empowering pet owners to make informed decisions with compassion and confidence.

Although Dr. Norquest resides in Ohio, she has family nearby in Long Island and is excited to support pet parents in the region through both in-person and telehealth oncology consultations. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Norquest enjoys spending time with her husband, two young children, and her horse. She’s an avid gardener and butterfly enthusiast, and can often be found outdoors exploring local trails, tending to her pollinator garden, or starting up new house improvement projects.

Education: State University of New York at Delhi, North Carolina State University

CCAT Education: North Carolina State University

Riley Palmese is a Long Island native, born and raised in Valley Stream. Her passion for animal care began early—she started fostering kittens at just 10 years old and was always surrounded by pets. In high school, she enrolled in a vocational veterinary science program and worked as a veterinary assistant at a local animal hospital.

Riley went on to earn her degree in Applied Science from the State University of New York at Delhi in May 2022, where she was inducted into the National Veterinary Technician Honor Society. After becoming licensed, she worked in small animal general practice before discovering her passion for physical rehabilitation. In April 2024, Riley completed advanced training at North Carolina State University, becoming a Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist (CCAT).

She finds great fulfillment in building personal connections with her patients and helping them regain comfort and mobility.

When she’s not working, Riley enjoys spending time with her family—including her German Shepard, Asiki and three cats.

Veterinary Education: University of Florida
Residency: Florida Veterinary Behavior Service

Dr. Megan Petroff is a Florida native who earned both her undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida, graduating in 2015. Her early dream of treating all species—sparked by the books of James Herriot—quickly gave way to the reality of South Florida heat, steering her toward small animal practice.

For five years, Dr. Petroff worked as a general practitioner in South Florida, where she developed a reputation for compassionate care and feline expertise. In 2019, she received the Young Veterinarian Award from the American Association of Feline Practitioners, recognizing her outstanding dedication to feline medicine. She also became Fear Free Elite Certified, allowing her to create low-stress, positive veterinary experiences for patients and their families.

Her passion for veterinary behavior began during a semester abroad in Costa Rica, where she adopted her beloved dog, Tico. Their shared journey led her to experience the transformative impact of behavioral medicine firsthand. Over time, she realized that cases others avoided—such as litter box issues or canine aggression—were the ones she was most drawn to. In 2019, she began a 3-year clinical residency in behavioral medicine at the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service, which she completed in December 2022.

Outside of work, Dr. Petroff enjoys watercolor painting, surfing, SCUBA diving, and relaxing with her senior dog, Tico—who continues to inspire her practice every day.

Veterinary Education: University of Illinois, 2011
Internship & Residency: The Animal Medical Center (NYC), 2012 & 2015

Dr. Jacqueline Gest-Poulos is a Long Island native who brings exceptional academic and clinical expertise to the Gold Coast team. She earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from New York University, graduating cum laude. In 2011, she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, where she earned Dean’s List honors every semester and graduated as salutatorian.

While in veterinary school, Dr. Gest received numerous academic distinctions, including the Merck Veterinary Manual Award, the Harold Wetterberg Foundation Scholarship, and the First Place Academic Excellence Award. In her final year, she was awarded the prestigious ACVIM Certificate of Clinical Excellence for outstanding clinical performance in internal medicine.

Dr. Gest returned to New York to complete both her internship and a rigorous three-year residency in internal medicine at The Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. Her residency research on anemia in feline chronic kidney disease earned her the Connie Liefer Resident Research Award. She has presented at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum and has delivered continuing education lectures to veterinarians across the country.

Now back on Long Island, Dr. Gest is excited to serve her local community. She lives with her husband, two children, a sweet cat named Neo, and a snuggly pitbull named Princess Buttercup. Outside the clinic, she enjoys marathon running, gardening, and spending time with her family.