Meet the Team
Meg Ciaccio Brooker, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Margaret Ciaccio Brooker graduated from the University of Vermont before completing her veterinary degree at Tufts Veterinary School in 1992.
Meg owned her own clinic in Old Forge, New York, where she had the opportunity to treat many different animals, from cats and dogs to cows, horses, and wildlife. After returning to her hometown in Rochester, New York, to be near family, she joined Canfield Vet as an associate veterinarian in 2000. In 2010, Meg became the Canfield Vet owner.
Meg shares her home with daughters Kate and Gretchen, Coco an Australian shepherd, and Sage a yellow Labrador retriever. She enjoys spending time at her family’s camp in the Adirondacks skiing and hiking.
Years in Practice: 26
Education: University of Vermont, Tufts Veterinary
Barry Brown, VMD
Veterinarian Emeritus
Dr. Brown grew up in Trenton, New Jersey. He graduated first in his class from Trenton Central High, received a B.S. with honors from Rutgers University and his veterinary degree (VMD) with high honors from the University of Pennsylvania.
He received a post graduate certificate of small animal internship from Cornell University. Barry was a staff member and managing partner at the Animal Hospital of Pittsford for 22 years before opening Canfield Vet in 1995. Barry’s distinguished veterinary career ended when he retired in February 2014.
Years in Practice: 45
Education: Rutgers University, University of Pennsylvania
Ann Hill, DVM, DABVP
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Ann Hill was born and raised in Rochester, New York, and attended Fordham University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. She then pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee.
Ann’s passion for animals started at a young age, and she knew from the age of seven that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Her first pet was a rabbit, and her second pet was a malnourished and abused stray dog. She was determined to end all animal suffering, which is what ultimately led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Ann knew that she was in the right profession during her third year of veterinary school when clinical subjects were introduced. She found the field of veterinary medicine to be fascinating and exciting, and she knew that this was the career path she was meant to follow.
As a veterinarian, Ann is certified by The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners as a Diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice. She has recertified every 10 years and is committed to practicing with the highest standards of care and continuing education. Ann has served on the board of the Buffalo Academy of Veterinary Medicine and was the Continuing Education Chair for the Genesee Valley Veterinary Medical Association. She also formulated a curriculum and taught classes at Medaille College’s Veterinary Technician program. Additionally, she is an Expert Witness for the New York State Office of Professional Discipline.
Outside of work, Ann enjoys spending time with her husband Andre, daughter Angelica, and future son-in-law Giorgio. She is an avid yoga practitioner, enjoys walking, watching movies, reading, and traveling in Europe.
Years in Practice: 21
Education: University of Tennessee
Katie Zink, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Zink is an Associate Veterinarian, who has been at Canfield for the past 7 years. She grew up in Pittsford and attended Syracuse University, where she earned a B.S. in biology and science education. She went on to earn her DVM degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Zink has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 5 years old. She has a deep passion for working with animals and helping them live their best lives possible. Dr. Zink has served as the President, Ethics Chair, and Treasurer for the Genessee Valley Veterinary Medical Society as well as a board member.
Outside of work, Dr. Zink enjoys spending time with her husband Bill, their two children, their Boston Terrier, Bailey, and their black and white cat, Oreo. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, hiking, biking, and camping.
Years in Practice: 12
Education: Syracuse University, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Cara Hoefen, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Cara Hoefen back to the Canfield Vet team!
Dr. Hoefen first joined Canfield in 2019 as an assistant technician while completing her Bachelor of Science degree at Ithaca College. After graduating from Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2025, she is excited to return to Canfield as a full-time veterinarian. She looks forward to continuing Canfield’s mission of providing the highest quality care to our clients and their beloved pets.
Originally from Rochester, Dr. Hoefen grew up with two dogs and always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Outside of work, she is a passionate sports fan. A three-season athlete herself, she avidly follows the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers. She also enjoys reading, going to the movies, and discovering new TV shows. Thrillers are her favorite, though she always appreciates an occasional comedy!
We couldn’t be happier to have Dr. Cara Hoefen back with us at Canfield Vet. Please join us in welcoming her back to the team!
Jennifer
Practice Manager
Jennifer brings more than 25 years in healthcare leadership to her role as Practice Manager at Canfield Vet. Since transitioning into veterinary management in 2021, she has combined her passion for animals with her dedication to supporting teams and helping families feel welcome and cared for.
Jennifer enjoys getting to know clients and their pets and working alongside the Canfield team to create a positive, compassionate experience at every visit. Her involvement in animal rescue and fostering has given her a special appreciation for the bond between pets and their families.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, their three daughters, and her future son-in-law. Her family also includes three cats and her fox-red Labrador, Haven Mae, who keeps life busy and fun.
Michelle Proctor
Head Veterinary Technician
Michelle is a Head Veterinary Technician at Canfield Veterinary Hospital. Her lifelong passion for animals began during her involvement in Pony Club and horseback riding while growing up in the Finger Lakes area. After graduating from SUNY Delhi in 2009 with an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology, Michelle joined Canfield Veterinary Hospital, where she embarked on her professional career.
Michelle’s love for animals has been a lifelong calling, starting from her early years in primary school. She cherishes the opportunity to support animals through illness and witness their successful recovery, bringing immeasurable joy. Beyond her work, Michelle enjoys gardening, snowmobiling, motorcycle riding, traveling, and swimming in her pool. She shares her home with her boyfriend, two cherished cats (Mo and Aurora), and a lively fur family of four dogs: Huck, a Border Terrier, Norman, a Golden Retriever, and the mischievous Weimaraners, Buttercup and Jasmine.
Bre Hyman
Veterinary Technician
Bre is from Newark NY, went to Medaille College in Buffalo majored in veterinary technician & joined the team several years ago! Growing up on a farm, Bre has always had a strong love for animals. “I am able to give them the compassion and care they need to live a long and healthy life”.
Outside of work, Bre has pet cows and a cat named Mia. During her free time, Bre enjoys hanging out with friends, family and playing soccer!
Kelly Licata
Veterinary Technician
Kelly, a licensed veterinary technician on our team, has always had a passion for science and animals. Her journey in the veterinary industry began with her educational background, which includes graduating from Livonia High School and pursuing her love for veterinary science at SUNY Delhi.
Kelly knew she was in the right profession when she started building strong relationships with families and their beloved pets. Watching puppies and kittens grow has been an exciting and rewarding aspect of her career.
In addition to her work, Kelly is a dedicated family person. She is happily married with three children and shares her home with numerous poodles, fish tanks, and chickens. Her love for swimming, boating, and reading books keeps her busy outside of work. Kelly and her family also find fulfillment in serving their local community through their involvement with a local church.
Melissa Panzarella
Veterinary Technician
Melissa Panzarella is a dedicated Vet Tech at Canfield Veterinary, a renowned veterinary practice where she has been an integral part of the team since 2015. Having started as an assistant, Melissa’s commitment to providing exceptional care for animals has propelled her to her current position.
Originally from the east side of Rochester, Melissa’s passion for animals led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She obtained her tech degree from Medaille College in 2018, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to excel in her field. Melissa’s close proximity to Canfield Veterinary made it a natural choice for her to contribute her expertise to the local community.
Melissa’s decision to work in the veterinary industry stems from her deep-seated desire to care for and assist animals and their human counterparts. She finds fulfillment in combining her love for science and medicine with her unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of animals. Melissa’s favorite aspect of working with animals is witnessing the positive impact she can make in their lives through compassionate care.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Melissa cherishes her time spent with her three sons and two dogs. She embraces an active lifestyle, often engaging in running or hiking adventures with her energetic puppy amidst the serene beauty of the woods. Melissa’s love for animals extends beyond her work, permeating her personal life and bringing joy and fulfillment to each day.
Logan
Veterinary Technician
Originally from Liverpool, NY, she moved to Rochester in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from SUNY Geneseo and earned her associate degree in veterinary technology from Medaille College in 2020.
Growing up with dogs and cats sparked her lifelong love of animals, and she always knew she wanted a career caring for them. She is grateful to have found such rewarding work and enjoys making a difference in the lives of pets and their families.
Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their son, Landon. Her family also includes two beloved cats, Sookie and Emma.
Sarah Herrmann
Receptionist
Sarah received her A.S. in Environmental Studies from Finger Lakes Community College in 2018, and her B.S. in Conservation Biology from SUNY ESF in 2020. Sarah’s passion for animals and desire to help better the planet led her to work in the veterinary industry. She loves working with animals and being part of a team that cares for each patient to the best of their abilities.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys collecting stuffed animals and dolls, thrift shopping, and spending time with her two cats, Charlie and Katie.
Arianna
Receptionist
Animals have been a lifelong passion of mine. From a young age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for animals and making a difference in their lives. Growing up, I was always drawn to helping animals in need, and my love for them ultimately inspired me to pursue my education and work toward becoming a Veterinary Technician.
Outside of work, I am a proud cat mom to my beloved cats, who bring so much joy to my life. I also enjoy dog sitting, which allows me to spend even more time caring for and connecting with animals.
I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career that has been a dream of mine since childhood. I look forward to continuing to expand my knowledge, develop my skills, and grow within the veterinary field. My goal is to provide compassionate care and make a positive difference in the lives of the animals and families we serve. For me, working with animals is more than a career; it is a lifelong passion and commitment.
Kathryn
Animal Care Assistant
Joining Canfield Vet in September 2024, I bring over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field, having worked in numerous hospitals throughout Massachusetts, Arizona, and New York. Animals have always been my passion, and I feel incredibly fortunate and proud to have turned that passion into a lifelong career. Caring for animals and being part of their lives is something I truly love.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son, my Frenchie, and my five cats. My love for animals extends well beyond the workplace, making veterinary medicine not just my career, but a true passion! lifestyle, often engaging in running or hiking adventures with her energetic puppy amidst the serene beauty of the woods. Melissa’s love for animals extends beyond her work, permeating her personal life and bringing joy and fulfillment to each day.
