Hospital Staff
Our Hospital Veterinary Team
At Adorable Pets Veterinary Center, our caring staff takes pride in taking the time necessary to give skilled treatment by utilizing cutting-edge tools, drugs, and techniques. We handle your dogs with dependable skills and sensitive, compassionate touch, just as if they were our own pets.
Dr. Joseph Shrack
Dr. Shrack grew up in Western Connecticut but moved to Virginia for a brief period of time before heading back to Eastern Shore. He attended UCONN, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. When he was ready for the next challenge, Dr. Shrack went to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine for a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Shrack has a 17-year-old cat named Willow, and in his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling the world, and cycling.
Dr. Kate Amara
Veterinarian
Dr. Kate Amara graduated from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in May of 2024. She is thrilled to be joining Adorable Pets Veterinary Center in July. She grew up in Chester, CT and her family still resides there. She went to UConn for her undergraduate degree earing a Bachelor of Science in 2020 with a major in Animal Science. At Tufts she has been a very active member on campus and dedicated student. She was an anatomy teaching assistant, biochemistry tutor, campus ambassador, social chair of her class, and started the holistic/integrative medicine club. She has an interest in integrative medicine and is looking to be acupuncture certified in the future. She is excited to move back to Connecticut with her boyfriend, Mike. During her free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and family. She has always wanted to be a veterinarian and is very excited for her future career!
Suzanne Banks
Practice Manager & Certified Veterinary Technician
Sue graduated from Becker College with an Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology. In 2006 she was recertified in veterinary technology through the AVMA. Sue is a mother of 2 very rambunctious boys. They spend a lot of time participating in TaeKwonDo and soccer. In the summer, they can always be found at the Waterford Speed Bowl. Sue met Dr. Bernie in Orlando, FL during a veterinary conference.
Wendy Abrams
Client Liaison and Certified Veterinary Assistant
Wendy completed her Veterinary Assistant training at Middlesex Community College in 2012. Prior to pursuing her interest in the Veterinary field, Wendy managed the Creative Department at Ogilvy & Mather in New York City. Wendy holds a BA in Sociology from Goucher College. As a caring and committed Client Liaison and Veterinary Assistant, Wendy enjoys working with clients and their “adorable pets” in an environment focused on providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art integrative medicine. Outside of work, she can be found baking, canoeing, scuba diving, and playing with her spirited Goldendoodle named Gracie.
Kate Simshauer
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Kate came to East Haddam 12 years ago from New York. At that time she began working as a Realtor in the Shoreline area. Animals have always been Kate’s first love though and the transition to the Veterinary field was only natural. She couldn’t be happier for the opportunity to build a career in the health and wellness of animals with the help of such experienced professionals like Dr. Bernie and the rest of the staff at Adorable Pets. When she’s not at the clinic Kate enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family which includes two much-loved pets.
Heather Trotochaud
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Heather completed the Veterinary Assistant Program at Middlesex Community College in 2012. After four years she decided to try another profession with animals to gain extra skills and went to Connecticut K-9 Education Center in 2016 and completed the grooming course. She worked at New Inn Kennels for four years as a groomer as well as taking some veterinary technician classes at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. She wanted to come back to the animal science profession and came to work at Adorable Pets Veterinary Center. In her spare time Heather enjoys going hiking, spending time with her family, going out with friends, and of course, spending time with her dog Benjamin.
Dylan Barillaro
Veterinary Assistant
In May 2024, as a Junior in the Veterinary Science Program at Vinal Technical High School, Dylan achieved his Level 1 Veterinary Assistant Certification. His passion for aiding animals unable to help themselves led him to enroll in the program. Dylan plans to become a certified veterinary technician and potentially attend veterinary school. In his free time, he enjoys camping, quality time with his family, socializing with friends, and spending time with his dog and two cats.