Kimberly M. Stanz, DVM, DACVO
Board Certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology
Kimberly Mary Stanz is a native Buffalonian who graduated from the Sweet Home High School district. She attended and graduated from Canisius College in 1987 with her undergraduate degree (BA) and then went on to Cornell University where she graduated first in her class, receiving her degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
Dr. Stanz then went on to complete a small animal internship at Auburn University followed by a 3-year residency in comparative veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1995 she became Board Certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology and returned to Buffalo to practice her specialty. In 2000 she started her own practice (Animal Eye Care of Western New York, PC) the first and only practice in Western New York specifically dedicated to the care of the eyes of animals. In October 2003 she built a new home for her practice located in Lancaster.
In 1999, she married Bob and they share their home with lots of cats (Frappacino, Bucko, Scrunch, Asti, Iris, Bert, Ruby, Venti, Tang, Tazo, Pinkie, Catco and a stray that adopted her).
She loves artwork and art festivals, (or just shopping in general), snowmobiling with Bob and friends, and she enjoys wine tasting in the Finger Lakes. Both Dr. Stanz and Bob love animals, in general, and enjoy rescuing cats! Our community is very honored to have her settle here in Western New York where she has helped many of our beloved pets with their eye problems. She truly is a pet’s best friend and advocate; Dr. Stanz treats each and every patient like it is one of her own, and with the greatest compassion (lots of treats), respect, and love.
Dr. Melanie Mineo, DVM, DACVO
Board Certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology
Dr. Melanie Mineo is a native of Western New York. She graduated from D’Youville College in Buffalo with a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Biology in 1991 and then attended Purdue University, receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1996.
She went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at Newark Animal Hospital/Delaware Veterinary Specialty Group in 1997. She remained on staff there practicing both general and emergency medicine, acted as liaison to the subsequent intern classes, and began to pursue informal training in ophthalmology.
In 2001, she moved to Florida to begin a veterinary ophthalmology internship position, which culminated in the completion of an ACVO approved ophthalmology residency in 2005. Her residency program was unique in that she not only studied with her primary mentor in a private clinical setting, but also trained in multiple academic and research environments as well. This training included rotations at such places as North Carolina State University, University of Georgia, University of Florida and Merck Laboratories.
Dr. Mineo has also studied at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC. There she pursued further education in comparative ophthalmic pathology and also had the opportunity to attend the University of South Florida (USF) house rounds lecture seminars which pertained to human ophthalmology cases.
Throughout her veterinary training Dr. Mineo has been involved with research in the areas of corneal disease, retinal disease and the effects of Bartonellosis on ocular health. Some of these contributions lead to published abstracts and presentations at the ACVO and ARVO annual meetings. She has also lectured at numerous continuing education courses at the local, regional and national level.
She completed the ACVO board certification process in 2008 and returned to New York to join the specialty staff at Upstate Veterinary Specialties. As a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, she was responsible for starting their ophthalmology referral service.
After serving as the primary ophthalmologist in the Capital District area for over three years, she has happily relocated back home to Buffalo to join the staff of Animal Eye Care of Western New York. She is pleased to offer her assistance to you and your pet regarding the medical and surgical management of their ophthalmic ailments. Ocular health and vision is a very important part of everyday life, and we are all pleased be able to help you and your pet in any way we can.
Alex Sweet, LVT
Alex (Licensed Veterinary Technician) joined our staff at Animal Eyecare in October 2007.
When she is not working or pet sitting, you might find Alex playing hockey, gardening, or somewhere out in nature.
She lives with 2 dogs named Hollister and Evelyn, and 4 cats named Benjamin, Eddie, Machrie, and Audrey.
Mary Wrazin, (Front Desk)
Mary (Aunt Mary to the patients) worked in the veterinary field as a receptionist since 1985 and was employed at Animal Eye Care in October 2004. She had the advantage of working with Dr. Stanz before Dr. Stanz began her own practice. Mary is delighted that she can “be there” for her clients, and their pets…. to help them see.
Mary loves Home, Kitties, Family, and Friends.
KITTIES:
“Otto”, “Bean”, “Li Li” “Puppy” “Princess”: all have 2 good eyes!
“Dubinicus”, “Mary” and “Busta-fur”: 3 one-eyed cats
“Lil Chicken” and “Dee Dee”: Both have 2 eyes but they are quite limited
“Cricket”: has no eyes, but he sees better than everyone else!
- “To all our clients and their pets that I have known and loved – I hope you all are well! ” MEOW”
Renea Reed, LVT
Renea Reed (Licensed Veterinary Technician) graduated from Medaille College and received her Associates in Science Degree in 1995. Renea was fortunate to work with Dr .Stanz before and during the creation of Animal Eye Care. She has now returned, and she is excited to renew her love of Ophthalmology.
Renea shares her home with two Pugs: “Winston “(pug genius-pictured), “Gracie Lou Freebush” and two felines, “Montgomery” and “Alley.” Both of her pugs were “rescued” from families who couldn’t pursue surgery to fix melting ulcers on their eyes. Both Winston and Gracie underwent Conjunctival graft surgery to save their eyes and vision. According to the tennis balls, squeak toys and squirrels, they have recovered their sight wonderfully!
Jessica Klukowski
Jessica Klukowski (J.K.) joined Animal Eye Care in 2011. She knew from the time she was three years old that she wanted to work with animals.
In high school she decided to pursue a job in the veterinary field. Her experience employed at a local animal hospital confirmed her desire to be involved with veterinary medicine. She enrolled at SUNY Delhi for courses in Veterinary Science.
While working toward her degree, Jessica was requried to complete externships, one of which she spent at Animal Eye Care. She felt so welcome and enjoyed it so much that she applied for a position as Technician and was hired after she graduated SUNY Delhi!
Jessica currently has five cats: Cleopatra, Hercules, Nefertiti, Aurora and Hera. She also has a Pittbull/Lab named Zena.
Michelle Morawski, Bookkeeper
Michelle currently resides in Depew with her husband, Daniel, and their beloved dog, “Coco.” They have two adult children, Justin and Jamie. After graduating from Depew High School, Michelle attended Erie Community College North Campus and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business.
Michelle spent nearly 23 years working with the same local advertising agency in Western New York. In 2000, she was the recipient of the WNY Professional Communicator’s All Star Award.
She enjoys anything associated with ‘Disney’ and frequently visits Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She dreams of someday retiring and becoming a Walt Disney World cast member there.
Michelle’s other interests include reading books by Nicholas Sparks, traveling, watching movies, baking, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family and friends.