Our Assistants

Maria Strong
​Senior Veterinary Assistant

Maria has been with us since 1996. She graduated from the UNH Thompson School with a Degree in Applied Animal Science. Maria is a life-long resident of the Seacoast and is the mother of two daughters, her Labrador Retriever, Nike and her cat, Tubby. Maria's extensive list of responsibilities includes direct patient care, supervision of assistants and interns, and performing quality assurance checks on our medical equipment and facility. 

Elise McDonough

Elise is from Greenland, NH and is studying biomedical science at UNH. She will graduate with the class of 2018 and hopes to continue her education in vet school . She loves working with dogs, cats, horses, and exotics. She lives with her beloved cat, Boots, and rabbit, Bubbles. In the future she wants to work in a mixed practice with a variety of animals. She is excited to be a part of the SNVH staff and have the opportunity to gain more small animal medical experience!

Carolyn Piche

Carolyn is from Ware, Massachusetts and will graduate from UNH in 2019 with a B.S. in Biomedical Science. After a planned gap year to further her experience and travel, Carolyn plans to continue her education in Veterinary School. She has a passion for all animals, and a special spot in her heart for her golden retriever, Tuukka. She has experience with dogs, cats, and cows and can’t wait to start this new journey with the SNVH family!

Melanie Belanger

Melanie Belanger is a lifelong seacoast resident who joined the team in 2017. She currently attends Exeter High School and the Seacoast School of Technology where she takes Animal and Plant Science. After graduating both schools in 2018, she will continue her education on the path to becoming a veterinarian. Melanie loves all animals and has worked closely with cats (including her current six), rodents, rabbits, lizards, and dogs. She is extremely thankful for the wonderful opportunity of working with this experienced team. ​
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Box of Jo

Josie!

Josie started at SNVH in 2011. She came to us after being found as a kitten in a colony of stray cats. She enjoys being an only child. Her favorite hobby is being in the way. Her special interests are sitting on keyboards, sleeping in empty boxes, watching birds at the feeder and getting treats.