Meet Our Team
Dr. Heather Albino
DVM
Heather Albino, DVM, graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. She attained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada in 2011.
Dr. Albino brings over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field, starting as a veterinary technician and then as a veterinarian working in both small animal General Practice and Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Albino enjoys helping clients with their pets during all stages of health and sickness, from birth to end of life.
She has worked in programs in South Africa, assisting in improving the genetic diversity of wildlife, including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and rhinoceros. While living in Indiana she worked volunteering at a local horse farm, participating in equine care and competing under Western and English saddle.
When not at the clinic, some of her favorite pastimes are horseback riding, tennis, gardening, and nature hikes with family, friends, and her beloved Australian Labradoodle.
Dr. Emily Berman
DVM
Dr. Emily Berman joined our veterinary team in 2023. Dr. Berman grew up in Connecticut on a small hobby farm. She graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Animal Science. She received her D.V.M. from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 2019. She grew up riding horses and always had an interest in veterinary medicine and decided to pursue equine medicine during her fourth year in veterinary school. Dr. Berman also loves to work with small animals as well! Dr. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her puppy and three cats, trail riding, reading, and cooking new and interesting recipes.
Dr. Brian Lang
DVM
Dr. Brian Lang grew up in the small beach town of Satellite Beach, Florida, with a deep love for wildlife and a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. Initially drawn to wildlife biology, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science at Clemson University, graduating in 2012. He then completed his veterinary training at the University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland, in 2016.
Dr. Lang spent three years as an associate veterinarian before stepping into a leadership role as Lead Veterinarian at a busy small animal practice in Branford in 2019. There, he successfully led a growing team, cultivated a strong client base, and helped the hospital thrive in an evolving veterinary landscape. Now, he is excited to bring his experience and leadership to CareVet of Shoreline where he will play a key role in guiding the hospital’s expansion and ensuring the highest standards of patient care.
With a strong interest in veterinary dentistry, Dr. Lang has completed advanced training at the Animal Dental Training Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He offers comprehensive oral health assessments and treatments, including full-mouth radiographs, extractions, and advanced periodontal procedures. In addition to dentistry, he has extensive surgical experience, performing procedures such as mass removals, cystotomies, and reconstructive surgeries, as well as advanced diagnostics like point-of-care ultrasound and video otoscopy.
Dr. Lang has been consulted on and featured multiple times on WFSB Channel 3 and WTNH Channel 8 for his veterinary expertise.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Lang is an avid wildlife photographer and birder, having previously contributed to a blog on the subject. He has a lifelong passion for collecting animal bones and skulls, enjoys creating watercolor and ink artwork, and has recently developed a strong interest in dog training, inspired by raising his Australian Shepherd puppy.
Dr. Lang lives in Guilford with his wife, two sons, two dogs, and a cat.
Dr. Kevin Puzycki
DVM
A Connecticut native from North Haven, Dr. Puzycki earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from St. George’s University in 2019. After 7 years of practicing in New Orleans, he returned home to CT last year to continue his career.
Dr. Puzycki brings with him a strong passion for dermatology, ophthalmology, and emergency medicine, and he is dedicated to providing thoughtful, compassionate care for every patient he meets. He views veterinary medicine as more than just treating pets — it’s about building trusting, lasting relationships with families and working side by side with a supportive team.
When he isn’t caring for patients, Dr. Puzycki enjoys spending time with his two beloved dogs, Azah and Bianca, and being surrounded by family and friends.
Dr. Margaret Valentino
DVM, MPH, CVA, CVFT
Dr. Valentino was born and raised on Long Island. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Delaware with a bachelors degree in animal science, pre-vet concentration. During college, Dr. Valentino joined the US Army Reserves as a Civil Affairs Specialist and was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait for just over six months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom. While in the desert, she completed her application interviews to vet school via satellite phone and began her veterinary education at the University of Minnesota soon after being released from active duty. Having an interest in public health, and particularly infectious disease and population medicine, Dr. Valentino worked concurrently on a masters degree in public health while in veterinary school, completing it one year after she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota in 2007. Having accepted the Health Professions Scholarship from the US Army to help pay for veterinary school, Dr. Valentino started her active duty service obligation as a military veterinarian at Fort McPherson, in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2008.
Between graduating from veterinary school and starting as a Veterinary Corps Captain, Dr. Valentino completed a year-long internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists where she developed a passion for high quality medicine. Having met her husband in Georgia during her time at Fort McPherson, Dr. Valentino stayed in the Atlanta area, working at a variety of small animal clinics, balancing life with two small children. Looking for more options to help aging patients, she became interested in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to help heal and bring better quality of life, particularly when western medicines do not seem quite enough. She finished her course work for a Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2018 at the Chi Institute in Florida and is constantly continuing to advance her understanding of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and western medicine to help more animals live happier, healthier lives for longer. She moved back to the Northeast a few years ago to be closer to her parents, and is looking forward to continue practicing veterinary medicine with an integrated approach that uses the best of both eastern and western medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Valentino enjoys taking day trips with her kids, especially to the beach, and walking their dog Max around the neighborhood. Aside from Mr. Max and human children, Dr. Valentino shares life with two guinea pigs, an orphaned sparrow, and an assortment of little fish.
Amanda Bickford
Hospital Manager
Amanda is a Veterinary Hospital Manager with a deep-rooted passion for animals and a steadfast commitment to excellence in patient care. With years of hands-on leadership in veterinary settings, she brings compassion, organization, and a drive for continuous improvement to every aspect of hospital operations. Dedicated to creating a supportive environment for both staff and clients, she strives every day to make her hospital not just good—but truly amazing. When she’s not at work, she loves spending time on her farm with her family and beloved pets. A devoted animal advocate, she is also actively involved in rescue work, continuing her mission to help animals live healthier, happier lives—both in and out of the hospital.
Christie
Christie has worked in the veterinary field since 1998, and she has been a team member at CareVet of Shoreline since 2003! She became certified as a Veterinary Technician in 2007. She has a dog named Fozzi, and a cat named Pakora. She recently started her own business handcrafting wire sculptures and jewelry, and in her spare time helps run a non-profit organization to benefit Veterans.
Robin
Robin has worked at SAH since 2005. She currently works as a receptionist as well as doing accounting and office work. Robin grew up with a variety of animals including horses, cats, dogs, and chickens. She has a passion for helping both people and animals, and has worked in the veterinary field for almost 20 years. She resides in Higganum with her husband and her 6 chickens. She has 2 adult children, 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson.
Blair
Blair joined the SAH family in 2019. She graduated from Mount Ida College with an associates degree in veterinary technology in 2018 and was later certified by the Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association (CTVTA). Blair grew up in Haddam with a variety of animals including dogs, Guinea pigs, geckos, and chickens. Blair has always had a passion for animals and nature. Spending her free time hiking, running, swimming, biking, on trail rides, or spending time with friends and family. She currently has a flock of hens, a black lab named Aubrey and German Shepherd Dog named Mack.
