Hospital Staff

Dr. Elizabeth L. Shepherd, DVM
Before entering into the field of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Shepherd spent ten years working in a research laboratory at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Dr. Shepherd is a graduate of the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine where she was awarded the proficiency in small animal surgery award. Upon graduation she practiced for several years at the Animal Care Center in Brookline where she met and worked with Dr. Giles. Together they founded the Highland Animal Hospital in 1995. She and her husband have three sons and many pets including two toy poodles, a doberman, a japanese chin and a cockatiel. Dr. Shepherd is a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practioners. In her spare time Dr. Shepherd enjoys sailing, arts and crafts, and photography. BACK TO TOP

Dr. Jeffrey H. Giles, VMD
Dr. Giles’ introduction to veterinary medicine came at an early age. His parents bred golden retrievers for years and Dr. Giles was involved in all aspects of their care. As a college student he worked for the MSPCA on Nantucket spending his summer vacations learning the many different aspects of veterinary medicine. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Giles came to Massachusetts for his postgraduate internship at the MSPCA/Rowley in Springfield. He then decided to make his home in the Boston area.  His pet family includes a golden retriever named Harry, two pugs, a french bulldog, a cat and a goffin cockatoo. Dr. Giles is a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta, the American Animal Hospital Association, the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Ferret Society and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians. Dr. Giles enjoys cooking, gardening, skiing, and golf. BACK TO TOP

Dr. Christopher A. Kennedy, DVM
Dr. Kennedy has an undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Massachusetts. He then spent several years assisting in physiology research at Harvard University, followed by participation in similar research on sled dogs at Cornell University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, with projects taking him to Alaska and Uganda. A member of the school’s class of 2000, he joined our health care team in January of 2001. Dr. Kennedy is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association. When he is not working, Dr. Kennedy enjoys playing soccer, basketball, biking and traveling with friends.
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Dr. William J. Curry Jr., DVM
After serving in the Air Force Dr. Curry began his undergraduate studies in Animal Science at Washington State College. His love for animals took him to Tuskegee University where he completed his undergraduate degree and continued at Tuskegee’s University of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation Dr. Curry came to Needham and worked at the Needham Animal Hospital for three years before purchasing the practice which he ran successfully for 37 years. Since the purchase of Needham Animal Hospital by Highland Animal Hospital in June of 2003, Dr. Curry has become a valuable addition to our staff. He has been a member of the Rotary for the past 35 years and served as Animal Inspector for the town of Needham for over 25 years. BACK TO TOP

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Maggie Murphy, Practice Manager
Maggie graduated from Boston College with a BS in finance. Upon graduation she joined the workforce as a commercial underwriter for the Continental Insurance Co. in Livingston, N.J. After moving to Connecticut, Maggie pursued a career in banking. After several years with Citizen’s Bank as a branch manager, Maggie felt it was time for a career change. Upon moving back to the Boston area she joined our team in January 1997. The four-legged members of her family include three cats and a Maltese named Eddie. BACK TO TOP

Kristof, Senior Technician
Kristof is a graduate of the Academy of Agriculture and Technology, School of Veterinary Medicine in Olsztyn, Poland. Kristof was in practice for several years in Czestochowa. There he worked primarily with large animals. Kristof also focused on oral care and spent many years developing his dentistry skills. In 1986 he and his family emigrated to the United States where Kristof continued working in the veterinary field. He joined our practice in October of 1998. He is a highly skilled and a valuable member of our team. BACK TO TOP

Andrea, Veterinary Technician
Andrea comes to us from Goiania in Brazil. She attended the Federal University of Goias, School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation she worked in a one Doctor practice for several years. Andrea was presented with an opportunity to work for Schering-Plough where she enjoyed many successful years moving up the corporate ladder before making the decision to come to the United States. Andrea emigrated with her sister in March of 2001 and settled in the Boston area. She brings to us her years of veterinary experience and has proven to be invaluable to us in assisting with our Portuguese speaking clientele. She and her husband share their home with their new papillon puppy, Marcus Aurelius. BACK TO TOP

Sheryl, Veterinary Technician
Sheryl has been with us since 1998. Prior to her career change to Veterinary Technician, Sheryl worked as a National Licensed Master Groomer. She is also licensed in animal wildlife rehabilitation as well as General Class Falconry. Sheryl spends much of her free time practicing the art of falconry training with her Red Tail Hawk. She and her daughter share their home with their chihuahua, Lillian, their boxer, Jillian, Froto, their african gray parrot, and their cat Ace. BACK TO TOP

Eri, Veterinary Technician
Eri came to us as an intern just before graduating from Boston College with a degree in Biology. She has one dog, a Great Dane named Desi. Eri aspires to become a veterinarian and will be applying to Veterinary School in the near future. BACK TO TOP

Liz , Veterinary Technician
Liz is an enthusiastic young woman that has been with us for several years. Like so many of us, Liz adopted her dog from Highland Animal Hospital. Vinny, her black Pug, is her constant companion and an endless source of entertainment. BACK TO TOP

Doris, Veterinary Assistant
Doris joined our team last year. For many years Doris worked at a local pet store where she managed the behind the scenes care of over 100 puppies, kittens and other assorted pets. Along with her children, Doris’ home consists of all the pets she’s adopted over the years, which add up to quite a few. BACK TO TOP

Emily, Veterinary Assistant
Emily joined us in September.  After graduating from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee she moved to the Boston area to pursue a career in sales.  Her goal is to become a Veterinarian.  Emily is currently taking classes toward eligibility for vet school.  Next time you see her ask her how her organic chemistry class is going! BACK TO TOP

Eric, Veterinary Technician
Eric joined our team in May of 2006.  He has worked as a Veterinary Technician for the past 4 years.  He and his wife share their home with "Grim", a stray they took in about two years ago.  Eric is a positive young man with a winning smile and a true dedication to the patients he works with.   BACK TO TOP

Kim, Receptionist
Kim spent several years working in a pet store before joining us. She primarily works in reception but has the training to assist in other aspects of animal care and is a valuable member of our team. She and her daughter have a two-year-old Chihuahua named Sebastian. BACK TO TOP

Chris, Senior Receptionist
Chris has been with us since the start of the practice. She is friendly and gregarious. Chris has a special relationship with our pet owners and has played an integral role in our growing practice. She and her husband, along with their three sons share their home with Drew, their Golden Retriever, and their Shih Tzu, Duvall. BACK TO TOP

Lauren, Receptionist
Lauren joined our team as a receptionist in 2006. She and her husband recently moved to their new home which they share with their cat.  Lauren is new to the animal care field and her long-term goal is to become a veterinary technician. BACK TO TOP

Lisa, Kennel Assistant
Lisa joined us as a receptionist in 2003 after having spent many years working with the Animal Rescue League in Boston. She missed the one on one from her previous experience andhas been working in our kennel for the past year.  She and her husband have four cats, Biscuit, Jake, Oswald, and Timmy. BACK TO TOP

Judi, Receptionist
Judi joined us in 2006. She has many years of experience in the accounting and healthcare fields and is a wonderful addition to the reception staff. Judi has supported animal causes and cared for animals all her life.  She and her husband have two cats named Dustin and "Little Papi". BACK TO TOP

Megan, Receptionist
Megan joined the practice in the Fall of 2006.  She is friendly and outgoing and a terrific addition to our team.  Her four legged companions consist of six cats and counting.BACK TO TOP

Jerry, Kennel Assistant
Jerry has been with us since 1999. He makes it his business to get to know each and every pet that stays with us in our boarding facility. Prior to joining our staff, Jerry spent many years as a volunteer with MSPCA in Brockton and at the New England Aquarium.  His pet family consists of his yorkie, Henry and his two cats, Lucy and Ethel. BACK TO TOP

Jeannie, Groomer
Jeannie is a graduate of the Pedigree Career Grooming Institution. Jeannie came to us in 1998 with over 17 years experience. She and her husband share their home with Bozo, Dolly, and Felix, their three cats. BACK TO TOP

Deb, Kennel Assistant
Deb joined the kennel staff a year ago and felt an immediate bond with all our boarders. Prior to joining us, Deb worked for many years in a pet store. Deb has a cat named Sheba. BACK TO TOP

Kathleen, Kennel Manager– “ The Inn at Highland”
Kathleen has been working with animals since she was in middle school.  After completing her education, Kathleen worked for several years with disabled children at the Boston Center for Blind Children.  Her compassion and gentle disposition make her a wonderful kennel manager.  Kathleen's pet family consists of a pug named Oogles and Precious, her cocker spaniel.  BACK TO TOP

Kate, Veterinary Assistant
Kate has been with us since January of 2006. Throughout her High School years, she volunteered  at the Trailside Audubon Sanctuary in Canton. Kate also worked several years as an assistant groomer here in Needham. Since starting at Highland Animal Hospital she has adopted her new dog, Brutus.  She is looking forward to a career in animal sciences. BACK TO TOP

Monique,  Kennel Assistant
Monique joined us since February of 2008. She loves working with animals.  Monique has recently adopted a Chihuahua from the Hospital.  She is a welcome addition to our team.BACK TO TOP

Kathy, Kennel Assistant
Kathy joined the Kennel Staff in the Fall of 2007.  She comes to us with over 18 years of experience as an assistant groomer, trainer and animal volunteer.  
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