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Our Team

Our caring and compassionate veterinary care team!

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Capitaland Animal Hospital in Latham! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!

Our team is a big source of pride at Capitaland Animal Hospital.  We make every patient and client feel like part of our family.  We believe our attention to customer service is unequaled.  Once you visit our clinic, you’ll feel the difference!

Please call us at (518) 785-5531 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!

Veterinarians

Dr. Stacey Pedersen

Owner

Dr. Pedersen (aka Karzenski, or Dr. K) completed her undergraduate studies in Animal Science at Cornell University in 1984. She then spent 6 years pursuing her passion for riding dressage or “dancing with horses.” She received her DVM Degree in 1994 from Oklahoma State University. Following veterinary school, Dr. K moved to Blacksburg, VA for a one-year internship and a three-year residency in large animal medicine at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. From there she attained membership in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and earned a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science. Dr. K enjoys traveling, fishing, kayaking and gardening with her husband, Jeff Pedersen, a railroad engineer at GE in Schenectady. She loves spending time with her family and pets, and she still looks forward to “dancing with horses.”

Dr. Kelsey Gibbs

Veterinarian

Dr. Kelsey Gibbs was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Gibbs has a special interest in ophthalmology. In her free time, Dr. Gibbs enjoys reading and supporting her favorite sports teams: Atlanta Braves and Arizona Cardinals. She especially loves spending time with her beloved lab-dachshund mix, Lily.

Dr. Pam Zaber

Veterinarian

Dr. Pam Zaber has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 35 years since graduating from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. She grew up near Chicago, but has also lived and practiced in Missouri, Wisconsin and Florida before settling in upstate New York. Although Dr. Zaber is now semi-retired, she has been with Capitaland Animal Hospital since early 2006. Dr. Zaber has seen her share of unusual medical and surgical cases as a general veterinary practitioner, but she has a special interest in dermatology. Dr. Zaber is married to Dr. Andrew Rapoff, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Union College, and their daughter, Eva, is a librarian. In her free time, Dr. Zaber enjoys gardening, photography, reading and hiking with her Brittany, Holly.

Staff

Brooke

Hospital Manager, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Brooke is a highly experienced Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) who has dedicated herself to the field for the past 20 years. When she's not working, Brooke finds joy in the company of her loving family, including her husband Nik, their delightful daughter Ellie, their three adorable dogs, and their lively flock of six chickens. Among the various aspects of veterinary medicine that she appreciates, Brooke has developed a special fondness for dermatology and dentistry.

Rebecca Barnes bio photo

Rebecca

Staff Manager, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Rebecca, a veterinary technician and graduate of SUNY Delhi, firmly asserts her preference to be called Becca rather than Becky. When not at work, Becca finds solace in learning the beautiful art of figure skating. Becca adores her eight cherished cats, who bring joy and companionship to her home. Adding to the unique animal mix, she is dedicated to the loving care of Norman, her bearded dragon. Through her profession and personal life, she embraces the responsibility of providing animals with the best care possible. She hopes to leave a positive lasting impact on animals' lives and the hearts of individuals who witness her unwavering love for Norman and her beloved cats.

Victoria

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Meet Victoria, a seasoned veterinary technician with over 23 years of experience and a passion for animal welfare. Certified in Fear Free and Low Stress handling techniques, she brings a gentle touch to her work, which she feels fits in well with the relaxed and caring atmosphere of Capitaland. When she's not tending to her menagerie of pets, including a cockatoo, parrots, cats, a poodle, and her Belgian horse Smidget, Victoria loves to experience the spooky and creepy, including ghost hunting and exploring gothic art shows. Although she still finds time to relax outdoors, whether that’s by camping or staying close to home reading on her deck or in the garden, her ultimate life’s work is caring for animals.

Dylan

License-Eligible Veterinary Technician

Dylan, a proud veterinary technician graduate from Vermont Tech is dedicated and enthusiastic about the time he spends caring for all animals, whether that is his dog, Arwen, or the animals that come into Capitaland daily. Dylan is also curious about and hopeful for the existence of cryptids such as the Loch Ness Monster (a special favorite of his) and Bigfoot. He eagerly consumes any new evidence or stories about these elusive creatures. Dylan has blended caring and compassion for the animals and pets we all love and see every day with a curiosity and wonder for the mysterious creatures he wants to see someday.

Alex

Veterinary Assistant

Although Alex likes to swim, kayak, play mini golf or just relax with friends and family, he has a special love for animals—especially his bird, leopard gecko and husky named Yukon. Alex feels Capitaland Animal Hospital is his second home where he is appreciated and learning so much about animals and their care. Veterinary care has always interested him, and he hopes to become a veterinary technician or veterinarian because these fulfilling careers allow him to have such a positive impact on animals’ lives.

Jasmine (Jazzy)

Veterinary Assistant

Meet Jasmine, a compassionate veterinary assistant, who aspires to become a Licensed Veterinary Equine Nurse. Her love for animals goes beyond just professional duty. When not taking care of clients, patients or her team, she’s home spending quality time with her four-legged companions, Pepper, Berry, and Potato. Photography, painting and riding horses also keep her spirit going.

Michele

Veterinary Assistant

Michele is a graduate of Penn Fosters’ Veterinary Assistant program. She has three dogs, Max, Neva and Kaela. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, camping and spending time with her fur babies.

Keenan

Veterinary Assistant

Keenan is a dedicated veterinary assistant at Capitaland Animal Hospital, known for his skill and care with the animal he sees. His distinctive blend of dry humor and a bit of sarcasm also appeals to both clients and Capitaland team members. Outside of work, you can find him fly fishing or playing his guitar. His varied interests and commitment to veterinary excellence makes him a valued member of the team.

Chris

Veterinary Assistant

Wendy

Customer Care Representative

After an early retirement, Wendy embraced her dream of working with animals that has always been a passion of hers. She’s an important part of keeping Capitaland running smoothly. Having cared for a menagerie of pets throughout her life, she now focuses on her two beloved dogs and constant companions. When she’s not tending to her pets, Wendy loves spending time with her grandchildren and nurturing her gardens. She’s grateful to be following her lifelong dreams.

Qwen

Customer Care Representative

Qwen is an aspiring future vet tech completely dedicated to the care and well-being of all her animals, although she has a special place in her heart reserved for her Dachshund, Bailey. When she’s not tending to her furry family, you’ll find her at the bowling alley, perfecting her strikes and spares, or maybe watching an episode of her long-time favorite cartoon Scooby-Doo. Although bowling and classic cartoons make her happy, Qwen’s true passion is for the veterinary care of all animals and making that her vocation.

Amanda

Customer Care Representative

Enthusiastic and curious are two words to describe Amanda. She seeks new experiences and adventures, from hiking and investigating the natural world to trying a new sport or immersing herself in a different culture. She may invite others to share in her adventures, but she doesn’t hesitate to go it alone. She feels a deep bond with animals and has been caring and advocating for their well-being most of her life.

Mary

Social Media Representative