Veterinarians

Dean J. Cerf, DVM, PA Director

Dr. Cerf graduated from Cornell University in 1978 and upon graduation was awarded the Malcolm E. Miller Award for Scholastic Achievement. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Cerf is an accomplished veterinarian who has participated in national and international seminars teaching other veterinarians laser applications and surgery. He has developed new laser surgical techniques including Ultrasound Guided Endoscopic Laser Ablation (UGELAB) which is an innovative technique for treating transitional cell carcinoma (cancer) of the canine urinary bladder. His commitment to animals and the people who love them is demonstrated by his endless pursuit to find new and creative means to diagnose, treat and cure disease, as he states, "to begin where medical books end."

His family includes his wife Carole Niclasse, an avian wildlife artist, his daughter Dr. Tara Johnson, his son Dr. Travis Cerf. His animal family includes Buttons an Amazon parrot, Jasmine a Pionus parrot, and Chinese Crested Powder Puffs Willow, Gypsy, Cocoa and Jade. Along with two other "rescues", Zoe a Yorkie and Lulu, a Chihuahua and a pond full of Koi, Dr. Cerf describes their home as "No Vacancies". Dr. Cerf enjoys skiing, golf, scuba diving, reading and traveling to remote locations where he and his wife Carole can study nature while she captures wildlife on canvas. His newest challenges include learning how to play piano and guitar and improving his proficiency in Spanish, German, Swiss-German, Hindu, and Swahili.

Dr. Cerf is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, The American Animal Hospital Association, the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, the Northern New Jersey Medical Association, The Veterinary Laser Society, The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, The Veterinary Endoscopy Society, The Veterinary Cancer Society, the Veterinary Co-operative Oncology Group, The American Association of Feline Practitioners, and the Association of Avian Veterinarians. He served two terms as President of the Northern New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, was a Trustee of the New Jersey Veterinary Education Foundation for six years and currently serves as Trustee of The Louis and Celia Trust for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Joanne Healey, DVM, CVA, Assistant Medical Director

Dr. Healey offers acupuncture consultations and treatments and homeopathic care as well as traditional veterinary medicine. Combining Eastern and Western medicine improves patient care and treatment success. Dr. Healey is a graduate of The University of Illinois at Champagne, Urbana. Dr. Healey has a special interest in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Cardiology, and Geriatrics. Her belief is in practicing the highest level of quality medicine to all animals, with a strong emphasis on preventative care. She is a member of the following Veterinary Associations: American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, NJ Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Feline Practitioners, Northern NJ Veterinary Medical Association, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Dr. Healey's pet family includes Yorkies Nicholas, Sebastian, Simon and Tobias and domestic shorthair cat Halle.

Christopher Stancel, DVM

Dr. Stancel graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in

January 2004 where he received multiple community service awards as Vice President/President, Website manager and treasurer of People for the Animal Welfare on St. Kitts before completing his last clinical year at Louisiana State University. He joined Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital in September 2007. Dr. Stancel has a focus on Avian and Exotic Medicine and hopes to complete board certification in Avian, Reptile and Exotic Mammal Medicine. He also has a special interest in surgery, endoscopy and ultrasound. Dr. Stancel is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, and American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Stancel has written several published journal articles:

Calcium and Phosphorous Supplementation Decreases Growth, but Does Not Induce Pyramiding, in Young Red-Eared Sliders, Trachemys scripta elegans. Zoo Biology. Vol. 17 Issue 1. Pages 17-24. Dec. 1998.

Renal Adenocarcinoma in a Bearded Dragon. Exotic DVM. Vol. 12 Issue 1. Pages 29 - 31. 2010 and Congenital Cardiomegaly in a Boa Constrictor. Exotic DVM. Vol. 12 Issue 1. Page 4. 2010

Dr. Stancel and his fiancée Maria have 5 dogs, Calvin, Bella, Chloe, Princess and Mia, 5 cats, Lola, Lil'C, Jackie-O, L.B., and Candie, 2 birds, Wasabi and Kiki and many reptiles including lizards, snakes turtles, tortoises and frogs. Dr. Stancel enjoys keeping and breeding reptiles, basketball, Cars and Car Audio/Aftermarket, Spending time with friends, family and of course his pets.

Maribeth Hartwick, DVM

Dr. Hartwick graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in June 1994. Prior to and throughout veterinary school, she had an 8 year career as a registered nurse in medicine and surgery. Dr. Hartwick received multiple community service awards as Vice President of her veterinary class, earned the Senior Small Animal Surgery Award for Excellence and the Salsbury Scholarship, awarded for leadership and scholarship. She joined RVH in July 2006 after practicing in New Hampshire for 12 years. Dr. Hartwick has an interest in Internal Medicine, surgery, dentistry, geriatrics, ophthalmology and sports medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American Association of Feline Practitioners, NJ Veterinary Medical Association, New England Veterinary Medical Association, and the International Sled Dog Association. Dr. Hartwick's pet family includes a 5 year old male black Labrador Retriever named Buck ("Buckeye"). Her hobbies include cycling (road and mountain biking), hiking, kayaking, skiing, sailing and scuba diving. She enjoys family, traveling, cooking reading and music. Go Buckeyes!

Travis Cerf, DVM

Dr. Cerf rejoined the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital as a veterinarian in June 2007 after practicing in a large hospital in Virginia. He graduated from the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 with the Gary Bolton Memorial Cardiology Award and the Philip Levine Prize in Avian Medicine. Dr. Travis Cerf's special Interests include Internal medicine, Ultrasound, Laser surgery, Stem cell therapy, and Avian and exotic medicine. Dr. Cerf is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, NJ Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, and American Animal Hospital Association. His animal family consists of Nuzzle a 2 yr old Female mixed breed dog rescued and spayed at RVH from Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc., Pasta: 2.5 yr old male domestic short haired cat rescued from a barn at 6 weeks, and Angel a 12 yr old Citron Cockatoo with many behavioral problems who resides at the hospital so that he can have constant company to keep him stimulated. Dr Travis Cerf is a die-hard Redskins fan, and also enjoys reading, fishing, golf, and hiking in his spare time.

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Ridgewood Office

320 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
phone: (201) 447-6000

Midland Park Office

70 Goffle Rd.
Midland Park, NJ 07432
phone: (201) 445-0030

Whole Dog Grooming Salon

60 Goffle Rd.
Midland Park, NJ 07432
phone: (201) 447-6222