Meet the Team at Island Trees Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Jay Gottlieb founded Island Trees Veterinary Hospital in 1987 in Levittown, New York, and then oversaw its relocation to our current state-of-the-art facility in Hicksville in 1996.

When asked what influenced his decision to enter veterinary medicine, Dr. Gottlieb says, “I have always had a deep love and respect for animals and have been closely associated with them since childhood, thanks to my father. Through the years, my life has been centered on not only the usual run of small pets, but also larger animals, especially horses.”

He adds, “It is a very rewarding feeling to be able to help domestic animals and I truly enjoy providing quality care for companion animals and guiding clients to have a pleasant experience with their pets.”

Dr. Gottlieb grew up in Woodmere, New York and attended the University of Rhode Island for his undergraduate studies. During college, he was a horsemanship instructor and gave lectures in the veterinary science department. In 1974, he received his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Studies. A year later, Dr. Gottlieb enrolled in the University of Perugia (Italy) College of Veterinary Medicine and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1984.

His areas of special professional interest include surgery and dermatology. Dr. Gottlieb is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association and the New York State Veterinary Medical Association. He also attends continuing education seminars to improve his awareness and knowledge of veterinary medicine as it continues to evolve. Additionally, he was a professor in the Veterinary Science Department at the State University of New York at Farmingdale for ten years and is currently an educator at Nassau BOCES.

Dr. Gottlieb and his wife Robin, a travel consultant, have two adult children: Brad recently graduated from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Keri recently graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in early childhood education. Dr. Gottlieb and Robin have adopted many stray animals in the past. Currently they have a Maltipoo they adopted from the ASPCA named Chloe.

Dr. Gottlieb’s interests include participating in equestrian events throughout the tri-state area, golf, fishing, carpentry, antique cars and spending time with his family.

Dr. Ramsden grew up in South Texas in the small beach town of Port Aransas. She attended Texas A and M University and attained her bachelor’s in biomedical science, followed by her Doctorate at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.

She then practiced mixed animal medicine on large and small animals in Marble Falls, the heart of the Texas Hill Country. She then moved to her husband’s childhood hometown on Long Island. She has enjoyed quality care for family pets as the medical director of a small Blue Point – Bayport hospital for nearly 15 years.

Dr. Ramsden is now Fear Free Certified at Level Two, ensuring a low-stress experience for her patients.

She enjoys spending time with her children, husband, and pets in her free time. She loves the outdoors, gardening, traveling, and spending time in the Catskills and at the beach.

She will be available for appointments in January and cannot wait to provide you with the exceptional care you have become familiar with receiving from Island Trees Veterinary Hospital.

Ellen has been working in veterinary medicine for the last 25 years. When it comes to her practice, she takes pride in always looking for new ways to do more and educating herself on caring for clients.

In her free time, she’s always on the go. Ellen loves to go hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and spending time with friends, family, and her beloved pets.

Sue has been practicing veterinary medicine for the last 24 years. She attended the University at Albany and Suffolk Community for tech school. In her work, she takes pride in comforting the patients while they’re staying at the hospital.

In her free time, Sue enjoys spending time with her family as well as relaxing with her cat and dog.

Shawna graduated from Suffolk Community College Vet Science program and has been practicing for 19 years.

While working in the field, she enjoys making sure patients get the proper care, helping in surgery and performing dentals. She enjoys learning how to improve her skills as well as new ways to treat and support the patients in the best way that she can.

In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and her dog. She is also a volunteer Firefighter and a member of the department’s drill team. She enjoys traveling, hiking, being outdoors, working out, crafting, and baking.

Betsy is a graduate of the State University of New York Farmingdale and received her NY State Veterinary Technician License in 1992. She has been with Island Trees Veterinary Hospital since 1992 and has worked in Veterinary Medicine for the past 25 years.

She developed a love for animals at a young age and has cared for both large and small animals throughout her life. “My house was the house everyone brought animals in need to, whether it was a bird with a broken wing or an orphaned rabbit.”

Betsy is an accomplished equestrian, enjoys paddle boarding, is very active, and spends time with her two beautiful daughters.

Sue had been working as a Receptionist for the last 22 years. She attended John Jay University. She prides herself on always being kind, considerate, and understanding to all her clients.

In her free time, she can be found spending time with her kids.