About Us
The Veterinary Center for Operational Wellness
The Veterinary Center for Operational Wellness (VCOW) was founded by Dr. Rosemary Lombardi as an outpatient surgical center, dedicated to orthopedic, soft tissue, CT imaging, mobile surgery, and regenerative treatment options. By focusing exclusively on surgical care and adjunct therapies, VCOW provides a surgery-focused option without the cost structure and logistical barriers of traditional referral hospitals.
VCOW is designed to complement the care given by the primary care veterinarian. We work collaboratively with referring practices to deliver high-quality surgical care and alternative therapies in a professional, personal setting, guided by clear communication and continuity of care.
As an outpatient care hospital, we do not offer overnight care in our facility. For cases requiring advanced monitoring or overnight care, VCOW collaborates with trusted 24-hour facilities, allowing more complex cases to be managed while maintaining an outpatient model. This approach expands access to advanced surgical services and strengthens partnerships within the veterinary community.
Dr. Rosemary Lombardi
Founder/Medical Director
Dr. Rosemary Lombardi received her veterinary degree from Ross University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Here she received the prestigious Surgical Proficiency award for two consecutive years, a testament to her early surgical expertise. Her passion for surgery and her commitment to advancing veterinary care continued through her extensive postgraduate training. In 2000 she completed a one-year comprehensive internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Georgia Veterinary Specialists where she honed her skills in emergency and routine surgeries, as well as emergency medicine. She then went on to complete her post-doctoral surgical internship and surgical residency training on Long Island, which she successfully completed in 2005, further solidifying her expertise in advanced surgical procedures.
More About Dr. Lombardi
Dr. Lombardi served as the Surgical Director at East End Veterinary Specialists for over 13 years. In addition to her role as Surgical Director, she also served as the Physical Therapy Director during part of her tenure at East End, integrating rehabilitative care into her patients’ recovery process to optimize healing and improve quality of life.
She has been published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, sharing her insights on Perianal Fistula disease in dogs. This is a debilitating condition that is not fully understood and most commonly found in German Shepherds. She has a keen focus on post-operative care, pain management, and alternative and regenerative therapies, ensuring comprehensive treatment for each patient from the operating room to recovery.
Dr. Lombardi’s dedication to her profession is matched by her compassion for animals and their families. With a career spanning more than two decades, she has helped countless pets recover from complex surgeries and return to an active and healthy lifestyle. When not at work, Dr. Lombardi likes to spend time with her family and her beloved companion Khal, a 9-year-old German Shepherd.
New Doctor Bio Coming Soon!
We are expanding our surgical team. Stay tuned for an exciting annoucement.
Michelle Wooley
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Michelle is a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) with nearly a decade in the veterinary field. The vast majority of her experience was spent in specialty care honing her skills across multiple disciplines, particularly surgery, emergency medicine, and rehabilitation. Michelle has worked closely with Dr. Lombardi since 2018. She has an extensive knowledge base of soft tissue, orthopedic, and emergency procedures and is proficient in maintaining sterile technique, patient surgical care, managing anesthesia, and providing post operative instructions. With her background in rehabilitation modalities and alternative medicine, Michelle has a strong passion for post operative care and pain management, as well as providing comfort to pet owners during some of their most challenging moments.
More About Michelle
If being a Licensed Veterinary technician was not enough, Michelle is also a certified EMT. Her cross-training in both fields has given her a unique skill set enhancing her ability to work in high-pressure environments, with a broader knowledge base and adaptability across emergency situations. When not at work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and beloved French Bulldog, Georgia Peach.
Kaiden Mortimer
Assistant Manager
Kaiden Mortimer is the Assistant Manager at our veterinary surgical center, bringing a strong blend of clinical experience, leadership, and genuine compassion for both patients and their owners. With a background in marine science biology from the University of Tampa and ongoing studies toward an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology through Penn Foster, Kaiden combines a solid scientific foundation with hands-on experience in fast-paced clinical environments. Prior to joining our team, Kaiden served as an Assistant Veterinary Technician Supervisor at a large, multi-location specialty and emergency hospital in New York, where she helped oversee a team of more than 60 staff members across two 24/7 facilities. In this role, she was instrumental in staff training, scheduling, protocol development, and maintaining high standards of patient care and hospital operations. She is especially passionate about team development and client education, striving to create a supportive environment for both staff and pet owners during what can often be stressful situations. Known for her approachable and collaborative leadership style, Kaiden is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture while ensuring exceptional care for every patient that comes through our doors. Outside of work, Kaiden’s love for animals extends to her own unique crew—her snake, Thresher, and her two cats, Manta-Rae and Puffer—who keep life at home just as lively as it is in the hospital
Morgan Richter
Manager
Morgan has spent the last 10 years dedicated to growing in her various roles within the veterinary medical field. Her experience began through volunteering in shelter medicine while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Stony Brook University. While attending Stony Brook, Morgan began working as a veterinary assistant in general practice, before delving into specialty veterinary practices including exotic animal medicine and specialty surgery. Throughout this time, she was part of multiple newly established practices and found a passion in building hospitals that create an effective, warm, and compassionate environment for pets, their owners, and the team that cares for animals every day. These experiences have led her to pursue a different path within the field, bringing her into a hospital leadership role for the last 6 years of her career. She enjoys spending her free time with her horse Brody, her shepherd mix Harley, and her two mischievous cats, Chewbacca and Obi-Wan.
New Team Members Bio Comin Soon!
We are expanding our team to better support our patients and partners. Stay tuned for more details.
