Meet the Team at Blue Cross Animal Hospital

Dr. Kari Smith

Veterinarian

Bio coming soon!

Dr. Salvatore Leone

Veterinarian

Dr. Salvatore Leone has been passionate about veterinary medicine since childhood, driven by his love for animals and science. His journey began in 2014 as a veterinary assistant at Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital, where he developed an interest in exotic animal medicine. After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2020, he returned to Parkway for four years, honing his expertise in exotic animal care.

Dr. Leone brings a special interest in cytology, surgery, and dermatology to his current role at Blue Cross. Outside of work, he enjoys running 5k and 10k races, creating art, and spending time with friends and family over board games. At home, Dr. Leone enjoys the company of Shady, his black shepherd who loves woodland walks and rubber ball games, along with his goldfish who reside in an outdoor pond.

Dr. Tejinder P Sharma

Veterinarian

Dr. Tejinder P. Sharma and his wife, Dr. Sunita Rani, live in Troy, Michigan. Two beautiful dogs, Max and Macy, keep them happy and busy at home. Dr. Sharma has over 30 years experience as a veterinarian. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Science in Ludhiana, India in 1988 and received his Masters degree two years later. He joined the veterinary faculty as Endocrinologist where he spent the next 5 years. In 1996 he attended the University of Western Australia for his PhD and then joined the University of Michigan for post doctoral research. He has published many research papers in peer reviewed journals. Due to his advanced training in Endocrinology, he has special interest in endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, Addison’s, and Cushing’s diseases. He also enjoys performing bone surgeries for ACL injuries, luxating patella and bone fractures. For those rare, complicated surgical cases, visiting specialist surgeons are also available. Dr. Sharma believes that continuing education is vital and attends as many medical and surgical conferences, hands on training sessions and seminars as possible. He also believes in giving back, so he donates much of his time and services to many foster agencies, rescue groups, and animal shelters.

Sarah Chupko

Customer Service Representative

Sarah loves animals, reading, and anything related to horror. Her favorite breed of dog is a Rottweiler. She has two dogs and a cat that she adores more than anything else in life. She is married to her best friend, and they have been together for 10 years. The one thing that brings a smile to her face every day is meeting all the cats and dogs she has the pleasure of encountering in this lifetime.

Jeannie Curley

Customer Service Representative

Jeannie has been in the veterinary field for 30 years and a customer service representative at Blue Cross for 10 years. Jeannie strives for all clients to have the best quality service for them and their pets. She has a dog, named Sheena, and two cats named Holly and Jagur.

Jake Layne

Customer Service Representative

Jake entered the veterinary field as a receptionist in 2021 after working jobs both in animal retail and pet boarding, specializing in customer service. He spends his free time rooting for the Detroit Red Wings, as well as going to used book stores and record shops with his Wife, Oshi. As of 2023, Jake and Oshi have two dogs: a vizsla named Sampson, and a boxer/golden retriever named Delilah. They are hoping to rescue a cat to add to their family soon!

Dr. Vanessa Sanchez Barba

DVM
Dr. Sanchez Barba has practiced veterinary medicine since 2022. She proudly graduated from Universidad de Guadalajara- Centro Universitario de Los Altos. She prides herself in providing quality care for her patients by continuously advancing her knowledge. During her free time, she likes to relax at home reading books, watching movies with her family, or going out to play trivia with her friends.

Dr. Sewa Mortan

DVM
Hi, my name is Sewa Mortan. I have been working as a veterinarian for over 30 years. I enjoy working with companion animals. I have a dog named Bruno and a cat named Boo. My hobbies include staying active such as going to the gym, gardening etc. My area of interest includes soft tissue surgery.

Dr. Saad Zakri

DVM

Saad’s illustrious career in veterinary medicine began in 1999 when he graduated from Assuit University in Egypt. He ventured to Saudi Arabia next, where he gained valuable experience in large animal medicine and surgery. He then headed to Cyprus, where he worked on a pig farm before joining the border quarantine team, where he spent an impressive 14 years conducting checks for infectious and zoonotic diseases on all manner of animals. His most recent role was as an associate veterinarian in a Detroit clinic, where he provided top-notch care to beloved pets. Although Saad has found aspects of his work fulfilling, he has a particular penchant for surgery, particularly soft tissue procedures.

When he’s not busy saving animal lives, Saad can be found challenging opponents to games of ping pong and chess. He is blessed to have a loving and supportive wife with whom he enjoys indulging in sweet ice cream dates. Saad also cherishes spending quality time with his two sons and daughter and shares their love for animals, having adopted both a shorthaired cat named Spot and an American Bully named Nelly, whose names were lovingly chosen by his children.

Ashleigh Ellsworth

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Rosa Alvarado

Veterinary Assistant

Rosa has been in preventative care for nine years and is looking to grow. She has four cats that are full of energy and cuddles. In her spare time, Rosa likes to crochet.

Lisa Hill

Veterinary Assistant

Lisa has worked in the veterinary field for 11 years. Her favorite thing about working at Blue Cross Animal Hospital is her love for client education and implementing fear-free techniques with all her patients. She especially loves working with cats and helping owners understand their unique behavior.

When she is not helping clients, Lisa enjoys gardening, kayaking, and music. Lisa is also the president and co-founder of New Beginnings Animal Rescue, a cat-only rescue in Royal Oak MI.

Shelby Panetta

Veterinary Assistant

Shelby enjoys assisting doctors and technicians with surgical procedures and anesthesia monitoring. She enjoys running laboratory diagnostics and is currently enrolled at Penn Foster to obtain Veterinary Technician License. Shelb hopes to one day specialize in Surgical Medicine.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. She likes to take her two dogs on camping trips and long walks. Shelby also enjoys experimenting with new recipes and baking. She has four furbabies; Frankie, Mator, Olaf, and Ahmari who take up most of her free time.

Kayla Gagnon

Veterinary Assistant

Kayla graduated from Ross medical school in 2021 from the NAVTA-approved veterinarian assistant program. She is currently enrolled in the licensed veterinary technician program through Penn foster. She prides herself in laboratory work and comforting scared and nervous patients. In her free time, she enjoys arts and crafts with her daughter Ryleigh.

Jessica Goss

Practice Manager

Jessica has been working in the veterinary field for 8 years. She attended Michigan State University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. She prides herself in educating clients on the importance of preventative care. During her free time, Jessica enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, and cuddling her dog. She has three cats and a chihuahua.

Alyssa Allen

Veterinary Assistant

Alyssa has prided herself in providing love and the best care to all patients. She loves camping, kayaking, hiking, and snuggling with her 3 cats and a 14-year-old dog.