Founder and owner of Lanoka Oaks, Jon is a native New Englander who doesn’t understand why people at the shore don’t like snow. After graduating college in New England, he traveled to Michigan where he obtained a master’s in Zoology and his doctorate in veterinary medicine, both from Michigan State. After graduating in 1986 (and marrying in 1983), his native New Jerseyan wife brought him to New Jersey where he found his first veterinary job here in Ocean County. After working there for almost two years, he decided to strike out on his own and founded LOVC. When not at the center, he can be found at home with his wife Laura, son Samuel, and his cats Simon, Fergus, Carrot, and Catessa, and his crazy German Shorthair, Indi. On sunny days he is out in his garden, on rainy days, he is looking at seed catalogs planning his garden.

To listen to an interview with the doctor, click here.

Originally from Bethlehem Pa, Dr. Kathryn Sinko attended Penn State undergrad and the University of Pennsylvania for veterinary school where she graduated in 1997. Her move from central Pa to West Philly was interesting but she eventually fell in love with Philadelphia.

She moved to New Jersey a few years later to live by the beach and again fell in love with her location, this time Monmouth County. She is currently employed at Home Veterinary Services and is helping us out here at Lanoka Oaks Veterinary Center as a relief veterinarian.

Her interests, not surprisingly for a veterinarian, center around animals and diversity. She spent one month working in the Navajo Nation while in her senior year of veterinary school. Her desire to travel has taken her to Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas, the Serengeti in Tanzania, and to visit elephants and African Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe.

Dr. Cynthia Willems graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2018. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Public Health from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in 2014. During her training, she spent her summers studying infectious diseases in wildlife both in the tri-state area and abroad in Southeast Asia.Most recently, Dr. Willems was a a full-time associate at Whiting Veterinary Hospital.

General Practice
Dentistry

Experience:
2014-B.A. Rutgers University
2018-DVM Cornell University

Andy grew up in Lanoka Harbor and graduated from Lacey High School in 1997. He has worked with the Lanoka Oaks Family since February of 2000 and graduated from Johnson College’s Veterinary Technician Program and passed the State Exam in 2002. We were proud to announce that Andy was Lanoka Oaks first Certified Veterinary Technician. He is American Red Cross Certified in pet CPR and First Aid. His passion is in dental care for the pets and loves making happy healthy smiles for every one of them. When not working, he enjoys his 2 dogs (Hazel & Summer who are chocolate lab sisters). Andy loves the outdoors, especially being at the beach and boating. He has 2 kids- a very handsome son, Aiden and a beautiful girl, Adelynn. His goals are to continue his education especially in veterinary dentistry and someday work on a nice sunny Island with white sand beaches and calm waves.

Billie Jo entered the veterinary field in January of 1997 and has been employed at LOVC ever since. In January 2003, she passed the NJ State Technician Exam and became LOVC’s second registered technician. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, taking day trips to various lighthouses in the area, and watching the hockey game- GO RANGERS!

She has three cats- Wallace, Sully-Steve & Obi-W and two dogs- Bentley and Fozzie.

Billie Jo and Thom were married in March 2007 and are making many home improvements.

She was married in the Bahamas in 2008 to her husband Dean, who has his doctorate in physical therapy and has a son, “Little” Dean. When Aubrey is not busy at work or chasing after her son, she enjoys spending time outdoors, playing online Scrabble and shopping for unique items to decorate her home. Aubrey recently welcomed Darla, a spunky terrier mix, to the family. She also volunteers at her friend’s dog rescue “Pug Planet.”

Megan joined the LOVC team in May 2019 and studies at KEAN University while also being a full-time LOVC Veterinary Assistant. She is an asset to our team the day she started. In the future, Megan hopes to continue her education to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. When she is not working, you can find her reading a good book or quoting some of her favorite shows and movies- The Office, New Girl, The Shining, and Tangled.

Becky has always had a love for animals, and before joining the LOVC family, worked as a groomer for eight years. She began her career at LOVC as a receptionist, but her attention to detail quickly earned her the title of inventory/purchasing manager. She has a cat and a cockatiel. When not at work, she enjoys being creative by crafting or baking and spending time with family and friends.

Ann has two German Shepherds, Little Guy & Ryder Blue. She spoils the dogs with treats and long walks, which she admits “we all benefit from.” She is married to her soul mate Pete and now enjoys babysitting her new grandsons, Avery and Dakota.

Kerstin is a resident of Lanoka Harbor and joined LOVC in October of 2017. Prior she worked as an Administrative Assistant for several Ocean County companies. Kerstin grew up on a dairy farm in Germany. She met her husband, who served in the US military and was stationed overseas. They got married and moved to the United States. They raised their three children in Lacey Township. She loves spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Some of her hobbies are spending time at the beach, animals, traveling, and cooking.

Rachel joined the LOVC team in February 2023. She has loved animals ever since she was a kid growing up around her family dogs. When she isn’t working she likes to spend time with her four cats, Mako, Garmesan, Ellie and Jiji. Or running her dungeons and dragons campaign with her husband and friends. 

Anthony joined the LOVC team in April 2022 and has been learning everything he can about veterinary care ever since. His family has three cats, but his pride and joy is his Setter Lab mix Nessie. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys playing video games, reading, and going to the movies- some of his favorites are Jaws and The Thing.

Lauren joined the LOVC team in April of 2023. She graduated from Rowan University in December of 2021 where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science. She has 2 dogs Scout, a black lab/german shepherd mix, and Harley, a portuguese water dog. When Lauren is not working she enjoys spending time sewing costumes, hiking with her dogs, and kayaking.

David is a second generation Colombian immigrant, who is proud of his heritage. He graduated from Rider University in 2022 with a major in Theatre Studies. He has focused on animals and science his whole life. David graduated from Rider University in 2022 with a major in Theater Studies. Pictured is beloved Yorkie named Yunna, who has been a constant support through all of the challenges of life. Hobbies and interests include video editing, digital art, writing, and gaming. In free time, David builds community and network online with a focus on creation of various media. He also develops personal stories, and plays games with friends. Two of his favorites being Overwatch & VRCatch.