Big Red Doghouse
From the moment you walk through the doors of the East Greenbush Animal Hospital, you and your pet will be made to feel comfortable by our professional, knowledgeable and courteous staff.
Dr. Debbie Chew
Dr. Debbie Chew has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 30 years and brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and compassion to her work every day.
She grew up in Los Angeles, California, and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis, in 1993. Following graduation, she completed an internship in Small Animal Surgery and Emergency Medicine at California Animal Hospital in Santa Monica. She then spent six years managing Corning Veterinary Hospital in Northern California, gaining valuable experience in both clinical medicine and hospital leadership.
In 2000, Dr. Chew relocated to upstate New York. After practicing in Clifton Park, she co-founded East Greenbush Animal Hospital with her husband, Dr. Rocchio, where she continues to practice today.
Dr. Chew enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine, with particular interests in surgery and rabbit medicine. She is deeply committed to providing thoughtful, thorough care and building long-term relationships with the families she serves.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Chew enjoys bicycling, quilting, and fitting in as much golf as she can.
Dr. Chris Rocchio
Dr. Chris Rocchio (pronounced “Rocky-O”) is a co-founder of East Greenbush Animal Hospital and continues to serve in an ownership and management role as the practice has grown into a six-doctor hospital.
A native of Bay Shore, New York, Dr. Rocchio earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles, California, to complete an internship in Small Animal Surgery and Emergency Medicine at California Animal Hospital. He then spent six years managing Anderson Veterinary Hospital in Northern California, gaining extensive experience in hospital operations and clinical leadership.
In 2000, Dr. Rocchio returned to New York, practicing in Albany and Clifton Park before co-founding East Greenbush Animal Hospital with Dr. Debbie Chew in 2003. Together, they built the hospital from the ground up into the thriving, multi-doctor practice it is today.
Although he is no longer practicing clinical medicine full-time, Dr. Rocchio remains actively involved in the leadership and strategic direction of the hospital. In addition, he operates a veterinary consulting business, helping colleagues across the country start, grow, and successfully manage their own veterinary hospitals. His passion lies in combining strong medical standards with sound business principles to support sustainable, team-focused practices.
Dr. Rocchio’s professional interests have included general medicine, canine reproduction, and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Alexander Spock
Dr. Alexander Spock grew up in Durham, North Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004.
Following graduation, Dr. Spock completed a rigorous small animal internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists, where he gained advanced training across a wide range of specialty disciplines, including emergency medicine, internal medicine, oncology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, cardiology, and surgery. This experience provided a strong clinical foundation and allowed him to refine his primary interests in ophthalmology and cardiology.
Dr. Spock practiced in a small animal hospital in Maryland for three years before seeking new professional opportunities and relocating to New York. He joined East Greenbush Animal Hospital in November 2008 and has been a valued member of the team ever since. Known for his thoroughness and collaborative approach, he enjoys working closely with clients to ensure their pets receive thoughtful, individualized care.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Spock enjoys traveling, playing tennis, reading, chess, and hiking. He also takes great pride in supporting his daughter in her theatrical productions and attending performances with her. Having spent much of his life surrounded by animals, he currently shares his home with his dog, Sirius Black, who ensures there is never a dull moment.
Dr. Kristin St. Denis
Dr. Kristin St. Denis is a local native, raised in Clifton Park, New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Wagner College in 2005 and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009.
Her commitment to veterinary medicine began early. During high school, Dr. St. Denis worked as a technician assistant at a small animal practice in Latham, New York, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and developing a deep appreciation for patient care and client relationships. After earning her DVM, she returned to that same practice, where she provided dedicated care to patients for four years before joining East Greenbush Animal Hospital in the fall of 2013.
Dr. St. Denis has developed special interests in cardiology and ultrasound and is known for her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to diagnostics and case management. She values building long-term relationships with clients and guiding families through both routine care and more complex medical situations with clarity and compassion.
At home, Dr. St. Denis enjoys time with her husband and son, along with their beloved cats—Bumblebee, Ikonik, and Alexis. When she is not caring for patients, she can often be found cheering at her son’s hockey games or relaxing with knitting, crocheting, or a good book.
Dr. Susanne Patashnick
Dr. Susanne Patashnick grew up in the Capital Region and continues to have strong family ties to the area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Behavior from Vassar College. After graduation, she gained hands-on experience in veterinary medicine, working at a veterinary clinic in West Virginia and completing a zookeeping internship at an aviary in Utah. She then returned to New York to attend veterinary school at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2010.
Dr. Patashnick first became familiar with East Greenbush Animal Hospital while working as a relief veterinarian, and the practice was delighted to welcome her to the team full-time in October 2015.
Her professional interests include ophthalmology, wildlife medicine, and client education. She enjoys helping pet owners better understand their pets’ health and care so they can make informed decisions for their animals.
Outside of work, Dr. Patashnick enjoys gardening, hiking, birdwatching, and spending time outdoors. She is also well known among friends and colleagues as an enthusiastic “tick identifier.” Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets.
Dr. Rebecca Barclay
Dr. Rebecca Barclay has been devoted to veterinary medicine since her high school and college years, when she first began working in the field and discovered her passion for animal health and client care. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2017 and has continued to build her skills and clinical interests ever since.
Dr. Barclay has developed particular interests in ultrasound, surgery, and feline medicine. She is known for her thoughtful, thorough approach to patient care and her commitment to clear communication with clients. She believes that strong partnerships with pet owners are essential to helping animals live long, healthy lives, and she values guiding families through every stage of their pets’ development—from energetic young companions to their senior years.
Colleagues and clients alike appreciate Dr. Barclay’s steady, compassionate presence and her attention to detail. She strives to create a calm, supportive experience for both pets and their people while delivering high-quality medical care.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Barclay enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, as well as their two cats. In her free time, she can often be found outdoors running or hiking, or relaxing with a good book.
Dr. Barbara Schmidt
Dr. Barbara Schmidt is originally from Chile, where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She later moved to the United States to pursue advanced training and obtain her North American veterinary license, completing an internship focused on internal medicine.
Throughout her career, Dr. Schmidt has gained extensive experience in reproduction, neonatology, internal medicine, and geriatric care. She has also worked with a wide variety of species, including both large animals and small companion animals, giving her a broad perspective on veterinary medicine and patient care.
Dr. Schmidt especially enjoys building lasting relationships with pets and their families. She takes pride in helping clients understand their pets’ health and working together to navigate both routine care and complex medical cases. She is committed to providing thoughtful, compassionate, and individualized care for every patient she sees.
Since relocating to upstate New York, Dr. Schmidt has embraced all four seasons and developed a particular love for winter. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys skiing and spending time outdoors with her family.
I have a GSD who isn't always her best self at the vet. She goes every 6 to 8 weeks for allergy shots so it is hard to create a positive association. My GSD has been going here since she was a puppy, and the staff are wonderful. At our last visit I learned that they actually put a note on my girl's file that she "does best receiving her treatments in the chair with mom holding her head." That made me happy to know that they wrote a note to ensure the visit doesn't create more stress for my dog.
