Meet our Team

Dr. Andrea Ster joined Northern Rhode Island Animal Hospital in 2004, after having received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Although it reads like a cliché, Andrea always knew that a career in veterinary medicine was her calling - her earliest childhood memories were of her first pet "Yo-Yo", a parrot, and spending much of her time 'doctoring' her stuffed Snoopy with her tiny stethoscope and lots of band aids. Andrea grew up in a variety of different cultures and, during veterinary school, she eagerly participated in a degree in International Veterinary Medicine, spending a semester abroad researching zebra in Kenya. She joined NRIAH in 2004 after seeing first-hand the competency of its terrific support staff as well as seasoned doctors that work at this practice. Andrea's professional interests include emergency medicine and internal medicine; and she thrives on the special relationships that she has developed with many clients and their pets over the years. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending time with her husband, their two young children and their three crazy terriers. She also enjoys hiking and photography, as well as trail-running with her energetic dogs.

It was Martin Luther King Day, Jessica was in the 4th grade, and her teacher asked what her dream was. Instantly she knew it was to become a veterinarian... and the dream has stuck! Dr. Jessica started working as a technician when she was 16 years old. She graduated from Bridgewater State College with a major in biology and a minor in biochemistry. She graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London, England in 2006. At the RVC she was a member of the IVSA (International Veterinary Student Association) and traveled to South Africa. She was also a member of the Zoological and Critical Care Societies. She joined NRIAH in June 2011 after spending 4½ years at another small animal practice in Massachusetts. Her interests include internal medicine and dentistry. When not working, she loves to spend time with her "special" boxer and her Dogue de Bordeaux, as well as her 3 cats.

Dr. Abby McElroy joined Northern Rhode Island Animal Hospital in 2019. Abby grew up in West Virginia, where she rode and showed dressage horses. She completed her undergraduate education with a major in neuroscience at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Following this she attended veterinary school at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, graduating in 2017. Additionally, Abby obtained a master’s degree from Michigan State University in 2018 in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology. In addition to her job at NRIAH, she works as a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital. In her spare time, Abby enjoys playing polo and spending time with her 2 Basset Hounds and 2 cats.

Dr. Evan Griffith is a recent graduate of the Cummings School of Veterinary at Tufts University, where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees. Evan grew up on a small farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with dogs, horses, and chickens, and is a proud “Yooper.” Evan is especially passionate about the One Health concept, which emphasizes the interconnected relationship between people, animals, and the environment. Evan’s clinical interests include tick-borne and zoonotic diseases, neurology, and cardiology. Evan has always found international experiences personally and professionally rewarding and was able to pursue international One Health research in Kenya and Rwanda during school. Evan joined NRIAH due to the wonderful working environment, and close relationships between staff and clients and their pets. He is excited to make meaningful connections and bring his unique knowledge of public health and One Health to NRIAH. Outside of work, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife, two cats, and puppy. He also enjoys running and reading.