Meet our Doctors

Hi, I'm Dr. Joanne Ruggiero, a veterinarian and proud owner of our Rockaway Beach clinic. I opened the practice 9 years ago with the goal of bringing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care to the community I love. Every day, I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I’m passionate about—helping animals and supporting the people who care for them.

I earned my veterinary degree from Ross University and completed my clinical year at the University of Illinois. My approach blends solid medical knowledge with a deep sense of empathy—for both pets and their people.

Outside the clinic, I enjoy life with my husband and our two dogs. I'm also passionate about health and wellness, and believe that caring for ourselves helps us better care for others—human or animal.

Dr. Weinstock attended Ohio State University, graduating at the top of her class, with a D.V.M Degree (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) in June 2004. She has been practicing Veterinary Medicine for over 14 years, where she has diagnosed and treated a wide variety of pet ailments. From wellness visits, to surgeries, Dr. Weinstock has earned the admiration & respect of her clients and colleagues. 

Dr. Kimberly Sarter brings over 18 years of veterinary experience to Rockaway Beach Veterinary Services. A proud graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, she has a deep passion for small animal medicine. She cherishes the human-animal bond that enriches both pets and their owners.

A Queens native, Dr. Sarter attended Stella Maris High School on Beach 112th Street, right here in Rockaway. While the neighborhood has evolved over the years, she is delighted to reconnect with the community she knows so well.

Dr. Sarter's professional interests include anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, and animal rescue. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her own pets and relaxing at the beach or by the pool.

Dr. Maya Gitter-Fox started as a veterinary assistant at Rockaway Beach Veterinary Services in 2017.

A Rockaway native, Dr. Gitter-Fox earned her veterinary degree from London’s Royal Veterinary College in 2023, where she developed a deep interest in surgery and internal medicine.

After some time away for college in Boston and then veterinary school in the UK, Dr. Gitter-Fox is thrilled to be back in Rockaway, providing care to the pets of the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and pets, cooking, and traveling.