Anne Shakespeare, DVM
Dr. Shakespeare is a 1982 graduate of the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. She was in mixed animal practice in Pennsylvania for 3 years before returning to Cornell to do a small animal internship. She has continued to practice in Ithaca and Elmira since 1991. She and Dr. Armao have known each other for over 20 years and opened Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital together in May 2006. A native of Long Island, she now loves living in the country with her family which includes 3 children, and various dogs and cats. She enjoys following animal tracks in the winter snow, and hiking, and canoeing when the snow is gone.
Dr. Shakespeare’s professional affiliations include the AVMA and the New York State Veterinary Medical Society.
Christine Armao, DVM
Dr. Armao is from the suburbs of Albany and graduated from the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell in 1986. After practicing in Glens Falls and Brockport, NY for several years, she returned to Ithaca with her husband in 1996 to raise their 2 sons. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is the daily interaction with clients and their pets. When not working, she enjoys the family sailboat and downhill skiing. Dr. Armao is a member of the AVMA and past president of the Southern Tier Veterinary Medical Society.
Cornerstone’s greatest asset is its staff. Dr. Shakespeare and Armao are proud and fortunate to work with the following team:
Joan Shaw Office Manager
Joan has worked in the veterinary field since 1983 when she came to Ithaca to attend Cornell. She is the familiar face everyone looks for when they enter Cornerstone. Chances are she is sure to remember you and your pet after one visit to the office! Known for her dedication, friendliness and knowledge both in preventive health care and animal behavior, Joan is a valuable team member.
She enjoys her dogs and owner/handles them at dog shows, having earned numerous obedience titles as well as conformation championships. Joan is an instructor for Ithaca Dog Training Club and can help you with questions regarding dog behavior and training.
Ellen Stephens LVT
Ellen originally came to Ithaca from Long Island to earn her B.S. at Cornell University in Animal Science/General Agriculture. That was over 30 years ago and she has been working with animals ever since- both as a licensed veterinary technician and helping local feral cat rescue organizations. She provides outstanding laboratory, surgical and radiology support but she is probably best known for her excellent nursing care of all of our patients and compassion for our clients. Ellen’s “leisure” time is spent caring for her extended family of cats, horses and chickens.
Denise Scott-Pokorney
Denise joined the staff in 2007 as a receptionist and assistant bringing with her many years of veterinary experience and managerial skills. Her friendly, always positive attitude is infectious to everyone around her. Typically, Denise is the person you will talk to after surgery or dentals when she calls to follow up on your pet and answer any questions. When not at Cornerstone, Denise is busy owning and managing a successful Thoroughbred racehorse farm.
Sara Reynolds
Sara has never not worked with animals. After growing up in Trumansburg, Sara spent 2 years working in a local pet store before entering the veterinary field in 2001. She joined Cornerstone in 2009 and we wonder how we ever managed without her. Sara works in reception, the lab, and assists in surgery and post-surgical care. In other words, she does everything and amazes us with her unflappable attitude! It is hard to keep track of how many pets share Sara’s life- let’s just say there are a lot! These days, you may find her doing agility with one of her dogs or riding her horse.
Kristin Schneider LVT
Kris received her BS in Animal Science from Cornell in 1982. She returned to her native Long Island where she and her husband raised 2 children. During this time Kris earned her technician license and worked for many years in a busy 5 doctor practice. She also taught veterinary technology to students at Suffolk Community College. Kris and her husband came back to Ithaca in 2005 and she joined Cornerstone in 2009. Kris’s technical skills and expertise are a welcome addition to the practice. If your pet needs blood drawn, a vaccination or nail trim, Kris is likely the person you will meet. Besides being an excellent cook and gardener, Kris manages to find time to breed and raise the occasional litter of Labrador Retrievers.
Lezlie Kennedy
Lezlie grew up on a crop farm in Western New York and remained in Ithaca after graduating from Cornell with an Animal Science degree in 1987. She has been involved in veterinary medicine since then. Lezlie and Dr. Armao worked together for several years before she joined Cornerstone. As our practice began to expand, Lezlie agreed to help us, and joined the staff part-time in 2006. She can usually be found at the front desk on Fridays or when filling in for vacationing staff members. Lezlie is also a certified EMT and volunteer for the Slaterville Springs Fire department.
Jennifer Schneider LVT RN
Jen received her veterinary technician degree from SUNY Delhi in 1991. She has worked in two referral surgical practices and also with Dr. Shakespeare for several years in Elmira, NY. Jen left fulltime technician work to earn her RN degree and now works in the fast paced field of human medicine as a surgical nurse at Arnot-Ogeden Medical Center. Because Jen misses her work with animals, we are fortunate she fills that need by helping us with her technical skills on Saturdays.
Rhea Adams LVT
Rhea received her veterinary technician license from Medaille College in 2005. She is a full time surgical tech at Cornell Vet College, but is kind enough to fill in at Cornerstone as both a receptionist and technician at a moment’s notice! We appreciate her for her skills, friendliness and flexibility!
