Meet Our Team
At Fanwood Animal Hospital, we believe that exceptional veterinary care starts with an exceptional team. Our veterinarians, technicians, and client service staff bring together years of training, diverse expertise, and a shared passion for animals. Proudly serving Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Cranford, Plainfield, Watchung, and Garwood, NJ, we are committed to treating every pet like our own.
Whether you visit us for a routine wellness exam, advanced surgery, or specialized dentistry, you can trust that our team is dedicated to providing professional, reliable, and compassionate care.
Our Veterinarians
Our Hospital Management Team
Sue C.
Our Veterinary Technicians
Dawn
Lead Veterinary Technician
Jackie
Veterinary Technician
Vanessa
Meg
Veterinary Technician
Nick
Veterinary Technician
John
Veterinary Technician
Connie
Veterinary Technician
Karla
Veterinary Technician
Renee
Veterinary Technician
Dale
Veterinary Technician
Samiyah
Veterinary Technician
Client Service Team
Hayley
Lead Client Service Representative
Rita
Melissa
Amy
Client Service Representative
Sue M.
Committed to Exceptional Care
Dr. David Frantz
DVM
A lifelong local, Dr. David Frantz grew up in Westfield and realized his dream of becoming a veterinarian after graduating with honors from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. He worked in multi-doctor practices before purchasing Fanwood Animal Hospital in 2009, and then oversaw the construction of the new facility that opened in 2020.
Dr. Frantz’s professional passions include building lasting relationships with families in central New Jersey and guiding pets through every stage of life. Outside of work, he enjoys travel, cycling, and live music. He also enjoys spending time with family, especially his 3 grandchildren. At the moment, he and his wife share their home with 2 cats, a giant dog, Bertha, and a new puppy, Maltida (Tilly).
Dr. Rachel Roby
DVM
Medical Director
Dr. Rachel Roby grew up in Marlboro, NJ, and has always been devoted to helping animals. After earning her Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University, she graduated with honors from Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. She began her career in Jersey City before joining Fanwood Animal Hospital in 2013.
Her professional interests include pain management, internal medicine, and soft tissue surgery. Above all, Dr. Roby values strengthening the human–animal bond and developing long-term relationships with her clients. She and her husband are raising two active boys alongside their two cats, Tom and Jerry, and their golden retriever, Zadie.
Dr. Joann Lam
DVM
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Joann Lam has known she wanted to be a veterinarian since childhood. After earning her biology degree from SUNY Geneseo, she gained valuable experience as a veterinary technician before attending Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2020.
Dr. Lam treats every patient as if they were her own and enjoys working closely with families to keep pets happy and healthy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, juggling, and spending time with her cats, Boots, Lyon, and Solomon.
Dr. Matthew Ottoson
VMD
Dr. Matthew Ottoson, known as Dr. O, was also a lifelong local growing up in Westfield. After receiving his B.S. in Biochemistry from Rutgers University, he pursued veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. His training included internships at Oradell Animal Hospital and Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists, where he focused on small animal surgery.
Although highly skilled in advanced surgery, Dr. O values the opportunity to form lifelong connections with pets and their families. He is a member of the AVMA and NJVMA. Away from the hospital, he enjoys golfing, fishing, volunteering, and spending time with his wife, Courtney, their two dogs, Truvy and Deacan, and their cat Velvet.
Dr. Brian Norton
DVM
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Brian Norton earned his degree in Animal Science from Louisiana State University before pursuing veterinary medicine in Grenada. He later completed his clinical training at the University of Pennsylvania, where he discovered his love for small animal practice.
Dr. Norton’s professional interests include preventative care, internal medicine, and general surgery. Known for his warm, approachable style, he looks forward to building lasting bonds with families in the Fanwood area. Outside of work, he enjoys running, fishing, and family life with his wife, Jordan, their daughter Drew, and their dogs Deuce and Jax.
Dr. Jonathan Burke
DVM
Dr. Jonathan Burke began his veterinary career right here at Fanwood Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant during undergrad. After earning his veterinary degree, he returned as a doctor, excited to continue serving the pets and families he’s always cared about.
Dr. Burke is especially passionate about surgery and looks forward to future opportunities to support the community through TNR programs and low-cost spay/neuter clinics. In his downtime, he enjoys staying active outdoors, cooking, fishing, and gaming.
Dr. Marissa Berman
DVM, DAVDC
Board Certified Veterinary Dentist
Dr. Marissa Berman is a board-certified Veterinary Dentist™ and is currently completing fellowship training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. She has dedicated her career to veterinary dentistry and oral health, completing her veterinary degree at Western University of Health Sciences, followed by a residency in Dentistry and Oral Surgery in California.
Dr. Berman has years of experience in advanced dental procedures and oral surgeries, making her an invaluable addition to our team. Outside the hospital, she enjoys traveling, spending time near the water, and being with her family and her dog, Tater Tot.