Meet Our Team
Meadowlands Team
Dr. Slobody DVM
Dr. Robert Slobody graduated with honors from Ohio State University in 1968. While a student, he worked in the cardiac research lab and took elective courses in advanced orthopedics. He returned to his home city of Cleveland and became a partner at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Richmond Heights. He served as president of the Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine, head task force on pet overpopulation for the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and has spoken internationally reguarding the problems and concerns of pet overpopulation. In 1974 he was awarded Ohio's Outstanding Leadership Award. Dr. Slobody has always had a keen intersest orthopedics and spinal surgery. He has studied extensivly all over the Untied States, and in 1978 he established an orthopedic referral practice which he maintains to this day, providing advanced care for complex orthopedic and spinal cases. He has now added the "Northern Ohio Minimally Invasive Surgical Center" to make the newest procedure available for your pets care. His thriving general practice embodies his philosophy of providing leading edge medicine o the vererinary community, and his expertise is sought out by many colleagues.
Kelly Knapp Vet student OSU
Sandy Sayer Technician
My name is Sandy Sayer. I have had a love for animals my entire life. Growing up, my parents were not “animal people” per say, so I would sneak animals home all the time. We had strays that I would feed and take care of. I was 18 when I got my first puppy. His name was Shadow and I had him for 16 years. He will always hold a special place in my heart. I started my career with animals in 1998 as a pet trainer, teaching puppy, basic and advanced obedience classes as well as being a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. I loved watching my canine students grow and become such nice companions for their owners. I was also a manager in a local pet store and lead in the small animal department in where I cared for fish, pocket pets and reptiles. I have been at Meadowlands with Dr. Slobody as a technician since 2002. He is not only my employer, but also an excellent mentor and an example of a true advocate for pets and their welfare. All of us at Meadowlands hold the highest expectations for ourselves to provide the absolute best patient care as well as educating our clients with the best medical advice for their pets. We are a family that works as a team for you and your pets. I am so fortunate to be able to honestly say that I love my job and those I work with! I am now attending Penn Foster College earning my certification to become a registered veterinary technician. I have two human children, Niki and Chris, two dogs, an English Mastiff named Caleb and a Cane Corso named House, as well as one cat, Ezmerelda. My pets are my children, and my promise to our clients is that their pets will get the same love and compassion I give my own!
Connie Edwards Technician/Receptionist
My name is Connie Edwards. I was born with a passion and a love for animals. At three years of age, I told my mom I would be an animal doctor someday. I am a technician and I love caring for pets. My only concern is their welfare. While growing up, I raised many animals, even wild ones, ranging from horses, goats, rabbits, chickens, pheasants, pigeons, waterfowl, an owl and a fawn. I was active in “Walking For Wildlife” in California helping to raise money for the preservation of wildlife. I used to break and train mustangs at a ranch in California. In 1976 my first job was at an emergency clinic while in California. I worked as a kennel girl doing treatment in the emergency ward. Since then I have worked in many hospitals now working as a technician. I am also certified with Hills Prescription Diet in pet nutrition. I spent fifteen years at a hospital before joining the Meadowlands team. I love it very much at Meadowlands! Dr. Slobody is a wonderful doctor. I admire his devotion and love, it’s like being part of a family here. I am also devoted to the care and welfare of pets. I treat them as if they were my own. I have one dog; Tank, an American bulldog and one bird, Mack, a hans macaw and they are a big part of my family. My love for animals continues to grow and I am happy to be doing what I was born to do!
Christina Cocca Technician/Vet Student
My name is Christina Cocca and I am currently a veterinary technician, training at Meadowlands Veterinary Center. Growing up, I have always been passionate about caring for animals. It was not until later, in my educational career that I was positive this field was right for me. I went to John Carroll University, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biology. It is through my love of the sciences and passion for all animals that I have decided to one day become a veterinarian myself. I will be attending Ohio State University this fall as a vet student.
Rene Herron Receptionist
Hi! My name is Rene Herron. I am a receptionist at Meadowlands. I just celebrated my one year anniversary working for Dr. Slobody. I love it here! The staff is like family. I have been in the veterinary field for the past eleven years working in grooming, reception and as a technician. I have a love for animals and I love what I do at Meadowlands. I have a Great Dane named Leila and a Golden Retriever named Cheyene. I love my pets very much and you can be confident in knowing I will treat your pets like they were my own!
Mallory Preyss Receptionist
Hi, my name is Mallory. I came to Meadowlands Veterinary Center from a previous clinic. I have worked at the emergency pet hospital and have been in this field for two years. I previously worked at a hair salon as a hairstylist and make up artist, but my love for working with animals is what makes me happy. Over the years I have owned many pets from chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters, hermit crabs, fish, ducks, cats, and dogs. I currently have a puggle named "Bella" and two cats "Mikey" and "Zoey." I hope to meet you and your pet someday!