Meet Our Team

Education
Veterinary School at Kansas State

Dr. Mistry was born and raised in Michigan. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Physiology from Cornell University, then went on to veterinary school at Kansas State.

After completing an internship in Boston, she worked as an emergency and general practice vet for 5 yrs in New Jersey. In 2010, she got married and moved to Hong Kong with her husband. She moved to NY and joined the Lefferts team in 2012.

Her interests include internal medicine, dentistry, and ultrasounds. She lives in Long Island with her husband, 2 beautiful children, and yellow lab, Maggie Mae. She had the honor of being appointed Medical Director of the hospital in 2015.

Education
College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell

Graduated NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell in Special interests in surgery. Works with exotics and bilingual in Spanish.

Education
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Payal Mittal was born and raised in Michigan. Dr. Mittal graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Psychology.

After a year, she decided to pursue her dream career as a veterinarian. Dr. Mittal graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Her adventure in veterinary school involved a clinical year at Louisiana State University. Her special interest includes surgery, internal medicine, and imaging.

She lives with her 2 cats (Kung Pao and Moonpie) in Manhattan and visits her family in Michigan whenever possible. She is very excited to join the wonderful staff here at Lefferts Animal Hospital.

Education
University of Glasgow

Dr. Kevin Birchler began his experience with animals during his Bachelors in Biology at the University of Michigan, where his focus in ecology led him to field work with marine birds in Galapagos. Following 4 years of large animal experience managing a ranch with horses and alpacas, he completed his veterinary studies at the University of Glasgow.

The first 5 years of his veterinary career were spent at a small animal practice nearby his alma mater in Ann Arbor, and has now been a member of the Lefferts Family since 2018. His interests range from preventative and internal medicine, to radiology and general surgery.

He lives in nearby Queens with his wife and dog, always ready to explore their new surroundings.

Education
Tuskegee University

Dr. Acevedo has returned to our practice after living abroad for 6 years. While in Australia she achieved membership in the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists radiology chapter and continues to refine her skills in radiology and ultrasonography.

Dr. Acevedo completed her undergraduate studies at Tulane University majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology. She received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University and completed a specialty rotating internship at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island before joining Lefferts Animal Hospital in 2010.

Dr. Acevedo was born in Santo Domingo, grew up in Florida, and happy to be back in NYC!

Education
Atlantic Veterinary College

Dr. Zach Zalewski grew up in Whitestone, New York. His love of animals began early in life. His childhood was spent caring for a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, and wildlife. Dr. Zalewski completed his undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY.

While attending St. John’s University, Dr. Zalewski began working as a Veterinary Assistant at sister practices in the Queens borough. While working there, he also rescued his grey tabby, Sophie.

This experience further solidified his desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Zalewski graduated from Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada in May 2020. Dr. Zalewski joined Leffert’s Animal Hospital in the fall of 2021.

When he’s not caring for others’ pets, Dr. Zalewski enjoys travel, cooking, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.