From the moment I stepped into veterinary medicine at 16, I knew this was more than a career—it was my calling. I grew up in this field, working my way through every role: receptionist, assistant, technician, and eventually becoming a licensed veterinary technician. Those early years shaped how I see both medicine and the people behind the pets.
 

I went on to veterinary school with a clear vision—not just to practice medicine, but to reimagine the experience entirely.

After graduating, I spent four years in a fast-paced, high-intensity emergency room. It was there that I saw both the incredible life-saving side of veterinary medicine and the emotional toll it takes on families. The chaos, the coldness, the feeling of being rushed through one of the most vulnerable moments of your life—it never sat right with me. I knew there had to be a better way.
 

Bark Ave was born from that vision: an urgent care experience that feels calm, elevated, and deeply compassionate. A place where you and your pet are not just treated—but hosted. Where the environment is intentional, the care is transparent, and every detail—from the music in the exam room to the comfort of the seating—is designed to reduce stress and bring a sense of ease during difficult moments. This is veterinary medicine, reimagined.
 

At home, my world revolves around my three rescue dogs—Remi, Nikita, and Harper—who remind me daily why this work matters so much. And as a mom to my toddler son-Emerson, I understand on an even deeper level what it means to trust someone with the ones you love most.
 

Bark Ave isn’t just a hospital—it’s everything I wished existed for my own family, my own pets, and now, for yours.

You may not see him every day, but Ben Primicias is one of the biggest reasons we're here today. As Co-founder and Chief of Development, is the steady force behind the scenes - from the construction journey to keeping the systems running smoothly like a well-oiled (and pet-safe!) machine.

Angelica Nieves brings heart, hustle, and over 16 years of hands-on veterinary experience to Bark Ave. Starting her journey as an exceptional veterinary nurse, she specializes in anesthesia, surgery, and emergency medicine—bringing a calm, confident presence to even the most critical moments. Angelica has spent years on the floor mastering patient care, client communication, and what it truly means to advocate for every furry bestie who walks through the door.
 

Over the past 4 years as a Practice Manager—and now as Chief Operating Officer—Angelica has been the driving force behind bringing Bark Ave to life. From building the hospital from the studs up to shaping every detail of the client and patient experience, she’s helped create a space where vet care truly feels like a breath of fresh air.
 

Angelica has also built and now oversees a team of hardworking, experienced veterinary professionals who share her values—delivering gold-standard medicine, exceptional patient care, and plenty of snuggles along the way. She leads with intention, creating a culture where both team members and clients feel supported, respected, and genuinely cared for.
 

Beyond hospital operations, Angelica drives Bark Ave’s growth through strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships with well-known brands, helping expand the Bark Ave experience beyond the hospital walls. Her ability to blend clinical excellence with business strategy has been key in establishing Bark Ave as a trusted, modern veterinary destination.
 

She oversees all hospital and business operations, ensuring everything runs seamlessly while never losing sight of what matters most: making every visit feel like the BEST DAY EVER for both pets and their people. Her leadership blends efficiency with empathy, creating an environment where clients feel safe, supported, and confident—and where every bestie gets the care they deserve (and then some).

At Bark Ave, Angelica doesn’t just keep things running—she goes the extra mile to make sure every experience is a walk in the park.

Tee has spent a large part of her life dedicated to helping all creatures thrive and always knew she wanted to contribute to helping animals from a young age. Starting as a volunteer at a local rescue in high school to coming up on 15 years in the veterinary field, Tee has had the opportunity to work in a variety of practices from large, small, and exotic animals to ER, oncology, and general practice with her passion being surgery and dentistry.

When Tee isn’t working she keeps just as busy with continuing education making sure to stay up to date on the newest happenings in the vet med community, and she enjoys hiking, power lifting, an obsessive amount of gaming and anime, and spending time with her scruffy little potato Cheyenne!

Angie has been working in veterinary medicine for the past two years, with hands-on experience in large animal care as a ranch hand. Her passion lies in veterinary and equine medicine, driven by a deep respect for the human–animal bond and the responsibility that comes with providing thoughtful, high-quality care.
 

Angie plans to attend veterinary school in the near future and continue her path in veterinary medicine, guided by compassion, dedication, and a genuine love for the animals she serves. She is the proud pet parent to three fur babies—Comet, Oola, and Foolish—and enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her son. Angie is excited to care for you and your fur besties at Bark Ave.

Maya’s love for animals began at a young age and has grown into a lifelong passion. She has had the privilege of traveling internationally, working alongside veterinarians to educate communities and support animals in need. From protecting baby sea turtles in Greece to caring for cheetahs on a wildlife reserve in South Africa, these experiences deepened her respect and appreciation for animals of all kinds.
 

A longtime foster for dogs and cats since the age of six, Maya is also a proud pet parent to two dogs, Moe and Stella, and two cats, Finn and Lupo. She is dedicated to helping clients feel completely at ease while caring for every pet as if they were her own—with compassion, patience, and plenty of love.

Sarah is a lifelong animal lover who grew up surrounded by dogs and has a deep understanding of the bond between pets and their families. As a mom and a natural multitasker, she brings calm, efficiency, and genuine care to every interaction.

Sarah is dedicated to creating a welcoming, seamless experience for every client who walks through our doors, ensuring pets and their people feel supported from the moment they arrive.

Jess began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2014, growing from client service representative to skilled technician while pursuing her formal credentials. Her dedication to excellence and hands-on experience have shaped a career rooted in both compassion and clinical precision.
 

She has spent much of her career in oncology, where she developed a deep appreciation for the unique needs of geriatric patients. Jess is especially passionate about providing comfort-focused care, ensuring every patient feels safe, supported, and genuinely cared for during every stage of life.
 

At Bark Ave, Jess finds the most fulfillment in helping pets live their happiest, most comfortable lives—while guiding their families with empathy and trust. Outside of the hospital, Jess enjoys slow, cozy moments at home with her two dogs, Storm and Hank, and her two cats, Hyde and Gremlin. You’ll often find her curled up on the couch with her crew or tending to her garden and backyard sanctuary.