Dr. Primicias has never known a life outside of veterinary medicine and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She started walking dogs and cleaning kennels in high school and worked her way up through every rung: veterinary assistant, licensed veterinary technician, and finally veterinarian. After earning her DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completing her clinical year at LSU in Baton Rouge, she graduated in 2020 and dove headfirst into the beautifully chaotic world of emergency medicine.
 

It was in those fast-paced ER days—treating life-threatening emergencies and developing a deep passion for surgery and endoscopy, that Dr. Primicias realized something was missing: connection. She didn’t want pet parents to meet her on their worst day. She wanted to build real relationships, to know her clients, their pets, and their families, not just their charts. That desire to create something more meaningful sparked the idea for Bark Avenue’s membership model and the foundation of the Bestie Club.
 

Bark Ave was born out of her belief that going to the vet should be a walk in the park, joyful, personal, low-stress, and even fun. Her goal is to change veterinary medicine for the better by putting pets and people first, always.
 

Dr. Primicias is also a proud mom to three rescue pups (two of whom she literally saved), and one beautiful baby boy who already knows all the best treat spots in the hospital. She lives for tail wags, thoughtful care, and the kind of client connections that turn into lifelong friendships.

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.
 

After earning his MBA from SUNY Oswego in 2016, Ben honed his leadership skills working for major brands like Marriott and Target, with a focus on customer relations, operations, and strategic planning. His sharp business mind and ability to problem-solve under pressure make him a key player in keeping Bark Ave's systems strong and scalable.

But long before Bark Ave broke ground, Ben and Dr. Crimson Primicias were dreaming it up together. High school sweethearts turned business partners, they’ve always shared a vision of creating a veterinary space that feels like home, where pets are family, and care goes the extra mile.
 

Ben is a proud dad to three fur baby girls and one very adorable human son. When he’s not behind the spreadsheets or checking in on our team, you’ll find him cheering us on with quiet strength, strategic insight, and the kind of support that makes this dream possible.

From construction walk-throughs to hiring our dream team, Angelica Nieves has been helping build Bark Avenue from the ground up, literally and figuratively. With 18 years in veterinary medicine, including 15 as a rockstar technician and the last 3 leading teams as a Practice Manager, she brings unmatched experience, heart, and hustle to everything she does.
 

Angelica’s love for animals started early, thanks to her family’s beloved pit bulls; Tigre, Dallas, and Bella, who taught her that pets aren’t just animals; they’re family. That lesson stuck, and it’s the foundation of how she leads at Bark Ave: with empathy, warmth, and a commitment to making every client and pet feel seen, heard, and valued.
 

Whether she’s mentoring team members, supporting clients, or making sure the behind-the-scenes magic is running smoothly, Angelica shows up with purpose (and probably treats in her pocket). She’s especially passionate about creating a hospital culture where both pets and people feel at home.
 

At home, Angelica and her fiancé Greg are lovingly outnumbered by three adorably chonky rescue cats, living proof she’s an animal person through and through. What’s she most excited about? Watching Bark Ave come to life and making sure every visit is as low-stress, warm, and tail-waggingly wonderful as it should be.

Christina Padilla is a Certified Veterinary Technician who has been working in veterinary medicine since 2017. She holds certifications in Fear Free handling, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Life Support (ALS), bringing both compassionate care and critical expertise to every patient she treats.
 

Christina has a strong passion for surgical care and thrives in the fast-paced, detail-oriented environment of the operating room. Her dedication ensures that each pet receives the highest standard of care - while staying calm and comfortable throughout their visit.
 

Outside the clinic, Christina enjoys playing video games and spending quality time with her husband and daughter. Whether she’s caring for patients or leveling up in her favorite game, Christina brings focus, warmth, and heart to everything she does.

With over fifteen years of experience in veterinary medicine, Anne-Marie Urbanski brings warmth, heart, and a lifelong passion for animals to every interaction. She began her journey at a small, family-owned veterinary hospital, where she quickly became a beloved and familiar face to both pets and their people.
 

Even after earning her degree in counseling, Anne-Marie continued to stay connected to the veterinary field—offering a helping paw whenever she could. Now, she’s thrilled to be back where her heart belongs, joining the team at Bark Avenue Veterinary Services as a part-time weekend Hospital Concierge Specialist.
 

Whether she’s welcoming clients with a warm smile or showering furry patients with love (and ear scratches), Anne-Marie is dedicated to making every visit a positive and comforting experience for pets and their families.
 

Outside the clinic, Anne-Marie works full-time as a psychotherapist and enjoys unleashing her creativity with her Cricut, scrapbooking, attending concerts, and spending time in nature. No matter where she is, she brings kindness, creativity, and compassion to everything she does.

Sarah Chaplain has been working in veterinary medicine for four years and brings a heartfelt dedication to every patient she meets. Her favorite part of the job? Giving pets a voice - making sure they feel heard, understood, and comforted every step of the way.

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Whether it’s easing your bestie’s stress or strengthening the bond between animals and their families, Sarah finds joy in creating meaningful moments of care and connection. She believes that every furry friend deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.

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When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find Sarah curled up with a good book, happily lost in a great story. Whether she’s caring for patients or turning pages, she brings warmth, empathy, and a deep love of connection to everything she does.

Brittany is a dedicated Concierge Specialist with about three years of experience in veterinary medicine. Passionate about helping animals and supporting the people who love them, Brittany is driven by a deep desire to be a voice for patients who can’t speak for themselves.
 

Her compassionate nature shines through in every interaction, whether she’s comforting a nervous pet or making a client feel at home the moment they walk through the door. For Brittany, every day is an opportunity to make a difference - one paw at a time.
 

As a proud cancer survivor, Brittany brings strength, empathy, and resilience to both her personal and professional life. In the future, she hopes to combine her love of animals and adventure by working with wildlife.