A gray tabby cat wearing round sunglasses with yellow lenses.
Close-up of a brown dog with amber eyes licking its nose, standing on a pathway with green foliage on the side.
Close-up of a black pug dog wearing a gray and white knitted sweater against a yellow background.

  • DVM/Owner

    Dr. O’Connor’s passion for animals started early. At just 15 years old, she began working as a veterinary technician in Freehold, NJ. That early experience confirmed what she already knew — caring for animals was exactly what she was meant to do.

    After earning her bachelor’s degree, she headed to Minnesota for Veterinary School. Once she survived the Minnesota winters and gained valuable hands-on experience, she knew it was time to return home to New Jersey, where her heart (and the warmer weather!) belonged.

    In 2011, Dr. O’Connor purchased St. Francis Animal Clinic and has proudly served as owner and lead veterinarian ever since. She loves getting to know the pets and families that make up this wonderful community, and she strives to create a welcoming, stress-free experience for every patient who walks through the door.

    When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll likely find Dr. O’Connor helping out in the community, enjoying the outdoors, or giving extra snuggles to her own pets.

  • Veterinarian

    Dr. Stephen’s passion for veterinary medicine began in 2015 when he started working as a veterinary technician. From the very beginning, he knew that caring for animals and supporting the people who love them was exactly where he was meant to be.

    After earning his bachelor’s degree from University of Delaware in 2021, Dr. Stephen headed north of the border to Canada to pursue his veterinary education at Ontario Veterinary College. In 2025, he graduated with his veterinary degree after gaining valuable hands-on experience and training alongside leaders in the field.

    Dr. Stephen is excited to continue building strong relationships with pets and their families while providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient he meets.

    When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll likely find him enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, or relaxing with his puggle, Otis.

  • Sarah, Ashley, Kylie, Ryan & Morgan

    Our veterinary technicians are the heartbeat of our hospital. Skilled in everything from surgical assistance and anesthesia monitoring to laboratory testing and patient care, they ensure every pet receives top-quality treatment. With compassion, precision, and a gentle touch, our tech team keeps pets comfortable and owners informed every step of the way. Whatever a pet needs—bandages, belly rubs, vaccines, or a pep talk—our veterinary technicians are on it.