Meet Our Team
Guided by our core values of Professionalism, Loyalty, Advancement, Integrity, and Empathy, our skilled veterinary team provides caring healthcare services for your beloved pets, always treating them like the family members they are.
Meet Our Veterinary Team
Get to know our veterinarians and support staff! We can’t wait to meet you and your pets, and we hope you’ll take the time to learn a bit more about us, as well.
Our Veterinarians
Our Support Team
Dr. Lisa M. Wiggins Sebesta
Medical Director, Owner
Dr. Wiggins Sebesta is from Nashville, TN, and moved to the capital district in 2002, a couple of years after graduating from the University of TN, College of Veterinary Medicine. She worked for a large local practice for many years prior to purchasing her own practice. One of her medical interests and expertise involves allergies and how they cause systemic disease. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as well as the state and local veterinary associations. The first love of her life was a King Charles Cavalier named Freckles, who went to the Rainbow Bridge in August 2011. She spends her free time with her husband, Paul, and their new love, Freddie. Freddie is a tiny Green Cheeked Conure who is a silly little clown and thinks he is a small dog! Together they enjoy hobbies such as sailing, snowshoeing, gardening, RVing, and going to the ocean as often as possible.
Dr. Colleen Cook
Partner
Dr. Cook grew up in Troy, NY, and majored in Biology at Union College in Schenectady, NY. She earned her degree with honors after completing a senior thesis investigating the effects of soil pH on tick survival. Dr. Cook has been a member of the 4 Paws family since 2014, when she started working as a veterinary assistant and kennel attendant. She moved to Phoenix, AZ, to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Cook graduated with honors from Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2019. Her professional interests include internal medicine, clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, and dentistry. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New York State Veterinary Medical Society, and is Fear Free Certified.
Dr. Cook is a fur-mom to Clover, a Wire Hair Fox Terrier, and Dublin, a brown tabby she adopted from her second year surgery lab. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, going to hockey games, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to rejoin the 4 Paws family and provide compassionate and professional care to her patients and their owners.
Dr. Lilly Frith
Veterinarian, Associate
Dr. Lilly Frith’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a love of puzzles and a fascination with problem-solving. Though she once considered a career in forensic science, an early experience working as a veterinary assistant revealed her true passion: caring for animals and building lasting relationships with their people.
With a strong background in dermatology, clinical pathology, and soft tissue surgery, Dr. Frith enjoys tackling complex cases that require a thoughtful and compassionate approach. She also has a longstanding commitment to animal rescue, having fostered pets for many years and continuing to support the rescue community whenever she can.
Originally from Texas, Dr. Frith brings a warm and down-to-earth energy to every interaction, along with expert-level use of the word “y’all.” Outside of work, she enjoys playing basketball, creating stained glass art, and trying her hand at new hobbies. Her latest favorite is tennis.
Jamie
Practice Manager
Jamie grew up in Guilderland with an appreciation for all living things, going out of her way to show kindness to animals of all sizes. As she matured, she realized she enjoyed working with people who shared this love of animals.
While looking for a profession where she could fulfill her calling, at age 21, a position opened up in customer service at a capital district veterinary office. This began a 12-year experience where she was able to learn about veterinary medicine and hone her great customer service skills, until she found her home at 4 Paws in 2013. Jamie particularly enjoys interacting with clients and assisting them in receiving the best care possible for their beloved family members.
As a practice manager of 4 Paws, Jamie wears many hats, including but not limited to being an integral part of the hiring process, training staff, and providing opportunities for advancement and continuing education, and ensuring our clients receive the best service while our patients receive optimum care. She also ensures that team members work together to project the values and goals of our practice.
Currently, Jamie lives in Voorheesville with her husband and 3 out of her 4 children. She is a proud “coast guard” mom to their oldest “kid” who they travel to see as often as they can. To round out the family, they have 2 rescued dogs (you may see them peeking out from her office some days) and 3 rescued cats. If this isn’t enough to keep Jamie busy, and she has free time, she enjoys visiting their home on Lake Sacandaga, where the family “unplugs” and recharges.
Jen
Veterinary Technician
Jen grew up in Red Hook, NY, and currently resides in Castleton, NY. She has always had a fascination with nature and the animals within it, and knew she wanted to make a difference in animals’ lives. Her first job was at a Veterinary Hospital, and then she went on to attend SUNY Ulster and achieved an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology with High Honors, receiving academic awards throughout.
Being a Veterinary Technician is an important role in her everyday life. At 4 Paws, she provides knowledge, compassion, hard work, and dedication to the pets who visit. To Jen, being a Technician means being a “jack of all trades”; if you see it you do it, no matter what the task. Jen is constantly continuing her education to learn something new daily, to keep up with the developing medicine. Her constant desire to keep learning has made her the perfect Surgical Technician for 4 Paws.
When not working and learning, Jen can be found spending time with her growing family, which includes her 2 daughters, son, dog, cat, and bunny. When she finds any free time, she enjoys music, dancing, and any outdoor activity.
Brittany
Boarding and Daycare Leader & Veterinary Assistant
Britt’s passion for animals began at a young age. She always felt uniquely connected to them—often understanding and relating to animals more easily than humans. That deep bond inspired her to pursue a lifelong career in veterinary care.
With more than 11 years of experience in the animal field, Britt has built a hands-on, diverse foundation of skills. She began her journey as a Kennel Assistant right after high school, later transitioning into a Daycare/Obedience Technician role. She is now both a Certified Groomer and Veterinary Assistant, and is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster program as she continues working toward her career dream.
Outside the clinic, Britt enjoys crocheting, riding motorcycles, reading, spending time with her family, and celebrating her favorite season—Halloween!
At home, she is surrounded by a lively and loving animal family, including Bentley, a golden retriever and proud mama’s boy; Herbie, a spirited German Shorthaired Pointer mix recently rescued and well-known for creating fun chaos; Drax, her affectionate cat; and Hei Hei, her entertaining Green-cheeked Conure named after the beloved character from Moana. Bentley loves swimming and playing ball, while Herbie prefers keeping everyone on their toes!
Lori
Client Service Coordinator
Lori has been with the 4 Paws team since 2000, when she started working in the mornings prior to starting her day at her other job at RPI. She is the first person that the pets see every day, and they all greet her with excitement. Lori has helped care for and comfort the sick and spent much time coaxing them to eat when they didn’t want to. Her love of animals and her special bond with each one is very rewarding for her. Animals are as at ease with her as she is with them, especially the nervous and anxious animals. She says that even a challenging pet needs love, and that being able to win them over is her greatest reward. Patience and perseverance, and allowing the animal time to adjust, are her formula. If asked who she loves the most, she says everyone she cares for.
Lori is patient, caring, and spends a lot of time with each pet when they are here. If you listen closely, you will often hear her say to each one, “Be good now, and Lori will see you tomorrow, and Lori loves you,” as she does her last check on each one before she leaves for the day. She makes a point to know each pet’s likes and dislikes and leaves notes to inform the rest of the staff. Lori will not rest until each and every pet seems content and comfortable away from home.
Emma Baird
Veterinary Assistant
Emma’s passion for animals began early in life, inspired by rescuing pets in need and a natural desire to help every animal she met. That compassion grew into a calling, leading her to build a career in veterinary medicine.
With more than 5 years of experience in the veterinary field and over 8 years working in the pet industry, Emma brings valuable hands-on knowledge and a heartfelt dedication to every patient. She is currently furthering her education to become a licensed veterinary technician, continuing her commitment to providing exceptional care to animals and supporting the families who love them.
Outside the clinic, Emma loves adventuring with her two dogs, Dexter and Ella. Whether they’re hitting nature trails, exploring new places, or spending time near the water, they’re always up for the next outing. She also shares her home with several guinea pigs who add even more joy to her life.
Alyssa Maielle
Veterinary Assistant
From the time she was just two years old, Alyssa knew she wanted to work with animals. That lifelong passion led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, where she has now been proudly serving pets and their families for two years. She is currently continuing her education through the Penn Foster program to further advance her skills and knowledge in the field.
Alyssa has a special interest in exotic pets, equine care, and general practice, and she loves being able to care for a wide variety of species each day.
Outside the clinic, Alyssa dedicates much of her time to serving her community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. She also serves as a Lieutenant with WSLFD. When she’s not helping people or pets, you can find her reading, hiking, horseback riding, or spending time with her own animal family.
Her home is filled with a wonderful assortment of beloved pets, including Hazel the Bernese Mountain Dog, Ziva the Rottweiler, Bruno the Thoroughbred, Toast the Crested Gecko, Kiora the Ball Python, Spike the Bearded Dragon, Ceil the Tortoise, Moo the Betta Fish, Tealo the African Grey, Peepers the Duck, and Jimmy the Rat.
Alyssa is excited to continue growing in her veterinary career and is grateful every day for the opportunity to care for animals and support the community she loves.
Tyler Barnes
Veterinary Assistant
From an early age, Tyler felt a natural connection to animals and the meaningful role they play in our lives. A lifelong love for working with pets—and supporting the people who care for them—is what inspired him to pursue a career in the veterinary field. With a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care, Tyler strives to be a trusted resource for every patient and family.
When not in the clinic, Tyler enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking, kayaking, or relaxing by the water. He also loves gaming and unwinding with friends for a more laid-back way to recharge.
Tyler is excited to continue growing in his veterinary career and looks forward to building meaningful connections with the pets and families he has the privilege to serve.
Brena Bonesteel
Groomer
Bio coming soon!
Erin Clarke
Client Service Coordinator
Erin has always been surrounded by animals, and from an early age, she knew she wanted to build a career caring for them. Not only did she feel a natural connection to animals, but she also felt instantly at home among the compassionate, dedicated people in the veterinary field.
With four years of experience in veterinary medicine—two years in emergency care and two years in general practice—Erin brings a versatile skill set and calm, caring presence to every patient she meets. She especially enjoys client education, helping pet parents feel confident and informed about their pets’ care, and strives to make every family feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
In addition to her work in the clinic, Erin volunteers with a rescue organization that fosters pets from kill shelters in the South, helping animals in need find loving homes and brighter futures.
Outside of work, Erin loves hiking, reading, paddleboarding, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She shares her home with beloved cats who mean the world to her, along with her family dog, Kinsley.
Jillian Perez
Client Service Coordinator
Jillian has had a love for animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up, she spent countless days around pets thanks to her grandfather, who worked at a pet shop, and her grandmother’s home, which was always filled with animals — from cats and dogs to birds and more. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion and set her on the path toward a career in veterinary medicine.
With over 10 years of experience in the field, Jillian brings dedication, knowledge, and genuine compassion to every pet and family she supports. She loves being part of a team that helps animals live healthier, happier lives and takes pride in creating a comforting, welcoming environment for both pets and their people.
Outside of work, Jillian enjoys spending quality time with her family. At home, she shares life with a wonderful crew of pets — two dogs, two cats, two lizards, and two geckos — truly continuing the tradition of a loving, animal-filled household.
Haley Willwerth
Client Service Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Ishaun Carruth
Doggy Daycare Attendant
Bio coming soon!
Jaime Young
Kennel Attendant
Bio coming soon!
Kylee
Kennel Attendant
Bio coming soon!
Kara
Kennel Attendant
Bio coming soon!
Maddie
Kennel Attendant
Bio coming soon!