Dawn Tornusciolo, DVM Practice Owner
Dr. Dawn started a Ph.D. program in research but soon realized that she wanted to work with people and animals. She left the midwest with a masters degree and began veterinary school at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. After graduating in 1999 she and her husband decided to make the Ithaca area their home because they believed it was a wonderful place to raise their two children. She has practiced small animal medicine in Syracuse for three years and in Ithaca since 2004. Dawn enjoys all aspects of medicine but has special interest in complex medicine cases, preventative care, and acupuncture. On her days off you can usually find her hanging out with her family, hiking with her dog, and enjoying great food with friends. She is a member of the AVMA.
Bridget Barry, DVM
Dr. Barry graduated from the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1991. She is well known in the Finger Lakes veterinary community as she has practiced here since that time. Dr. Barry left private practice in 2005 to be the Director of Shelter Medicine at the Tompkins Co. SPCA. We were all happy to see her return to general practice in 2010 although she is still known for her rescue work. When not helping pets in the Finger Lakes, she is traveling the globe with rescue groups to spay and neuter dogs and cats in underprivileged areas. Bridget is also a member of VMAT, a veterinary disaster response team, and the Southern Tier representative to the NYS Veterinary Medical Society since 2006. Although it is hard to believe she has any free time, Dr. Barry has many interests outside of veterinary medicine including spinning and knitting wool from her own flock of sheep!
Anne Shakespeare, DVM
Dr Shakespeare has retired from general practice but may still be found helping us behind the scenes!
We wish her well!
Cornerstone’s greatest asset is its staff
Our doctors are proud and fortunate to work with the following team:
Joan Shaw Office Manager
Joan has worked in the veterinary field since 1983 when she came to Ithaca to attend Cornell. She is the familiar face everyone looks for when they enter Cornerstone. Chances are she is sure to remember you and your pet after one visit to the office! Known for her dedication, friendliness and knowledge both in preventive health care and animal behavior, Joan is a valuable team member. Active in dog showing, she has earned numerous obedience, performance and conformation titles and championships on several different breeds. Joan is a past instructor for Ithaca Dog Training Club and can help you with questions regarding dog behavior and training.
Ellen Stephens LVT
Ellen originally came to Ithaca from Long Island to earn her B.S. at Cornell University in Animal Science/General Agriculture. That was over 30 years ago and she has been working with animals ever since- both as a licensed veterinary technician and helping local feral cat rescue organizations. She provides outstanding laboratory, surgical and radiology support but she is probably best known for her excellent nursing care of all of our patients and compassion for our clients. Ellen”s leisure time is spent caring for her extended family of cats, horses and chickens.
Kristin Schneider LVT
Kris received her BS in Animal Science from Cornell in 1982. She returned to her native Long Island where she and her husband raised 2 children. During this time Kris earned her technician license and worked for many years in a busy 5 doctor practice. She also taught veterinary technology to students at Suffolk Community College. Kris and her husband came back to Ithaca in 2005 and she joined Cornerstone in 2009. Kris’s technical skills and expertise are a welcome addition to the practice. Kris enjoys gardening, cooking and baking and most importantly, spending time with her four grandchildren.
Denise Scott-Pokorney
Denise worked with us in the past and she has moved back to Ithaca from the island of sunny St.Croix to rejoin our team. She enjoys working with her horses in her spare time and has several dog and cat pals as well. She is also an avid supporter of the Cornell Farrier Scholarship program. She is an invaluable member of our team!