Your pet is in exceptionally good hands at Animal Hospital at Thorndale. We have an entire team of expert veterinarians, including board-certified specialists, which means they have taken extra steps in terms of their education and training.
In addition, our doctors are supported by a highly qualified team of professionals including state-licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and customer service staff.
As a specialist, Dr. Java applies her advanced expertise to the practice of primary and emergency care, giving patients an exceptional level of knowledge and experience. She earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, then completed an internship at The Animal Medical Center in Manhattan and a three-year residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2009. Dr. Java worked as a staff criticalist at emergency and specialty hospitals in the Philadelphia area before taking the helm at Animal Hospital at Thorndale in January 2021.
She has rescued numerous pets including a pit bull terrier (Merc), a bull terrier (Coupe), a pot belly pig (Chester), a cat (Oldz), an African grey parrot (Thunderbird), a pigeon (Ricky Spanish), a love bird (Stumpy) and two ducks (Rod and Piston). Quite the zoo!
As a veterinary surgeon, Dr. Hobday has particular interest and expertise in gastrointestinal, orthopedics and upper airway procedures. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, then practiced for nearly a decade in emergency medicine before completing her surgery residency at Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center and becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgery.
She has dedicated her career to providing exceptional care, staying up-to-date with new procedures and best practices in her field of specialization. As a caring and skilled professional, Dr. Hobday is known for thorough case management and working closely with her clients to provide individualized follow-up care.
Dr. Hobday finds beauty in both fine art and in animals. She has a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and studied sculpture in Italy before pursuing her dream of helping animals. She has a cat named Taters and a Boykin Spaniel named Hug.
Dr. Simpler provides advanced diagnostic imaging services to our patients. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, she worked as an emergency clinician at several local specialty hospitals before pursuing further radiology training. She went on to complete a three-year residency in diagnostic imaging at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified in radiology in 2015.
Dr. Simpler lives in the Greater Philadelphia area with her family, which includes three cats and a dog.
Dr. Principati received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, she completed two internships at the University of Illinois—one in small animal medicine and surgery, and another in exotic companion animal medicine.
Since then, Dr. Principati has practiced in the Philadelphia suburbs as a primary care veterinarian for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. She enjoys many aspects of veterinary medicine, with particular interests in senior and hospice care, emergency medicine, and preventive medicine.
Dr. Principati is passionate about helping every pet live a healthy, happy life at every stage.
After growing up on a horse farm in Kennett Square, PA. and attending college at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Moss graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School in 1976. He practiced medicine in Wyoming then Pennsylvania in mixed practices before starting a surgical referral service focusing on small animal orthopedics, head, neck and oral surgery.
Over his 45 year veterinary career, Dr. Moss has been a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery: arthroscopic and laparoscopic surgery, Co2 laser surgery, stem cell therapy, acupuncture, and dental oral surgery. Over the past 25 years he has extensively trained at the Animal Dental Training Center and now concentrates on dentistry and oral surgery. He is an honor roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and owned an American Animal Hospital Association practice.
His hobbies include: Historical re-enacting and train robbing for charity, yoga with his dogs Blue and Gladys, saber and epee fencing, gardening, cowboy song writing, guitar, leatherwork and riding his horse Hamilton. He has four children and 12 grandchildren and is married for 30+ years to his wonderful wife who is also an avid equestrian, gardener and non-profit volunteer.
Dr. Joanna Murray was born and raised in Queens, New York. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Following vet school, Dr. Murray completed a 1 year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in the suburbs of Chicago. She then settled in Philadelphia where she has practiced emergency medicine for over a decade. During this time, Dr. Murray completed special training in veterinary acupuncture, a practice which she continues to learn and grow in.
Dr. Murray came to Animal Hospital at Thorndale drawn by the exceptional team and high standard of care. Her passion is helping pets that are not feeling well. She loves being able to follow-up with her patients, something that is often not possible in the ER.
When not working with animals, Dr. Murray is busy raising three small children. She enjoys spending time outside gardening, learning new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling.
With over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Mary Anne is a dedicated certified veterinary technician (CVT) who earned an additional veterinary technician specialist (VTS) license in emergency and critical care 10 years ago. Mary Anne has a passion for advanced patient care, mentoring growing technicians, leadership, and education. Mary Anne strives to support technicians and assistants to grow in their career and provide patients with gold standard care.
Mary Anne is from Philadelphia and is a huge Philly sports fan, GO BIRDS!! Currently she resides in Collegeville, PA with her boyfriend, 3 children, 2 cats (Susan and Baxter) and Rottweiler, Merlot.
For nearly two decades, Megan has continually worked as a CVT, primarily in emergency and critical care and providing anesthesia for emergency surgical procedures. Megan’s primary skillset and interest is in all aspects of urgent care, and she focuses on providing the utmost bedside watchful eye and care. With her tremendous experience, she teaches our veterinary assistants valuable and practical nursing skills.
Should the opportunity to travel arise, Megan nabs it. She enjoys traveling the world and experiencing new cultures and their local lore.
Andrea earned her CVT degree from Harcum College and has since amassed tons of knowledge and loads of experience. Andrea shares her home with her two pitbulls, Vegas and Willow, and five cats: Callie, Missy, Penny, Percy and Yoshi. Yet, it’s her energetic grandson, Declan, who keeps Andrea on a tight leash.
When Andrea is not with pups or family, she loves being outside. She’s an avid gardener, fast hiker, and enthusiastic trail bike rider. That’s her favorite. Andrea’s mornings begin quietly with coffee and yoga then steers toward music, animals and food. When describing herself, Andrea said, “I’m a team player and try to focus on positivity. I also strive to learn something new everyday.”
Ayanna is one of our Certified Veterinary Technicians who has been working in the veterinary field since 2022. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh and loves meeting new pets, building lasting bonds, and creating positive experiences for both pets and their owners. She especially enjoys puppy and kitten visits and has recently developed an interest in learning more about exotic animals.
Outside of work, Ayanna spends time with her three cats (her fur children), and enjoys making pottery.
Crystal was born and raised in Downingtown. She graduated from Coatesville Area High School in 2006 and joined our hospital in 2012. She attended Harcum College in order to pursue her Veterinary Technician licensing. She enjoys the diversity of her job, advancing her skills, and interacting with both clients and pets. She is enthusiastic, caring and always willing to help to provide the best of care for our patients and their owners.
Crystal spends her free time with her three children, Alexa, Jaiden, and Valkyrie—who are her entire world—and her dogs. Crystal enjoys family activities with her children, spending time outdoors, and attending motocross races with her son.
Arianna has always had a heartfelt connection to animals. Her love for animals blossomed during summers spent in her homeland, Puerto Rico. There, she witnessed the many challenges animals faced without proper care. During these island days, Arianna realized her calling: to help and care for animals in any way she could.
Today, Arianna channels that same compassion into her day-to-day life. Bringing experiences from different general practices, to larger emergency hospitals, and pet sitting, Arianna is known for her calming energy, attentiveness, and the genuine joy she brings to her work. At the heart of everything she does is a desire to care, connect, and create positive experiences.
Outside of her animal adventures, Arianna is a self-proclaimed homebody with a love for life’s simple pleasures. She enjoys binge-watching her favorite TV shows, napping, and heading to the beach to soak up the sun whenever she gets the chance. But perhaps her biggest passion, second only to animals, is food. A proud foodie, Arianna is always on the lookout for new restaurants, dishes, and cuisines to try.
McKenna brings heart, hustle, and hands-on experience to her role as a Client Service Representative. Her journey in veterinary medicine began in doggy daycare, where her love for animals quickly turned into a passion for the fast-paced world of clinical care. Determined to grow, she worked her way through kennel care and reception before stepping into the role of veterinary assistant. After four years in the field, she chose to shift her focus back to client services, where her personality shines brightest. As a bubbly yet straightforward communicator, she thrives on connecting with pet parents, guiding them with clarity, and ensuring they feel heard and supported. Her clinical background allows her to confidently bridge the gap between the front desk and the treatment floor, offering both warmth and knowledge in every interaction.
When she’s not at the hospital, you’ll likely find McKenna lost in a good book or planning a faraway weekend escape with her loved ones; always recharging so she can bring her best energy back to the clients and pets she cares about!
As the Practice Manager, Allie brings years of experience in the veterinary field, having worked multiple roles in shelter, primary, and emergency hospital settings. Her passion lies in delivering exceptional care for pets and ensuring a great experience for their owners. She is committed to fostering strong relationships with both pets and their owners while leading the team to uphold the highest standards of veterinary care.
Outside of the hospital, she cherishes spending time with her husband and their three daughters. They share a home with two cats (Donut and Mowgli) and an African grey parrot (Blue), adding to the joy of her family life. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in community events, traveling to the beach, exploring the outdoors, and dining at all her favorite, local restaurants.
Mannie is a senior cat who’d been living at a local shelter after his owner passed away. He was in need of medical attention, a safe place to live and some love. The Animal Hospital at Thorndale team was delighted to provide all three. After surgery to repair his entropion (an inward rolling of the eyelid) along with dental care, a nutritious diet and lots of affection, Mannie is now thriving as our resident “custodian of love,” giving gentle headbutts and allowing anyone who needs it to pet him.