Meet Our Family Friends Boxborough, MA Veterinarian Hospital Staff
The first thing you'll notice when you walk into our Boxborough veterinary hospital is the incredibly friendly and inviting atmosphere. Members of our staff have been hand-picked to provide you and your pet the best possible experience during your visit. Learn more about our team below.
Stuart H. Bleck, DVM
Dr. Bleck opened Family Friends Veterinary Hospital & Kennel in 2001. He attended Boston College for his Bachelor of Science degree, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated Suma Cum Laude. Dr. Bleck graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine with honors in 1993, when he achieved his doctorate. He is a proud member of the American Veterinary Association and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.
Prior to opening Family Friends, Dr. Bleck worked as an associate veterinarian at Lexington Veterinary Associates and Marlboro Animal Hospital. Dr. Bleck developed a love for raising orphaned animals and helping neighborhood pets at a very young age. He loves working in a veterinary hospital and the unique opportunities that come with each day.
In his free time, Dr. Bleck enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle, and their three children, Stuart, Samantha, and Christopher, of whom is he very proud. They have 4 dogs, Dexter, Juno, Didi, and Raven, and a turtle named Max that is over 30 years old. You can meet them here on our staff pet's page. He loves reading, watching movies and sports, and listening to music.
Dr. Bleck feels very fortunate to be a veterinarian, and enjoys the relationships he has formed with many of his clients and patients over the years.
Robert Baigelman, DVM
Dr. Baigelman is a veterinary associate at Family Friends. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 2003 from the University of Pennsylvania, then continued his studies at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, where he was a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, and received the Dean’s award for academic excellence.
Dr. Baigelman began his journey with Family Friends as a veterinary technician in 2007. The hospital was thrilled to have him join Dr. Bleck as a veterinary associate in 2012. Dr. Baigelman enjoys the new challenges faced everyday with different incoming cases.
Dr. Baigelman has had a passion for animals from a young age. That, in combination with a family full of practicing doctors, led to his decision to become a veterinarian. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Abby, their two young children, and their dog, Minnie.
Sean Reilley,
Senior Veterinary Technician
Sean is our full-time senior veterinary technician. He joined the Family Friends team in 2002, and has 26 years of animal care experience. Sean assists our doctors with patients, provides pre and post care of surgical patients, helps care for and maintain the kennel, and performs in-house diagnostics. He enjoys assisting in every aspect of his job.
Our clients appreciate Sean’s understanding nature during difficult times. In his free time, Sean enjoys watching movies, reading, and cheering on all Boston sport teams. He has two cats of his own, 11yr old Louca, and 8yr old Tycheros.
Kristen Vattes, Receptionist
Full-time receptionist, Kristen, joined our team in April of 2009. Some of her daily responsibilities include answering phones, emails, and scheduling appointments. Her multi-tasking skills and positivie attitude make her a great asset to our hospital. Kristen loves coming to work every day and interacting with co-workers, clients and their furry friends.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, reading, and playing video games. Her cat Jasper is 8 years old, check him out on our staff pet page.
Chris Rajaniemi, Veterinary Technician
Christopher is a full-time veterinary technician here at Family Friends. Some of his responsibilities include assisting the doctors during their appointments, helping within the kennel, general cleaning, and answering phones. He especially enjoys working with the new puppies and kittens seen at the hospital. Christopher loves the family atmosphere of the hospital, he lends a helping hand and the occasional “bad joke” whenever he can.
When he’s not working, Christopher enjoys disc golf, oil painting, playing video games, and attending rock concerts. He loves to cook and is a big fan of hockey, baseball, and football. Christopher also owns a banjo that he is slowly learning to play. Click here to meet his dog Lola.
Cait Battaglioli, Veterinary Technician
Cait is our veterinary technician, as well as our receptionist and kennel attendant at Family Friends Hospital and Kennel and has been with our team since May 2016. She assists the doctors with appointments, provides assistance to clients when working the receptionists desk and takes care of our boarding pets while they are staying in the kennel.
“I like working here because my coworkers are helpful and caring. I love being able to help pets get better and aid in the healing process.” Cait says. “Every day is different, and the work is always interesting.”
Cait enjoys dog-sitting; she’s done it for many friends and family over the years. She’s looking towards going to school to become a professional dog trainer. In her spare time, Cait enjoys reading, coloring, cooking, watching Netflix and sports games, and spending time with her family.
Terri Tranter, Practice Manager
Full-time practice manager, Terri Tranter, keeps our hospital and kennel running smoothly. Terri began her journey with Family Friends as a client in 2003. She then joined our team in 2005 as a veterinary technician, and became practice manager in 2012. Terri achieved her Associates degree in Business Administration from Corning Community College, and her Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Becker College. She is also as certified therapy dog handler and pet groomer.
Some of her responsibilities include account receivables and payable, negotiating contracts with vendors, overseeing hospital and kennel staff, preparing payroll, and coordinating team meetings. Terri loves the variety she encounters each day at Family Friends, and appreciates the overall caring mentality of our staff.
At home, Terri cares for her two dogs, Sadie and Tillie. She enjoys walking and training them in her free time. Terri also loves spending time with her partner Jim and enjoying their cottage and boat on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH.
Rich C. Simoes, Veterinary Technician, Kennel & Maintenance
Rich is our veterinary technician at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital and Kennel. He also performs kennel maintenance along with other team members. His responsibilities include preparing vaccines, assisting veterinarians in exam rooms, feeding the boarding animals and ensuring a safe and clean environment for every pet.
Rich has been working in animal-related fields since 2001. He joined our team in March 2017 and is an important and integral part of our practice. He enjoys seeing all the different animals and having the opportunity to help them through experiences that can often be stressful.
“I enjoy the environment of a small practice where the staff works well together and genuinely cares about the well-being of our patients and their human companions,” Rich says. “The doctors here are extremely knowledgeable, which makes every shift a learning experience. I really appreciate having the opportunity to expand my skill set and learn more about animal health and the veterinary field as I work.”
At home, Rich has a cat named Misty, who came to him during his first year of employment here at Family Friends, and he loves spending time with her. In his free time, Rich plays guitar and bass. He also enjoys reading and expanding his knowledge of the world, especially in the areas of politics and sociology.
