Dr. Maritza Perez-Bruno, Owner
Veterinarian / Co-Owner
Dr. Perez – or “Dr P” as she is referred to by the staff – is a native Puerto Rican. Dr. Perez left her home island when she attended Kansas State University for her undergraduate studies then to Cornell University for veterinary school – where she met her husband, Dr. Donald Bruno. She has worked at West Orange Animal Hospital since 1989 – initially as an associate employee – and presently as co-owner after purchasing the practice with her husband, Dr. Bruno in 2002.
Her area of interest and expertise is in surgery. Dr. Perez has enhanced her skills throughout the years by undergoing extensive training and continuing education on the latest surgical techniques. When not working, Dr. P enjoys skiing, water-skiing, gardening, and spending time with her three children. She is very excited to welcome her daughter, Ashleigh, to the practice.
Dr. Donald Bruno, Owner
Veterinarian / Co-Owner
Dr. Donald Bruno grew up in Northern NJ. He attended Rutgers University, did his Graduate Studies in Pathology / Immunology at University of Connecticut, and received his Veterinary degree at Cornell University in 1987. While at Cornell he met his wife – Dr Perez – and they raised 3 terrific children including daughter, Ashleigh, who is now part of WOAH – – and two sons who graduated from local Seton Hall Prep.
Dr. Bruno began his career as an equine veterinarian, but multiple shoulder surgeries nudged him to join WOAH in 2002. He has a keen interest in pain management, cardiology and geriatric medicine as well as intra-articular treatments such as PRP (platelet rich plasma joint injections). In his spare time Dr. Bruno enjoys brewing beer, fishing, riding his Harley Davidson, rebuilding classic cars, the company of his children and spending time with his wife. His future retirement plan is based on 2 things: His daughter, Ashleigh, and the success of his brewing.
Dr Bruno devotes a substantial amount of time to charitable and social causes. Amongst other positions, Dr Bruno is the Chairman of the New Jersey Veterinary Foundation an organization he has served for many years and is a long-standing member of the Scholarship Committee. He serves on the Cornell University, Alumni Association Executive Board and is a member of the New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Dr. Ashleigh Bruno
Veterinarian
Dr. Ashleigh Bruno is proud to be part of the next generation of leadership at West Orange Animal Hospital, continuing the legacy built by her parents, Dr. Maritza Perez and Dr. Donald Bruno. Having grown up around the hospital, Dr. Bruno has always understood how special it is to be part of a privately owned, family-run veterinary practice – especially in a time when many hospitals are becoming corporately owned. She is honored to help carry that tradition forward and is passionate about preserving the personal, compassionate care that has defined the hospital for generations.
Dr. Bruno received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and earned her veterinary degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. After veterinary school, she completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine, emergency and critical care, and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital.
Her professional interests include dentistry/surgery, emergency medicine, and critical care. Dr. Bruno is a proud member of the AVMA and NJVMA. She is also USDA Accredited and able to assist with international travel health certificates. Dr. Bruno loves building long-term relationships with clients and their pets, and she feels especially grateful to care for multiple generations of families within the practice. Her goal is to provide thoughtful, thorough, and compassionate care while helping every pet feel as comfortable as possible.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Bruno enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their golden retriever, Finley. She also loves painting and drawing – and has decorated many parts of the hospital with her artwork – as well as snowboarding and traveling.
Dr. Derek Boen
Veterinarian
Dr. Boen is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He has been with the West Orange Animal Hospital for over 20 years. While Dr. Boen enjoys practicing all aspects of veterinary medicine, he is especially interested in ultrasonography and likes to work up challenging cases. He realizes the strength of the human-animal bond, caring for clients’ pets as he does his own.
Dr. Boen loves to spend time with his rambunctious sons, his mischievous cats, and his slightly nutty dog who means well. When time permits, he enjoys tennis, photographs, writing, hiking, and canoeing.
Dr. Marissa Dick
Veterinarian
Dr. Marissa Dick graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016, then went on to complete a one-year small animal rotating internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. Following her internship, Dr. Dick continued at Red Bank as a staff emergency veterinarian for several years, gaining extensive experience in urgent and critical care medicine before joining West Orange Animal Hospital in 2019.
Dr. Dick has a special interest in surgery and enjoys helping pets feel their best through thoughtful, compassionate care. Her calm, thorough approach helps families feel supported, whether their pet is visiting for routine care, a surgical procedure, or an urgent concern. She is a proud member of the AVMA and NJVMA. She is also USDA Accredited and able to assist with international travel health certificates.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Dick enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She also loves cooking, traveling, and going to the beach.
Dr. Francesco Giammanco
Veterinarian
Dr. Giammanco is excited to be part of the team at West Orange Animal Hospital. Born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, he grew up surrounded by dogs, which helped foster his love for animals from an early age.
Dr. Giammanco earned his veterinary degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical year at The Ohio State University. His professional interests include canine and feline medicine, with a special focus on internal medicine and surgery. He is also passionate about public health, epidemiology, and the “One Health” approach, which recognizes the important connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment. Dr. Giammanco values clear communication and strives to make each visit as informative and comfortable as possible for both pets and their families.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Giammanco enjoys cooking and the culinary arts, watching and playing sports, and spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping.