Our Team
Nicole Kayser, DVM, CVA,CVCH,CVFT
Owner
Dr. Kayser grew up in a small town outside Rochester, NY and it was her dream for as long as she can remember, to care for animals. After earning her Bachelor of Science from St. Lawrence University, Dr. Kayser made her dream come true, by graduating from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1995. Pursuing her passion of using food as medicine, Dr. Kayser discovered Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and after extensive post graduate training, earned her certifications in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) , Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine (CVCH) and Chinese Food Therapy (CVFT). In 2011, she founded HeartFire Veterinary Holistic Health Care and introduced the idea of integrative medicine to Central NY. From 2017 – 2020 Dr. Kayser relocated to Portland, Oregon to care for her mother and expanded her training in holistic veterinary healthcare. Dr. Kayser has returned home to Central NY and reopened HeartFire Vet with the desire to once again share her knowledge and skill with alternative healing.
When not pursuing her professional interests, Dr. Kayser enjoys yoga, cooking, camping and exploring the great outdoors with her partner, Kelley, and their dog, Owen. Their 2 kitties, Brooklyn and Sassy, prefer to stay home!
Kelley McConnell, LVT
Practice Manager
Kelley grew up right here in Cortland County. It was her passion to help animals, so she decided to follow in her Aunt’s footsteps and graduated from SUNY Delhi in 1993 with an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Science. She worked as a licensed small animal technician for 9 years at the Tully Animal Clinic, then decided to try out the mixed animal side of the career and worked for 18 years at Groton City Animal Hospital.
For a change of pace, she moved out to Portland, Oregon for 2 years with her partner Nicole and explored the beautiful Pacific Northwest while being employed at Healing Arts Animal Care learning rehabilitation and physical therapy for dogs and cats.
Time came for them to come back to Upstate NY and re-open HeartFire 2.0 and is working part time at GCAH!
In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature with Nicole, their “Mini Pooberger” Owen and their faithful Jeep that has taken them to places they could only dream of!!