ABOUT MURRAY HILL
Murray Hill Veterinary Associates welcomes you and your special pet to our full service hospital in New Providence, NJ. Our ten veterinarians and our well-trained staff members are committed to maintaining the highest standard of compassionate medical and surgical care for your pets.
Peter R. Brody, DVM
Veterinarian
​
Born in New Jersey, Dr. Peter Brody grew up in Tyler, Texas. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University followed by his professional degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State in 1978. After working for one year at an Ohio practice, Dr. Brody returned to New Jersey in 1979 to join Badgley Memorial Animal Hospital in New Providence. In 1997 he left to form Murray Hill Veterinary Associates with his partners Dr. Christopher Bukata and Dr. Nancy Darby. He enjoys general medicine and connecting with his clients. Dr. Brody lives in Gillette with his wife Ellen. Their older son Matthew is a physical therapist in Philadelphia working for NovaCare . Eric is living in Los Angeles selling musical equipment for Vintage King. In his spare time, Dr. Brody enjoys landscape and urban photography. In his spare time, Dr. Brody and his dog Kevin visit Morristown Medical Center and Troy Hills Nursing as part of Creature Comfort Pet Therapy.
Nancy A. Darby, DVM
Veterinarian
Four years employment as a veterinary technician in Virginia preceded Dr. Nancy Darby entering the Maryland-Virginia Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1988. The birth of her second son Patrick delayed the start of her first part-time position at Badgley Memorial Hospital in New Providence. She worked there until Murray Hill Veterinary Associates was formed in 1997, joining partners Dr. Peter Brody and Dr. Christopher Bukata. Dr. Darby enjoys practicing medicine and surgery for small mammals, cats and dogs. She lives in Morristown with her husband John. Her daughter Irene is attending Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her son Pat and his wife live in Missoula, Montana while son Matt and his family live in Birmingham, Alabama. At home Dr. Darby enjoys her dog Bentley and her cat Henry.
Eric R. Christensen, DVM
Veterinarian
​
Following graduation from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, Dr. Eric Christensen completed an internship in emergency medicine and surgery at Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital, a large regional referral center in Springfield, MA. He returned to Cornell and served on the veterinary faculty for three years teaching anatomy, physiology, emergency medicine and small animal surgery and medicine. Dr. Christensen joined MHVA in 2003. His particular veterinary interests include emergency medicine, pain management and shelter medicine and he greatly enjoys building relationships with his clients and patients. Dr. Christensen lives with his wife Cory and three young children (Luke, Madeleine and Jake) in Hunterdon County along with three beloved animals - Luna (husky mix), Cooper (labrador/pit mix) and Athena the one-eyed cat. He enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his family, woodworking, biking and gardening ... and despite many years of pain and hardship, he is still an avid fan of the Washington Football Team.
Michael H. Charney, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Michael Charney was born and raised in Westfield New Jersey. At a very early age, he knew that he would dedicate his life to the well-being of animals. Dr. Charney graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Animal Sciences and continued directly onto Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. He then completed a yearlong internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey. He joined Murray Hill in 2011.
​
He is grateful to have achieved his lifelong dream and honored by the trust placed in him, not only by his patients but also by the people that love them. He treasures the long-term relationships that he has developed with his clients.
​
Michael and his wife Elisa, a practicing dentist have a son named Wyler. His family also includes two rescue dogs, two rescue cats, and a rescue snake. His many hobbies are tropical fish, kayaking, hiking, walking, gardening, reading and traveling. He especially treasures spending time with his loving family and pets.
Marc J. Horwitz, DVM
Veterinarian
​
Dr. Marc Horwitz was born and raised in New Jersey and, after spending a number of years throughout the United States and the Caribbean pursuing his education and degree, has returned to his home state to practice veterinary medicine. Dr. Horwitz obtained his undergraduate degree from Penn State University, his veterinary degree from Ross University and completed his clinical training at Louisiana State University. Upon graduation, Dr. Horwitz chose to pursue advanced training, and completed a general internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists and an oncology internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center, both located in New York City. Dr. Horwitz joined the Murray Hill Veterinary team in 2014, and is thrilled to have found a practice to call home. He maintains strong interests in oncology, internal medicine and pain management and thoroughly enjoys the chance to meet new pets and their “parents”. In his spare time, Dr. Horwitz enjoys spectator sports, cooking, eating, and spending time with his wife, Rachel, their two children, Ari and Jordyn, and their dog Molly Rosie.
Douglas J. Heacock, VMD
Veterinarian
​
A native of southern New Jersey, Dr. Douglas Heacock received his B.A. degree at Swarthmore College followed by his V.M.D. degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. Having worked 23 years at an area hospital, Dr. Heacock joined MHVA in 2005, attracted by the “hometown vet” feel of the practice. Dr. Heacock areas of expertise cover general medicine and surgery for cats, dogs, and exotic pets. He also serves as the administrator for the hospital social media presence. He lives in Chatham Township with his husband Brian and their cats Selkie, Tamlin, and Quillan. He is an avid contra dancer, organizing Swingin’ Tern Dances held twice monthly in Chatham since 1984. He enjoys traditional and Celtic folk music, gardening, his koi ponds, photography, and computer graphics.
Jennifer A. Dobson, VMD
Veterinarian
​
Born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Jennifer Dobson left the state for her education and to work for two years at a veterinary practice in Pittsburgh, then returned to MHVA in 2008. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She worked for four years in central New Jersey before joining MHVA in 2001. She currently works part-time on Tuesdays, Fridays, and every other Saturday so that she can spend time with her two children. Dr. Dobson enjoys hiking with her dogs, reading, and playing tennis with her family. She tried to take up golf with her husband but with 2 kids, 2 dogs, and 3 cats she ran out of time.
Loree Flora, DVM
Veterinarian
​
Dr. Loree Flora cannot remember a time in her life when she wanted to be anything other than a veterinarian. Dr. Flora graduated from Cook College, Rutgers University with a bachelor of science in Animal Science. She then attended Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Flora worked in New Hampshire on cows and horses as well as dogs and cats. Eventually, she decided she missed New Jersey and preferred working with small animal patients. She happily joined MHVA in early 2007 and is glad to be able to focus on her interests in small animal internal medicine and surgery. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog and cat.
Linda M. Pedro, DVM
Veterinarian
​
Dr. Linda Marie Pedro was born and raised in Avenel, New Jersey. She graduated from Rutgers University – Cook College with a B.S. in Animal Science and B.A. in Psychology. She loved working with the research cows during her time there. She earned her veterinary degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and following graduation, could not wait to come back to New Jersey. She returned home to complete a year-long internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital – Tinton Falls, where she remained on staff as an Emergency veterinarian and General Practitioner at both the Tinton Falls and Hillsborough locations for 5 years. Her main veterinary interests include emergency medicine, surgery, dermatology, and clinical pathology. Life changes moved her closer to home and her family, with her joining the Murray Hill team in 2018.
When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, painting and small art projects, visiting NYC, and traveling.
Elena McComas, BVMS, CVA
Veterinarian
​
Dr. Elena McComas graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth with a B.S. in Biology. She then attended the University of Glasgow in Scotland where she earned her B.V.M.S. and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. McComas is a lifelong resident of New Jersey. With a strong interest in pain management and alternative medicine, Dr. McComas offers Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in addition to, and as adjunctive therapy for, Western Medicine. She earned her acupuncture certification at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida. She also works with herbal and food therapies.
​
She and her husband, Tim, welcomed their daughter, Aisling, in 2014 and their son, Aiden in 2020. Their cats Fig and Newton help to make their house a home. Her hobbies include baking, music, partaking in outdoor activities, gardening, and Isshinryu karate, in which she has a third-degree black belt.
Irene Darby, DVM
Veterinarian
​
As the youngest child of Dr. Nancy Darby, Dr. Irene spent high school evenings and college breaks as one of our receptionist and vet assistants. Although she loved it, she never thought she would become a veterinarian. After graduating from St. Joseph’s University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in HR, her aspirations changed and she pursued an interest in veterinary medicine. Dr. Irene obtained her Veterinary degree from Auburn University in May 2023 and is thrilled to have joined the team that has supported her journey from the beginning and to work along side her mother! Her main veterinary interests include internal medicine, preventative care, and cultivating lasting relationships with her patients and clients.
In her free time, Dr. Irene loves spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and traveling. Dr. Irene lives with her mini labradoodle Lambeau and her cat Blueberry.
Ramon Mendez-Morales, DVM
Veterinarian
​
Dr Ramon Mendez-Morales was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He moved to New Jersey to get a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick. He got his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts and did his clinical year at Purdue University. Doctor Mendez-Morales has a strong interest in surgery, dentistry and pain management