About Paws at Peace
Helping you say goodbye is the only thing we do.
Our Mission
Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the most difficult moments of your life. At Paws of Peace, our sole purpose is to give your beloved companion the peaceful passage they deserve, surrounded by love, in the comfort of your own home. No matter where you are in this process, we are here to help.
Dr. Jessica Fragola
Founder and Lead Veterinarian
Our founder, Dr. Jessica Fragola, graduated from Harvard University with an AB in History of Science in 2005 and obtained her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011.
She practiced emergency medicine for years before starting Paws at Peace and feels that, while veterinary medicine has made incredible advances, it has neglected one of the most important aspects of our pets’ well-being: a peaceful passing from this world without pain. This has become her mission.
Dr. Alexis Howard
Veterinarian
Dr. Alexis Howard is a native New Yorker who has had a passion for animals since childhood. She began her animal science education at her beloved John Bowne High School in Flushing, where she learned about and cared for alpacas, pocket pets, reptiles, water buffalo, and more on their farm. She then went on to earn both her A.S. and B.S. degrees in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut, followed by her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the historic Tuskegee University.
After beginning her veterinary career as a general practitioner, she realized how important end-of-life care was and decided to join Paws at Peace full-time. She finds fulfillment in helping people honor their relationships with their furry friends during their time of need.
In her free time, Dr. Howard loves finding delicious foods at the countless restaurants around New York. She doesn’t currently have any furry friends of her own but does enjoy fostering kittens when the opportunity arises.
Dr. Jennifer Lander
Veterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Lander graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the last 20 years, she has worked primarily in private practice and shelter medicine in New York City.
Losing a beloved pet is one of life’s most difficult events, and Dr. Lander is passionate about helping ensure a peaceful and comfortable transition. She considers it an honor to have the opportunity to help people and their special companions in their greatest time of need.
Dr. Yui Shapard
Veterinarian
Dr. Yui Shapard graduated in 2017 from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK, and has been practicing in New York City ever since. She was originally born and raised in Japan, and her affinity towards animals grew with her as she was surrounded by rescued cats and dogs while she was growing up. She has worked in shelter medicine, general practice, and emergency medicine, as well as in a telehealth startup. Dr. Shapard was drawn to palliative and end-of-life care in general medicine and found fulfillment in focusing on the quality of life over quantity in her patients. She also experienced many painful goodbyes firsthand with her beloved pets. Still, the most memorable goodbye was with her family cat, Bon, who had hepatic cancer that had spread throughout his body, and a home service euthanasia was performed. It was the most peaceful goodbye she had ever experienced, and the memory stayed with her throughout her journey in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Shapard has since been an advocate for “quality of death”, and she feels called to spread awareness about the final choice of love we can make for our beloved animals. In her spare time, she enjoys binge-watching new TV shows, practicing pilates, crafting, finding great coffee shops, and spending quality time with her friends and family, including her two fur children, Manchee and Shai.
Dr. Emma Arrieta
Veterinarian
Dr. Arrieta originally hails from sunny south Florida and wanted to be a vet ever since she could remember. She was fortunate to grow up with parents who had a soft spot for all creatures, and she grew up with a wide range of pets, from dogs and cats to farm animals and a few birds and exotics.
She’s also a big foodie and baker. When she’s not working, she loves to travel and explore new cities and cultures. She sadly had to say goodbye to my own cat earlier this year, so she has no pets at the moment, but she’s looking to foster/adopt in a few months.
Cheryl Murphy
Practice Manager
Cheryl joined the Paws at Peace family in July of 2023. She started her veterinary career in 1990 with roles as an assistant, technician, and receptionist at companion animal practices, followed by management positions in companion, mixed, and referral/specialty practices. In 2010, she became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). Cheryl has taught at Chesapeake College, lecturing on resume preparation and interviewing skills and also helping to coach newer managers in the profession. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional. She is an active member of the VHMA and serves as a member of the Industry Advisory Panel. Dedicated to her profession, she recently became a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Cheryl enjoys spending time away from work with her husband, cats, dog, chickens, six children, and two grandsons! Her special interests outside of work are traveling, gardening, and mushroom foraging.
Calvin Eich
Marketing and Community Engagement Lead
Calvin graduated from Siena College with a B.S. in Marketing and Management. He has 8 years of experience in various recruiting and customer service roles. His time as a recruiter taught him the importance of listening, compassion, and going above and beyond to help the client. He believes every interaction, no matter how brief, should be pleasant, especially in the hardest times. Calvin has two dogs, so he understands just how special that relationship is. Calvin’s love for animals and desire to help people contribute to Paws at Peace’s purpose of giving our beloved companions the peaceful passage they deserve, surrounded by love.
Heather Pierce
Care Coordinator
Brittany Bell
Care Coordinator
Brittany joined the Paws at Peace team in August 2024, bringing 13 years of experience in the veterinary field. Her expertise lies in specialty practices, with a particular focus on neurology, radiology, and oncology, though her heart leans towards neurology.
A proud owner of two black labs, a cherished pit bull, and three horses, Brittany enjoys a life filled with animals. When not at work, she finds joy in gardening, horseback riding, horse shows, and anything else that involves her beloved barn. She also delights in spoiling her pets and spending quality time with her fiancé, whether it’s cozying up by the fire, assisting with farm chores, or training her youngest lab for hunting.
This work holds deep meaning for Brittany. She understands the profound vulnerability of clients facing the difficult decision to say goodbye to their beloved pets. The opportunity to assist families in providing a peaceful and beautiful send-off for their furry companions is deeply fulfilling and a privilege she cherishes.
Calvin Neal
Care Coordinator
Calvin joined our team in December 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in the pet industry. He has a diverse background, having worked in both general veterinary practices and animal shelters. His passion for the human-animal bond is deeply inspired by his two-year-old English Bulldog, who serves as his loyal companion and service dog.
Calvin has a particular interest in animal-assisted therapy, grief support, and guiding pet owners through end-of-life care. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering on his favorite football teams and spending precious time with his family.
This work holds special meaning for Calvin. Having witnessed firsthand the profound impact animals have on our lives, he finds it incredibly rewarding to offer comfort and care to pet owners during such an emotionally challenging time.
Everyone at Paws at Peace is certified Fear Free, meaning we have advanced training in always using gentle and compassionate approaches with pets to ensure their emotional and physical well-being and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress.