About Elemental Pet Vets

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Nora Matthews graduated from veterinary school at Cornell University and was in practice (in upstate NY) before returning to Cornell for an anesthesia residency, which she completed in 1985. Nora Matthews was on faculty at Washington State and Oklahoma State University before going to Texas A&M University in 1989. She spent 24 and a half years there before retiring in July 2013. Nora has always been a clinical anesthesiologist, spending 50% (or more) time on clinics in the teaching hospital. 

She published over 60 articles in referred journals and numerous book chapters on anesthesia and analgesia with a sub-specialty in pharmacokinetics and anesthesia of donkeys and mules. She also has a particular interest in monitoring equipment. Nora is the past president of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and has also spoken at over 150 veterinary meetings, from local to international. While Nora has enormously enjoyed her time at universities, she is enjoying being a relief anesthesiologist in various clinics and working with residents in practice.

Dr. Brunke grew up in New York City. He received his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, graduating in 2004.

He received his certification in rehab in 2008 from the University of Tennessee CCRP program. He is also certified in pain management (IVAPM) and acupuncture (Chi Institute).

He completed the practice experience pathway for the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2017 and passed ACVSMR boards in January 2018.

Dr. Brunke is part of the founding faculty for the NC State CCAT Rehab program. He practices in the Washington, DC area.

As a diplomate of the VSMR college, Dr. Brunke believes in a big picture and practical approach to his patients and enjoys both orthopedic and neurological cases.

When not at work he enjoys running with his dog Penny, and hiking with both Penny and his Husky mix, Aurora.

Dr. Eva Oxford graduated from Walsh University (North Canton, Ohio) with a Bachelor of Science in biology before moving to Upstate New York in 2002. There, she earned a PhD from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2007, studying inherited arrhythmias in the boxer (dog). She attended Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine from 2008-2012, followed by a small animal rotating internship at the Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York, before returning to Cornell to complete a residency in cardiology in 2017.

Dr. Oxford is a Board-Certified veterinary cardiologist, with a passion for client education and support during the management of cardiac disease in their pets. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Oxford has been active in the research of inherited cardiovascular diseases of the dog for many years. She has led research projects funded through the NIH, American Heart Association, the Morris Animal Foundation, and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She was an adjunct assistant professor in Molecular Medicine at Cornell from 2017-2020, where she studied the embryologic origins of sinus node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation in a mouse model. Currently, she lives outside of Ithaca, NY with her family and ever-growing collection of rescued pet

Jordan is both a Licensed Veterinary Technician and the Hospital Manager at EPV, where she ensures the clinic’s daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. She brings a strong clinical background and a passion for high‑quality patient care to her leadership role.

Before joining EPV, Jordan worked as an LVT in Cornell University’s Small Animal Intensive Care Unit from 2017–2021. Prior to that, she served as the Herd Health Manager at Cornell’s Teaching and Research Dairy Farm from 2015–2017, overseeing herd wellness and production management.

Jordan earned her degree from the University of Delhi in 2015. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm fostered her lifelong passion for dairy cattle, agriculture, and large‑animal health. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors—hunting, hiking, and playing sports—and enjoys life at home with her two cats, Leroy and Isabella, and her chocolate Lab, Waylon.

Dr. Kei Hayashi is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and an orthopedic specialist with extensive clinical and teaching experience.  After graduating from the University of Tokyo with BVMS/DVM/PhD degrees (1993-1997), he obtained MS and PhD degrees at the University of Wisconsin (1997). He completed a small animal surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin (2003) and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). He served as an assistant professor of small animal orthopedic surgery at Michigan State University (2003-2005) then moved to Univeristy of California Davis and achieved tenure in 2012. He joined the faculty at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in February 2013 and retired from Cornell as an Emeritus Professor in 2024. In addition to his clinical accomplishments, Dr. Hayashi has published numerous scientific papers and textbook chapters and is an internationally recognized speaker. Since his retirement from Cornell, Dr. Hayashi has served as a consultant for many organizations including Elemental Pet Vets.

Lilly is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant with hands-on experience supporting veterinarians in exams, treatments, and daily patient care. Skilled in handling animals with compassion, assisting with procedures, maintaining clean and organized workspaces, and helping clients feel informed and comfortable. Outside of the clinic, you'll find Lilly exploring nature, hiking trails, or spending time outside with her three dogs, who inspire her dedication to animal health and well-being every day.

Jay is a receptionist at Elemental Pet Vets. They come from a background of several years working in human healthcare administration. Jay recently switched to using their talents to help pets and their families instead. They appreciate getting to know all of our clients, and their dogs and cats. They are focused on helping people through the scheduling process to get the best care for their pets. Originally from New Jersey, they came to the area to attend Ithaca College, and graduated in 2018. In their spare time, Jay loves exploring local hiking trails and restaurants, and would be happy to provide a recommendation for any visitors travelling in for an appointment.

Felicia has been part of the EPV team for about four years, bringing experience from both general practice and ICU. She’s especially interested in phlebotomy and emergency medicine, and enjoys a fast-paced environment.

When not at work, she’s usually spending time with her wife, daughter, and their two dogs, Quill and Layka. She loves her fish tanks, plants, cooking, baking, and getting outside whenever she can—especially for a good hike. Family time is a big priority, and she loves hanging out with her nephew whenever possible.