Support Staff

Sarah

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Hi, I'm Sarah, a veterinary technician at Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital. I graduated from York Technical Institute’s Veterinary Technician program in 2024. I decided to join the Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital team in June 2025. I’m proud to be part of a dedicated team that shares my passion for high-quality, compassionate care for animals and their people.

Carissa

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Inventory Manager

Hi, I’m Carissa, a veterinary technician and the Inventory Manager at Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital. I’ve been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2010.

Jett

Customer Service Representative

Hi, I’m Jett! I’m a proud Ithaca native and a graduate of Tompkins Cortland Community College, where I earned my Associate’s in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. I’ve been part of the Briar Patch team since 2019.

Christy

Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I’m Christy, a veterinary assistant at Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital. I’ve always had a passion for animals, but working in a veterinary hospital really made me fall in love with caring for them and being part of their healing journey.

Veterinarians

Dr. Ingrid Rhinehart

Owner / DVM

Hi, I’m Dr. Ingrid Rhinehart, owner of Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital. After practicing veterinary medicine in both Western New York and Western Pennsylvania, I made my way back to Ithaca and took over Briar Patch in 2016. I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible community, and I plan to be here for a very long time.

Dr. Amy Morgenstern

Veterinarian

Hi, I'm Dr. Amy Morgenstern! I earned both my Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Animal Science (2007) and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (2011) from Cornell University.