Meet Our Team
Dr. James Desir
Medical Director, DVM, CCRP
Originally from Connecticut, Dr. Desir graduated from UConn as a Division 1 Athlete with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2006. He then went on to graduate from Ross University in 2011 and completed a clinical year at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Vet Med.
Dr. James has been advancing his medical knowledge and surgical skills through a multitude of general practice, urgent care, and emergency/specialty veterinary hospitals across the United States. He was certified in canine sports medicine (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee in 2013. And is also currently completing an MBA from Louisiana State University. Dr. Desir prides himself on promoting an environment for both personal and professional well-being while offering the highest quality of care for his patients. In turn, he hopes to share his knowledge with the community.
Dr. Desir is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Maine Veterinary Medical Association, and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
Some of his areas of interest are urgent care, emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, reproductive medicine, and canine sports medicine.
When he’s not working, Dr. Desir enjoys spending time outside with his dogs and debating who has it harder in medicine with his wife who is an MD.
Dr. Rebecca Risteen
Veterinarian
Dr. Rebecca Risteen earned her DVM from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She completed her clinical rotations at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Before starting her path as a DVM, Dr. Risteen obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry at Brandeis University. She then went on to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, but changed career paths when she realized her love for veterinary medicine. She worked for several years as a veterinary technician at emergency hospitals including Angell Animal Medical Center.
In her free time, Dr. Risteen enjoys scuba diving with her husband, traveling, hiking, rock climbing and spending time with her orange cat Aslan.
Dr. Ben Singh
Veterinarian
Dr. Ben Singh earned his DVM from The Ohio State University in 2021 and is originally from Los Angeles. He brings valuable experience from his work in emergency, surgery, high-quality/high-volume spay and neuter, and urgent care.
Dr. Singh’s professional interests include soft tissue surgery, community medicine, and ensuring affordable, accessible veterinary health care for all. Outside of work, Dr. Singh enjoys running, watching football, and spending time with his "small zoo," which consists of two dogs, three cats, and two rats. Having recently relocated to New England, he is excited to continue exploring Maine and all it has to offer.
Dr. Emma Kieffer
Veterinarian
Dr. Emma Kieffer earned her DVM from the University of California, Davis. Originally from California, Dr. Kieffer completed a small animal medicine and emergency internship in Nashville, TN, as well as both an exotic animal internship and a zoo medicine residency at North Carolina State University.
D. Kieffer is Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine with the American College of Zoological Medicine and is a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian. Dr. Kieffer has worked in several hospitals, zoos, aquariums, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and exotic pet clinics around the country, as well as a faculty member at Cornell University. Dr. Kieffer loves to help all types of people and pets in need -- from cats and dogs to rabbits, geckos, parrots, and fish!
When she's not at work, Dr. Kieffer enjoys watching and playing soccer, cycling, kayaking, trying new foods, and learning new languages.
Nicole, LVT
Hospital Manager
Nicole started at CareVet of Freeport in August of 2024. She has been working in the veterinary industry since 2011. Nicole graduated from National College with an A.S. in Business Administration in 2010 and an A.S. in Veterinary Technology in 2021 and is a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Although Nicole mostly works with the operations side of CareVet of Freeport, she has a special interest and passion in clinical pathology and hospice/ euthanasia care. Nicole has a dog Ginger, a cat Mohawk and a flock of laying hens. When she is not at the hospital you can find her hiking or enjoying one of Maine’s many lakes.
Chantelle, LVT
Clinical Coordinator
Chantelle has been in the veterinary field since 2017 has worked in general practice, urgent care, and emergency medicine. She has a Bachelor of Science in Captive Wildlife Care and Education with a Minor in Zoology. Her medical passions include critical care medicine, Fear Free practices, and studies in anesthesia. In her free time, she loves to take her dogs, Rio and Freya, for a swim at Sebago Lake or walk around downtown Freeport.
Matt, LVT
Surgical Coordinator
Matt has been part of the team since 2024. He started in veterinary medicine in 2018 and went on to get a degree in veterinary technology in Florida and obtained his license in Maine. Matt has several areas of interest that include laceration and wound care, exotic animal medicine, and surgical assisting. Matt likes to spend his free time at home with his wife, his 2 dogs, and 2 snakes.
Kirstie
Senior Client Services Representative
Kirstie was born and raised here in Maine and started her career in the veterinary field in 2018. She loves all animals, but her favorites are big cats. She enjoys reading, creating with various arts and crafts, and spending time outdoors. She has two perfect cats at home, Sophie, a feisty gray and white kitty, and Daisy, who’s a sweet and fluffy tortie. You can always count on Kirstie for a good laugh and a warm smile.
Colby
Client Services Representative
Colby has been working in the veterinary field since 2022, and has been around animals her whole life. Colby grew up on a farm riding horses and has always had family dogs. Her current dogs Luna and Dozer, love going to the farm with her to take care of all of the farm animals!
Emerald
Client Services Representative
Emerald returned to Maine after college and started working in veterinary medicine in 2021. She has always enjoyed getting to meet such a wide range of animals and learning each of their unique personalities and quirks. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her grandparents and getting to explore new places throughout New England with them. And while her chihuahua-mix Peanut is happy to join her walking along new trails, his favorite thing is simply laying in the sunshine on a warm day.
Celia
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Celia is currently working on a bachelor's degree in biology at University of Southern Maine and has been a Veterinary Assistant since 2021. She is most passionate about urgent care medicine and has experience in primary care. Outside of work, Celia loves trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with her pets.
Carey
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Carey has been working in veterinary medicine as a Veterinary Assistant since 2023, in both emergency medicine and general practice - and recently joined CareVet of Freeport in the beginning of 2025. When not working at CareVet, she works part time as an RN in pediatrics. Carey loves the challenge of working with a variety of different species! In her free time, she enjoys exploring all that Maine has to offer with her husband and two daughters. In addition to her two-legged family members she shares her home with two dogs - Bella and Willow, two cats - Gordon and Tux, two rabbits - Chili and Thumper, and a flock of chickens.
Hannah
Veterinary Assistant
Hannah has been in the field since 2022 and is very passionate about low stress handling. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who specializes in reactivity and aggression and has two dogs of her own, Dozer and Sundae.
Alyssa
Veterinary Assistant
Alyssa is an outgoing assistant, she has one dog named Arlo and 7 chickens she loves dearly, especially her rooster named Pookie. She has experience working in a shelter and with farm animals she is passionate about dog behavior. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, fishing and reading.