Dr. Porfido was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. Despite having grown up in an urban setting, she cannot remember a time when animals did not play an important role in her upbringing. From cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets, reptiles, and summers at horseback riding camps, her family always supported and embraced her love for animals. Her enthusiasm for science led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Binghamton University. After working for many years as a veterinary technician, she decided to further advance her career within the field. She completed her veterinary degree at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. During college breaks she pursued unique experiences, volunteering with the Veterinary Forensics/Anti-Cruelty team at the ASPCA, and traveling with the volunteer group VIDA to provide much-needed veterinary care to underserved communities in Costa Rica and Panama. Dr. Porfido went on to complete a one-year medicine and surgical internship program at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. She continued to work with the ASPCA’s Forensics/Anti-Cruelty Group and shelter animals before going on to practice general medicine.
After working in Brooklyn for several years, she has returned to Manhattan to join the Heart of Chelsea team. Her interests within veterinary medicine include internal medicine, senior care, dentistry, and forensics/anti-cruelty. She is most passionate about educating her clients to enable them to make informed decisions regarding their beloved pets’ care. When not at work, she enjoys music concerts, Broadway musicals, traveling, but most of all she loves hanging out with her rescued pup Gidget!