Meet the Team at Ocean View Veterinary Hospital

At Ocean View Veterinary Hospital in Court House, NJ, our passionate veterinary team is dedicated to providing personalized care for your beloved pets. Join our compassionate community, where we strive to foster the health and happiness of your cherished companions.

Get to Know Our Court House, NJ Veterinary Team

DR. RENEE SPARACIO

Medical Director

Dr. Renee Sparacio grew up in southern New Jersey on her family’s strawberry farm. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Delaware in Newark, DE in 2005. She went on to obtain her D.V.M from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She completed her clinical training at The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Her interests include soft tissue, orthopedic surgery, and English Bulldogs. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, and two feline companions, Kym and Gus.

RENEE SPARACIO, DVM
DR. JUSTIN PRASLICKA

DR. JUSTIN PRASLICKA

Dr. Justin Praslicka is originally from Waxahachie, Texas, Dr. Praslicka earned an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. Later, he obtained a DVM degree from Ross University. Prior to working at OVVH, he practiced at veterinary practices in New Jersey and Texas. Dr. Praslicka has a special interest in soft tissue surgery.

At home, he has two cats. Dr. Praslicka enjoys being outdoors, especially kayaking, golfing, fishing and hiking.

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DR. NATALIE LATORRE

Dr. Natalie LaTorre grew up in Vineland, NJ. She attended the University of Delaware where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science in 2006. She then headed to Columbus, OH to receive her D.V.M at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Dr. LaTorre’s special interests include ultrasonography, pain management and feline medicine. She lives with her husband, Mike, and a house full of dogs and cats.

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Dr. Courtney Gifford

DR. DJAMEL FATHI

Dr. Djamel Fathi graduated from veterinary school in 1996. Prior to moving to the United States from Algeria, he worked for many years in the large animal sector. In 2016, he received his US licensure through the AVMA/ACFVG program. Dr. Fathi is multi-lingual, able to speak French, English, Arabic and Berber (his native language). In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his kids, relaxing on the beach and getting away to Disney when the opportunity arises.

DR. Courtney Gifford

Dr. Courtney Gifford grew up in Millville, NJ. She graduated from the University of Delaware with her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2015. In 2019, she graduated with her D.V.M degree from St. George’s University. She also completed a clinical year at Mississippi State University. Prior to her time at OVVH she practiced for four years in the panhandle of Florida. Her interests include preventative care and dermatology. At home, she has two cats, Franny and Gibbs. Dr. Gifford enjoys traveling, going to the beach, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Courtney Gifford
Dr. Courtney Gifford

DR. Margeaux FIRESTINE

Dr. Firestine grew up on a Hereford cattle and sheep farm in Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania. Growing up on a farm and treating livestock her entire life is what inspired her to become a veterinarian. She graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in Biology and obtained an MBA from Lebanon Valley College. She completed her doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Outside of work, Dr. Firestine enjoys showing livestock, traveling, reading, going to the shore and enjoying the Philadelphia restaurant scene. She lives with her two kitties, Lady Chessy Boots (a Maine Coon) and Bella de Ball (a Siamese), and a rambunctious rescue Standard Poodle named Oli, in South Philadelphia

IRA S. NIEDWESKE (retired)

Founder and Former Medical Director,
Veterinary School:
Ohio State University

Dr. Niedweske is a resident of Dennis Township and was born and raised in Westfield. He graduated from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. in 1974 with A Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He then went on to the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1977 with a DVM Degree and a Master of Science degree in reproductive physiology. Dr. Niedweske is the past president of the Metropolitan NJ Veterinary Medical Association. He has also been the Small Animal Chairman of Continuing Education for the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting, the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference and the Metropolitan NJ Veterinary Medical Association’s many meetings. In retirement, Dr. Niedweske enjoys spending time on his farm, where he can now focus on his many hobbies.

IRA S. NIEDWESKE, DVM