Our Doctors
Mark Paradise, VMD
Dr. Mark Paradise is co-owner of NorthPaws Veterinary Center and has cared for pets here as a general practitioner since 2004 when the hospital first opened its doors as a companion animal practice. During his early years Dr. Paradise entertained many other career paths but eventually settled on what he always intended: a career in veterinary medicine. A native of New Jersey, Dr. Paradise earned his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, afterward completing an internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.
Outside of work Dr. Paradise enjoys sailing, skiing, and hiking. His professional interests include internal medicine, surgery, and ophthalmology.
Danielle Paradise, VMD, CVA
Dr. Danielle Paradise is co-owner of NorthPaws Veterinary Center. After receiving her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania (1999) she pursued an internship at a private referral hospital in Florida, and then began her career working as an Emergency doctor in a 24-hour hospital. She specializes in acupuncture, having achieved certification through the Chi Institute in Florida, and has professional interests in holistic medicine as well as ultrasonography.
Dr. Danielle has an unfortunate habit of accidentally injuring herself but still enjoys hobbies such as kayaking, sailing and hiking. She also loves spending time with her two boys and and four-legged kids.
Meagan Connolly, VMD
Dr. Meagan Connolly earned her bachelors degree at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and received her veterinary degree in 2006 from the University of Pennsylvania. Since graduation from vet school, Dr. Connolly has worked soley in private practice, enjoying the ability to do all aspects of veterinary medicine that come with being part of private practice including preventative care, challenging internal medicine cases, emergency medicine, and surgery. In her spare time, Dr. Connolly enjoys spending time with her many neices and nephews as well as learning how to sail with her husband. She has two four-legged members of her family: a very special orange tabby named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the founders of the University of Pennyslvania, who is affectionately called "Benny." She also has Mosey who is a 9 1/2 year old female Labrador that she rescued.
Diane Fortier, DVM
Dr. Diane Fortier received her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. After returning to Rhode Island and practicing for many years, she realized her professional interests were emergency medicine and soft tissue surgery. Prior to joining the staff at NorthPaws Veterinary Center, Dr. Fortier gained valuable experience working at an emergency clinic for 14 years. She currently serves as our after hours emergency veterinarian on nights, weekends and holidays. Dr. Fortier has found that the most gratifying part of veterinary medicine, especially in emergency situations, is the ability to diagnose challenging cases, relieve patient suffering and provide emotional support to owners.
When she is not working Dr. Fortier enjoys amateur photography, reading, puttering around in her garden and traveling to tropical destinations to do sightseeing and snorkeling. At home she has two four-legged children of her own: a Brussels Griffon, Ruby, and a cat, Madi.
Shannon Arnold, DVM
Dr. Shannon Arnold obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology and Spanish from Roger Williams University and her Master's degree in Swine Nutrition from Purdue University. She went on to earn her veterinary degree in 2015 from Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation Dr. Arnold has worked in private practice and her favorite part of the job is building relationships with her clients and patients. Her medical interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and geriatric care. Outside of work she enjoys working out and spending time with friends and family including her two rescued pets: a feisty little dog named Apple and a senior cat named Sarah.
Stephen Dyer, DVM, AVBP/Avian
Dr. Stephen Dyer graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and soon thereafter joined a veterinary hospital in Wakefield, MA. While there he primarily did general practice with dogs and cats, but also started up an avian/exotic program where none had existed before. In July of 2000, he entered the Avian/Exotic Pet Medicine Residency Program at Angell Animal Medical Center, which he successfully completed in July of 2002. In 2005 Dr. Dyer became boarded with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners-Avian Practice. Dr. Dyer now sees a wide variety of patients from dogs, cats and ferrets, to birds, reptiles and even an occasional hedgehog! Dr. Dyer’s special interests include rigid endoscopy of birds and reptiles and small mammal dentistry.
Dr. Dyer used to enjoy skydiving but on his 60th jump he discovered he was actually afraid of heights. Oops! Now he enjoys dancing of every sort: flamenco sevillianas are next on the list. Dr. Dyer has two children, Matthew and Isabelle, and among his greatest life achievements he lists being first runner up in his Junior High Spelling Bee.