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.
Mekenna Crisafulli, DVM
Dr. Mekenna Crisafulli earned her bachelor’s degrees in Animal Science and Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
Dr. Crisafulli enjoys working with animals of all shapes and sizes. As a Fear Free Certified Doctor, she is passionate about reducing stress for her patients. Her professional interests include senior pet care, nutrition, ultrasound, and pain management. She believes that clear communication and collaboration with pet owners are essential to providing the best care. Her favorite part of general practice is getting to help both pets and their people maintain the best quality of life possible.
Outside of work, Dr. Crisafulli enjoys reading, writing, and singing, as well as spending time outdoors with her family in all types of weather.
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. While her interests haven’t changed, NorthPaws no longer offers after-hours emergency services during the week, weekends, and holidays.
Dr. Fortier has found that the most gratifying part of veterinary medicine is developing relationships with pet owners and their pets, while addressing the many different needs they have, like helping them through a difficult illness and the decisions that go with it. She believes the more a pet owner is informed about the situation their pet is facing, the more trust the develops in the relationship.
When she is not working Dr. Fortier enjoys colored pencil drawing, reading, puttering around her garden, and traveling. She has 2 cats, named Luna and Libby, who are quite entertaining at home.
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 feisty little dog named Apple.
Stephen Dyer, DVM
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. Dr. Dyer now focuses his practice on dogs and cats.
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.