Meet Our StaffTrue Care Veterinary Hospital

New Jersey licensed veterinarians (medicine, surgery, and dentistry) employed at True Care Veterinary Hospital are screened and chosen by Dr. Tullio prior to evaluating patients and servicing clients. This pledge extends to all full-time, part-time, and per diem veterinarians working at True Care Veterinary Hospital and True Care Veterinary Home Services.

Dr. Thomas Tullio created True Care Veterinary Hospital and True Care Veterinary Home Services in the summer of 2011. He saw the need for a responsible, veterinarian-owned hospital in the community, for the community.

Because every patient is special and every situation unique, Dr. Tullio believes in personalized care for his patients. He emphasizes this when discussing options with his clients and is able to monitor the hospital’s direction by having frank discussions with all of his clients. This mentality has created very strong bonds between Dr. Tullio, his clients, his patients, and the community.

Dr. Tullio devotes time to sharing his experience and knowledge with the community. He visits local schools and community affairs to discuss various career paths available within the animal health industry. He enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife, two beautiful daughters, dog (Nellie), and cats (Tao, Mia, and Basil).

Originally from northern New Jersey, Dr. Tullio attended Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and graduated with a B.S. in chemistry. He worked in the veterinary industry for a number of years prior to attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed his clinical training at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.

After graduation, Dr. Tullio worked at an emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Staten Island, New York, for several years. He developed a strong interest in advanced dentistry and gained valuable experience in canine and feline medicine and surgery.

Dr. Tullio returned to his roots in New Jersey after accepting a position as Medical Director of Freehold Animal Hospital. Dr. Tullio led Freehold Animal Hospital as Medical Director from 2004–2011.

Dr. Larrosa graduated from College of Staten Island in Staten Island, New York, before moving to Phoenix Arizona to attend Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. He went on to complete a medicine and surgery rotating internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. His special interests are surgery and emergency medicine. His favorite hobbies include outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, and spending time with his animals which include cats, birds, lizards, snakes, arachnids and fish.

Originally from Uruguay, Dr. Larrosa is fluent in Spanish.

A New Jersey native, Dr. Schwartz earned her BS in Animal Bioscience at Pennsylvania State University, her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, and then completed her clinical year at University of Minnesota.

She enjoys surgery and attending conferences to keep apprised of the current practices in veterinary medicine.

In her spare time, Dr. Schwartz enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, and snuggling with her cats Spider-Man and Sonic.

Sierra graduated from Manalapan High School in 2014 and furthered her education at Monmouth University. In 2018 she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. Sierra soon returned to her lifelong passion for animals and set her sights on learning more as a veterinary technician.


Growing up Sierra had a love for all creatures; scales, fins, feathers, and paws. Lucky for her, her parents allowed her to take in whatever critters she pleased with little to no argument. Sierra loves to spend time with family, friends, and pets. She enjoys all things outdoorsy, riding her motorcycle, and doing anything artistic.

Born in Brick, NJ and currently resides there. Graduated from Brick Township high school in 2013 and continued education at OCC. Has always had a passion with working with animals and loves being in the veterinary field. Loves spending time with family and friends, watching movies, traveling, and being anywhere.

Brianne Price graduated from Howell High School in 2010. She continued her education at Brookdale Community College. Brianne currently resides in Lanoka Harbor, NJ with her husband Michael and their two beautiful daughters, Emma and Nora. She also has 3 rambunctious puppies—Lindy, Roland, and Gabby—who keep her on her toes. Brianne loves spending time with family and friends in her spare time. She has been a part of our True Care Family since June of 2012 and is very happy to continue this journey with us.

Alyssa graduated from Toms River north in 2009. From there Alyssa attended Ocean County College and graduated with a certification for their veterinary assistant program in 2016. Alyssa has a passion for working in the veterinary field as a receptionist, communicating with clients and caring for the animals coming in to the hospital. 

Alyssa recently got married to her loving husband Phil, who they share a stepson with, Caiden. Alyssa also loves her fur animals, Carter and Ralphie and her fish Taco Supreme. In her free time Alyssa loves shopping at Target, watching Friends and loves going on vacation to Disney. 

Shannon has a big heart for animals and shares her home with three dogs — Apollo a German Shepherd, Woody a Golden Retriever, and Blu a Bernese Mountain Dog. In her spare time she likes to read, watch TV and to journal with her pups. She hopes to continue growing her furry family in the future.

Kristine is originally from Old Bridge but now lives in Jackson with her husband and daughter, Todd and Kayla. They also live with their rescue pit bull, Mona!

She joined the True Care family in 2021 and loves being able to interact and help animals every day. She enjoys cooking, baking, watching TV and spending time with family and friends.

Alex is a NJ native, graduating from Point Boro High school and going on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Stockton University. Much of his passion for animals was ignited by The Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin, leading to a life-long love of all animals, resulting in a previous position as a zookeeper at Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. He decided to switch to veterinary medicine in order to more directly help the people in his community who want the best care for their animals.

At home, Alex loves spending time with his fiancé, Jaimie, his family and friends, his pets (two cats, Salem and Hobbes, as well as his snakes, lizards, tarantulas, and other exotics), playing video games, watching movies, and learning more about the natural world.

Ben graduated from Brick Township High School in 2024 and is based in Brick, New Jersey. Since 2024, Ben has been working with animals and gaining hands-on experience through multiple roles in the veterinary field, where he has developed skills in animal care, handling, and supporting both pets and their owners.

At home, Ben cares for his two cats, Stella and Luna, who continue to inspire his dedication every day. His passion for animals began with his childhood cat, O’Malley. On his days off, he loves to be outside and play with his cats.

Born and raised in Brick and originally from Toms River, Brianna is a true Jersey Shore girl at heart. Her love for animals has continued to grow since childhood, making the veterinary field a perfect fit for her passion and caring personality. She enjoys interacting with both pets and their owners and is happy to be a part of a team dedicated to helping animals every day.

In her free time, Brianna loves taking walks on the beach with her two dogs, Baby Boy and Harley. She is also a proud cat mom to Leah. When she’s not spending time with her pets, Brianna enjoys being with family and friends and making the most of the shore life she loves.