copper moon
&
axis mundi
I have seen the power of holistic medicine in both large and small animals, which led to the formation of two different practices. I see small animals at my Copper Moon Veterinary office in Little Silver, NJ. For equine patients, I travel to barns across the state of New Jersey.
New Jersey Based Holistic Wellness
Dr. Penny grew up riding horses and working at barns in New Jersey. She attended Cook College (Rutgers University) where she graduated with honors with a degree in Animal Science and a minor in Equine Science. While at Cook, Dr. Penny participated in many research projects at the Equine Science Center for Excellence and had a paper published in the Equine Veterinary Journal.
Dr. Penny's Professional Journey to Holistic Wellness
She then attended veterinary school at The Ohio State University. It was during this time that she discovered her love of neurology, and differentiating lameness vs. functional issues related to the nervous system. Upon graduation in 2006 Dr. Penny went back to New Jersey to work for an equine ambulatory practice that covered every aspect of horse health; reproduction, foaling, racing, general medicine and sports medicine.
After several years of rewarding hard work, Dr. Penny had an opportunity to move to Maine—where she worked at a mixed animal practice and pursued certification in acupuncture from Chi University. While practicing on any animal or friend that was interested, Dr. Penny was amazed to find that acupuncture was helping conditions that she didn’t expect it to. She started using acupuncture more frequently and found an increased awareness of anatomy and posture. She wanted to have more tools to help with the skeletal system and thus was inspired to become certified in Spinal Manipulation (chiropractic) through The Healing Oasis Wellness Center.
Eventually her New Jersey roots called her home, and Dr. Penny began working at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Physical Rehabilitation Center as an acupuncturist. Physical Rehabilitation opened her eyes to the relationship between form and function, and how important active recoveries are to animals.
As Dr. Penny evolved into being more open to new ideas and concepts in healing, she pursued training in Applied Kinesiology (Health Pioneers Institute), Advanced Functional Neurology (Healing Oasis), and animal communication (Danielle MacKinnon).
With all these wonderful modalities in her tool kit, Dr. Penny has been invited to lecture at Rutgers University, Centenary College and Brookdale Community College.
Her practices have attracted high-level competition and performance athletes and her passion is in helping these animals perform at their best.
contact dr. penny
"I feel very fortunate to have been able to shape my passion into my current business. Although I see any animal for any health or wellness concern, my passion lies in lameness, subtle gait issues, neurological abnormalities and sports medicine."
-Dr. Penny Rochelle
Meet Our Team
At Copper Moon
Jonela started her animal welfare and shelter veterinary medicine journey in 2018, while also gaining experience and knowledge in canine and feline behavior, as well as fostering kittens and puppies during this time. This past year of 2021, she crossed paths with Penny, after coming to her with her kitten, Betty and her puppy, Joey.
Jonela recently completed Chi University's TCVM for Vet Techs course.
JONELA
meagan
ashley
DR. JOHN LaPAGLIA
Meagan has been working with animals for over 8 years. While working as a dog bather she completed the Approved Veterinary Assistant Program at Brookdale Community College. After working at Philadelphia Zoo, Meagan joined a larger veterinary hospital, where she met Dr. Rochelle and started helping with acupuncture appointments and doing laser treatments. In 2015 Meagan attended the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Reddick, Florida where she received her certification in Tui-na (Chinese massage) for animals. Meagan is also certified in bereavement counseling and is currently earning her degree as a Veterinary Technician. Meagan recently completed Chi University's TCVM for Vet Techs course.
Meagan has a cat named Bob and a retriever mix named Walden. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, the outdoors. She also loves everything Disney and traveling.
Ashley met Dr. Penny in 2019 when she started bringing in her dog Ali for treatment. Ashley has been handling and training dogs for almost 30 years. When the opportunity became available to work with Dr. Penny, she jumped at the chance. Ashley recently completed Chi University's TCVM for Vet Techs course.
Ashley lives with her husband and two dogs, Summer and Ali. She enjoys training her dogs for competitive dog sports such as Scent Work, Obedience, Rally and Tracking.
Dr. LaPaglia completed his Basic and Advanced Acupuncture certification at Chi University (same school Dr. Penny attended), and is currently completing his herbal therapy certification. He graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary medicine in 2012 and has been working in small animal general practice since that time.
His interest in holistic medicine began when his dog was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. After exploring acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine he was propelled forward into a new way of viewing health. He has plans to further his education with Chinese Food Therapy, Veterinary Spinal Manipulation and Balanced-Method Acupuncture.
His professional interests include: palliative medicine, end-of-life care, chronic pain management, exotic animal medicine, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, and endocrine diseases, such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s Disease. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Veterinary Acupuncturist, Bowman’s Hill Wild Flower Preserve, the International Carnivorous Plant Society, and the New Jersey Native Plant Society. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his partner and their 3 dogs, native plant gardening, protecting native biodiversity, practicing yoga, and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Dr. LaPaglia will be seeing appointments every other Friday starting in September 2023.
Cash's Loving Family
Several years ago our dog Cash was hit by an ATV traveling approximately 50 mph. We rushed him to the hospital as he sustained life-threatening injuries from the accident. The neurologists advised us that there was no possibility he would have any use of his front right leg. I knew if anyone could help him she could. Dr. Penny had me bring Cash into her office immediately. She was very patient with him and took the time to get to know him before working on him. She did some chiropractic adjustments and then began acupuncture treatment. We left her office about an hour later and my dog's paralyzed leg began a slight movement as if it was trying to take a step. She looked at me and said with complete confidence, “We’re getting this leg back”. Within 6 months he didn’t even have a limp.
incredible stories of recovery
After a particularly hard winter circuit, my jumper came home sore and unhappy. Dr. Rochelle was the first call we made to get Gentleman VHM back to full health, and she did not disappoint. He was back to his normal happy self in time for the spring shows thanks to her diagnostic work and treatment plan. I would recommend her to anyone who wants the best for their animal, whether that be their sport horse or their pet.
Gentleman's Loving Family
incredible stories of recovery
Team Mycroft's Loving Family
Dr. Penny is an indispensable member of Team Mycroft’s support squad, contributing on an on-going basis not only to his health, but also to his happiness.
incredible stories of recovery
Millie's Loving Family
Dr. Penny and her staff have treated Millie since she was only a year old after having bilateral cruciate surgery. Millie is now a 9-year-old Newfoundland who has been treated for numerous things throughout the years including degenerative arthritis and bilateral elbow dysplasia. However, our most challenging tribulation was 2 years ago when Millie was suddenly diagnosed with a neurological condition called Wobblers causing her to not be able to take even a few steps without falling. With the expertise of Dr Rochelle, we found a treatment plan that works amazingly, and I am happy to say she now takes long walks, runs, plays, and even climbs steps.
incredible stories of recovery
All three of my boys compete in strenuous sports. They are kept sound and happy.
incredible stories of recovery
I found Dr. Penny over 10 years ago when my older dog, Hilapea, had cancer. Dr. Penny helped her live another 2 years with supported care of acupuncture and chiropractic along with Western Medicine.
I am a horse trainer and started to have Dr. Penny come out to the farm to work on my horses, as well as my client’s horses. She has become one of the most important members of my team. The horses love her and she helps keep them feeling comfortable and in top competitive shape. Dr. Penny is one of the kindest people I know. I trust her with all my animals and I cannot recommend her enough.