HOPEWELL ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Maintenance / Veterinary Assistant
Andrew is a world traveler, or at least cross country, and has taken a leave of absence to attend college. His parents are ecstatic, (even if they have to pay for it). Andrew will be studying physics and plans to prove Einstein and Newton (not the fig) wrong.
Ashley is a receptionist and simply loves greeting all the adorable pets before their appointments. She graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a bachelor degree in psychology.
She has a passion for all critters big and small and even has several beloved pet rats!!
In her free time, Ashley enjoys yoga, reading, playing video games, and caring for houseplants.
Job Titles:
- Lead Veterinary Technician
Brianna is a Licensed Veterinary Technician from Newburgh NY. She graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at SUNY Delhi and loves spending time with her family on her boat. She enjoys zip lining, hiking and amusement parks. Bri has a special place in her heart for well dressed brachycephalic dogs and currently lives with 3.
Vanessa have been a Veterinary assistant for almost 6 years and is currently enrolled in San Juan College's Veterinary Technician program! She has a special interest in integrative medicine and has been an avid animal lover since birth. Vanessa's favorite breeds are Rottweilers and all cats! In my spare time I like to be outdoors, at Disney World, or adoring my two feline sons, Kairo James and Zurdo Binx. Additionally, Vanessa is also our Cat Advocate, dedicated to make each feline visit a little more enjoyable.
Yes, yet another Dana here at Hopewell Animal Hospital. Dana is our newest licensed technician. Dana is a licensed veterinary technician who graduated from the Veterinary Technology program from SUNY Canton this past May. She loves going to the beach, working out, and music. She has always been an avid animal lover, and loves the field she is in. Dana became certified in Low Stress Handling at the Silver Level in 2021. She lives with her cross-eyed Siamese cat, Kelly, and her crazy Heeler-Coonhound mix, Riley.
Dana is a pitbull lover who loves to draw and do arts and crafts. Ask her to make you a quick caricature!! Dana shares her life with a pitbull named Ginger aka Ginger Spice (Dana is known around the office as Posh Spice), be careful, if you are not watching she may steal your pit bull. Dana also has a cat named Reeces and a lizard named…. wait for it…… Lizzy.
Dana also loves to draw and is responsible for all our artwork on our "COVID" panels in our reception area. Check out her seasonal/holiday designs when you can.
Dawn grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan and in the Bronx. She moved to Dutchess County in 1983 and raised 2 great sons. She has been a veterinary assistant since 1997 and became certified in 2002. She loves working with animals and creating a lasting bond with their owners. Another of her passions is being involved with BBQ for the Cure. This is an annual fundraiser for childhood cancer. She works closely with getting donations, making up baskets to be raffled off and supervises the food tables and serves food. The proceeds are divided for St. Jude's and another foundation such as the Jimmy Fund, Ty Campbell Foundation and Sloan Kettering. In her spare time she likes to crochet, gardening, going to concerts and spending time with friends and her sons. Dawn shares her home and heart with her cat: Radar.
Dr. Brooke Pizzola Williams grew up in the Hudson Valley and attended Dutchess Community College, where she received her AAS in Biology in 2012. After completing her undergraduate studies at Manhattan College, she obtained a BA in Biology in 2014. After receiving her Bachelor's degree, she spent a few years working with animals of all shapes and sizes. She spent some time in Fort Lauderdale, FL working at a small animal hospital and assisting in research before starting veterinary school in "the swamp". This proud Gator fan graduated from the incredible University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. During veterinary school, she completed additional certificate programs in shelter medicine and business management.
Dr. Williams studied at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she received her certification in veterinary acupuncture in 2018. At the University of Florida, Dr. Williams has worked with a variety of interesting animals including a Florida Panther, Savannah cat, raccoon and several alpacas.
Dr. Jerry Scheck began his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida. He graduated in 1990 with a degree in Endangered Mammal Biology. For this degree, Jerry worked with the United States Department of the Interior on the Red Wolf reintroduction program in Manteo North Carolina. While there he documented and published the first article on parasitic infection in wild/reintroduced red wolves. Additionally, he did genetic testing on black bear populations in North Carolina and was lucky enough to help with the Florida Panther Recovery Program. Jerry then attended the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1994.
Jerry then joined his future wife Kim Buchanan in the Hudson Valley. After obtaining the post of Medical Director for a large mulitdoctor veterinary practice, Kim and Jerry opened their own practice at Hopewell Animal Hospital in 2008.
In 1995 Jerry became certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and has been integrating complementary medicine into his practice since that time. In 2004, Jerry realized that some patients responded better to chiropractic manipulation and became certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. In 2020, Dr. Scheck became certified as a Feline Friendly Veterinarian and Silver level Low Stress Handling.
Dr. Scheck's professional interests include complementary medicine, pain management, and hospice care.
When not in the office, Jerry enjoys spending time with Kim and their two great children. He enjoys running ( he has so far completed over 10 marathons and is working toward a "super" marathon-ask him about it!), hiking, skiing, reading, and cooking. Jerry is very active in his temple, Congregation Shir Chadash of the Hudson Valley, where he is immediate past president. Additionally, Jerry is the Past President of the Hudson Valley Veterinary Society. Other professional memberships include the American Veterinary Medical Association, International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Dr. Kim Buchanan received her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in wildlife biology/mammology from Syracuse University. She went on to do Masters degree work at the University of Connecticut in Reproductive Toxicology/Animal Science. Kim is proud to call Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine her Doctoral Alma Mater. The Hudson Valley became her home immediately after Vet. school, when she began working at a mixed animal practice in Orange County. Dr. Buchanan eventually settled into primarily small animal medicine (with a few large animal clients still "in the wings"), pursuing advanced training in reproduction, dentistry, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary medicine (or "TCVM", including acupuncture, herbology, food therapy, & massage). Dr. Buchanan is the first member of our staff to become certified in Low Stress Handling, a practice very dear to her heart. Dr. Buchanan is honored to be one of less than 100 practitioners certified in the Channel Balancing Method of Veterinary Acupuncture in the world. She loves the challenges, variety, interactions with people & their pets, and constant scientific innovation that veterinary medicine provides. Her biggest hope is that everyone's experience at her hospital is a satisfying and rewarding one.
When not actually in the office, Kim enjoys building on her traditional chinese medical skills, practicing Qigong & Taichi, volunteering to help minimize local food insecurtity (ask her about Rescuing Leftover Cuisine and SNAP), and taking advantage of the multitude of activities the Hudson Valley has to offer. From hiking & canoeing to skiing & taking the train to NYC, all done with her wonderful family: Jerry Scheck, Riva, & Andrew. She also loved skating with the Hudson Valley Horrors Roller Derby team, and encourages anyone interested to check out The Hudson Valley Horrors Roller Derby Of course, she can't discount hanging out with her own special gang of pets at home: Tidbit, Charlotte, Shirley, Ruben and Cherise!
Dr. Laura Leigh Frazier grew up in Old Lyme, Connecticut and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut in 1985. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 1989, and has been working in general and emergency care in New York and Connecticut since graduation.
She enjoys internal medicine, soft tissue surgery and especially dentistry.
She likes gardening, kayaking, yoga and spending time with her husband, two sons, their dog, Melo and their cat, Toby. Dr Frazier is excited to join a hospital offering integrative veterinary care!
Job Titles:
- Director of Medical Services
Jessie graduated from SUNY Delhi with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She worked as a Licensed Technician before deciding to grow her knowledge in the field. She obtained her degree in Veterinary Service Administration from SUNY Canton. She has a passion for caring for animals and bonding with their owners. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, being outdoors and exploring new places. She has two cats, Fenwick and Croix, and a husky mix named Huk.
As a dedicated and passionate animal lover, Joe is thrilled to be working as a vet assistant. With two beloved cats and two cherished dogs of his own, he understands the importance of providing loving care and attention to every animal that comes his way. Joe finds it incredibly rewarding to help animals in need and support their health and well-being.
In addition to his love of animals, Joe is also an avid cook. He finds great joy in preparing wholesome, nutritious meals for both himself and his furry friends. This passion for cooking translates into his work at the clinic, where he is committed to helping pets maintain a healthy diet that supports their overall health.
Joe is committed to providing the highest standard of care to every animal that comes his way.
Whether it's assisting with routine check-ups, administering medication, or providing comforting support during emergencies, Joe is always eager to help. With his experience and passion for animals, Joe is confident in his ability to provide exceptional care to every animal and their loving owners.
Kai is extremely excited to join the team here at Hopewell Animal Hospital. After completing their internship at HAH in Summer 2019, they are beyond happy to be back as a Veterinary Technician. They graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at SUNY Delhi. Ask them about their Study Abroad trip to South Africa! Kai loves everything about being a vet tech and is excited to share their passion.
Outside of work, Kai loves the outdoors, writing fantasy stories, videogames and playing their tuba. They live in Poughquag with 4 crazy dogs- Gunner, a Clumber Spaniel; Brandie, a Siberian Husky; Nellie, a Cavapoo; and their special fur baby Reba, a Coonhound Mix."
Following a stressful career in e-commerce and e-marketing, Laura decided to return to her first love, caring for animals. She earned her associates degree in veterinary technology from San Juan College in New Mexico but her education will never stop.
She has a passion for holistic medicine and is interested in learning more about tui na and other TCVM modalities. Laura recently earned her Pet Nutrition Coach Certification. She is a strong advocate for bully breeds and wants to hug every blockhead she sees.
When not at work Laura spends her time outdoors kayaking, gardening, and practicing photography. She shares her home with Penny, the pitbull she raised from four weeks old, and Merlot, the aging Russian Blue.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- State Certified and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Lori Dritz is a New York State Certified and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
She earned her Master's Degree (MSW) from the Hunter College Graduate School of Social Work, through the City University of New York (CUNY), in New York City, in 1983.
Lori's duel concentrations were Clinical and Industrial Social Work which have provided her with a unique understanding of both personal and work-related issues that can be contributing factors for stress, anxiety and depression, as well as alcoholism and substance abuse.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, graduating with honors.
Lori has been in private clinical practice for nearly 31 years, after working for the nation's then largest EAP (Employee Assistance Program). She has a sub-specialty in Critical Incident work stemming from 9/11 and Newtown, Connecticut. She is regularly called by over a dozen EAP's and other corporate accounts to service their CISD needs.
In addition, she was instrumental in helping to develop a local hospital-based program to combat 2nd Victims Syndrome in their ER department by assisting and supporting their physicians and nursing staff to "self-debrief" after treating traumas themselves.
In her private practice Lori specializes in working with individuals, couples, adolescents and families who are in transition and are experiencing anxiety, depression, alcohol and or substance abuse or have a family member with those difficulties. She continues to provide EAP and Trauma Response Services to a large number of corporate clients as well.
She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the New York State chapter of NASW and the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Lori is married to her husband Ron for 33 years and they have a 29-year-old son Scott. She resides in Poughkeepsie., NY.
Nicole joined Hopewell Animal Hospital in December 2022 as a veterinary receptionist. She has loved animals ever since she was a little girl. Her passion is to learn and grow in this field while helping as many pets as possible.
During her free time she love working out, spoiling her little furbaby, spending time with her family and shopping like she just hit the lotto.
Sheila is excited to have joined the team at the beginning of the year as a veterinary assistant. She is dedicated to providing owners and their pets with excellent and compassionate care.
Sheila says the best part about being a veterinary assistant is meeting a lot of different personalities in both cats and dogs, you just never know what to expect! She also hope's to work more with and learn more about exotic animals as well.
She enjoys this field, where every day is different and she can make a difference in a pet's life. She is currently studying at SUNY Ulster for Veterinary Technology Science and is working towards becoming a licensed veterinary technician.
Once she's clocked out of work, she really looks forward to joining her floof noodle [ferret], Benji in his nap. Aside from that, she also like's to spend her free time going to the gym, enjoy & trying different types of foods/restaurants, and spending time with friends & family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
Vicki is actually a Broadway star on sabbatical. Next time you are in the office, or have her on the phone, definitely ask her to regale you with some popular show tunes!