THE WALKER VALLEY VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF
Dr. Kate Lucas
Dr. Lucas grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. After pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Illinois, she went on to Ross University, from which she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She is an active member of the American Veterinary Association and the New York State Veterinary Association.
Dr. Lucas moved to this area shortly thereafter and practiced from 1997-2002, first at Hoppenstedt Animal Hospital in Kingston and then at Cornwall Veterinary Hospital in Cornwall. In late 2001, Dr. Lucas and her husband purchased the property that previously housed the Fire House Deli in Walker Valley. During the time they were renovating it, Dr. Lucas also filled in a various local spay/neuter clinics. In May 2002, Dr. Lucas opened the Walker Valley Veterinary Hospital.
Dr. Lucas and her husband, Master Sergeant Tracy Hornbeck, were married in 2001. They share their home with their son Mack, daughters Brooke and Claire and 2 dogs and 2 cats. In her free time Dr. Lucas spends as much time as possible with her young children and enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, gardening, cross-country skiing, and water skiing.
Tracy Hornbeck grew up in the Pine Bush and Walker Valley area. He has been a member of the New York Air National Guard since 1985. He is currently the First Sergeant for the 105th Medical Group at Stewart ANGB in Newburgh. Tracy also works as a "flight line expediter" for the 105th Maintainence Squadron helping keep the C-5As in the air. When he is not working at home or helping out around the hospital you can find him at the Neversink river fly fishing, or perhaps training for his next road race.
The "Work" Family: |
The "Home" Family: |
Dr. James Lawless
Dr. Lawless is a 1976 graduate of The New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell and, like Dr. Lucas, spent his first years practicing at the Hoppenstedt Animal Hospital in Kingston, NY. In 1980 he and his wife, Amy, opened the Cornwall Veterinary Hospital in Cornwall, NY, where for the next 23 years they developed a highly regarded medical and surgical veterinary practice while raising their three children. Dr. Lucas worked with Dr. Lawless as an associate veterinarian at the Cornwall Veterinary Hospital just prior to her opening the Walker Valley Veterinary Hospital in 2002.
In 2003 Dr. Lawless sold his practice in Cornwall to pursue a life on Martha's Vineyard as both a veterinarian and a marine artist. After two years he and his wife decided to return to their life in Cornwall, and so it came to be that he sought employment from his previous employee. You can now find Dr. Lawless doing what he loves best on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Walker Valley Veterinary Hospital.Dr. Lawless now makes his home in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. His daughter Lisa followed in dad's footsteps graduating from Cornell's Veterinary College in 2005. In addition to his passion for veterinary medicine, is a renowned marine artist ( Lawless Gallery, ASMA 13th National Exhibition ) and an avid blue water sailor. He and his wife are owned by a Jack Russell Terrier who goes by the name "Tilly". She loves them very much.
Alice Cannon
Alice has been working with animals in some fashion since she was a child. Her animal experience includes two years as a dog warden, six years working on a horse farm, 12 years running an animal rescue organization and 19 years as a veterinary technician.
Alice and Dr. Kate worked together for several years at Hoppenstedt Animal Hospital in Kingston and also at TARA, a mobile low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Alice lives locally with her husband Vinnie and a plethora of pets of many species.
Beth Maxwell
Beth Maxwell joined the Walker Valley Vet family as head receptionist in the summer of 2007. Beth grew up in Cornwall, NY and now lives in Wurtsboro with her husband Kurt and third grade daughter Emily. Their slew of critters include “J.J” the chocolate Lab and cats “Gary” and “Monkey”. Also included are the goats “Rosie,” “Daisy,” and “Pansy” and a Pot-bellied pig named “Tootie”. With this managerie to care for at home, working at a veterinary hospital seemed like a natural choice. In her spare time Beth enjoys camping, “The Lake,” and spending time with friends and family.
Lenore Lindemann
Lenore is our part-time receptionist. She has had pets for most of her life and has always wanted to work in a veterinary hospital. Lenore has been a veterinary receptionist for 20 years, working with Dr. Kate previously at a another hospital. She volunteers at local shelters in her "spare" time and has rescued many pets of all shapes and sizes over the years. Lenore lives with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Kayln Johnson
Kayln is a junior at Pine Bush High School. She enjoys going to the beach and raising baby goats on her family's farm. Kayln hopes to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or marine biology.
Michelle Ryan
Michelle Ryan is a senior at Pine Bush High School. She loves working around animals. Michelle will be attending SUNY Oswego in the fall and plans to major in Zoology.
Kelly Garrison
Kelly Garrison graduated with a BS in Biology from Stony Brook, Long Island in 2005 and is currently in her second year at St. Georges School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. She comes home for the summer to work at both Walker Valley Vet and at her parent's neighboring business, Walker Valley Auto. She has two Rottweilers and a Bull Mastiff.