Meet Our Dedicated Team of Pet Care Professionals
Dr. Alex O'Roark - DVM
Dr. O'Roark traveled quite a bit when he was young because his father was a career Marine. He settled in Maryland and attended college there. As a young man, he worked with racehorses in Maryland, including "Pimlico," home of the Preakness. Later, he worked in private small animal practice and then at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. While at Johns Hopkins, he worked on antioxidants and free radicals, cardiogenic shock with multi-organ failure, and transplantation. He co-authored articles in books and journals with many more accolades for technical assistance in other projects. Dr. O'Roark attended Ross University, where he met Dr. Thompson, completing his senior year split between Oklahoma State University and the University of Utrecht, Holland, graduating in 1990.
He moved to Ohio and worked at the Animal Emergency Center, Cuyahoga County Kennel, as a relief veterinarian at several private practices until coming to The Elyria Animal Hospital in 1992. He has remained through private and large corporate ownership since then.
Dr. O'Roark's interests include The Cleveland Browns, fishing, and shooting sports, but his personal life revolves mainly around his children, who he tries to spend as much time as possible. Now that they are both away attending college, it is never enough.
Dr. Rick Thompson - DVM
Dr. Richard Thompson was born and raised in Southern California, in the town of Whittier, where his extended family still lives. His father Richard taught him the skill of archery, and supported him as an Eagle Scout and varsity football athlete during high school. His mother Lucile was the foundation of the home, raising many foster children and was an avid antiques collector. Dr. Thompson's parents taught him a strong work ethic resulting in a successful 34 year career, and a family that always comes first.
When he was a young man attending Cal Poly Pomona, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 1988. While attending there, he interned with a wild animal trainer and participated in several television commercial and movie shoots; he loves to tell people about his experiences with lions and tigers and bears (OH MY!).
Dr. Thompson always knew he would be a veterinarian, and pursued this goal with Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Basseterre, St. Kitts. There he met Dr. O'Roark, and the two became fast friends. Dr. Thompson began his career in Ohio in 1991 at Avon Lake Animal Clinic, working as a small animal associate veterinarian for 9 years. He then bought his own veterinary practice, The Family Pet Clinic, in 2000 where he was Chief of Staff for over 20 years. There he served over 100 K9 officers from over 40 different departments; providing medical care, training, and emergency first aid kits to support these special officers, their handlers and our community. When the opportunity arose to work with his longtime friend and colleague, he eagerly accepted the opportunity.
Dr. Thompson enjoys archery, cycling, watching football, and spending time with his amazing wife Regina, of over 35 years. They raised three successful daughters together, and now they look forward to spending time with their 5 grandchildren. He gratefully serves the community, many good friends, and his faith as Chair of the Elder Board at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Brunswick. He is proud to be taken under the wing(s) of the team at Elyria Animal Hospital. However, his family is probably the only thing he likes to talk about more than his career in Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Eric Allie - DVM **starting july 1, 2025**
Dr. Eric Allie was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. Growing up in a large family that had a lot of animals, he knew that he would pursue a career that involved being able to always care for them.
While both working and attending college full time, Dr. Allie took a position as a veterinary assistant with Dr. Thompson at The Family Pet Clinic. Later, he attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2012. Dr. Allie was the only graduate to receive the Excellence in Ophthalmology and Excellence in Community Practice awards for his class. While he learned his technical skills and knowledge in veterinary school, he gives recognition to his time spent working as a veterinary assistant for learning “how to be a veterinarian”.
After graduation, Dr. Allie has worked as an associate veterinarian, locally, for the past 13 years. He has a passion for ultrasonography, which allows for more in depth diagnostics in complex cases. After having his own greyhound, he also has a special place in his heart for greyhound medicine as they require unique care.
Dr. Allie enjoys hiking, camping, woodworking, 3D printing, and cooking. He and his wife, Valerie, are high school sweethearts and have two amazing children. Between the hustle and bustle of everyday life, he believes that the most important thing is quality time spent with his family.
Jeanette O.
Technician since 1984.
ASVDT Veterinary Dental Technician Certification
Pets: Ctella and Mulligan (dogs)
Fear Free Certified
Vicki L.
Receptionist/Assistant since 1987.
Pets: Cassie, Lettie, Gremmi, Harley, Smokie, and SJ (cats)
Fear Free Certified
Laura J.
Receptionist/Assistant since 2002, Veterinary Technician since 2019.
Pets: Chevy and Athena (dogs), Hermione, Hagrid, and Ruby (cats).
Fear Free Certified
Lexie M., RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician since 2021, EAH team member since 2023.
Pets: Kona and Arlo (dogs), Kevin, Kitty, and Nyko (cats)
Fear Free Certified
Hannah A.
Kennel since 2018, Receptionist/Assistant since 2019
Pets: Shelby (dog), Peaches (cat)
Taylor K.
Receptionist/Assistant since 2018
Pets: Sassy (dog), Jasper, Izzy, Iris, Butters (cats)
Fear Free Certified
Kaleigh W.
Veterinary Technician Student/Veterinary Assistant since 2024
Pets: Duke (dog), Willa and Molly (cats)
Fear Free Certified
Ryleigh J.
Kennel assistant since 2023
Pets: Minerva (cat)
Gabby P.
Assistant/Receptionist since 2024,
Pre-Veterinary Medicine at University of Findlay
Pets: Peanut Butter and Jelly (dogs),
Butterscotch (cat), Charlotte (rabbit)
Kaylee G.
Assistant since 2024
Pets: Jake (dog) Stantz (cat)
Brittany B.
Registered Veterinary Technician
She may no longer be here on this Earth with us, but will never be forgotten.
Forever in our Hearts.
PLUS OUR OTHER BEHIND THE SCENES CREW
Join Our Elyria Animal Hospital Family Today!
We invite you to meet our team in person. Schedule an appointment, ask questions, or simply stop by to say hello. Call Elyria Animal Hospital at (440) 365-3818 and discover why our team is the trusted choice for pet care in Elyria.
