Meet the Team at Elyria Animal Hospital

Dr. Alex O’Roark brings decades of veterinary experience and a uniquely varied professional background to Elyria Animal Hospital. Before earning his veterinary degree, he worked with racehorses in Maryland and later worked in private small animal practice as well as at The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. During his time at Johns Hopkins, he contributed to research involving antioxidants and free radicals, cardiogenic shock with multi-organ failure, transplantation, and other advanced medical projects. He also co-authored articles in books and journals.

Dr. O’Roark attended Ross University, completing his senior year through Oklahoma State University and the Utrecht University in the Netherlands before graduating in 1990. He moved to Ohio and worked at the Animal Emergency Center, Cuyahoga County Kennel, and several private practices before joining Elyria Animal Hospital in 1992. His long-standing commitment to the hospital and the community reflects the steady, experienced care he brings to every patient. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, shooting sports, cheering on the Cleveland Browns, and spending time with his children.

He went on to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he met Dr. O’Roark. After beginning his veterinary career in Ohio in 1991, Dr. Thompson spent 9 years as a small animal associate veterinarian before purchasing The Family Pet Clinic in 2000. As Chief of Staff there for more than 20 years, he served over 100 K9 officers from more than 40 departments, providing medical care, training, and emergency first aid kits to support these working dogs and their handlers. He now brings that same experience, dedication, and heart to Elyria Animal Hospital. Outside the clinic, he enjoys archery, cycling, football, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and church community.

Fear Free Certified

Laura has been the Practice Manager since 2025, a Veterinary Technician since 2019, and a Veterinary Assistant since 2002. Her connection to Elyria Animal Hospital runs deep—she often says she grew up there, both literally and figuratively. Laura officially began working at the hospital at just 14 years old as a kennel assistant and steadily advanced through the ranks, ultimately becoming the hospital’s sole Practice Manager. Although she spent some time working in the human medical field, her passion for veterinary medicine brought her back. Today, she is dedicated to preserving the hospital’s family-focused, pet-centered culture while supporting staff growth and implementing innovative, technology-driven solutions to better serve the community. At home, Laura shares her life with two German Shepherds, Athena and Chevy, and three cats, Hermione, Hagrid, and Ruby (short for Rubeus). She has been with her middle school sweetheart for more than 20 years, and together they have three daughters. When she is not at the hospital, Laura can often be found cheering at her daughters’ soccer games, parades, and baton competitions, camping along the Mohican River, or enjoying the open road on the back of her husband’s motorcycle.

Fear Free Certified

Jeanette has been a Veterinary Technician since 1986 and has dedicated her career to caring for animals and supporting their families. Her journey in veterinary medicine began in October 1984, when she was given an opportunity straight out of high school by her mentor, Dr. Edward Lukuch, at Midpark Animal Hospital. Inspired by the chance to help animals who cannot speak for themselves, she quickly discovered her lifelong passion. Jeanette especially enjoys assisting in surgery, performing dental procedures, and educating clients, believing that sharing knowledge is essential to helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their companions. In 1992, she joined Elyria Animal Hospital, where she met and later married Dr. Alex O’Roark. Together, they adopted their two children, Jared and Madison, in 2004, and family remains at the center of her life. Jeanette also shares her home with two Chihuahua-mix sisters, Ctella and Mulligan. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, tending to her flower beds, hosting cookouts, and being outdoors. As retirement approaches, she looks forward to enjoying even more of her favorite activities—especially driving her Jeep with the top down.

Fear Free Certified

Lexie has been a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2021 and joined the Elyria Animal Hospital team in 2023, though she has worked in the veterinary field since 2018. Born and raised in Grafton, Ohio, she graduated from Cuyahoga Community College and earned her state veterinary technician license in 2021. Lexie has a special love for Great Danes and “spicy cats,” and she is passionate about client education and surgical assistance, particularly dental cleanings. At home, she cares for two dogs—Kona, a Mini Australian Shepherd, and Arlo, a Golden Retriever—as well as three cats: Kevin, Kitty, and Nyko, the famous Maine Coon. Recently engaged to her middle school sweetheart, Lexie is looking forward to her wedding in Fall 2026. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, watching documentaries, working on her Ford Bronco, and spending time with family. Her coworkers consider her a superhero when it comes to handling difficult feline patients—if a cat is especially challenging to work with, Lexie is often the only team member who can safely treat it, and she somehow manages to do so with remarkably few scratches or bites.

Hannah has been a Veterinary Assistant since 2019 and first joined Elyria Animal Hospital in 2018 as a kennel attendant at just 16 years old. What began as a fun starter job quickly grew into a lasting passion for veterinary medicine. Over the years, Hannah earned her nursing degree in human medicine, but her love for animal care remains just as strong, leading her to balance caring for both people and pets. Whether she is working with energetic dogs, spicy cats, or gentle rabbits, she enjoys treating every patient as if they were her own. At home, Hannah shares her life with her cat, Peaches, who keeps her entertained with plenty of personality. Outside of work, she enjoys creating art, spending time with Peaches, and unwinding with a good television show.

Fear Free Certified

Kaleigh has been a Veterinary Assistant since 2024 and brings a strong passion for animal care to the Elyria Animal Hospital team. She graduated from Ross College in 2023 with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and has been working as a pet sitter since 2020, caring for small and large animals as well as exotic pets. At home, Kaleigh has a pit bull named Harley and a cat named Willa. Pit bulls are her favorite dog breed, and her love for them is well known throughout the hospital. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring hiking trails with Harley. A fun fact about Kaleigh is that she is the team’s resident “pittie girl”—if there is a pit bull in the building, she is sure to find it. She is also a highly rated pet sitter on Rover, earning a five-star rating and hundreds of positive reviews from pet owners who trust her with their beloved companions.

Gabby has been a Veterinary Assistant since 2024 and is pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from the University of Findlay in 2025 with a degree in Animal Science, emphasizing pre-veterinary medicine, along with minors in chemistry and biology. During her time at the university, she was an active member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and became certified as a second trainer with 4 Paws for Ability. Gabby has a special interest in exotic animal medicine and hopes to build her future career working with a wide variety of unique species. At home, she cares for her cat, Butterscotch, and two beloved lop-eared rabbits, Charlotte and Gus, who are both six years old and hold a special place in her heart. Outside of work, Gabby enjoys relaxing with puzzles, reading a good book, and spending time with her furry companions.

KJ has been a Veterinary Assistant since 2025 and is passionate about providing compassionate care to every pet she meets. Her love for animals began at a young age when she attempted to rescue an abandoned bird’s nest, and that passion has only continued to grow over the years. KJ shares her home with her cat, Toki, and enjoys helping pets feel safe, comfortable, and cared for during their visits to the clinic. Outside of work, she loves writing, creating pet portraits, and spending time coloring with her son. A fun fact about KJ is that she is one of three Kaylees currently working at the hospital. She is also a published author and a remarkably talented pet portrait artist, known for creating beautiful custom artwork that captures the unique personality of each pet.