Staff Members

Practice ManagerDebbie Gates

Debbie Gates is the practice manager at PetCare Animal Hospital. She began as a veterinary assistant in 1985 and became practice manager in 2003. Educating clients and practicing progressive medicine are the two things she enjoys most at PetCare Animal Hospital.

Outside of the hospital, Debbie enjoys traveling, scuba diving, writing and spending time with family and friends. She shares her home with two Border Collies, Shepherd and GeorgieGirl, and a canary named Ebeneezer Scrooge. Debbie is the proud mother of an adult daughter.

Veterinary AssistantCheryl Theile

Cheryl Theile has been a veterinary assistant at PetCare Animal Hospital since 2008. Prior to working at PetCare Animal Hospital, Cheryl was as a biologist for the Newport Aquarium. She enjoys communicating with clients about their pets' needs and educating all pet owners about medical care.

Away from the hospital, she is involved in manatee research at various zoos and is an avid Harry Potter fan. Cheryl enjoys spending leisure time with friends, family, and her Shih Tzu, Nemo.

Veterinary AssistantLauren Pakalnis

Lauren Pakalnis has been a veterinary assistant at PetCare since June 2010. Lauren previously worked in the Operations Department at the Newport Aquarium. At PetCare, she enjoys helping clients establish preventative care strategies to help their pets live a happy, healthy life.

Lauren is a volunteer at the Newport Aquarium with both the husbandry staff and DIVE crew. Outside of work she enjoys spending her time hiking, SCUBA diving, camping, and spending time with her family and friends. She shares her home with her boyfriend, four cats, three frogs, two turtles, a snake and a tank full of fish.

Veterinary AssistantLauren Pakalnis

Emma Verbanic has been a part of the PetCare team since July 2010. She is currently a student at Northern Kentucky University. Prior to PetCare, Emma worked with Dr. Hill at the Newport Aquarium as a husbandry volunteer. She enjoys the one-on-one relationships made with the clients and animals at PetCare and looks forward to creating more bonds with them.

When she is not working or studying, Emma is active in the organization Best Buddies and spends a lot of time with her buddy, Kelsey. She also spends as much time as she can with her family, friends, and dog Peaches.

Veterinary AssistantLauren Pakalnis

Lindsey Yeary has been a Veterinary Assistant at PetCare Animal Hospital since October 2010. She is currently also working on her Veterinary Technology degree through the University of Cincinnati. She thrives on being able to make a difference in the lives of others and their pets.

Outside of work, Lindsey is involved with foster work for several local cat/dog rescue groups. She enjoys singing at her church and horseback riding. Lindsey has a husband named Aaron. They enjoy spending downtime with family, friends and their 5 cats and 6 dogs!