Lakeview Veterinary Hospital, Our Staff

Gary T. Levy, DVM, Diplomate ABVP

Companion Animal Specialty
Dr. Levy is a 1982 Graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. He has been with Lakeview Veterinary Hospital since 1973, when he started as a veterinary assistant. He became Board Certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners(ABVP) in the specialty of Companion Animal Practice in 1993 and is one of only three such specialists in Louisiana. The ABVP promotes and recognizes high standards in the art and science of Veterinary Practice. Dr. Levy has served twice as the President of the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association and currently serves on the Louisana Board of Veterinary Medicine. He is married to Claudia and they have three children, one cat (Missy) and a dog (Oscar).

Marlowe A Ward , DVM

Dr Ward is a 2004 graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. She returns to her native New Orleans from Houston to be a vital part of the rebuilding of this great community. In addition to her expertise with dogs and cats, Dr. Ward also has an interest and extensive experience with exotic pets. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, Dr.Ward was a paramedic with the city of New Orleans. She is married to Ochsner cardiologist, Dr. Rob Bober. She and her husband share their home with their daughter ,Rowan,two dogs, Sammy and Laney, and one cat, Cash.

Erin P Ribka , DVM

Dr. Ribka grew up in San Francisco,California and attended the University of California at Davis where she majored in Physical Anthropology, with an emphasis in primate behavior. She earned her DVM in 2002 from University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.

After a five year stint in Primate Medicine and research, she returned to small animal practice in 2008. In June 2012, she started a fellowship with the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, working closely with her mentor, board certified veterinary dentist in San Diego. Dr. Brook Niemiec.

Dr. Ribka has been an officer of the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association for the past 9 years. She is also an active board member of the Friends of Palmer Park and was instrumental in bringing a KaBOOM! Playground to her neighborhood park. She is a member of AVMA, AVDS, AAFP and Phi Zeta. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking and camping, traveling and just hanging out with her family.

She lives in New Orleans with her husband Paul, their children-twins Damon and Nora and younger brother Quinn; two Pitbull Terriers named Hoonah and Stella; three cats: Little Whitey Dubois, Bochy and Sonic; a betta fish named Taco, and 2 leopard geckos: Goldie and Leopardy. A corn snake is moving in to the household this Christmas...

Clare Guichard, MVET SCI, BVM&S

Dr.Clare Guichard graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the Royal Veterinary College in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2011. She is a native New Orleanian and attended Mt.Carmel Academy high school. She attended Loyola University before transferring to LSU and completing her degree in Animal Science and Technology. She also received a Masters in Veterinary Science from the University of Edinburgh. Her love of animals started at an early age. She knew she wanted to become a veterinarian after volunteering every summer at the Audubon Zoo. She also worked for several years as a veterinary assistant. Dr.Guichard also has a keen interest in exotic animals and has even traveled to Africa to study veterinary medicine on the wildlife there. She divides her love between her husband Ross (a fellow American & Scotland classmate)and their Catahoula (Abita Amber), German Short-haired pointer (Daka), French Bulldog (Stella), their cat ( Ringo)and her snapping turtle (Ignatius). Clare's interests within veterinary medicine include dentistry and exotics. Her hobbies include music,photography and camping.

Christine Whatley, DVM

Dr. Christine Whatley is a New Orleans native who earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University in 2001. After graduating, she spent 11 years practicing in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC metropolitan area at a progressive small animal hospital. Dr. Whatley enjoys building relationships with clients while providing quality and compassionate care to each and every patient. Over the years she has developed a special interest in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, senior medicine and dermatology. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband Steve, daughter Claire, son Sean and their Golden Retriever, Grace.

Sandy M Hallner, Business Manager

Sandy is the 'baby' sister of practice founder Dr. Robert J. Morris and has been with Lakeview Veterinary hospital 'forever'(1972)! Sandy has long served as our business manager. She is married to Greg and they have a daughter, Jen, and a dog Chloe.

Joyce J Streussnig, Hospital manager

Joyce began her career at Lakeview Veterinary Hospital in 1986. She graduated from Macomb College in Warren, Michigan. She has an associates degree in applied sciences and is also a registered veterinary technician. Joyce started at LVH as a registered technician, but soon became technician supervisor, and for the last 17 years, she has been our hospital manager. In her spare time she enjoys breeding and selling straight Egyptian Arabian horses. Her favorite past-time is riding her gelding "Solitare". Joyce also enjoys traveling and new adventures.

Jennifer Duarte-Schleis, Supervisor

Jennifer joined our practice in May 2001 and has just recently celebrated 15 years as a veterinary technician. She graduated from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in 2006 and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. When not at work, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband Justin, their 3 dogs Delilah, Fonzi and Cash, their 3 cats Annie Sybil and Natasha, and pet rat Frenchie.

Renee Woods-Huete , Supervisor

Renee was born and raised in River Ridge, Louisiana. She received her B.A. at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2004. She married her husband, Will, in November 2006. They currently live in Metairie with their two American bulldogs, "Joon" and "Charley" and their beautiful baby boys Reid and Miles. Renee has been with Lakeview Veterinary Hospital since March 2008.

Amanda Pizzo, Registered Veterinary Technician

Amanda was born and raised in Asheville, NC and in 2002, she moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University. She graduated from Loyola in 2006 with a B.A. in Psychology. She has just recently graduated from Delgado Community College as a licensed Veterinary technician. She and her husband Vincent currently live in Lakeview with their cats, Jax and Mamou and their St. Bernard/Newfoundland mix, Henry.

Taylor Quirk, Veterinary Nurse

Taylor joined our staff in September 2011. She was born and raised in Nashville, TN and graduated from Spring Hill Collegein Mobile, AL with a Bachelors of Science in May 2011. She is currently pursuing her degree as a Registered Nurse at Holy Cross College. She lives in Lakeview with her roomates and their dog Reggie and two cats, Zulu and Abby.

Brooke Champagne, Veterinary Nurse

Brooke began working for Lakeview Veterinary Hospital in July 2010. She played football for the New Orleans Blaze Women's Tackle football team. When not at work, Brooke enjoys sports, dancing, music, and reading. She currently lives in Metairie with her "mini zoo" which includes her four dogs: Zydeco-a chihuahua, Oakley a pit bull/white lab mix, Belle and Duke- boston terriers, six cats, Storm, Camo, Yoda, Cadence, Re-Play, and DJ.

Reana Schnyder, Veterinary Nurse

Reana joined our staff in May 2000 as part of an internship in Animal Care Technology at Nunez Community College. She went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of New Orleans. Her many interests include feline and human behavior- in particular, the grieving process associated with losing a pet. When not working, Reana loves singing and making jewelry.

Traci Timmons, Veterinary Nurse

Traci joined our staff in November 2012. She is a graduate of Ursuline Academy and is currently enrolled in Penn Fosters Veterinary technology program. She enjoys spending time with friends on weekends. She shares her household with her german shepard Sandi, and her two cats Ivan and Zoe.

Staci Sternberger, Veterinary Nurse

Staci joined our staff in August 2011. She grew up in New Orleans and attended Chapelle High School. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. She resides in Lakeview with several roomates and her cat Zulu. She is currently awaiting her acceptance to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

Katelyn Boudreaux, Veterinary Nurse

Katelyn joined our Lakeview Veterinary hospital team in May 2009. She graduated from Cabrini and is now enrolled at the University of New Orleans. She is currently pursuing her degree in Psychology. Katelyn plans to apply to LSU veterinary school upon graduation. When not at work, Katelyn is active in her UNO sorority and spends a lot of time with her Boxer mix, Lebowski at City Bark.

Kelly Eastlund, Veterinary Nurse

Kelly joined our staff in July 2012. She was born and raised in Peoria, Arizona. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in Biology in 2009, she moved to Northern California to work as a veterinary technician at an animal hospital and bird clinic while volunteering at a local marine mammal rescue center. Kelly fell in love with veterinary medicine and has recently moved to New Orleans to pursue her certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician. When not at work, Kelly spends time with her fiance Justin, their three cats Nosh, Lily and Jiggs, their dog Oliver, and four snakes Monty, Dot, Biggie and Elmo. She also enjoys painting, cooking and various outdoor activities.

Kate Birdwhistell, Veterinary Nurse

Kate joined our staff in September 2012. She was born and raised in New Orleans. She is currently a Chemistry major at Loyola University. Kate plans to pursue either a degree in veterinary medicine or receive a PhD in Chemistry. She shares her household with her corgi Stella, miniature dachshund Greta, and cat Leo. She enjoys kayaking, yoga, and rock climbing.

Elly Schoen, Veterinary Nurse

Elly joined our staff in September 2012. She was born and raised in Mandeville, LA and graduated from Saint Scholastica Academy in 2011. She currently attends Tulane University and plans to study veterinary medicine. When she is not working or studying, she enjoys watching football and spending time with her dog Jordan and her cat Piper.

Nancy Lecorgne, Client Services Coordinator

Waking before the sun and arriving at Lakeview Vet every weekday before office hours, Nancy gets a headstart on the days' chart updating, appointments, and phone messages since 1991. Before she starts the reception work, Nancy makes her rounds through the hospital to make sure that all of the pets had a good night sleep. If Nancy can't be seen at the reception desk, she can be heard in some part of the hospital singing oldies, her favorite type of music. On the weekends, Nancy enjoys riding her bike, walking (if New Orleans heat and humidity allow), visiting with her mother, and spending time with her 5 cats.

Catherine Provost, Reception

Cat joined us with our move back to Memphis St. in the spring of 2006. She is an experienced small and exotic animal veterinary technician. She graduated in 1996 from Warren Easton Sr. High School and also attended the University of New Orleans and Delgado Community College. Catherine is currently pursuing a degree at Delgado as a registered nurse. She lives in Metairie with her cat Tina.

Theo Casten, Reception

Theo has been with Lakeview Veterinary Hospital since 1992. She is an avid bird lover and rehabilitator, and specializes in keeping her pets well cared for into their senior 'plus' years. Her newest companion, a dog, Whiskey(a.k.a Patron)often greets clients with her at the front desk in the afternoon. She has moved to Florida but expects to visit often.

Gayle F. Taylor, Reception

Gayle joined our staff in September 2008. She is also a long time resident of Lakeview. Her family consists of her husband Tommy, two daughters, Jennifer & Rebecca, two son-in-laws, Paul and Andre, and three beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Abram & Kate. Her four-legged family includes a Dalmatian named Riley, and three cats, Lil' Bit, Puddin, and Ollie. Gayle has 20 years in education and she says she, "gave up the two legged kids for the four legged ones". When she is not working at the clinic, she enjoys gardening, crafting, and spending time with her family and pets.

Lauren Gardner, Reception

Lauren is a life-long Lakeview resident. She became part of the Lakeview Veterinary Hospital family in April 2008. Her furry family includes three canine companions, a lab named Khaki, a boxer-mix named Gypsy and a corgi-mix named Abita. She is continuing her education at the University of New Orleans.

David Daughdrill, Maintenance

David joined our staff in October 2006. He is extremely diligent in maintaining our hospitals cleanliness. He is an avid sports fan, in particular, the New Orleans Saints football team and the New Orleans Hornets basketball team. He currently lives in Metairie with his cat Jasmine.

Lakeview Veterinary Hospital, Inc.