A Team Committed to You & Your Pet

Dr. Jennifer Shonts is originally from West Virginia and moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 2014. She originally joined the medical field in the “human-sector” as a nurse before finding her true love in veterinary medicine. She studied hard and earned a doctorate degree from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Shonts’ veterinary interests vary widely, including soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine, and ultrasonography. She prefers to spend her free time with her son and daughter, traveling, listening to music, and enjoying the many adventures life has to offer.

Dr. Lazik has been a long-time resident of Maryland, living on the Eastern shore since 2001. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science. She utilized this degree working with the Department of Agriculture in their department of reproductive physiology. But she didn’t stop there, she had a strong desire to learn more so she pushed herself and enrolled in Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she obtained her Doctorate degree. Her special interests include Dermatology, Geriatrics, and Pocket Pets (including ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and rodents). In 2008, Dr. Lazik’s hard work obtained her a certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and advanced training in laser therapies. Her personal interests include yoga, kayaking, and traveling to new and exotic places. However, most of her free time is spent with her three dogs, close friends, and her two beautiful daughters.

Dr. Crook grew up on a farm on the Eastern Shore where she cared for sheep, pigs, and other large animals, cultivating her love for animal-care. She earned her doctorate from the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a Masters in Parasitology from Delaware State University. Dr. Crook joined us first as a relief vet before officially committing to our practice as an Associate Veterinarian in 2018. When she isn’t seeing patients in our office she serves in the United States Army Veterinary Corps as a Captain. In the very little free time she has, Dr. Crook enjoys horseback riding and boating on the Chesapeake Bay.

Bio Coming Soon!

Melissa has had a passion for taking care of animals since she was young. Her mother was constantly after her for bringing home abandoned or injured animals to care for. She started in the veterinary field as a teen, working at the local SPCA in the puppy room before working her way up the management chain to assistant office manager. In 1996 she joined All Pets Medical Center as the office manager while she attended Delaware Technical Community College for Business Management. In September 2017, the practice was purchased by Duck Creek Animal Hospital and we were lucky enough to keep her on our management team. In 2018, she officially became our fearless leader and Practice Manager. She is currently pursuing a degree in Veterinary Practice Management. Melissa resides in Felton, Delaware with her husband, three dogs, one cat and a turtle. She enjoys spending time with her two children and three grandsons, and attempts to spend time camping, swimming, and just hanging out (before we eventually remind her that we can’t live without her).

Bailey is an invaluable member of our management team who thrives no matter the challenge we present her with. This amazing woman can fill almost any position in our hospital and is always willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Bailey graduated from Kent County High School in 2015 before joining the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant. She joined our practice back in the early days of opening, and we refuse to let her go. She gives her all to any task set before her and that is precisely why we are honored to call her our second-in-command. Bailey was crowned Assistant Hospital Manager in 2021 and somehow, she keeps us all in line throughout our day-to-day operations. She enjoys her days off spending time outside with her family and pets. She has three dogs, one cat, a lamb, some chickens, and some human babies that are pretty cute, too.

Caitlin is our Surgical Coordinator here at Duck Creek Animal Hospital and has been with the hospital since its acquisition. Caitlin’s love for animals started from a young age on her family’s farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where she was surrounded by an assortment of animals. This love of animals fueled Caitlin’s desire for an upper education at McDaniel College where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology with an environmental focus. Currently, Caitlin is finishing her first year towards her Veterinary Technician degree through the Penn Foster program. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys spending her time outside, traveling, and reading as much as she can!

Faith always strives to reach a new goal she set for herself, and she always goes above and beyond. Faith joined us in 2017 as a veterinary assistant while she attended college to become a Licensed Technician. She obtained her degree and license, all while working full time and taking care of her own fur-family. Faith didn’t stop there; she has recently decided to further her education into the human medicine field, and we are all so proud to support her as she attends nursing school. She often lends a hand at the front desk on top of her regular duties as a Licensed Technician. Faith is the proud mother to two dogs, one cat, and two rabbits.

Bio Coming Soon!

Ruth Agnew started here career with animals when she was 12 years old.  She worked for a local horse farm that transported horses and ponies to birthday parties and carnivals.  In 2003 she landed a career with the Delaware Humane Association and that is where her story really began.  She loved the shelter side but wanted more.  She branched out to be a Vet Tech.  She owes her training to Dr.Hardy and Dr.Stover at BHVH.  She moved and continued her career working closely with Dr.Weiher at AVC and Dr.Spencer and Dr.Winwood at WCC.  All have been wonderful mentoirs.  She fell back into the shelter world for 6 years as Director of Operations for the FSAC and SPCA.  She has received a certificate in training for the following; DEMA for Introduction to National Incident Management System and Introduction to the Incident Command System, Equine Cruelity Investigator Training offered through Days End Farm Horse Rescue, and Certified Euthanasia Technician.  When Ruth is not at work she is a Wife and Mother.  She has little boy named Blake who is 8.  She enjoys family time, nights out with the girls, shopping, karaoke, etc.  She has dogs, cats, and guinea pigs of her own.  Her favorite dog breeds are German Shepherds and Huskies and she loves Sphynx and Abyssinian cats.  However a mutt or a Tabby will do just fine!

Bio Coming Soon!

Amber has been in the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant since 2013. She joined our team here at Duck Creek Animal Hospital in July of 2018 and has become an invaluable member of our family. Not only is she a veterinary assistant, Amber also lends a hand to the front desk and manages the upkeep of our lab machines! She currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Veterinary Science and is now attending St. Petersburg College for an associates in Veterinary Technology. During her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with her son and her two dogs, Bumper and Diamond. Her other interests include creative writing, bowling, and playing percussion instruments.

Claudia has been a Veterinary Assistant for the past seven years and five of those years have been here with us at Duck Creek.  We were incredibly proud of her when she graduated in 2020 from the University of Delaware with a bachelors degree in pre-veterinary medicine. Claudia is now currently applying/waiting to get accepted into vet school, so please keep your fingers crossed. Although we do NOT see reptilian exotics here, Claudia has a great passion for them! Her love of reptiles has bled into her home life, as she has brought home and helped heal a number of them, teaching us what she has learned along the way. On top of her many scaly friends, she also has two cats and a dog. When she finishes vet school, we are hoping we can convince her to come back to us as our own exotics veterinarian. 

BIO Coming Soon!

Lily credits her love of animals and passion for helping others for her desire to join the veterinary field. While she is new to our team, she has been in this field for a few years prior and comes to us with plenty of experience in caring for companion animals. Lily was born and raised in a small town on the Eastern Shore called Rock Hall, and she enjoys relaxing and spending time outdoors. We look forward to seeing Lily grow with our hospital!

Sam is a rockstar! She joined our team in 2019 and brings with her an incredible energy reflecting her desire to help others and learn as much as she can. She originally started as a receptionist, but quickly found her niche as an assistant working directly with our patients to provide compassionate care. Sam is exceptionally skilled at handling some of our larger canine friends. During her days off, Sam spends time with her three children, three dogs, four cats, two uromastyx, one rat snake, and don’t forget her beloved beta fish! Oh my!

Bio Coming Soon!

BIO Coming Soon!

MaKayla is another team member who we could have fill almost any role in the hospital. She joined this field in 2017 while attending school to become a teacher. She has a special interest in mathematics, and currently works part time with us as she also teaches full time at a local school. MaKayla’s incredible intelligence and compassion make her an amazing asset to our team. While she is primarily a receptionist now, she is occasionally asked to fill in as a veterinary assistant. We also use her wonderful mind to solve difficult math problems in our work group chat, so she is never really “off-the-clock”. When she does manage to find time for herself, MaKayla enjoys spending time with her myriad of pups, a cat, and her loving husband.

Jovan is one of our biggest cheerleaders here at Duck Creek! She joined our team during the Summer of 2021 and quickly became an essential part of our family. Jovan brings to the table her experience working with a mobile veterinary service in Maryland, as well as her ability to adapt to change credited to her experience as the wife of an Army veteran who has spent time stationed in Japan and Germany. Jovan starts every morning with a huge smile, and reminds us throughout the day to laugh and embrace any challenge we are presented as an opportunity for growth. She spends her free time working out, trying new Vegan recipes, and has recently decided to attend college for nursing! Go Jovan!