David A. Wolfe, DVM

Originally from western New York, Dr. David A. Wolfe attended Cornell University and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Pre-Veterinary Studies. Following his undergraduate years, Dr. Wolfe was admitted to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine with honors in 1966.

Dr. Wolfe has been practicing veterinary medicine at Shaker Veterinary Hospital since 1970. Along with his position as hospital director, Dr. Wolfe has also been a consultant to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Siena College since 1994.

Having received a fellowship in surgery at the US Marines Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1974, Dr. Wolfe’s professional interest remains in the field of surgery.

A devoted veterinary practitioner and father of four, Dr. Wolfe enjoys spending his leisure time antiquing and breeding German shepherds for companion animals and police work. Dr. Wolfe is a member of the Healing Team at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center in Greenwich, New York as well as a member of The Gideon’s. At home, he enjoys and is kept company by five German shepherds, a toy poodle and several cats.

Kip Butler, DVM

Dr. Kip Butler grew up in Cobleskill, NY before pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences at the University of Vermont. Following that, he attended the Kansas State University of Veterinary Medicine, and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008.

Dr. Butler’s professional interests include theriogenology, surgery and internal medicine. When not busy at the hospital, he enjoys hiking, riding his motorcycle, cooking, or relaxing with his cat and dog.

Sarah Crowe, DVM

Dr. Sarah Crowe has been a member of the veterinary medical team at Shaker Veterinary Hospital since June of 2007. A native of Albany NY, Dr. Crowe attended South Colonie High School. After attending Cornell University for her Undergraduate Degree in Animal Science in 2003, Dr. Crowe achieved her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. In addition to her interests in small animal and avian medicine, Dr. Crowe is working on a Master’s Degree in Public Health with the University of Minnesota.

Away from her responsibilities at the hospital, Dr. Crowe enjoys socializing with her family and friends. The four-legged members of her family include a rabbit named Cole and two 10 year old cats Raven and Lenore who were adopted from the Shaker Vet Save a Pet Program.

Kristin Gundersen, DVM, CVA, CCRP

Dr. Kristin Gundersen grew up in Sunapee, New Hampshire and attended Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. At Washington State, she earned her Bachelor's Degree. in Pre-Veterinary Sciences and was admitted to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2004.

After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Gundersen practiced in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with a focus on small animal and exotic animal medicine and surgery. Although her interest in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (including acupuncture, herbal therapies and food therapies) has been long-standing, it was not until she moved to the Capital District of New York that she had the opportunity to pursue her interest in this area of veterinary medicine.

In 2007, Dr. Gundersen attended the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Reddick, Florida, where she completed training to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA). She continued to practice a combination of Western and Chinese medicine until June 2008, when she began specializing exclusively in Chinese medicine. Dr. Gundersen uses acupuncture, herbal therapies and food therapies to treat patients in various veterinary hospitals in the Capital District.

Dr. Gundersen is married to Dr. Ryan Penno, an equine veterinarian. They share their home with three dogs and a parrot, as well as two horses. Dr. Gundersen keeps busy in her time off riding dressage, hiking, gardening, and cooking. She also loves to travel.

Tanya Hutchins, DVM

Dr. Hutchins has been a member of the veterinary team at Shaker Veterinary Hospital since November of 2010. Originally from Ohio, Dr. Hutchins received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Ohio State University in 2003. Following that, she achieved her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.

Aside from her medical interests, Dr. Hutchins enjoys reading, needlepoint, horseback riding, running , or just relaxing at home with her puggle, Eddie, and her cats, Dora, Izzy and Hercules.

Patricia Mackey, DVM

Native to Troy, Dr. Patricia Mackey attended Cornell University and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Animal Science in 2000. After completing her undergraduate studies, she was admitted to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Mackey graduated from veterinary school in 2004 and was awarded her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

A general veterinary practitioner at Shaker Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Mackey's professional interests include ophthalmology and internal medicine.

Away from her busy schedule at the hospital, Dr. Mackey enjoys gardening, cross-stitching, cooking and spending time with her pets. She has a cat named Felicia and a dog named Binky.

Lara C. Patrick, DVM

A New York state native, Dr. Lara C. Patrick grew up in Pattersonville, graduating from Schalmont High School. Majoring in pre-veterinary studies during her undergraduate years at the University of Findlay (Ohio), Dr. Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1996. Following her studies, she was admitted to Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2000.

Dr. Patrick's varied professional interests include internal medicine, ultrasound and equine lameness. On the Board of Directors for the Old Chatham Hunt Club, Dr. Patrick's community involvement also includes regular appearances at the Chatham Middle School on Career Day. At home, she is kept company by her two dogs, Jackson (a boxer) and Grant (an Australian shepherd), as well as by two cats, Mustard Butt and C.J. (which stands for Cookie Jar.)

Jeffrey Towery, DVM

Veterinarian at Shaker Veterinary Hospital since 1991, Dr. Jeffrey Towery is a Dayton, Ohio native who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ohio State University in 1982. Following his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Dr. Towery returned to Ohio State to complete his veterinary training. A member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, he graduated Magnum Cum Laude from Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1989.

A general veterinary practitioner at Shaker, Dr. Towery has professional interests in feline medicine. A lover of the outdoors, when he is not skiing, hiking, scuba diving, or taking photos, Dr. Towery can be found at home with his Beauceron dog and myriad of tropical fish.

James Désir, DVM

Dr. James Désir grew up in Danielson, CT, and has been a general practitioner at Shaker Veterinary Hospital since September of 2011. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine.

His professional interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, as well as theriogenology (reproductive medicine). He has completed certification in Trancervical Insemination.

Away from the hospital, Dr. Désir shares his home with his dogs, Tyson and Neva, and a cat, Lyla. He enjoys hiking with his dogs, and playing soccer and football. He is “not a fan of cooking, but loves eating.”

Lea Becker, DVM

Dr. Becker joined the team at Shaker Veterinary Hospital in October of 2011. A native of Broadalbin, she was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2005 from St. George’s University.

She is a general practitioner with an interest in emergency medicine and surgery.

Aside from her responsibilities at the hospital, Dr. Becker enjoys outdoor sports such as running, hiking and soccer. She shares her home with her dogs, James and Lilly, and her cat Jack.