Meet our Doctors

Dr. Cheryl L. Bell

Cheryl L. Bell, VMD is an Associate Veterinarian at Windcrest Animal Hospital. She graduated from Duke University in 1991 and received her veterinary medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Formerly in advertising and marketing but pursuing a childhood dream to be a veterinarian, Dr. Bell spent three years in a premedical studies program in New York City while working full-time as a marketing executive in order to be admitted to veterinary medical school. She has volunteered for numerous animal rescue organizations and shelters in New York, Philadelphia and locally. She has fostered literally hundreds of cats in danger of euthanasia in shelters prior to finding new adoptive parents. Dr. Bell lives in Landenberg, PA with her husband Bob, son Cole and cat Bella.

Dr. Carolyn Cassidy

Carolyn Cassidy, VMD graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988 and is currently a part-time veterinarian at Windcrest Animal Hospital. Dr. Cassidy's areas of interest are medicine and Ultrasonography. Dr. Cassidy has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember, always possessing the strong desire to help and care for all animals. The memorable experiences of Dr. Cassidy's are all associated with her saving an animal that was critically ill and had a poor prognosis and she made them well. Helping the animals feel better and seeing them respond to treatment is the most rewarding part of her job. Dr. Cassidy's family includes husband Timothy and three daughters, Anna, Elizabeth, and Rebecca. Her family of animals includes her dog, Isabella and cats Lovey, Willow and Phantom. In her spare time, Dr. Cassidy enjoys running, gardening, cooking and hiking.

Dr. Don Coats

Dr. Coats, DVM graduated from the University of Illinois Veterinary School in 1966 and has been practicing veterinary medicine at Centreville Veterinary Hospital for 38 years. Dr. Coats loves the veterinary field because it's often challenging and rewarding. However, being appreciated as a good teacher of health maintenance and fitting the owner and pet into the best possible home situation are especially goal worthy.

Dr. Coats enjoys bird-watching, running, backpacking, bee-keeping and poetry. Dr. Coats shares his home with his wife Marty, and a menagerie of pets including Muddy (a very smart Border Collie), Poppie (a spunky terrier mix), a couple of frisky felines, and a couple of bee hives.

Dr. Kristen Cullen

Dr. Kristen Cullen, DVM grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. She studied animal science at the University of Minnesota and graduated from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. She twice received the AKC Veterinary Scholarship Award. After graduation, she decided to leave the Midwest for a small animal rotating medical and surgical internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. Dr. Cullen then completed a two-year residency at the University of Pennsylvania. This has given her a unique and valuable background in evaluating and treating pediatric patients, reproductive disorders and genetic diseases.

Dr. Cullen has been active in purebred dogs for almost 20 years, starting as a junior handler, and now as a breeder/exhibitor. She is a regular columnist for Keeshonden Magazine and has given talks to various breed clubs around the country. She has bred and handled multiple Keeshonden to group and specialty wins.

Dr. Cullen is available for ovulation timing, artificial insemination, chilled semen collection, and reproductive evaluation. She also can assist breeders' needs with health screening, puppy evaluations, and counseling. Dr. Cullen is available by appointment. Regular hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays for consults.

Dr. Anthony Dallatore

Dr. Anthony Dallatore, VMD graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005 and is currently an Associate Veterinarian at Windcrest Animal Hospital. Dr. Dallatore has an interest in exotics medicine, internal medicine and small mammalian orthopedics. Always having an overwhelming gravitation toward the field, the most rewarding part of his job is being able to enjoy what he does every day. In his spare time, Dr. Dallatore enjoys fishing and outdoor activities and is a volunteer at handicap and juvenile fishing programs. His wife, Mary Ann works as a Veterinary Technician and they are proud owners of a variety of animals including Papillion, Georgio; ferrets Georgia, Emmalina, Katrina and Isaiah; Domestic Short Hair cats Sasha, Sebastian and MollyGreta; and a Persian cat named Isabella.

Dr. Bruce Damme

Bruce Damme, VMD graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981 and is currently Co-Owner of Windcrest Animal Hospital, Hockessin Animal Hospital, Talleyville Veterinary Hospital and Centreville Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Damme grew up with a multitude of pets and always wanted to care for all animals. Dr. Damme has been a volunteer veterinarian at the Delaware SPCA for over 23 years. His family of animals includes Mr. Moose, a Chocolate Lab; Miss Daisy, a German Shorthair Pointer; and a cat, Annabelle. His hobbies include hiking, biking and the great outdoors.

Dr. F. Morgan Dawkins

Morgan Dawkins, DVM graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1996 and is currently Co-Owner of Windcrest Animal Hospital, Hockessin Animal Hospital, Talleyville Veterinary Hospital and Centreville Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Dawkins has a special interest in exotics as well as surgery (dogs, cats and exotics, including Orthopedics). Dr. Dawkins is Program Director of the Canine Rehabilitation program at Windcrest. He has known since elementary school that he wanted to be a veterinarian. The most memorable experience of his career was his first day working as a doctor and having a Bengal Tiger cub as a patient at Windcrest. Dr. Dawkins enjoys providing high quality care by continually learning new techniques and information. He is the Immediate Past President of the MASAAV, is USDA accredited and is a member of AAV, ARAV and AEMV. Dr. Dawkins also works closely with a local Wildlife Rehabilitator providing veterinary care and has given multiple elementary school presentations about pet care and the veterinary field. His family includes wife Jennifer, a veterinarian at Hockessin Animal Hospital, children Collin, Bailey, Sidney and Trevor. Family pets include dogs, Kierra and Spot, cats Taz and Tweets, a rabbit named Luna, a cockatiel named Petie, a chameleon, 3 tortoises, salt water fish and 5 egg laying chickens. His hobbies include woodworking, gardening and reptiles.

Dr. Jennifer Dawkins

Jennifer Dawkins, DVM graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1997 and is currently an Associate Veterinarian at Hockessin Animal Hospital. Dr. Dawkins always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian, especially after witnessing at a very young age a cat give birth to a litter of kittens. Her love of animals drives her to succeed and seeing animals respond well to treatments and the thanks the clients give her is the most rewarding part of her job. Dr. Dawkins grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and her family includes husband Morgan, also a veterinarian at Windcrest Animal Hospital, her children Collin, Bailey, Sidney and Trevor. Family pets include dogs, Kierra and Spot, cats Taz and Tweets, a rabbit named Luna, a cockatiel named Petie, a chameleon, 3 tortoises, salt water fish and 5 egg laying chickens. In her spare time, Dr. Dawkins enjoys mosaic and stained glass artwork as well as reading.

Dr. Lorraine deJager, BVSc, MS, MRCVS

Dr. Lorraine de Jager graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Nursing her own puppy through a bout of distemper inspired Dr. deJager to become a veterinarian. Her most memorable experience in her career was being accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania for a Master's degree and Cardiology residency. She has also assisted in the treatment of buffalo calves and young lions.

Dr. deJager has four children: a veterinarian, a lawyer, an engineer and the youngest is a student at Drexel University. Blues and Jopie, two felines, also occupy the household.

Dr. deJager has a special interest in cardiology and provides cardiology services by referral at Windcrest Animal Hospital.

Dr. Katherine de Jong

Katherine A. de Jong, DVM, CVA, graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She is currently working as an Associate Veterinarian at Talleyville, Hockessin and Windcrest Animal Hospitals. Her special interests are veterinary acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative and alternative therapies. She received her certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). She is also a member of the AVMA, IAVPN, AAVA and IVAS.

Dr. de Jong was inspired to become a vet when her childhood pony developed a chronic health problem. She was always looking at veterinary medical books and would try to be at the barn whenever the vet was there. The most rewarding part of her job is being able to help sick or injured animals recover and seeing the happiness in the animal and its owner. Her family consists of her husband and three children as well as her black lab, Cyclone and cat, Inky. In her spare time, Dr. de Jong enjoys horseback riding, golf, tennis and reading. She is continuing her training in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to become certified in Chinese Herbology and Tu-nai.

Dr. Hilary Metz

Dr. Hilary Metz, VMD is an Associate Veterinarian at Windcrest Animal Hospital. She graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. Dr. Metz has a special interest in radiology and small mammals. Her love of animals inspired her to become a Veterinarian. As a child, she loved science and medicine so a career as a Veterinarian is a perfect fit! Being surrounded by lovable pets and their loving parents is the most rewarding part of her job. Dr. Metz's hobbies include reading, cycling, working out and watching movies. Her pets include Olive, a lab mix; Nona, a domestic short haired cat; and a collection of fresh water fish. Dr. Metz also volunteers at PACCA to do spays and neuters.

Dr. Janet B. Mitchell

Janet Mitchell, VMD graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and is currently an Associate Veterinarian of Hockessin Animal Hospital. Dr. Mitchell has a special interest in Dentistry. Her love of animals and helping people inspired her to become a veterinarian. She still finds helping people help their pets live happy, healthy lives the most rewarding part of her job. Dr. Mitchell is a member of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary medical Association since 1990. She was President of the DVMA in 2003 and has also been a member of the Hockessin/Greenville Rotary since 1995. Dr. Mitchell and her husband Jim own and operate the Woodside Farm Creamery located in Hockessin. They milk their own Jersey Cows and make homemade hand-dipped ice cream that they sell at the farm. Dr. Mitchell has a family of pets including her cats, KC and Kittin; and dogs, Lucky, a Basset Hound, and Jake, a Bulldog.

Dr. Donna L. W. Namey

Donna Namey, VMD graduated with highest honors from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991 and is Co-Owner of Windcrest Animal Hospital, Hockessin Animal Hospital, Talleyville Veterinary Hospital and Centreville Veterinary Hospital. She has a special interest in Ultrasonography. Dr. Namey counts her veterinary school acceptance phone call as one of her most memorable experiences. This call allowed her to fulfill her childhood dream of a career caring for pets. The most rewarding part of her job is sending once sick animals home well again. Dr. Namey is a frequent guest speaker at her children's school. Dr. Namey and her husband, George and their children, Jacob and Samuel enjoy spending time together. She also enjoys gardening, scrap booking and her family's pets: dogs, Floppy, Midnight and Pumpkin; and cats, Annabell and Stripe.

Dr. Lauren Simermeyer

Dr. Lauren Simermeyer, DVM is one of the overnight emergency veterinarians at Windcrest Animal Hospital. She graduated from Iowa State University in May 2007. She has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can rememeber. Dr. Simermeyer has a special interest in emergency medicine, and particulary loves the overnight shift. She feels that it is a special calling for her to be able to assist animals and owners in times of critical need. Dr. Simermeyer has many pets of her own including a herd of corgis, three cats (one of whom is a munchkin), a flock of miniature sheep, and chickens. Dr. Simermeyer is particularly fond of all creatures with stubby legs. Dr. Simermeyer spends a lot of her free time caring for her pets, reading, and is currently learning how to spin wool. She is also a member of Paws for People, which is a Delaware based therapy dog program, and she and her dog, Noni, make several visits a month to libraries and elementary schools.

Dr. Louis Snijders, BVSc

Dr. Louis Snijders graduated from Ondersteporrt, University of Pretoria in South Africa. His mother, Dr. Lorraine deJager, is also a veterinarian and since he took his first steps at a veterinary practice, Dr. Snijders has always wanted to make a difference in the quality of life for animals and seeing the joy on their owners' faces.

Dr. Snijders is an Associate Veterinarian at Windcrest Animal Hospital and is part of the Critical Care & Emergency Care team. His most memorable experience in his veterinary career was doing three esophageal surgeries in one week shortly after graduating.

Dr. Snijders, wife Rachel, sons Anthonie and Tristan have a family of pets including Shinto, a Jack Russel Terrior; Regie a budgie; as well as Billy, Nanny, Casper and 160 other cashmere goats.

Dr. Snijders' hobbies include classic cars, sport photography and farming. He is also an internationally qualified fencing referee and has participated as a fencer in various countries.

Dr. Kathryn Stoltzfus

Dr. Kathryn Stoltzfus, BSc, BVSc, MRCVS graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1994 and is currently an Associate Veterinarian and Chief of Staff at Talleyville Veterinary Hospital. She has a special interest in feline medicine and surgery, geriatric medicine, and general surgery and is a fellow of the AAFP. Dr. Stoltzfus was inspired to be a veterinarian after reading James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small. The most memorable part of her career was when she helped remove a large hairball from an elephant's stomach. The most rewarding part of her job is knowing that everything we do to help the owner/guardian provide the best care for their pet and seeing those pets grow from kittens/puppies and the relationship that develops with the whole family. Dr. Stoltzfus is a member of AVMA, AAFP, Cornell Feline Health Center, DVMA and AAHA. She and her husband, Dave, have a family of animals including a Dalmatian, Rudy; Terrier mix, Fongo; American Staffordshire, Jack; and a Himalayan cat, Muffin. In her spare time, Dr. Stoltzfus enjoys Tae Kwan Do, bicycling and gourmet food.

Dr. Margaret J White

Dr. Margaret J White, DVM graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in 1997. She joined the team at Centreville Veterinary Hospital in June 2007 and is currently an Associate Veterinarian and Joint Chief of Staff. Dr. White enjoys surgery, emergency medicine, and has a special interest in small mammal medicine. Dr. White shares her home with her husband Chris, step-son Caleb, a gentle St. Bernard mix named Dreyfus, a rambunctious black cat named Timmy and Gidget the ferret. In her free time she competes in triathlons, travels, gardens and hikes..