Dr. Caroline-Helm Van Kleeck is a general practitioner who has been a member of the Pine Plains Veterinary Associates medical staff since 2007.
Dr. Helm-Van Kleeck grew up in Gallatin, New York, on a farm with cows, horse, chickens, pigs, sheep, goats cats and dogs. This early experience with animals, as well as the support and influence of her parents, helped her develop a deep compassion and love of animals. Now that she is a veterinarian, she says that she enjoys "helping animals as well as people and the community".
Dr. Helm-Van Kleeck earned her undergraduate degree in Biology/Biochemistry from the university of Wisconsin in 1984. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with numerous science and biology awards. She was admitted to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, and then transferred to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. A member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New York State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association, Dr Helm-Van Kleeck holds certification in advanced orthopedics. She has a special interest in orthopedics and general surgery.
Outside of the hospital Dr. Helm-Van Kleeck's interests inculde gardening, biking, fishing, and maintaining historic farms.
Dr. Kalba joined our team in September of 2018. She is originally from Tully, NY, but she has lived in the Hudson Valley since 1990. She did her undergraduate studies at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, where she met her husband, Shaun. Dr. Kalba completed her Veterinary degree at Cornell University and received her degree in 1994. She had an internship at Oradell Animal Hospital from 1994-1995. Dr. Kalba is a member of AHHA, AVMA, HVVMS, Palliative and Hospice care certified. She has been trained in Fear Free methods and canine rehabilitation.
Dr. Kalba has practiced in the Hudson Valley since 1995. She has 2 adult children and was an active volunteer for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts when they were younger. She enjoys many outdoor activities including fishing, skiing and snowmobiling.
Dr. Douglas W. Hart is a general Practitioner who has been with Pine Plains Veterinary Asscoiates since June of 1967, and a partner in the hospital since 1970. He is originally from White Plains, New York. "Working on a small dairy farm during high school and summer vacations introduced me to working closely with animals", he said , and was inspired to become a veterinarian.
"I was fortunate enough to experience both rural and suburban environments while I was young". Riding horses in western North Dakota and working with dairy cattle in upstate New York" were two of his earlier experiences. "As younger children, my brothers and I were always surrounded by cats and dogs in the neighborhood. For his understudies, Dr Hart attended Cornell University where he majored in biochemistry. After receiving early admission to veterinary school, he enrolled in Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. During summer breaks, Dr. Hart worked in small and mixed animal practices.
He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Animal Hospital Association and is a member and past president of the Hudson Valley Veterinary Medical Society. He is a certified consultant for the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program, a member and past president of the Dutchess County Agriculture Society and the Eastern New York Holstein Club, and a member of the New York Holstein Association and Holstein Association USA.
Today, Dr. Hart's area of special professional interest is cattle reproduction. Dr. Hart has a very simple and straightforward philosophy about why he is a veterinarian. "I enjoy being useful to people and the animal's they care for", he said.
Dr. Hart and his wife, Rae, a retired school teacher, have seven grown children and 17 grandchildren. Dr. Hart's interests include skiing, golf, swimming, and showing cattle at the county fair.
Michael Troy Verra is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practioners; certified in canine and feline practice. He has practiced with Pine Plains Veterinary Associates since 1/1/2010.
Dr. Verra says that his earliest veterinary influence was his collie; Verra's Golden Dutchess. He also grew up with a number of pets; which helped instill in him a compassion for animals and a desire to care for them.
Dr. Verra attended Rutgers University for his undergraduate studies. He was named George H. Cook honor scholar and received a bacholor of science in Preveterinary Medicine in 1980. He then went on to The University of Georgia where he earned a master of science in Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Physiology and pharmacology. After finishing his degree.
Dr. Verra continued at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. His areas of special professional interest include Echocardiography; Ultrasonography; Endoscopy; Bronchoscopy; Rhinoscopy; Colonoscopy; Cystoscopy; Otoscopy; Electrocardiology; and Ultrasound guided biopsy procedures. He is a member of The American Veterinary Medical Association; New York State Veterinary Medical Society; Capital District Veterinary Medical Society; and The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
Dr. Verra and his wife Deanie Crane Verra; R.N.;M.S.;C.N.O.R.; enjoy spending time together. They share their home with a Collie named Dutchess; an African Gray named Bilbo; a Conure named Paulie; an Amazon Parrot named Lolita; and a fresh water aquarium.
Away from the hospital Michael's and Deanie's interests include water skiing, air chairing, knee boarding, double tubing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking, all terrain vehicle riding, bicycling, and chipping. He adds that "My Lord and my family are my motivation for all that I do."
Rebecca Johnson has been a veterinary technician with Pine Plains Veterinary since December 2007, and began working in animal care in 1991. Rebecca assists in many ways, including working with clients, assisting in the lab, prepping patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia and working with the doctors in the exam rooms.
In addition to her many years of experience, Rebecca is licensed in New York as a Veterinary Technician and has a Bachelor of Science in Business, a Master's in Education and an Associate in Veterinary Technology.
"I enjoy working with the doctors and staff", she says when asked about her work in Pine Plains.
Rebecca has two mixed breed dogs, Tag and Millie, and a cat named Chili. Rebecca enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Joanne Horton has been a licensed Veterinary Technician with us since August 2012 and has been working in the field for the past 37 years. Her vast experience is always welcome as she assits the doctors with examinations and surgery, and she works directly with our patients and clients.
"The veterinarians are wonderful to work with and the staff is great"' said Joanne. "Everybody loves their job."
Joanne has 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 3 goats. She spends her free time hanging out with her grandsons and granddaughter.
Angela Amelio has been with Pine Plains Veterinary since January of 1996. She is great at the many tasks she has around the office. She greets our clients and patients every morning for grooming, boarding, surgery and appointments.
"I love working here, I have learned so many things over the years. I learn something new every day!"
Angela has a pug named Stella and a Labrador Retriever named Axil.
Heidi is a receptionist and has been a team member since April of 2005. She earned her associate degree as a veterinary assistant. Heidi has many duties at the hospital, but she is usually found at the front desk meeting and greeting clients and their pets.
"I enjoy the doctors and staff; we all work well together. The work is always interesting, and the puppies and kittens always keep me smiling," says Heidi.
At home, Heidi has two dogs and three cats. When not working, she enjoys her family, camping, and "junkin" at flea markets, yard and estate sales.
Brenna Vincent has been a member of the team since October of 2012. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in May of 2011, she then went on to study Veterinary Technology SUNY Ulster, graduating with her degree in December of 2013.
At the office, Brenna helps with multiple tasks including assisting the doctors, reception work, and helping in the kennel. She thoroughly enjoys working with all her coworkers and loves that she is in a career that involves helping animals. At home, Brenna has two Labrador Retrievers named Tullah and Chance. When she is not working, she enjoys several outdoor activities with her husband and dogs such as hiking, paddle boarding, and bike riding.
Angelina Spada has been a member of the Pine Plains Veterinary team since October of 2020. Angelina works as a veterinary assistant, helping the doctors and technicians with appointments and procedures. She also helps in the kennel and in reception, greeting clients and their pets. She is studying at SUNY Ulster to receive her degree in Veterinary Technology and is expected to graduate in 2026. She is excited for her future career as a licensed veterinary technician.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, horseback riding, and going to the beach. Though she doesn’t have any animals of her own right now, she hopes to adopt a Pitbull (or a few) in the future, as they are her favorite breed.
Rick O'Malley is a Veterinary Assistant who joined Pine Plains Veterinary in 2002, but began working in animal care in 1991 at the Dutchess County SPCA. He assists with preparing patients for surgery, helping out in the lab and kennel.
"I get along with my employers and co-workers," he says when asked what he enjoys most about his work. "It is also a smaller clinic that is more relaxed, yet still very professional and a place where we show respect for one and another." Rick has an easy going personality.
Rick has 2 mixed breed dogs and 3 cats.
Kim Reilly is a Veterinary Assistant who began her career in animal care with Pine Plains Veterinary in October 2008. She is wonderful with our patients, and in taking care of our of boarding guests, our hospitalized pets, assisting the doctors and technicians and keeping the hospital orderly and clean.
Kim has 3 dogs, 1 cat, and a bird, all of whom are rescues.
Madison Garcia started working at Pine Plains Veterinary in January of 2024 as a veterinary/ kennel assistant. Madison assists the doctors and technicians, as well as caring for boarded pets, keeping the hospital clean, and helping wherever she is needed. Madison started working in this field because she has always had a love for animals. Every time she was asked "what do you want to be when you grow up," her answer was always the same: a veterinarian.
She hopes to begin veterinary college in the coming year. Madison has six cats: Muffin, Lucifer, Grimm, Chonk, Dexter, and Tabitha. She also has two American Toads: Boom and Tiny, a tiny leopard gecko named Ripley, a hamster named Tillie, four Madagascar hissing cockroaches: Morty, Jerry, Beth, and Summer. She loves animals, insects, going camping, and going exploring outside.
Nicole attended grooming school in Long Island in March 2007. Nicole Green has been the Groomer at Pine Plains Veterinary Associates since January 2017, but began working in the companion animal care field in 2007.Nicole not only enjoys helping people's dogs feel and look their best, but she's also able to identify emerging skin and ear issues before they become more serious. She also enjoys sharing grooming tips with pet owners.
At home, Nicole has a cocker spaniel named Brewster.
Phone: 518-398-9494