Meet Our Team

Dr. Adnan El-Korchi is a partner at the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital. He has been at our Hospital since 2003. Dr. El-Korchi is a native of Rabat, Morocco and is fluent in French and English. Dr. El-Korchi attended Cornell University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. He graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2002 were he was awarded his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with Honours. Dr El-Korchi’s professional interests include dentistry, dermatology, soft tissue surgery, ultrasonography, laser surgery, and endoscopy. In his spare time, Dr. El-Korchi enjoys soccer, swimming and bicycling. Dr. El-Korchi and his wife, Samar, share their home with their three daughters, Aya, Lina and Layla and a cat named Gracie.

Dr. Barbara Nelson is a partner at the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital. She joined the practice in 2010. Dr. Nelson attended Wilfred Laurier University where she graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration. After working in the business field for several years, Dr. Nelson decided to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Nelson graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Science. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2010. Dr. Nelson was originally from Krakow, Poland, but spent most of her life in Kitchener, Ontario, before making the move to Cornwall. Dr. Nelson's professional interests include soft tissue surgery and Orthopaedic surgery, as well as the medical management of epilepsy. When not at work, Dr. Nelson can be found doing agility with her dogs or at the gym staying fit. Dr. Nelson shares her home with her two dogs: the love bug Katie and the inseparable Lexie.

Dr. Erin Rumke grew up in the Maritimes and attended the Atlantic Veterinary College on PEI. She moved to Ontario on her graduation in 2007, and has been practicing in SD&G ever since. She joined the team at St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital in 2021. She lives in the woods with her husband and two children, as well as a very silly dog and a very bad kitten.

Dr. Hanna Soker joined St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital in January 2021. Dr. Soker is originally from Egypt and graduated from South Valley University in 2003 as a veterinarian. After working as a supervisor in the sales and marketing department in one of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the Middle East for years, Dr. Soker decided to move to Canada and complete his Veterinary degree through the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association. Dr. Soker enjoys soft tissue surgeries, internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology and urogenital diseases. Dr. Soker and his wife Vivian enjoy living in Montreal with their kids Felobater and Jonnier.

Dr. Peter Tropea is the senior partner at St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital. He joined the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital in 1980 and purchased the veterinary clinic from its founder, Dr. George McGowan in 1984. Dr. Tropea was born in Toronto but spent his childhood travelling between Montreal and Toronto. He attended the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and was awarded his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. Dr. Tropea’s professional interests include surgery, both orthopedic and soft tissue. He has taken extensive post graduate training in surgeries such as CBLO, TPLO, tight rope, and fracture repair. Dr. Tropea has also taken courses in abdominal and cardiac ultrasound. Dr. Tropea can often be found at the curling club in the winter or at the golf course in the summer. Living on a hobby farm keeps Dr. Tropea busy, but in his spare time he enjoys wood working and travelling. Dr. Tropea and his wife, Debbie, have two adult children, Lindsey and Carolyn. They share their home with two horses (Boo and Lilly), three dogs (Sam, Max and Jack) and his cats, Emma.

Carol Evans, a native of Cornwall, Ontario, is our veterinary hospital manager. She has been part of the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital since 1984. Carol attended the University of Western Ontario and is a graduate of the Veterinary Management program at St. Lawrence College. In Carol’s spare time, she enjoys traveling and completing home renovations. Carol has two adult children, Caitlin and Graham; and three curious and cuddly cats: Dallas, Leo and Goldie.

Danielle, a Registered Veterinary Technician, joined the team at the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital in June 2018. Danielle graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Algonquin College and was happy to stay close to her home town of Russell, Ontario. Her personal interests include horseback riding, cooking and travelling. Danielle has a full house with her two feisty but friendly cats, a goofy Golden Retriever and a sweet old mare.

Kayla is a Registered Veterinary Technician at the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital. She graduated from the Algonquin College in Ottawa in 2014. Originally from Williamstown, Kayla joined the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital team in January 2015. Her professional interests include dentistry, emergency care and laboratory diagnostics. Kayla enjoys relaxing with her spunky 4 year old rescued lab mix, Pinky; her adventurous 6 year old DLH, Kodiak; and her six curious laying hens. Kayla also enjoys spending time outdoors.

Kelsey is a registered veterinary technician and is also fear free certified. She graduated from Algonquin College and continued to gain knowledge in all areas of small animal medicine. Kelsey joined the team at SLVAH in November 2021. When not working she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and 2 children. You can find her on her hobby farm with the goats and chickens or relaxing by the fire with her dogs, cats and bunnies.

Kristy joined St Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital in August 2017. Originally from Caledon, Ontario Kristy received her diploma from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. She has been in the veterinary field for 25 years. Kristy loves internal medicine, behavior, team culture and veterinary well being. On her days off Kristy enjoys spending time with her family, partner Daryle, daughter Emily, dog Fergie (7 year old Vizsla) and cat Smokey. She volunteers her time with her daughters hockey team and loves to hike with her very active dog.

Veronique graduated from the Veterinary Technician Program at Algonquin College in 2020 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in early 2021. She joined the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital team June 2020. She professional interests include surgery, anesthesia and behavior. During her spare time Veronique enjoys reading, camping and spending time with her two senior cats.

Joseph was born in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to Ottawa where he obtained a biology degree from Carleton University and later his Technician degree from Algonquin College. He came to the Cornwall area with his family, and loves the natural scenery. Joseph's pets have always been true members of the family. He currently has a retriever named Rocky, and two cats Wally and Leo. In his down time Joseph likes reading fiction, listening to alternative music, playing games with his friends, and spending time with his pets. Joseph want to pet every dog in the world and he hopes to see yours soon!

Brenna is a registered veterinary technician who graduated from Ridgetown College in October 2022 and recently joined the SLVAH team. Her favourite aspects of working in veterinary medicine are patient care and comfort, utilizing fear free approaches whenever possible. When not working, she enjoys spending time with all her animals – 2 senior dogs, a cat and a horse.

Lise graduated from the veterinary technician program at Algonquin College in 2020. She lives and works on a homestead farm. Lise enjoys parasitology, surgery and helping your animals move on in the most peaceful way. She has one dog, two cats and a beaded dragon at home. Lise has worked in exotics, pocket pets, research, small and large animal medicine. She looks forward to meeting you and your loved ones in both official languages.

Lise graduated from the veterinary technician program at Algonquin College in 2020. She lives and works on a homestead farm. Lise enjoys parasitology, surgery and helping your animals move on in the most peaceful way. She has one dog, two cats and a beaded dragon at home. Lise has worked in exotics, pocket pets, research, small and large animal medicine. She looks forward to meeting you and your loved ones in both official languages.

Lise graduated from the veterinary technician program at Algonquin College in 2020. She lives and works on a homestead farm. Lise enjoys parasitology, surgery and helping your animals move on in the most peaceful way. She has one dog, two cats and a beaded dragon at home. Lise has worked in exotics, pocket pets, research, small and large animal medicine. She looks forward to meeting you and your loved ones in both official languages.

Lynn resides in Cornwall. She has 29 years experience in the Animal Hospital setting. She is passionate about animals, commitment to customer experience and staff well being. Earned the Behavioral Science diploma at SLC, the Effective Leadership Skills and Strategies Certificate and the Organizational Behavior Certificate. When she is not working, Lynn loves spending time in the great outdoors hiking, kayaking and riding her motorcycle with her adorable chihuahua, Bea. She is enthusiastic about sharing her experiences with others, in hopes of inspiring others to live their best lives.

Born and raised in Cornwall, Emily graduated from St. Lawrence College as a Social Service Worker. She started at SLVAH in October 2019, working between reception and as a Veterinary Assistant. She enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with her cats Oliver and Bella.

Natalie joined our team as a client service representative in May 2023. With 20 years' experience as a financial advisor assistant she decided to obtain a certificate in Office Assistant-Health Care at St Lawrence College. She enjoys greeting our clients and patients with a smile. Natalie is married to Tim and resides in South Stormont, they have a daughter Sydney and 3 sons Cameron, Quincy and Riley. She has a lovable Akita/Lab mix named Mia. She enjoys spending time with family and friends or cheering her favourite teams at sports arenas.

Chelsea, a St. Andrews West native, joined the St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant in 2005. Chelsea shares her home with her 2 dogs Zelda and Misty, and a cat Molly; all of which have been adopted through the local OSPCA.

Kyra is a veterinary assistant, she graduated from the veterinary assistant program at St Lawrence College in 2022. Kyra did her co-op placement at SLVAH and joined us right after. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and loves to assist in surgery. On her down time she enjoys snuggling with her doodle Dexter.

Kaitlyn grew up in the Prescott area and graduated from the veterinary assistant program at St. Lawrence College in 2015. She has been working in the veterinary field for 2 years. Kaitlyn has a domestic shorthaired cat named Dory who is very shy at first and a Golden Retriever Mix named Violet, who wants to be everyone's friend. In her spare time, Kaitlyn likes to go golfing and spend time with her pets. She enjoys gardening and being outdoors in the summertime.