A Special Team

With a special approach.

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To us, veterinary medicine isn’t a profession. It is our calling in life. Because we understand how intertwined your life is with your pet’s health, well-being, and safety. Here, we find answers. And we’ll make a difference.

Doctors

Kip Butler

Kip Butler

DVM/Owner

Dr. Kip Butler joined our practice in July 2014, and in November 2016 became the new owner of Homestead Animal Hospital! Born and raised in Cobleskill, New York, Dr. Butler graduated from The State University of New York at Cobleskill with an Associates in Science Biology and Animal Science. He then completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Vermont. In 2008, he earned his Doctorate from Kansas State University and has been practicing in New York since. Dr. Butler has been involved in all facets of veterinary medicine from large animal ambulatory practice to overnight emergency critical care and small animal general practice.

Greg Adams

Greg Adams

DVM

Dr. Greg Adams joined Homestead Animal Hospital in October, 2021. Dr. Adams was born and raised in Platteville, WI where he developed a love for veterinary medicine working on dairy farms. He attended undergraduate at UW-Platteville and then moved to Madison, WI to attend veterinary school at UW-Madison. Dr. Adams has explored many facets of veterinary medicine from dairy to exotic animal medicine while studying in veterinary school. After school, he practiced mixed animal medicine at a clinic near his hometown. Dr. Adams and his wife Brittany, along with their five dogs and rabbit, are excited to move to New York to explore all that the Saratoga Springs area has to offer and look forward to becoming part of the community.

Mark Nowak

Mark Nowak

DVM

Dr. Nowak started working at Homestead the spring of 2024. He completed his undergraduate studies at Purdue University and Cornell University and went on to pursue his veterinary studies at Cornell. Growing up in a military family, Dr. Nowak was always fascinated by animals and knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career in the veterinary field. He loves the problem solving element that comes with each patient and knowing that he can help improve a pet’s quality of life. Dr. Nowak is a dog person at heart, but has a soft spot for male orange tabby cats. . His favorite dog breeds are Irish Wolfhound, Labrador Retrievers and English Setters but feels all breeds have their own charm. He is currently in the process of adopting an English Setter from a rescue group! Dr. Nowak loves to spend his free time bicycling, cooking, sketching and working on building a rowboat!

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”

-Martin Buber

Veterinary Technicians & Assistants

Kayla Goodspeed

Kayla Goodspeed

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Kayla started her career with us as a veterinary technician intern in 2015, and we just loved her so much, we couldn’t let her go! Kayla joined our staff as one of our full time LVT’s in May 2016. As soon as you meet Kayla you will see how she was truly destined to work with animals. Her friendly personality and willingness to help are some of her best qualities! When not at work and busy being an amazing momma, Kayla enjoys spending time riding her horse competing in cattle sorting, ranch work and barrel racing. Kayla currently owns an American Quarter Horse named “It’s About Docalady”, one adorable miniature horse, chickens, a red heeler named Louie, and one fabulous Ragdoll cat.

Jennifer Miano

Jennifer Miano

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Jen joined the Homestead team in 2020 when she was on a search for a veterinary hospital with a staff that is as caring and dedicated as she is! For her, the most rewarding part of the job is working with her teammates in providing a comfortable, comprehensive visit for our patients and supporting pet-parents in their desire to have a happy, healthy pet.

In Jen’s free time, she enjoys reading mysteries, working in her yard and exploring her wild little home state of Vermont with her very adorable yellow lab Andy.

Kendra Herrington

Kendra Herrington

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Kendra joined the staff at Homestead in March of 2021. Kendra graduated from SUNY Morrisville in 2008 with a degree in Agricultural Business then from SUNY Canton in 2013 with her Veterinary Technician License. Kendra enjoys spending time in surgery and seeing any Frenchie that walks through the door! Kendra lives in Greenwich with her husband, daughters, her dogs Murphy, Memphis. When not at the clinic she can found at her family’s strawberry farm, making jam, in her garden, or surrounded by family.

Jacob Savery

Jacob Savery

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Jacob joined our team as an intern, then as an assistant until he became licensed. Jacob has a soft spot for cats and Huskies. Jacob loves to read and gym workouts.

Ellie Gardner

Ellie Gardner

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Ellie is a licensed veterinary technician who re-joined the team in 2020. Ellie enjoys emergency and diagnostic medicine. Ellie has a true love of cats and is sure to say hello to every kitty patient. Ellie loves the outdoors, her flowers and has 4 cats of her own.

Emma Slezak

Emma Slezak

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Emma is a licensed veterinary technician that is originally from the Capital District area. She obtained her license in 2012 from SUNY Canton and spent her first few years as a technician working at the Fort Drum military base. She joined our team in the summer of 2018. She soon after started a Master’s program in public health, but wanted to remain within the veterinary field part time because of her passion for animal care. In her free time Emma spends her time at home with her fur babies or taking her dog on hikes or paddle boarding.

Elizabeth Orozco

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Elizabeth joined our team in September 2024. She attended SUNY Canton to study in the Vet Tech program and completed her preceptorship here in the summer of 2022. Elizabeth knew she wanted to pursue a career in the veterinary field since she was in kindergarten. The most rewarding part of the job for Elizabeth is helping nurse pets back to health. She loves cats, specifically British Shorthairs. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys creating art, gaming, and doing puzzles.

Liz Wallace

Liz Wallace

Veterinary Assistant

Liz is a graduate from Penn Foster Career School for Vet Assistant. She has been part of our staff since January 2014. Liz is our jack of all trades and is truly an asset to everyone! She can be found all over the hospital, assisting the doctors and technicians with appointments, helping clients on the phone, making social media posts and by keeping our facility clean and stocked! Liz enjoys spending time with family, cheering her nieces on in their dance competitions, and attending hockey games. She currently has a feisty black cat named Ivy.

Shelbi Merrifield

Shelbi Merrifield

Veterinary Assistant

Shelbi joined the team in October of 2019. Shelbi graduated from Le Moyne College back in May 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Biology. Shelbi has dreamed of working in the veterinary field since she was 5 years old so is getting all the experience, she can here with us, before applying to veterinary schools. In her free time Shelbi enjoys reading, drawing and spending time with her dogs and family. Shelbi has many pets, she has 3 dogs 1 bunny, Wrangler and Coco, 2 Siamese cats Loki and 3 rabbits.

Hailey Knowles

Hailey Knowles

Veterinary Assistant

Hailey started at Homestead Animal Hospital in September 2023 as a vet assistant. She has always had a passion for working in the veterinary field and has 2 dogs of her own. Hailey enjoys taking her black lab, Harper and her rescue dog, Harley on long walks and hikes. In her free time, Hailey enjoys hunting, fishing, and swimming.

Bri Palmer

Bri Palmer

Veterinary Assistant

Bri joined the Homestead team in the fall of 2023. Bri has an Irish Wolfhound named Maggie and two cats- Groot and Raven.

Taryn Morrissey

Taryn Morrissey

Veterinary Assistant

Taryn has been a part of the Homestead team since 2020. Taryn recently graduated from SUNY Canton with a degree in Veterinary science technology and is studying to take her VTNE. Taryn enjoys going to the gym, hiking and hanging out with friends. Taryn has a love for cats and fluffy dogs!

Samantha Lanoue

Samantha Lanoue

Veterinary Assistant

Sam joined our team in the summer of 2022. Aspiring to continually expand her knowledge about all pets to better serve and save them. Sam spends much of her time with her cats Doris and Raven, her dog Dallas, guinea pig, and chickens, cherishing the moments spent caring for and bonding with her diverse array of pets. She goes above and beyond, often indulging them with homemade treats and the most meticulous care, ensuring they live their happiest and healthiest lives.

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”

-AD Williams

Client Care

Carlee Horstmann

Carlee Horstmann

Receptionist

Carlee joined the team in September of 2022. Carlee spent a year living in New Mexico working at a wolf sanctuary. Carlee loves to spend time with her pets, reading, riding horses and dancing. Carlee takes great pride in making sure that clients and their pets feel welcome at Homestead.

Kasey Clink

Kasey Clink

Veterinary Recepitionist

Kasey is a Receptionist here at the Homestead Animal Hospital. I enjoy the outdoors, camping, and fishing. I enjoy spending time and spoiling my fur babies, both cats and dogs. I am passionate about animals, my family, and my friends.

Mackenzie Zuzick

Mackenzie Zuzick

Veterinary Receptionist

Mackenzie joined the Homestead team in the summer of 2024 and is pleased to have an an enjoyable and comfortable workplace. Mackenzie loves spending time with her horse Woodford, reading books and watching hockey games. Kenzie has 15 reptiles!

Claire Gabriel

Claire Gabriel

Receptionist

Claire joined the Homestead team this fall. You can find her in the office greeting you with a smile on Mondays and Saturdays. Claire is trained in canine animal behavior and actively participates in canine rescue groups. Claire fosters dogs in her home and assists in facilitating canine adoptions throughout the year. In addition to the fosters Claire has 5 dogs, a bearded dragon, a crested gecko, and snakes.

Debbie Martin

Debbie Martin

Receptionist

Debbie joined the Homestead team in April 2018! Debbie brings many years of experience working in an animal hospital and has a true love for all animals. She enjoys working at Homestead where the doctors and staff are devoted to upholding high standards of medicine for their patients and deeply care for our patients. Debbie loves meeting new clients, their pets and being able to form a relationship with them over the years! Debbie is known for her kind demeanor, willingness to help and is always willing to give a stray or unwanted dog or cat a second chance by taking them into her home. She loves hiking with her dogs, snowmobiling, garage sales, her family and the ocean. We know you will enjoy working with Debbie as much as we do!

Miranda Duel

Miranda Duel

Practice Manager

Miranda joined our team in the fall of 2019. Miranda comes from the horse world but has a passion for small animals that is evident when you meet her. Miranda graduated from SUNY Delhi and is a licensed veterinary technician. Miranda has a love for all animals but is partial to horses and Border Collies! Miranda and her daughter, Hope, live on their family’s small farm with an assortment of animals-including horses, Shorthorn beef cattle, Dorset cross sheep, pigs, turkeys and chickens.

Bosco

Bosco

Homestead’s Official Tail Wagger

Bosco is Dr. Butlers beautiful Australian Shepherd. Bosco loves belly rubs and playing with tennis balls. Be sure to say hello to Bosco when you see him in the office.