Dr. Heather Baker, DVM
Owner/Veterinarian
Dr. Heather Baker is a 2000 graduate of Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She started Wildcat Valley Animal Clinic in 2006 in the loving memory of her father, Ed Darby. Dr. Baker believes that pets aren’t a luxury but a necessity. She believes that pets teach us priceless lessons about loyalty, forgiveness, and how to love unconditionally. These pets deserve a veterinarian who will give them quality medical care at prices that working families can afford. Dr. Baker also proudly participates in various programs like SNAP which promote low cost spay neuter services to pets in need. Heather is the proud mother of three beautiful children, wife of Aaron, and owner of multiple dogs, cats, horses, a grumpy llama, and a rarely seen unicorn.
Dr. Dave Murakowski, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Education: Purdue University
Hometown: Munster, IN
Pets: Rose (Corgi/Pit), Ziggy (Pit-X), Louise (Hound)
Dr. Dave Murakowski is an associate small animal veterinarian for Wildcat Valley Animal Clinic. After volunteering in an animal shelter, this Yale ’84 alum (BA in Economics) left the trading floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Dr. Dave is a 2010 graduate of Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine and specializes in small animal dentistry.
Dr. Dave is especially passionate about the plight of homeless animals in our community and he volunteers countless hours for local shelter and rescues. Dave lives in West Lafayette with his wife, Courtenay, and their ever-changing number of permanent and foster dogs.
Email: drdave@wildcatvet.com
A few of Dr. Dave’s special interests are: playing the guitar and bass guitar and aviation.
Kelsey Schlundt, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Education: International Business College of Indianapolis
Hometown: Oxford, IN
Pets: Maggie (Heinz 57)
Kelsey graduated from Benton Central High School in 2010 and completed her veterinary technician training in 2012. Kelsey is a bit introverted and is the happiest when she is “hiding” in the back taking care of patients and doing dentals. Kelsey said the thing she enjoys most about working at Wildcat is that her co-workers are such a fun group of people!
Kelsey is a total nerd who loves reading science fiction/fantasy and playing video games.
Hanna Gish, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Hometown: Lafayette, IN
Hanna Gish is one of our veterinary assistants (graduate 2013). She recently completed her Registered Veterinary Technician license. She is a proud mother of two boys, Beau and Boone. She enjoys assisting in surgery and emergency care.
Hanna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, kayaking, and boating on the river.
Mrs. Ashley Niemantsverdriet
Veterinary Assistant
Hometown: Lafayette, IN
Pets: Bernadette Bubblegum and Hank (boxers),
Ashley has been with the clinic since 2008 and is an integral hub at WVAC. Ashley works as a veterinary assistant and proud mother of son, Parker.
Email: info@wildcatvet.com
Ashley enjoys kayaking and photography in her spare time.
Andrea Tyrie
Veterinary Assistant
Education: Animal Behavior College (ABC)
Hometown: Lafayette, IN
Pets: Boss (Mastiff cross), Slate (a no-eyed cat), Drumstick (a three legged cat), Dip’n’Dot (cat), Cruella (ferret) and Klepto (snake)
Andrea works as a veterinary assistant and is known as our in house “cat wrangler”. Andrea is exceptional at working with cats, although loves working with dogs as well.
In her spare time (when she has any) Andrea enjoys woodworking, baking and crafting.
Lauren Brown
Veterinary Assistant
My name is Lauren. I reside in Rossville, Indiana and attended McCutcheon High School. I have 2 dogs, Rose and Ivy, and 2 cats, Thomas and Bella. I love all animals and being able to help make sure other peoples’ pets are healthy! If you are ever lost on your way out to us, ask for my line as I am a wiz with directions in this area! Hope to see you soon!
I enjoy reading, knitting/crocheting, sewing, and snuggling up with my pets.
Ava Baker
Veterinary Assistant
Pets: Bandit (Dog) Genevieve (Cow)
Hi, my name is Ava Baker. I am a Freshman at Purdue University. I am studying Animal Sciences and helping out when I can! I am one of the assistants here and I am trying to learn all I can in this job so I can become a veterinarian in the years to come!
Working with animals. Hanging with friends.