Meet the Doctors

Dr. Amanda Lawrie

​​​​​​​Dr. Lawrie grew up in Wilmington Delaware. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Delaware in 2003. Dr. Lawrie then traveled down south to attend veterinary school at the University of Georgia. Upon graduation in 2007 Dr. Lawrie completed a rotating small animal internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City.

Dr. Lawrie resides in North Wilmington with her family which includes her husband and their three children, Jackson, Finlay, and Isla. They have 2 very spoiled dogs at home, Penguin, a mixed breed, and Goose, a Golden Retriever.

In her spare time, Dr. Lawrie enjoys distance running, spending time with her family at the Delaware beaches, and watching Georgia football (Go Dawgs!).

Dr. Danielle Downs

​​​​​​​Dr. Danielle Downs has over a decade of experience in general medicine and surgery, working with dogs and cats in the Delaware area. Dr. Downs received her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Georgia. Dr. Downs worked in molecular biology research for UD and volunteered a year of service with AmeriCorp. Special interests include working dog medicine, wilderness triage, and palliative care.

Active on multiple boards, Dr. Downs has served as the President and Vice President on the Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine and as the Veterinary Chair on the Delaware Controlled Substances Advisory Council. Dr. Downs shares her passion of veterinary medicine by writing, lecturing, and teaching. She is published in Wilderness Medicine Magazine and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor (remote) for the University of Arizona Veterinary School. Dr. Downs is certified as a Fear Free Professional Veterinarian and has been trained by American Humane in Emergency Disaster Pet Sheltering.

Dr. Downs resides in Delaware with her husband, daughter, and multiple rescue dogs, cats, and backyard chickens. Her family also co-owns and manages a small farm in Middletown, Delaware.

Dr. Stephanie Demarco

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Stephanie DeMarco has been practicing Veterinary Medicine in Delaware for over 20 years. At First State Urgent Vet, she is providing Urgent Care and Wellness Care to past, present and future clients of hers. On her off days, she is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Delaware (Go Blue Hens!), where she teaches Clinical Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She loves the opportunity to share her passion for medicine with tomorrow’s veterinary professionals.

​​​​​​​Outside of work, Dr. DeMarco enjoys skiing in the winter and driving around town on her little red Vespa in the summer. She shares her home with her family and two sweet little pups Maximus and Penelope Rose. Feel free to reach out to her at sdemarco@firststateurgentvet.com with any questions or to simply extend a warm welcome to her! We are thrilled to have her as a part of the FSUV family. "

Dr. Kristina Athey

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ​​​​​​​

Dr. Athey graduated veterinary school from Lincoln Memorial University - College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, TN. She lives in Wilmington with her two spoiled, three-legged cats, Floof and Dru. While in high school and college Dr. Athey was an avid horseback rider and competed in the IEA and IHSA. Dr. Athey now enjoys exploring hiking trails with friends and going to the beach during the summer; though her favorite place to vacation is Disney World. When the weather discourages outside activities she can be found reading a good book while drinking an excessive amount of coffee. She is a big Harry Potter fan and also enjoys listening to her favorite dungeons and dragons themed podcast. She looks forward to treating all of your four legged friends.​​​​​​​