Meet the Doctors
Dr. Amanda Lawrie
Chief Medical Officer
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
Medical Director
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. Kristen Conniff
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Kristen grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she was first trained as an illustrator at Marywood University and spent several years working as an artist before making the transition to veterinary medicine.
She earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and completed a rotating internship at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware.
She has spent several years in both emergency and general practice in Delaware and in Pennsylvania. Professional interests include surgery, ultrasound, and emergency medicine.
When she’s not busy caring for your furry family members, Dr. Kristen enjoys yoga, travel, writing, and spending time with her family. She shares her home with two cats, Ginny and Arline, and her spunky Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Clover.
Dr. Rachel Mester
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Rachel Mester brings a wealth of veterinary experience and a passion for animal care to First State Urgent Vet. Originally from Staten Island, New York, she spent time in Conshohocken, PA before returning to Delaware, where she now calls home. Dr. Mester obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida.
With a background spanning small animal general practice, urgent care, and emergency medicine, Dr. Mester is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to every furry patient she meets. She is particularly proud to be the fur mom of two beloved kitties, Bambino and Betty.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Mester enjoys a variety of hobbies including reading, cooking, watching movies and TV shows, playing kickball, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her love for animals and commitment to their well-being shine through in both her professional and personal life at First State Urgent Vet.
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Phone:
302.273.0616
Hours
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
7 Days a Week
