Dr. Hayden

Dr. Hayden graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, practiced for two years in Moses Lake before starting at Valley Veterinary Hospital.  In 2003 Dr. Hayden purchased Valley Veterinary Hospital, and shortly afterwards expanded the Cle Elum clinic, Cascade East Animal Clinic, into a full-time office.  In 2015 Dr. Hayden opened the new Valley Veterinary Hospital and full service boarding facility, a culmination of years of planning (and dreaming) for a modern facility.  Dr. Hayden was drawn to animals at a young age, growing up on a small farm, participating in 4-H, and "collecting" a wide range of companions from mice and chickens to horses and beef cattle.  Occasionally   his parents would be surprised by injured wildlife being kept in the basement or tree house!  Dr. Hayden continues to enjoy working with large and small animals on a daily basis.  Solving difficult small animal internal medicine cases, and improving equine health through dentistry continues to be some of his favorite passions in the practice.  When not attending to patients, Dr. Hayden's other passions are his family, volunteering at his church, outdoor activities, and hunting with the dogs and the horses.

"It is the love of animals and serving people that led me into the career of veterinary medicine..."

Dr. Ben Rizor

Dr. Ben Rizor grew up in Wilbur, WA and has been surrounded by agriculture all of his life. Dr. Rizor graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 with an emphasis and special interest in food animal medicine.  Dr. Rizor spent his first years practicing medicine at a mixed animal practice in Tumwater, WA. In 2006, Dr. Rizor and his wife moved to Ellensburg so he could join the team at Valley Veterinary Hospital and Cascade East Animal Clinic.  The variety of mixed animal practice is what Dr. Rizor enjoys on a daily basis, however orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and diagnostic medicine currently hold his greatest interest. Raising sheep, chickens, a cat, a dog, and two girls on his small hobby farm keeps Dr. Rizor busy outside of work. As much as possible, Dr. Rizor, his family, and friends enjoy spending time outdoors camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

Dr. Joan Sackett Fleming

Dr. Joan Sackett Fleming grew up in the suburbs of Seattle dreaming of horses and one day becoming a veterinarian.  Dr. Sackett Fleming graduated from Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.  She joined Valley Veterinary Hospital and Cascade East Animal Clinic upon graduation and has enjoyed the small town life Ellensburg offers since. The mixture of small animal surgery, general health care, and equine medicine and dentistry keeps life interesting.  Her veterinary interests include dentistry on all animals, feline medicine, and equine lameness.  She has discovered the joys and challenges of feline medicine and helping owners learn to understand their cat's idiosyncrasies. Another area of interest is the Class IV Therapeutic Laser that the clinic uses on sport injuries, arthritis, and non-healing wounds for all animals.  She enjoys riding her horses in all the beautiful areas of Kittitas County and is especially enjoying poker rides with her husband.  Her beagles and several rescued cats have kept her busy, but not as much as the recent birth of her son Kallan, who brings great joy to their lives.

Dr. Liz Ritzenthaler

Dr. Liz Ritzenthaler graduated from Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Her family then moved to Ellensburg later that year. She joined the team at Valley Veterinary Hospital as a part time associate in 2013. Her focus is on the small companion animal side of the practice. Her special interests include feline medicine and complimentary medicine. She juggles life as a working mother of two school-aged children. She enjoys yoga, gardening, and spending time with her family, including her multiple cats and 2 young rescue dogs. The Ritzenthaler family loves outdoor adventures together, especially hiking, camping, and paddling.

Dr. Hannah Willett

Dr. Hannah Willett graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine this year, May of 2017. She grew up working on a beef ranch in Northern California, and enjoyed being active in 4-H and participating in running barrels and other events at the local rodeo. Dr. Willett enjoys being involved in her local church, going on international veterinary mission trips, and being with her family in Gig Harbor. She loves spending time with her basset hound Betty Zane, and her horse Monarch, as well as enjoying the outdoors in activities such as hiking, water sports, snowboarding, and camping. Dr. Willett’s special veterinary interests include large animal medicine, specifically livestock medicine, surgery, and reproduction.

Dr. Emily Walzer

Dr. Emily Walzer graduated from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. She has lived in many parts of the United States due to her father’s military career, but mostly grew up in Greenacres, Washington. There, through the many adventures of raising Scottish Highland cattle on the family’s hobby farm, she became interested in veterinary medicine. Since then, her interest has expanded to include both large and small animal medicine. Her current special interests are in small animal surgery, hobby farm calls, and diagnostic imaging. Dr. Emily has a dog named Captain and a cat named Scamp. She enjoys reading and exploring the outdoors, and loves spending time with her family and being active in the church.