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, dentistry on all animals, and preventative health care keeps life interesting. 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 muscle injuries, arthritis, and non-healing wounds for all animals. She enjoys riding her horses in all the beautiful areas of Kittitas County with her husband, though their two active boys keep them very busy.

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 older children. She enjoys yoga, gardening, and spending time with her family, including her multiple cats and 1  rescue dog. The Ritzenthaler family loves outdoor adventures together, especially hiking, camping, and paddling.

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.

Dr. Marjory Coates

Dr. Marjory Coates grew up in the Midwest and graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2025. It has always been her dream to move out west and she is so excited to be starting her career with Valley Veterinary Hospital. Her background in veterinary medicine truly encompasses all creatures great and small and in all sorts of places including Mexico and Guatemala. While her passion for this career started with a desire to serve communities by working with their livestock, experiencing the beauty of the human-animal bond captured her heart along the way. Dr. Marj’s special interests include diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, small animal surgery, and working with livestock. Outside of work, she enjoys backpacking, worship, bonfires, coffee shops, rock climbing, playing soccer, and going on adventures with her dog, Basil.