Gainesville Florida Veterinarians Oaks Vet Animal Hospital

Dale Kaplan-Stein, DVM

Gainesville Florida Veterinarian Dr. Kaplan-Stein Dr. Dale Kaplan-Stein, a 1981 graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine, has been at the forefront of progress in small animal private practice since she opened Oaks Veterinary Hospital in 1982 and the Northwood Oaks in 1995. Innovation and attention to detail highlight her successful management of both practices. Dale and husband Robert have two daughters in college. Their eldest Sara is studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Not only will she receive her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine but she will also receive a Masters in Public Health. Gracie, their youngest, is completing her undergrad education at the University of Pennsylvania where she is a successful member of the crew team.

The Kaplan-Stein family enjoys their many dogs, cats, and horses. Dr. Kaplan-Stein recently added the title of adjunct professor to her many accomplishments and assists in the instruction of veterinary students in Shelter Medicine. Her favorite activities are riding her horses and attending her daughter's regattas.

Karen Hamerslag, DVM

Gainesville Florida Veterinarian Dr. Hamerslag Dr. Karen Hamerslag has practiced veterinary medicine for over 30 years and has worked at Oaks for 20 years. She is a 1976 graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, where she also completed an internship. Dr. Hamerslag's husband is a senior director at a pharmaceutical firm. Her daughter Elizabeth graduated from New York University and is currently studying law at Georgetown University and international relations at John Hopkins for a dual Masters Degree. Her son Daniel graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa and won multiple conference championships in springboard diving. After a year of environmental work, he is now working toward a Masters Degree in Natural Resource Management in California.

A Corgi named Sophie, a Peke-A-Poo named Max, and 2 Gainesville Pet Rescue kittens, Hannah and Gracie, complete her family. Dr. Hamerslag is an avid reader, aspiring writer, and enjoys walking (no running) and home improvement projects. Her special professional interests are general medicine and surgery.

Jennifer Wallace, DVM

Gainesville Florida Veterinarian Dr. Wallace Dr. Jennifer Wallace is a 2006 graduate of the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Wallace enjoys all aspects of practice and has developed a wide range of experience in medicine and surgery. Jennifer's hobbies include hiking, fishing, traveling, and cooking creatively, often bringing wonderful leftovers to work. Dr. Wallace enjoys the company of her two dogs, Sasha and Kaiser, and five cats, Alice, Monte, Osha, Casper, and Josie. Also important in her life is her fiancee, Cesar, a canine officer with the local police.

Lynda Kruse, DVM

Gainesville Florida Veterinarian Dr. Kruse Dr. Lynda Kruse was born in Melbourne, Australia, but has been in the United States for over thirty years. She attended the University of Central Florida for her undergraduate studies and graduated with a degree in Molecular and Microbiology. After working as a veterinary technician for many years, she then attended the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2005. Dr. Kruse especially enjoys soft tissue surgery. In her free time, Lynda takes pleasure in reading, trivia, and the company of her dog, Shiloh and parrot fish, Mr. Fish.

Dr. Jennifer Dean, DVM

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jennifer Dean back to our practice, where she began her training before attending veterinary school at the University of Florida. Since graduating in 2005, Dr. Dean has practiced general small animal medicine and surgery in Ocala. Her special veterinary interests include dermatology, internal medicine and oncology. Jenn's family here in Gainesville includes her boyfriend Nick, a computer programmer, 4 dogs, 5 cats and 2 leopard tortoises. She especially enjoys training and competing her dogs in agility trials, and when time allows, reading and making jewelry.

Stasia Bembenek, DVM

Gainesville Florida Veterinarian Dr. Bembenek Dr. Stasia Bembenek joined the staff of Oaks Vet with much intensive and varied training. A graduate of Dartmouth College, she earned a Masters Degree in Wildlife Biology in New York, and continued her education at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State. After graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2003, Dr. Bembenek worked in general practice and emergency/critical care in New York and Pennsylvania. Stasia is enjoying married life with her new husband Scott, also a DVM who specializes in reproduction at the UF Veterinary School and Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys trail running with her dogs, Bacchus and Sadie, and reading. Dr. Bembenek's other great love is competitive Ballroom Dancing, which she continues to teach. Dr. Bembenek enjoys all aspects of clinical practice, and has a special interest in exotic animal (birds, reptiles, and pocket pets) medicine.

Dr. Bembenek is continuing her graduate education in fall, 2008, in a dual degree program at the University of Florida. She plans a PhD in Infectious Disease and a Masters in Public Health. This is a full-time academic curriculum, so her clinical practice will be limited to relief work. We wish her the very best in these pursuits.