Staff
Ericka Canales, Practice Manager
As practice manager, Ericka Canales has a variety of tasks that help the practice run smoothly every day. She's involved in human resources, answersing client calls and questions, and oversees the running of the practice. Seeing the "big picture" is her strength.
Prior to opening the Veterinary Center with her husband, Dr. Ryan Canales, Ericka worked in environmental education, grant writing, and coastal policy for more than 12 years. She has a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning and Policy.
While managing the hospital, Ericka is able to combine two of her passions: "giving back to our community, as well as making our clients pet's lives long, happy and healthy. It also doesnt hurt that I get to work with my husband/best friend every day."
Tracie Deslandes, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician Tracie Deslandes grew up on a farm: "Animals have always been a passion and part of my life." Tracie assists with inpatient and outpatient care, monitoring our patients after surgery, working with clients, performing labwork and assisting the doctor.
Tracie has an Associate's Degree from Medaille College in Veterinary Technology. She's been a licensed technician for the past six years.
She shares her home with four cats, Liam, Wickett, Meeshka and Romeo, and a dog named Mutt. "My pets are part of my family, they are all rescues, I do try to find homes for animals in need or take in puppies and kittens that need nursing care until they are old enough to move to a new home." Her interests include running, hiking, baking, drawing and painting and spending time with family and friends.
Erin McCreedy, LVT
I've loved animals for as long as I can remember. My very first memories involve growing up with my family's Irish wolfhound named Casey. I have always had dogs and cats and I've worked with horses and cows throughout the years. I couldn't imagine not working with or owning animals. I ended up going to VTC and graduating from the vet tech program. Shortly afterwards I became certified. My passion for working with animals has continued to grow and I am especially interested in nutrition.
When I'm not out for a hike with my dog Buck, I can be found in the kitchen cooking up something healthy and delicious or reading on the couch surrounded by my dog and two kitties. Working at Long Trail allows me the best of both worlds - working with animals and meeting some awesome new people all at the same time.
Liz Ducharme, LVT
Liz Ducharme is currently finishing up her last semester at Vermont Technical College, obtaining her associate's degree in veterinary technology. Her favorite part of working at Long Trail Veterinary Center is the very personalized care that each patient is offered. Her main interests are in animal behavior, and how to make each pet's visit to the hospital as enjoyable as possible.
Liz grew up working on horse farms and eventually moved on to dog and cat boarding kennels, where she found her true passion in animal behavior and dog rescue. Liz is a board member of a local dog rescue, and enjoys spending her free time helping homeless dogs find their forever homes.
Liz shares her home with her fiancé Brian, their two rescue dogs Tuk and Ona, as well as their rescue cat Zar. She loves taking the dogs hiking and watching them enjoy life sprinting through fields and swimming in the lake.