Dr. Ben Yanofsky, VMD - veterinarian, owner

A native of New Hampshire, Dr. Ben Yanofsky has had a lifelong love of animals—from cats and dogs to guinea pigs, hedgehogs, ferrets, snakes, and even a fat-tailed gecko. His early passion for animals inspired him to pursue animal science academically, beginning with a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Miami. He later earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania.

Between degrees, Dr. Ben traveled extensively, gaining valuable experience through externships across Africa and Asia. These global opportunities deepened his clinical skills and broadened his perspective on animal care and welfare.

Dr. Ben began his veterinary career in emergency and critical care, working for several years at EVH in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later at SAVES in Lebanon, NH. Today, as the owner of Linwood Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Ben is proud to offer the Lincoln and Woodstock communities a high standard of modern, compassionate veterinary medicine. His clinical strengths include , general and emergency surgery, and companion animal dentistry. Patients and clients alike value his steady, thoughtful approach to care.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Ben enjoys writing, fishing, and spending time with his wife and their three beloved dogs: Herbert the Newfoundland, and Samoyeds Boris and Ivan.

Steph Yanofsky - practice manager

Originally from Michigan, Steph has a background in finance and a passion for animals. You can find her overseeing the daily operations of our facility, supporting our medical personnel, all things inventory, financial, and scheduling, etc. One of Steph’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with clients and provide compassionate support during times of difficulty, whether is a difficult diagnosis or a lengthy treatment plan, she is always there to provide guidance and reassurance to our clients.

In addition to being an integral part of our team, Steph is a homebody who enjoys working in the garden, fiber crafts, reading, and the fascinating worlds of trash TV and mycology.

Lexie Willey - veterinary technician

Lexie has five years of veterinary experience having worked in both rural and advanced veterinary care settings. Raised around large animals, Lexie developed a deep-rooted connection to animal care from an early age—something that’s clearly reflected in her gentle, intuitive approach with patients.

Lexie’s well-rounded skill set includes everything from medication administration and laboratory diagnostics to anesthesia monitoring and surgical support. She is especially passionate about forming strong bonds with the animals in our care, helping them feel safe, seen, and supported at every stage of their visit. Her calm presence and thorough knowledge make her an invaluable member of our team.

Outside of work, Lexie enjoys quiet time with her family and her dog Kane.

Baileigh Stillings - veterinary technician

Baileigh has been an integral part of our team for the past three years, bringing with her two additional years of prior experience in the veterinary field. Before joining LVC, she worked at a large veterinary hospital on the Seacoast, where she developed a strong foundation in both routine and advanced patient care.

Baileigh is known for her highly conscientious and patient-centered approach. She excels in venipuncture, anesthesia administration and monitoring, client communication, and low-stress handling—even with our most anxious patients. Her calm demeanor and technical skills make her a valued member of both our team.

Outside the clinic, Baileigh enjoys macramé, gardening, and caring for her menagerie of animals—especially her horse, Bradley, and her beloved Black Lab, Axel (affectionately known as “The Mayor”).

Avi Challinor - veterinary technician

Avi has four years of veterinary experience and a Bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry. With a strong foundation in both animal science and hands-on care, she plays a key role in supporting our patients and doctor through every step of the visit.

Her calm, capable demeanor and deep understanding of animal behavior make her a natural with both patients and clients. Whether assisting with diagnostics, handling, or treatments, Avi is dedicated to providing attentive care to every patient she encounters.

Outside of the clinic, Avi leads a vibrant homesteading life. She shares her farm with a lively crew of five sheep, forty chickens, two goats, four cats, two dogs, and one very dignified turkey. When she’s not caring for her animals, she enjoys gardening and growing her small business.

Lisa MacKay - veterinary technician

Lisa, our resident bear guru, has been with us for ten years. For the last 24 years, Lisa has been dedicated to caring for the bears at Clark’s Trading Post. LVC is very fortunate to have Lisa on staff, as her patient advocacy and knowledge of animal behavior make her a standout veterinary technician.

Lisa’s interests are building client relationships and education for those who have questions on overall animal enrichment and fulfillment, as well as routine health screenings and preventive medicine.

On temperate nights, Lisa can be found in town with her husband on walks with her dogs Kubota, Roxy, and Tucker or taking care of her abundant garden.

Heather Manning - veterinary assistant

Whether she’s assisting clients with scheduling needs or helping in animal handling, Heather brings a unique mix of creativity, dedication, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s not here making our team stronger, you can find her hiking the White Mountains, kayaking, or heading out on road trips with her adventure buddy GSD Gunner. A true artist at heart, she loves painting with oil and acrylics, sketching, and expressing herself through makeup. She’s also a devoted reader of mystery and horror fiction.