Our talented staff brings nearly a century of combined experience to the Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Larry Hawk

Dr. Larry Hawk brings over thirty years of experience in veterinary practice and veterinary management to CVH. Dr. Hawk received his doctorate from Michigan State University in 1978. After graduation, Dr. Hawk practiced in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he helped design and build an award winning animal hospital. Dr. Hawk further developed his medical and management skills at Hills Pet Nutrition, PetSmart, the ASPCA in New York and the MSPCA-Angell here in Boston. As the Director of Veterinary marketing for Hill’s, Dr. Hawk oversaw the development of over 12 new Prescription Diet products still used in hospitals nationwide, including CVH. While President of PetSmart Veterinary Services, he oversaw the opening of more than a hundred and twenty five hospitals in twelve states and Canada in just five years, supervising 250-300 veterinarians. As President of the ASPCA, he revolutionized the Internet adoption capabilities of shelters across the globe and started the ever-popular Animal Planet TV series “Animal Precinct”, which is still shown today. Dr. Hawk had to stay at the top of his “medical game” working to develop new nutritional products and while supervising the veterinary staff at PetSmart, the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, the ASPCA Poison Control Center and the Angell Animal Medical Center. At these organizations, some of the top veterinarians in their fields constantly challenged the existing body of veterinary knowledge and developed leading edge treatment options. Dr. Hawk has recently undergone additional training in oral healthcare and digital diagnostics. In 2007, Dr. Hawk brought all of his unique skills and career history to bear as the new owner of the Farmstreet Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Hawk’s professional interests include oral surgery, oral healthcare, laser surgery, laser light therapy and senior wellness care. He also seeks out new technologies that can be brought to CVH for the benefit of our patients. Dr. Hawk has also served on numerous boards, including that of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and holds an MBA from Northeastern University.

 

 

Dr. Jessica Baron

Dr. Jessica Baron grew up in Newtonville, graduating Cum Laude from Mount Holyoke College in 1982 and receiving her doctorate from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. After graduating, she completed a one-year internship in internal medicine, surgery and oncology at the Coast Pet Clinic/Animal Cancer Center in Hermosa Beach, California. For the next eight years, she practiced in various small animal hospitals in California and Massachusetts before opening her own housecall practice in Chestnut Hill in 1995. An injury forced her to retire from making housecalls, which led her to join the staff at Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital in August of 2007.

Dr. Baron's medical interests include internal medicine, oncology, geriatrics, dermatology and avian and small mammal medicine. She is a past president of the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine's Alumni Council and is currently the alumni representative for the Class of 1987.

 

 

Dr. Caroline Leonard

Dr. Caroline Leonard was born and raised in Galveston, Texas. After graduating high school, she moved to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia. There, she graduated with honors, receiving her B.A. in History in 2001. After graduating, she briefly pursued a career in finance in NYC and San Francisco, before realizing her true passion: science and veterinary medicine. She worked as a veterinary technician at the Marina Pet Hospital in San Francisco, CA before starting at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. During veterinary school, she was an active member of student government and founded the student chapter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Leonard graduated among the top of her class and was inducted into Phi Zeta, the National Veterinary Honor Society. After graduation, she completed a one-year Internship in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and Critical Care at New England Animal Medical in West Bridgewater, MA.

Dr. Leonard’s veterinary interests include Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Dentistry. While not at work, she enjoys watching movies on Netflix, trying the new flavors at JP Licks and playing Chuck It with her 7 year-old Vizsla, Duner.

 

 

Dr. J. Robert Denk

Dr. J. Robert Denk has been actively practicing veterinary medicine since graduating from the Ohio State University in 1971. After a three-year internship in the United States Army, Dr. Denk came to Massachusetts where he practiced on the North Shore for another four years. In 1977, Dr. Denk became co-owner of the Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Denk ceded his ownership responsibilities to Dr. Hawk in 2007, but continues to work with CVH on a part-time basis.

Dr. Denk’s medical interests include general practice and client relationship management along with soft-tissue surgery.

 

 

Dr. Bianca Ortolani

Dr. Bianca Ortolani grew up in Medford and attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where she obtained her Bachelors in Animal Science. After graduation, she enjoyed working as a large and small animal veterinary technician in Boston and in North Carolina for 3 years. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2011 and completed her clinical year of training at North Carolina State University. Her professional interests include surgery and cardiology, with a special interest in pocket pets. Dr Ortolani has completed her PAVE certification, USDA accreditation, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

In her spare time, Dr Ortolani enjoys anything outdoors from camping, running, and traveling to softball and skiing. She and her husband live with their loveable Miniature pinscher mix, Meme.

Our Technicians and Support Staff

Kristen Anderson, with Rodham		Michele Churchill with Holly (Center) and Lincoln (Right)
Abigail Cochran, with Cody		Christina Genatossio
Jaime Resnick		Carolyn Russel
Meghann Kelly		Carl Hawk, with Hannah
Kate Tyler with Dumbledore		Allison Fuchs
Liz Newbury		Danielle Eccles with Ryder