Meet Our Skilled Veterinarians

Dr. Leanne Mellbye graduated from Oregon State University in 1991. She has been a lead veterinarian and mentor at Carlton Veterinary Hospital since 1992, but recently joined ownership with Dr. Nichole Pilakowski in 2017.

She is an active member of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Mellbye's primary interest is small animal medicine and surgery.

She is owned by one dog named Riley (pictured) and two cats. You will often find her hiking, camping, kayaking, rafting, traveling or spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Nichole Pilakowski was born and raised in Montana and has been a small animal veterinarian at CVH since 2007. In 2017 Dr. Nichole joined in partnership with Dr. Leanne Mellbye and became a co-owner.  She graduated from Oregon State University in 2006 and is a current member of the OVMA and AVMA.

She is happily married and owned by two rescue dogs named Burgess and Annie and she has 5 cats: Moppy, Tommy, Sweepy, Azeala, and Maggie.

During her free time, Dr. Nichole loves to be up in the woods hiking and camping, usually with a good book in her hand.

Dr. Amy grew up in Dundee, Oregon and attended Newberg High School. She graduated from Oregon State University as a veterinarian in 2000.

She enjoys working with her CVH team to improve her patients' lives, especially when oral health is involved.

Outside of Carlton Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Amy keeps extremely busy with her two children, Carson and Emily, and the many pets they bring home.  The Picker menagerie currently includes a horse and a pony, a Guinea pig, four pheasants, five chickens, three cats and two dogs.  Dr. Amy also assists her husband, Scott, with his newest venture of raising Longhorn cattle and his local business, Aspen Creek Landscaping.

Dr. Heather graduated from Oregon State University with her Masters in Equine Reproduction and her veterinary degree in 2001.

She joined the Carlton Veterinary Hospital team as a part-time equine veterinarian in 2009 and also jumps in to assist as a small animal veterinarian doing the routine dog or cat house calls or in the clinic as needed.

Dr. Heather has been a local horse 4H leader for years. Her three young girls, husband, and a large variety of farm animals keep her on her toes.

Lucy came to work for CVH in the fall of 2008 as our Assistant Chief Feline Officer. She was a WILD woman who has tamed her ways. Lucy specializing in acupuncture but delivers it with a very tender loving touch.  

Although she certainly enjoys working here, she would love to find a more permanent position elsewhere with compassionate companionship. In 2014 she was promoted from Assistant Chief Feline Officer to Chief Feline Officer.

We appreciate Lucy and all she does for us.  She keeps us on our toes and gives us lots of attention when we need it the most.  (And sometimes when it's not quite needed...)