Meet the Staff of Meriden and Wallingford Veterinary Associates

Robert C. Hallock, V.M.D., Chief of Staff

Dr. Hallock is a 1965 graduate of the University of Connecticut, and a 1969 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He has practiced at MWVA since 1971 and commonly sees the third generation of many of his original clients.

For 15 years, Dr. Hallock was on the board of directors of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and served as their staff veterinarian. The experience with Fidelco provided vast experience with the German shepherd breed.

Dr. Hallock has also been very active in Retriever Field Trials, having bred, trained, and competed with his own Labrador, Flat Coated, and Curly Coated Retrievers. He was successful in finishing four field trial champions and has served as an AKC-licensed field trial judge.

Dr. Hallock's current interest is in the breeding of Boxers and competing in obedience and conformation events. Over the years, he and his wife have had 13 champions, two of which were nationally ranked in the top 20. He is a member of the American Boxer Club and the Connecticut Boxer Club.

Dr. Hallock was also on the executive board of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association for eight years. He is a current member of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, the New Haven County Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Feline Practioners, and the executive board of the Connecticut Boxer Club.

Grace Hallock, CVT

Grace Hallock is a certified veterinary technician and has been on the staff since 1982. She shares her home and life with her husband, Bob, their family of Boxers, a Whippet, and two parrots. She and her husband exhibit their dogs in both breed conformation and obedience. She is a member of the American Boxer Club and the Connecticut Boxer Club. In addition to her love of dogs, she enjoys reading and collecting Swarovski crystal animal figurines. Her interests in veterinary medicine include behavior, dentistry, and the special bond that exists between people and their pets.

Lisa Byrd, Office Manager

Lisa has a BA in communications and business from Southern Connecticut State University. She lives in Meriden and shares her life with her three Rottweilers: Hannah, Richter, and Chatty. She acquired her first Rottweiler 20 years ago, became hooked on the breed, and has since been involved with dogs and training. Lisa has trained and trialed in obedience, rally, tracking, herding, and Schutzhund (protection dog), including Seiger shows, carting, agility, and the conformation ring. She has put titles on her dogs in every one of those venues.

Lisa is also an obedience instructor, having taught for the last 10 years. She is interested in canine behavior, canine rehabilitation, and photography. In addition to her expertise in training and teaching, Lisa has managed our veterinary hospital for the past 10 years. Anyone can see that Lisa is someone for whom dogs and dog training are not only career choices, but also her life's passion.

Anne Coy, Receptionist/Exam Room Assistant

Anne has been with us since 2007 after several years in customer service/data entry. She is one of the first people you'll see when coming to the office, and she enjoys interacting with clients and their pets. This is her first job in the veterinary field and she plans to continue on. Anne is very interested in animal behavior, specifically canine body language. Her other interests include attending hockey games, gardening, and attending dog shows, as well as reading, especially James Patterson novels. Anne lives in Oxford with her husband, Doug, and their two Rottweilers, Jayda and Neelah.

Ruth Stoeckert, Technician

Ruth is originally from Southampton, Long Island, New York. She joined the military in September 2002 and is currently discharged from the National Guard. She has been working in veterinary medicine for 18 years and plans to continue in the field. Prior to joining Meriden and Wallingford Veterinary Associates, she worked at an all-cat clinic in Connecticut. Ruth currently lives in Middletown with her dog, Peanut, and her cats, Luci and Lily. In her spare time, Ruth likes to attend hockey games and play video games with her son, Alex.

Lisa Cyr, Kennel Assistant

Lisa efficiently and affectionately cares for your pets in our boarding suites. In addition to her duties in the kennel, she also assists the receptionist and with other clinic responsibilities. Lisa is attending classes at Middlesex Community College, working toward completion of the veterinary technician program. After Middlesex, she plans to study at UCONN, majoring in the animal sciences/pathology program. Lisa also works at a local nursery, tending to many varieties of plants and flowers. She lives in Meriden with her bunny, Skyler, and a degu (a South American species of rodent) named Chip.

Cheryl Swarts, Receptionist

Cheryl Swarts has worked with dogs over 20 years. She went to school at CT K-9 and soon after worked in North Dakota teaching dogs for the physically challenaged. She also worked at FIDELCO training guide dogs and has worked for veterinarians throught out the years. Cheryl has owned and managed a daycare, training and grooming facility. Being involved with dogs most of her life, this surely is the career path she wants to follow. When not working with dogs Cheryl's hobbies include hiking, camping, crocheting, and quilting. She enjoys the outdoors and takes advantage of it every second she can.