About Matthews Pharmacy
Where Your Health is Our Business
At Matthews Pharmacy, caring for Ellenville and Wawarsing has always meant being an active, reliable part of the community we love. For decades, we’ve supported local families, celebrated hometown traditions, and partnered with organizations that strengthen the health and spirit of our town. Our involvement spans youth programs, school events, local festivals, and essential public‑health initiatives, all rooted in our belief that a pharmacy should be more than a place to pick up medication, it should be a trusted neighbor.
A few of the ways we stay connected include:
- Supporting local youth and schools, including Ellenville Little League, the PTO, the school career fair, and the annual health fair
- Participating in and sponsoring community traditions, such as the Blueberry Festival Kidz Zone, Wawarsing Wassail, Run Like the Wind, and numerous local fundraisers
- Partnering with the Ellenville Regional Hospital Rural Health Network to provide free narcan training, no‑questions‑asked narcan kits, medication lock boxes, and confidential pathways to addiction treatment
- Serving as a true community hub, where neighbors stop in not only for prescriptions but for conversation, connection, and local information, so much so that we often joke, “If you want to know what events are happening in town, just call Matthews.”
Matthews Pharmacy is proud to stand alongside the people of Ellenville, offering care, support, and genuine community spirit every single day.
Speak to a member of our staff to learn more about the insurance plans accepted by our pharmacy.
Our History
As a family-owned and operated business since 1858, Matthews Pharmacy is more than just a place to fill your prescriptions. We are a community cornerstone, a gathering spot where every visit feels like coming home.
From the bustling days of the 19th century to the present, our commitment to personalized care and exceptional customer service remains unwavering. Our pharmacy shelves are stocked with a comprehensive range of health care essentials, ensuring that you find everything you need for your family's well-being.
Whether you're here to pick up a prescription, seek health advice, or simply catch up with familiar faces, you'll experience the warmth and friendliness that have defined us for generations. At Matthews Pharmacy, you're not just a customer—you're part of our extended family. Trust us with your health, and let us be your partner in well-being, carrying forward a legacy of care and community for many more generations to come.
Our Pharmacy Family
Dr. Laura Villegas - Pharmacist In Charge + Owner
Hi, I’m Laura, proud owner and supervising pharmacist of our independent pharmacy right here in Ellenville.
My journey in healthcare began humbly cleaning shelves and stickering orders at Matthews Pharmacy, where I got my very first job. Today, I’m honored to carry forward that legacy as both pharmacist and owner, serving the community that shaped me.
I’ve called Ellenville home since 1995, graduating from Ellenville High School in 2004. I earned my BS in Biology with a minor in Nutrition from Ithaca College in 2008, followed by my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Albany College of Pharmacy in 2012. But my education didn’t stop in the classroom—it’s been shaped every day by the people around me.
As a mother of two amazing girls, I understand the importance of accessible, compassionate care. I’m deeply involved in our community—serving on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce and PTO, coaching Little League, and even playing in our local adult softball league. These connections fuel my commitment to making our pharmacy a welcoming, family-friendly space.
I owe my success to my incredible parents, my daughters who inspire me daily, and my mentors Raymond and Ronald Matthews, whose belief in me has never wavered. The Matthews family gave me my start, and I’m forever grateful for their support and guidance.
Whether you’re picking up a prescription, seeking advice, or just stopping in to say hello, I’m here for you—as your neighbor, pharmacist, and friend.
Dr. Paul Sommer - Pharmacist + Owner
My journey in pharmacy began right here in Ulster County, where small-town connections aren’t just common—they’re foundational. I’ve always believed that meaningful work starts with meaningful relationships, and that belief was cemented the day my father and Raymond Matthews crossed paths at a town board meeting. When Raymond heard I was studying pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island, he invited me to stop by the pharmacy. I walked in the next day—and never left. That first meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Matthews Pharmacy and the community it serves.
While earning my Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) at URI, I returned to Matthews every chance I got—on breaks, over summers, and whenever I was home. In 2025, I became one of three proud owners of this historic pharmacy, continuing the legacy built by generations of the Matthews family. Raymond and Ronald Matthews exemplified what it means to serve with integrity—working tirelessly, treating every patient with respect, and always showing up for their community. Their work ethic and values continue to guide me every day.
What I love most about this role is the people. Our community is built on trust, kindness, and a shared commitment to looking out for one another. At Matthews Pharmacy, we’re more than a place to pick up prescriptions. We’re a team of neighbors who care deeply about your well-being.
I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work in a place where relationships are real, and every patient is known, valued, and supported. Whether you're picking up a prescription or just stopping in to say hello, I'm here for you—your pharmacist, neighbor, and advocate.
Daniel Matthews - Owner
Growing up, I spent a significant amount of time at Matthews Pharmacy. My involvement began early, whether I was working during the summer months, helping out by cleaning on weekends, or simply being present with my parents and grandparents as they devoted themselves to serving the Ellenville community. These experiences were formative, and, from a young age, I had a sense that my connection to the pharmacy would deepen over time.
As a fourth-generation owner, my story at Matthews Pharmacy has taken a different direction from those who came before me. While it was always assumed I would follow in my father's footsteps and become a pharmacist, I realized after taking chemistry in high school that this path was not for me. Instead, I found myself drawn to understanding how my parents and grandparents managed the business side of the pharmacy.
This interest in business led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Clarkson University, which I completed in 2013. My professional career then evolved into banking and financial planning, guiding me to Colorado, where I now reside with my wife and two children.
Matthews Pharmacy has long been a pillar of the Ellenville community. As a member of the next generation of leadership, I am honored and excited to help guide both the pharmacy and our community toward new achievements and greater heights.