THE ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTER TEAM
Our passionate and hardworking team is committed to providing the best service for you and your furry (or feathery) family members! We look forward to meeting you in person, but in the meantime, get to know our team and what we’re about!
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Dr. Hillary Cook, DVM, CVA, CCRP, CVMMP
DR. HILLARY COOK, DVM, CVA, CCRP, CVMMP
Dr. Hillary Cook graduated from Virginia Maryland Regional Veterinary College in 1999. Dr. Cook has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since graduating veterinary school, and is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Canine Rehabilitation, and Veterinary Spinal Manipulation. She has studied Tui-Na massage therapy, food therapy and western and Chinese herbal medicine. She is dedicated to improving the life quality of the geriatric and terminal patient.
She lives in Crozet with her husband Rees, and two children Hailey and Pearl; four dogs Louie, Josie, Blaze and Jimmi, and two cats Monster and Blossom. Dr. Cook loves to garden, cook, and hike in her spare time.
Dr. Janice Raab, DVM, CVA
DR. JANICE RAAB, DVM, CVA
Dr. Raab is originally from the colorful state of Colorado. In 1986 she went to The College of William and Mary for her undergraduate work, she then went to veterinary school at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Raab started in an exclusively exotic animal practice, then moved on to incorporate dogs and cats to her repertoire. She has her certification in Veterinary Acupuncture, has studied Chinese Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, and food therapy, as well as laser therapy, and essential oil therapy.
She lives in Albemarle County with her husband Ron, daughters Natalie and Leah, two dogs, Amazon parrots, chickens, and Gus the duck. Janice also keeps one horse that she rides whenever possible.
Dr. Jayme Fraser, DVM
DR. JAYME FRASER, DVM
Dr. Jayme Bosley was born and raised in West Virginia, but is now happy to call Charlottesville her home. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, and went on receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Her professional interests include internal medicine, pain management, and palliative care.
In her free time, Jayme enjoys hiking, traveling, and fostering rescue animals. She lives in Charlottesville with her husband, their three dogs: Cheddar, Calzone, and Ted, and their cat, Chuey.
Dr. Micah Stockwell-Goering, DVM
Dr. Micah Stockwell-Goering, DVM
Dr. Micah Stockwell-Goering graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. She loves working in small animal practice and is especially interested in behavioral medicine and nutrition. Having split her childhood between the United States and Argentina, she also enjoys offering veterinary services in both English and Spanish.
When not at work, she and her husband Kevin love hiking and running with their two dogs, Maddie and Telmo; spending quiet time with their two cats, Arwen and Zeela; and exploring new places around Charlottesville.
Dr. Ashley Rethemeyer, DVM, CCRP
Dr. Ashley Rethemeyer, DVM, CCRP
Veterinarian Dr. Ashely Rethemeyer holds small black terrier dog outside in Crozet, Virginia
Ashley graduated from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. After graduation she worked in Northern Virginia at Town and Country Animal Hospital for 3 years before relocating to Lake Monticello. From 2010 until 2019 she was an associate veterinarian at Fork Union Animal Clinic. Her special interests in veterinary medicine include abdominal ultrasound and rehabilitation. Ashley completed her certification for canine rehabilitation through The University of Tennessee in December of 2019.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and reading.
Kyle Kerstetter, DVM, DACVS // Veterinary Specialist
Kyle Kerstetter, DVM, DACVS // Veterinary Specialist
Dr. Kyle Kerstetter is the owner and founder of VVOI. He is a graduate of Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 1993. He did a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Michigan State University. Following his internship, Dr. Kerstetter did a Small Animal Surgery Residency at the University of Tennessee. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Kerstetter joined Michigan Veterinary Specialists in 1998 and achieved Diplomate status in 1999.
He became a partner in the practice and Chief of Surgical Services for over 20 years. During this time, he was part of a merger with BluePearl Veterinary Partners. Dr. Kerstetter moved to Virginia in August 2020, trading his role as Chief of Surgery for Michigan to Locum Surgeon for BluePearl, a role he continues today.
Lesley Bell // Office Manager
Lesley Bell // Office Manager
Lesley was born and raised in Albemarle County and attended Albemarle High School. After graduating with a BS in psychology from Longwood University in 1996, she moved to Free Union. She still resides in Free Union with her husband, Rich, daughter Lillian, son Phin, 3 dogs, Ruby, Pearl and Munch.
Leah Clark // Inventory Manager
Leah Clark // Inventory Manager
Leah was born and raised in the White Hall/Crozet area and has had a life long passion for animals and nature. Leah received her associates degree in Eco-tourism and Adventure Travel from Hocking College in 2008. After graduating from Hocking College, Leah attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 2013 with her Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Recreation.
Leah lives in White Hall with her dog, Duke, and four cats Turbo, Tigey-Bruce, Buxton, and Frisco.
Shannon Caruana, LVT // Technician
Shannon Caruana, LVT // Veterinary Technician
My love for animals and veterinary medicine started at a young age while going on farm calls with my grandfather. Originally from Maryland, I have had the opportunity to work both in the US and Central England, where I fell in love with Europe and travelled as much as possible. When at home with my kids and husband, we enjoy getting outside to hike, kayak camp and rock climb.
Delaney Tysinger, LVT // Technician
Delaney Tysinger, LVT
Delaney graduated from the veterinary technician program at Blue Ridge Community College in May of 2020. She worked as a veterinary assistant from 2017 until becoming licensed. She enjoys working with small animals (especially felines) and is most interested in pain management and anesthesia.
In her spare time, Delaney enjoys painting and cooking and the company of her friends, her four cats, and her dog.
Belinda Watkins, LVT // Technician
Belinda Watkins, LVT
I grew up on a farm in Maysville, WV, which spurred my interest in the care and wellness of all God's creatures. I graduated with an AAS from Blue Ridge Community College for Veterinary Technology in 1983. Due to the newness of the position of Veterinary Technician, the veterinarians didn't know what to do with us, so I joined the Army as a 91-Tango Animal Care Specialist. I was stationed in El Paso, TX, for the 4-year enlistment with a 6-month Tour of Duty in Honduras, where we did a humanitarian vaccine/deworming clinic of small and large animals.
Back when I first started, there were no "specialties," and we, as technicians, covered all aspects of veterinary care, from kennel and lab work to surgical assisting and dentals.
Maureen "Moe" Ewing // Veterinary Assistant
Maureen "Moe" Ewing // Veterinary Assistant
Moe is originally from Rome, Georgia but considers herself a transplant local. She recently decided to change her career and work with animals which has always been a long-term passion of hers. In her spare time Moe works as a pyrotechnician and has helped put on the 4th of July firework show in Charlottesville for the past 14 years.
Moe has 2 pit mixes, Emma and Luna, as well as a tortoise, Jet. She also has one cat named Dat because he acts more like a dog than a cat.
Pamela Cairns // Veterinary Assistant
Pamela Cairns // Veterinary Assistant
Pam grew up in Northern Virginia, but has called Albemarle County home since 2006. She graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor in science in Health Science.
She resides in Crozet with her husband Jamie, son Ben, daughter Ava, dogs Meg and Yeti, bearded dragon Cutie, and leopard gecko Bossk. In her spare time, Pam loves to go on vacation with her family.
Ronan Christman // Veterinary Assistant
Ronan Christman // Veterinary Assistant
I grew up in Massachusetts and spent some years in Wisconsin before moving to Virginia. I spent as much of my childhood around animals as possible- riding horses and bringing home as many pets as my parents would agree to. After I graduated from Lawrence University with a degree in Biology in 2013, I have finally come back to the first field I ever imagined working in - Veterinary Medicine. I currently live in Waynesboro, VA with my sister and my dog, Hagrid.
Megan McDonald // Veterinary Assistant
Megan McDonald // Veterinary Assistant
Megan grew up in Richmond and moved to Charlottesville to study biology at UVA. She has loved animals from a young age and is passionate about veterinary care. Outside of work and school Megan enjoys exploring Charlottesville, hiking and reading.
Olivia Lyne // Veterinary Assistant
Olivia Lyne // Veterinary Assistant
Olivia grew up in a small town in Loudoun County, Virginia. Growing up, Olivia was passionate about animal care, caring for a hamster, fish, 3 cats, a dog, and horses. Ever since she was a little girl, she knew she would pursue a career working with animals.
Olivia graduated from the University of Arizona in 2023 with a Bachelors in Veterinary Science. She moved to the Charlottesville area to be with family. She plans to continue her education by attending veterinary school at the University of Florida.
Ronan Christman // Veterinary Assistant
Ronan Christman // Veterinary Assistant
I grew up in Massachusetts and spent some years in Wisconsin before moving to Virginia. I spent as much of my childhood around animals as possible- riding horses and bringing home as many pets as my parents would agree to. After I graduated from Lawrence University with a degree in Biology in 2013, I have finally come back to the first field I ever imagined working in - Veterinary Medicine. I currently live in Waynesboro, VA with my sister and my dog, Hagrid.
Hannah Collier // Veterinary Assistant
Hannah Collier // Veterinary Assistant
Hannah recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Biology on the pre-veterinary track. She has a passion for animal medicine and an interest specifically in animal behavior. Outside of her career, Hannah loves running in parks, cooking & food science, exploring Charlottesville coffee shops, and spending time with loved ones, including her precious cat, Julie.
Autumn Garber // Veterinary Assistant
Autumn Garber // Veterinary Assistant
Autumn was born and raised in Augusta County, where she grew up on her families farm. After high school, she graduated with an associate degree in business administration/management from Blue Ridge Community College. Following her love of animals, she went from raising livestock to training dogs, and eventually became one of our veterinary assistants. She now lives in Waynesboro with her Labrador, Jinx, and Australian cattle dog, Rowan.
Jade Herring // Veterinary Assistant
Jade Herring // Veterinary Assistant
Shani Alexander // Veterinary Assistant
Shani Alexander // Veterinary Assistant
Born and raised in Charlottesville, Shani has always held a strong passion surrounding the care for animals. From having dogs and cats, to guinea pigs, rats, mice and rabbits, there is not a species that she doesn't admire.
After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2021 with a major in Animal Science Pre-Vet and minor in psychology, she pursued a career in veterinary medicine as a veterinary assistant and has plans to further her education and become a licensed veterinary technician. In her free time, she enjoys reading, video games, outdoor activities and spending time with her cat, BW, and her Goldendoodle, Kylah.
Page Smith // Receptionist
Page Smith // Receptionist
Page is our receptionist who joined the AWC team in 2013. She is originally from Norfolk, Virginia and relocated to the Charlottesville area in 2006.
Page is a retired Licensed Practical Nurse living in Crozet with her husband, Bud, and their three rescued pups, Benny, Pixie and Stella. Other than spending time with family, friends, and her dogs, Page enjoys horseback riding, garden design, and reading.
Lisa McEwan // Receptionist
Lisa McEwan // Receptionist
Lisa chose to stay in Charlottesville after completing a degree in economics at UVA. She ran her own business, HotCakes, for many years but is now happy to be among the warm, caring staff at Animal Wellness Center and seeing some of her former customers herE with their animal family.
Savannah Kline // Receptionist
Savannah Kline // Receptionist
Savannah is a dedicated individual with a deep-rooted love for animals. Graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in animal science, she has honed her knowledge and expertise in the field. Her lifelong passion for assisting both animals and their caring owners has led her to adopt multiple cats and dogs over the years. With a heart full of compassion and a wealth of knowledge, Savannah is eager and ready to lend a helping hand with anything you may require in the realm of animal care and support.