Board of Directors

Courtney Conroy '13, DVM '17
President

Dr. Conroy was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. Her love for veterinary medicine was initially born out of her passion for riding, and showing in the hunters. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 2013, with a Bachelor’s in Animal and Poultry Sciences, and a minor in Spanish. Dr. Conroy was excited to be able to stay in Blacksburg an additional four years, and completed her DVM at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017.

Shortly after graduation, Dr. Conroy married her husband, a fellow Hokie, on campus. They currently reside on a small farm in Warrenton, VA, with two dogs, Lily and Skipper, a cat, Whisper, along with two horses, Dreamer and Ben, and a mule, Molly. In her free time, Dr. Conroy enjoys riding, gardening, visiting local wineries, and watching Hokie football in the fall.

Dr. Conroy is proud to be an associate at Dulles Veterinary Center, which houses both Aldie Veterinary Hospital, a general practice, as well as Dulles South Animal Emergency and Referral Hospital. Her interests include education, nutrition, and minimally invasive procedures. She also serves as a mentor for the VVMA, facilitator for the Power of 10 Program, and coordinator for Dulles South Veterinary Center’s externship program.

Jeff Alexander '94, DVM '98, Ph.D. '15
Past-President

Dr. Alexander grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia. After high school, he attended Virginia Tech, where he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and Nutrition in 1994. He then went on to receive his DVM from VMCVM in 1998.

After seven years in private practice in the Richmond area, he furthered his training at Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) medical school, receiving a Master of Public Health in 2008. Returning to VMCVM, Dr. Alexander completed a Ph.D. in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, specializing in veterinary medical informatics with advisor Dr. Jeff Wilcke, in 2015. While in the Ph.D. program, he received several awards for his work related to veterinary information systems and public health research.

Dr. Alexander works at Veterinary Information Network as the Search Champion / Information Architect / Archivist. He helps maintain and improve the Search Engine function, in addition to being a liaison between the developers (programmers/coders) and the veterinarians at VIN.

In his spare time, Dr. Alexander enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, as well as playing goalie for his rec-level ice hockey team. He is an avid Virginia Tech football and basketball fan. Go, Hokies!

Learn more about Dr. Alexander here.

Robert Bell '86, M.S. '89, DVM '07

Dr. Bell is a three-time Hokie earning a B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife ('86), and an M.S. in Natural Resource Management and Economics ('89).  After a thirteen-year career as forester working in the swamps of Florida, the pine forests of South Carolina, and eventually the hills and mountains of southwest Virginia; he had his mid-life crisis and earned the ultimate prize, a DVM in '07.

He practiced four years as an associate with his friend and mentor, C. Kevin Fisher ('95), at Veterinary Services in Bassett, a mixed animal clinic.  From there he opened Log Cabin Vet Inc., a relief veterinary service, which he currently runs. 

His third career is operating Misfit Manor LLC with his wife Robin (B.S. Animal Science '03, LVT). This is their farm in Snow Creek, VA, where they are beginning a Clydesdale, mule, and donkey breeding adventure.  Here caring for the seven Clydes, two donkeys, four light horses, four cats, and two dogs occupy the majority of their free time.

Kelly Catanzaro, DVM '19, Ph.D. '19

Dr. Catanzaro grew up in Elkton, Maryland and went to earn a Bachelor's degree in biology. She then attended VMCVM where she earned her DVM and a PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. Her PhD focused on infectious diseases and bacteriology. After completing both degrees, Dr. Catanzaro finished an internship in small animal medicine in surgery at MedVet in Akron, Ohio. 

After a few years in general practice, Dr. Catanzaro is pursuing emergency medicine at BluePearl in Cary, North Carolina where she will also help with infectious disease biosecurity.Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time with her husband and too many cats and dogs. 

Jaclyn Clement, DVM '11

Dr. Jaclyn Clement is a managing veterinarian and partner at Peaks View Animal Hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she has practiced small animal medicine since 2014. A former president of her VMCVM Class of 2011, she was deeply involved in student leadership and professional organizations during veterinary school. Dr. Clement has served as president of the Piedmont Veterinary Medical Association, currently serves on the VVMA Board of Directors, and was recognized as one of Lynchburg’s “Best 20 Under 40.” Passionate about leadership, mentorship, and advancing the profession, she looks forward to supporting students and alumni through her service on the VMCVM Alumni Board.

Rachael Dunn, DVM '14

Dr. Dunn is a proud 2014 graduate of the VMCVM. Since graduation, she has built a diverse career practicing in various areas of veterinary medicine across Virginia, including general practice, shelter medicine, feline-focused care, emergency medicine, and urgent care. She currently owns and operates a small animal practice in Northern Virginia and serves as the medical director for a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community cats.

Her wide-ranging experiences have deepened her understanding of the veterinary profession and fueled her passion for giving back. As a business owner, mentor to new graduates, and advocate for diversity and wellness in the field, Dr. Dunn brings a practical and forward-thinking perspective. She has witnessed firsthand the profession’s evolving challenges—from economic pressures and changing client expectations to the importance of mental health and work-life balance.

A bilingual veterinarian and mother, Dr. Dunn understands the personal and cultural dynamics that shape the daily experiences of veterinary professionals. She is committed to strengthening the VMCVM alumni community and supporting the next generation of veterinarians. Through service on the Alumni Society Board of Directors, she hopes to contribute to the college’s continued growth and inspire meaningful engagement among her fellow alumni.

Sharon Franklin, DVM '85

Dr. Franklin earned a B.A. in psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology from the University of Virginia in 1980. A member of the VMCVM's second graduating class, she received her DVM and the Arlington Animal Hospital Award for Small Animal Medicine in 1985.

Dr. Franklin and her husband, Dr. John Franklin, purchased The Animal Hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia, in July 1985. She spent the first year of her small animal medicine career working for Dr. James Shuler at the Companion Animal Clinic in Blacksburg. In 1986, she moved to Lynchburg and practiced small animal medicine and surgery in partnership with her husband for the next thirteen years. She enjoyed internal medicine and surgery, and had a special interest in neurology and oncology and in the parallel health issues of her patients and the families in which they lived.

After the Franklins sold their practice in 1999, Sharon became a Certified Flight Instructor, flying for Virginia Aviation and later for Potomac Air. Currently, she and John enjoy long-distance recreational running and hiking, and delight in visiting zoos and national parks.

Sharon and John keep their veterinary licenses current and continue to enjoy the CE opportunities that the VMCVM provides. They appreciate the One Health Initiative and the college’s leading-edge partnership with veterinarians, physicians, researchers, and allied health care practitioners working together to raise the quality of life for all.

Sierra Guynn, DVM '06

Dr. Sierra Guynn is a research faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM). A proud alumna, she earned her DVM in 2006 and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Health in 2021. She also holds a PhD from Creighton University and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Since returning to VMCVM in 2012, Dr. Guynn has served as a clinical assistant professor, researcher, and mentor, contributing to student education through clinical teaching, curriculum development, and programs such as the Ewe and Lambing Watch. Her career spans large animal ambulatory practice, mixed animal medicine, teaching, and research. Deeply committed to student success, she is dedicated to preparing resilient, innovative, and well-equipped veterinarians and public health professionals.

Hunter Hamblen '09, DVM '14

Dr. Hamblen graduated from VMCVM in 2014 and went directly into private practice in Northern Virginia. She is currently Chief of staff at the practice she joined after graduation, which employs 5 full-time small animal veterinarians. Her professional interests are allergic disease, as well as dentistry. Hunter lives in Northern Virginia with her husband (also a Hokie) and their 2 daughters who will hopefully be Hokies as well. 

Dr. Hamblen is also a Hokie undergraduate alumna, and she and her family have been supporting the vet school via scholarships since the 90s.

She hopes to continue to foster and support the amazing community that vet school creates. She stated that “every day she misses the camaraderie of vet school and wants to prolong that for our alumni as long as possible.” Hokies are the best people in the world and she would love to spread that as much as she can!

Michael Karchner DVM '23

Dr. Karchner is a 2023 graduate of the VMCVM and a passionate emergency veterinarian currently practicing at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Cary, North Carolina. Originally from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, he earned his B.S. in Biology along with minors in Business and Music Performance from Gettysburg College.

During his time at VMCVM, Dr. Karchner cultivated a wide array of clinical interests—from mixed animal general practice and practice ownership to internal medicine. He was actively engaged in the college community as a Student Ambassador and a leader within the Peer Mentor Groups program, helping guide first-year students through their early veterinary training.

After completing a rotating internship at BluePearl, he discovered a special interest in emergency and ICU care and remained on staff as a full-time associate. Dr. Karchner thrives in high-intensity clinical environments and is committed to mentorship, particularly in guiding new interns during their emergency rotations. He plans to pursue specialization in Emergency and Critical Care and hopes to return to academia to help educate future generations of veterinarians.

His professional journey has been shaped by his experiences as a neurodivergent individual living with ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. Dr. Karchner is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary medicine, especially as it relates to neurodivergence and disability. He has led important discussions on these topics within the VMCVM community, focusing on lived experience, advocacy, and allyship.

As a member of the VMCVM Alumni Society Board of Directors, Dr. Karchner seeks to represent the voice of recent graduates. He brings valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of internships, emergency medicine, and the residency process, and he looks forward to learning from and collaborating with alumni across generations to help shape the future of the profession.

Kate McBane, DVM '18

Dr. McBane is a general practitioner and the managing veterinarian at Pet Vet Roanoke in Roanoke County, Virginia. She was born and raised in Botetourt County, Virginia and attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate studies in Animal Science and after 3 years, was accepted into VMCVM.  

Dr. McBane graduated in 2018 and has been practicing around Roanoke ever since. She is very passionate about preventative care and building relationships with clients, adjunctive therapy like acupuncture/laser, and community involvement and serving underserved communities. She is also passionate about mentoring DVM and LVT students and is honored to serve on the Alumni Board.

Outside of work, she treasures her other jobs as a mom to three kids and wife to her high school sweetheart, Conner.

Patrick McGlone, DVM '10

Dr. McGlone is a 2010 graduate of the VMCVM and currently serves as the Vice President of Veterinary Quality for the Central and Mid-Atlantic regions at Banfield Pet Hospital, where he supports over 300 hospitals. A native of Maryland, he earned his B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2005 before pursuing his veterinary degree at VMCVM.

For the past 15 years, Dr. McGlone has practiced veterinary medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he and his wife—also a 2010 VMCVM graduate—took over Cabarrus Spay and Neuter Clinic, the only nonprofit spay-neuter clinic in Cabarrus County. He has personally performed over 10,000 spay and neuter surgeries in service to the public, humane societies, and more than 40 rescue and TNR groups. He also developed a RACE-approved continuing education course on spay-neuter efficiency, which he has delivered to over 1,000 veterinarians and students nationwide.

Dr. McGlone is a passionate educator and leader who brings a unique dual perspective to the profession, with deep experience in both nonprofit and corporate veterinary practice. His leadership journey at Banfield includes roles as Chief of Staff, Director of Veterinary Medicine for the NC Central and West markets, and eventually, Vice President. In 2021, he received both the National DVQ of the Year Award and the Mid-Atlantic Region Partnership Award for his exceptional contributions to clinical quality and mentorship.

Throughout his career, Dr. McGlone has remained committed to advancing access to veterinary care and supporting the professional development of his colleagues. He hopes to bring this dedication—and his insight into both grassroots and large-scale veterinary operations—to the VMCVM Alumni Society Board of Directors. He continues to support the college through alumni events, student initiatives, and, when time allows, by catching a Hokies game.

Outside of work, Dr. McGlone enjoys life with his wife and two children, showing the family’s Leonbergers (Sally and Faye), fishing, and indulging in his love for comics, trading cards, and all things sci-fi. He also shares his home with Mr. Putter, a rescue tabby cat, and a collection of unnamed fish.

Michael Neafsey, DVM '13, MPH '13

Michael Neafsey, MPH, DVM, DACVPM, hails from the eastern shore of Maryland. His journey into the field of veterinary medicine began with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences from Coastal Carolina University. Driven by a passion for public health and a desire to make a tangible difference in his community, he pursued a dual degree in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM), graduating as part of the public corporate track in 2013. Dr. Neafsey also is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (DACVPM), a testament to his commitments to continual learning and advancing the health and well-being of both animals and people. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a rewarding career focused on advancing the principles of One Health.

Dr. Neafsey's professional trajectory has been closely intertwined with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he has held a series of pivotal roles ranging from conducting food safety and animal welfare inspections to leading field investigations for foreign animal diseases. Currently serving as the One Health Coordinator for USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), he is at the forefront of promoting a holistic approach to health, bridging the disciplines of animal, plant, environmental, and public health.

Brian Neumann, DVM'14

Brian Neumann is the part owner of Caring Hands Animal Hospital of Alexandria, Virginia. He attended undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. He completed his veterinary degree at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine as well in 2014. He completed a one-year internship in emergency medicine, and has been a general practitioner at Caring Hands ever since.

Dr. Neumann is heavily involved in his state veterinary medical association, where he serves as the state president on the executive board, is a mentor to the veterinary college, and on the dean's advisory council. He also is on the board of Caring Hands Animal Support and Education (CHASE), a non-profit organization dedicated to community outreach in the form of spay/neuter and vaccination clinics abroad. 

In his free time, Dr. Neumann enjoys international travel, cooking, fishing, scuba diving, Hokies and Commanders football, and spending any remaining free time with his girlfriend, Taylor, and his friends and family. 

Tierra Price, DVM '20, MPH '20

Dr. Tierra Price is a recent graduate of Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served as Vice President of her class and President of the Women’s Veterinary Development Leadership Initiative. She is currently a Community Medicine veterinarian in Los Angeles, California, but has a wide variety of veterinary interests including emergency/critical care, surgery, public health and lab animal medicine.

As a veterinary student, in 2018, Dr. Price founded BlackDVM Network, a community that connects Black veterinary professionals for growth, achievement and advancing veterinary medicine. This safe space provides the opportunity for success for everyone in veterinary medicine. Dr. Price’s commitment to highlighting Black veterinary professionals is directly related to her desire for a mentor she could identify with.

In her free time, she loves dancing, yoga, reading and soaking up the sun. Most importantly, Dr. Price believes we should be able to show up as our entire selves in our career. She hopes to inspire others with her drive, authenticity and confidence to boldly take on challenges in veterinary medicine. 

Jacob Rojas '23

Jacob Rojas is a 2023 graduate of the VMCVM, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Virginia, with a focus on clinical care and interdisciplinary health solutions. Rooted in a deep commitment to service, Jacob views his evolving career as a bridge between human and animal health through the lens of the One Health framework.

Although not a veterinarian by training, Jacob’s academic and professional work consistently aligns with the mission and values of the VMCVM. He was introduced to the One Health concept during his undergraduate studies and continues to apply it in research and clinical collaboration. Most recently, he worked alongside a nursing postdoctoral researcher to incorporate One Health principles into a study on HIV-TB co-infection and stigma in sub-Saharan Africa—highlighting the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in global health.

Jacob lives by the Virginia Tech motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) and sees service as a guiding principle in leadership and advocacy. As a member of the newer generation of alumni, he brings a fresh and relevant perspective, aiming to represent recent graduates and foster inclusive engagement across all alumni communities. His goal is to help bridge generational perspectives and support forward-thinking initiatives at VMCVM.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Jacob serves on the Board of Directors for Hillel at Virginia Tech, where he has gained experience in strategic planning, inclusive governance, and community-building. He is eager to bring this insight and energy to the VMCVM Alumni Society Board of Directors to help strengthen alumni ties, advance the college’s mission, and serve wherever he is needed.

Julie Sanders, DVM '09

Dr. Julie N. Sanders decided she would be a veterinarian when she raised her first guide dog for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation at the age of twelve.  Along her journey, Dr. Sanders has explored many interests which fostered a love of service and leadership. She earned a varsity letter on the men’s high school wrestling team, captained multiple sports teams, played college women’s soccer, was employed as a resident advisor in college, tried her hand at research (gaining publication in a peer reviewed journal), and was an entrepreneur with a small dog walking & pet sitting business.

After graduating from McDaniel College (founded as Western Maryland College), with a B.A. in chemistry and biology, Julie took a break from academia and worked in corporate research and development.  During this time, she nurtured her love of animals by volunteering with several nonprofit organizations including Alley Cat Allies, the Montgomery County (MD) SPCA, and Greyhound Welfare.  Her dedication and commitment soon propelled her into successive leadership roles culminating with Vice President of Greyhound Welfare. These experiences compelled Julie to continue on her path to becoming a veterinarian.

Dr. Sanders earned her DVM from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009.  During her time at the VMCVM she served as an Student Ambassador for Purina, a class fundraiser, and officer of both the VBMA and Alpha Psi. Upon graduation, Dr. Sanders entered directly into emergency practice and did intermittent spay/neuter work with the South Central (VA) Spay-Neuter Clinic. During her tenure with the spay-neuter clinic, Dr. Sanders helped organize a grant-funded trap-neuter-release feral cat program and temporarily served as vet-in-charge. Never one to have just one interest, Dr. Sanders also served as the consulting veterinarian for Radford University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for two years before moving to New Jersey to further her emergency career as a Senior Emergency Veterinarian at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. 

Looking to grow her leadership experience, Dr. Sanders transitioned to general practice with Banfield in 2014 as a Chief of Staff.  After revitalizing multiple Philadelphia-area hospitals in that role, Dr. Sanders was promoted to Director of Veterinary Quality for Banfield’s NJ South market in 2017. In this role she supervised up to 19 hospitals while serving as a mentor and coach to over 40 doctors. In 2021, Dr. Sanders accepted a role as Director of Operations for Heart + Paw where she currently oversees 14 hospital teams. Dr. Sanders keeps her medical & surgical skills honed by covering an emergency shift at the local specialty center.

Dr. Sanders continues to provide volunteer surgical services at her local shelter, Homeward Bound. In addition, for the past 10 years, she has volunteered with the AVMA both through the AVMA’s ECFVG Workshops (which maintains the testing standards for licensing foreign veterinary graduates) and as an elected member of the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service. She is also delighted to be a participant in the VMCVM/VVMA mentorship program.

In her free time, Dr. Sanders enjoys driving motorcycles with her husband, Jason. A life-long dog-lover, Dr. Sanders has acquired an appreciation for cats from her step-son Joseph’s gregarious tuxedo cat, Lo-Mein. She is currently in search of her next canine soul mate to keep her company on her daily walks. The Sanders-Chessman family accents their life by dabbling in fitness, culinary experiences, travel, music, Legos, books, puzzles, all things super-hero/sci-fi, and a never-ending thirst for new adventures among extended family and friends.

Kim Schneider '85, DVM '90

Dr. Schneider is a small animal practitioner at Animal Hospital of Ft. Lauderdale in Florida where she has spent the past 22 years enjoying all aspects of practice with a special interest in Dermatology. She is passionate about educating her clients on preventative medicine and guiding them through all phases of their pets lives. Her career as a veterinarian has been extremely rewarding and she enjoys educating, mentoring and sharing her experiences with new graduates, veterinary students and anyone interested in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Schneider's interest in veterinary medicine started at a young age when she would take frogs to school for show and tell. She grew up in northern Virginia riding horses, volunteering as an assistant zoo keeper at the Washington National Zoo and working for a small animal hospital. Dr. Schneider attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate studies, was vice-president of the Virginia Tech Equestrian Club and was on the Intercollegiate Equestrian Team. Dr. Schneider graduated in 1985 with a B.S. in Biology and minors in Animal Science and Microbiology. After graduation Dr. Schneider worked for the Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition and co-authored three papers on aflatoxins. While attending VMCVM she was vice-president of her class .

After receiving her DVM degree Dr. Schneider worked in several mixed animal practices in Virginia and Kansas before settling in Florida. In 1995 Dr. Schneider started her company, Veterinary Clinics of Florida, Inc and provided veterinary relief services between Orlando and south Florida before joining Animal Hospital of Ft. Lauderdale. Over the years Dr. Schneider has spent time on school Annual Fund committees, a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraiser, speaking with grade school children about veterinary medicine and participating in her colleague and co-worker's non-profit company, Pets Help the Heart Heal.

When not working Dr. Schneider spends time with family and friends. She is a pet parent to two dogs and a cat and a parent to three grown children one of whom she is proud to say is a recent Virginia Tech graduate. Dr. Schneider also enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, flying, biking, swimming, diving, and fishing.

Laura Schultz, DVM '02

Dr. Laura Schultz is the founder and owner of CoastView Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, California, the first Fear Free Certified hospital in the state. A proud Hokie and military spouse, her veterinary career has spanned private practice, shelter medicine, teaching, marine stranding programs, the Army Veterinary Corps, and practice ownership. She established Benjamin’s Fund through the AVMF to help clients with financial constraints access care and was honored as the inaugural FACE Foundation Animal Hero in Veterinary Care in 2023. Deeply connected to Virginia Tech through her family and her enduring Hokie spirit, Dr. Schultz is passionate about advancing compassionate veterinary care and supporting her alma mater’s community.

Allison Sparks 05', DVM '17

Dr. Allison Sparks is the owner of Valley Animal Clinic in her hometown of Cedar Bluff, Virginia. A proud first-generation college graduate, she began her veterinary journey as a hospital assistant before earning her DVM from VMCVM in 2017. After working in small animal practices in Southwest Virginia, she purchased her own clinic in 2020 with support from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority. Valley Animal Clinic has since grown steadily and was recognized for creating the most jobs in the region in 2021. Dr. Sparks is active in mentoring pre-veterinary students, serves on the VVMA Board of Directors for the Appalachian Region, and is passionate about supporting students, alumni, and the veterinary community.

Tosha Starke, DVM '04

Dr. Starke grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Brunswick County, Virginia. Pursuing her passions of caring for and healing animals she received her DVM degree from Virginia Tech in 2004. Since then she has been practicing in Northern Virginia. Dr. Starke’s experience is varied and well rounded. She has practiced as a Chief of Staff in two hospitals, provided medical care to shelter pets as well as worked as associate veterinarian. Her interests include dentistry and surgery and she loves the interaction and relationships that she builds with patients and clients.

Dr. Starke lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, her children Christopher and Gabby and three dogs: Dozer, Bruce and Kettle. Starting All Four PAWS Veterinary Relief was a wonderful way for her to balance her passion as a mom and as a veterinarian and spend more time with her family.

Bruce E. Welch '88, DVM '92

Dr. Welch grew up on a small diversified farm in Stephens City, VA (near Winchester) in a family of four with heavy involvement in FFA. After undergraduate studies (VT - Animal Science) and VMRCVM completion, he worked in a small animal hospital for three years while expanding small animal surgical skills and performed large animal field work on his own. He then practiced small animal emergency and critical care for a year.

After three more years in a small animal care, Dr. Welch partnered with Dr. Brian Cather to open Animal Medical Center of Frederick County, PC in Stephens City, Virginia. The practice is now in its 25th year and consists of eight small animal DVMs who perform wellness care, ultrasounds, soft tissue services, and orthopedic services.

He and his wife, Teresa (‘TC’), of nearly 26 years and have two daughters (college students) and a son (high school Sr), a small beef cow herd, chickens, dogs, and cats on their small farm in Boyce, Virginia. 

Dr. Welch has had the honor of serving with the VMCVM applicant interview team for several years.  His hospital and family have provided summer employment and served as a preceptor site / hosts for many students from VMCVM and a few other veterinary programs. Working with these students has always been rewarding. He is continuing to seek ways to foster the veterinary profession and animal care. Certainly, veterinary college has been the most rewarding educational and impactful experience that has nurtured and challenged the core of who he has become.  Bruce hopes to find ways to help this college and the students whose lives become part of this honored career as students and alumni.

Jessica Wootton, DVM '13

Dr. Wootton is originally from Blackstone, VA where she grew up working at the family beef farm and restaurant. She earned a BA in English with a minor in theatre from Hollins University, a BA in Biology from George Mason University, and her DVM from VMRCVM in 2013. 

Dr. Wootton is currently a feline-exclusive associate veterinarian at EMMAvet Veterinary Care in Alexandria where she works with another VMRCVM '13 grad. Her professional interests include geriatric medicine, dentistry, and working with patients with challenging demeanors...especially torties!

When she's not working, you can find her enjoying travel, food and wine, theatre, swimming, reading, and sports (especially Hokie football!). She lives in Arlington with a wonky-eyed grey tabby named Emme.