Our Friendly Staff

Sarah, LVT

Sarah joined Animal Medical Center in July 2019 as a licensed veterinary technician, bringing with her more than 17 years of experience in the veterinary field. A Virginia native, she grew up in Woodbridge, moved to Centreville and now resides in West Virginia. Sarah’s journey in veterinary care began in high school at a small animal mixed practice, where she discovered her passion for feline care. She later worked at a feline-only practice in Fairfax while pursuing her Veterinary Technician degree at Northern Virginia Community College. After graduating and earning her Veterinary Technician License in 2010, Sarah shifted her focus to veterinary dental care, working alongside a dental specialist for a decade.

During her time in veterinary dentistry, Sarah deepened her understanding of the significance of proper dental care for pets. In June 2016, she achieved the prestigious Veterinary Technician Specialist (Dentistry) certification, becoming one of only 80 professionals worldwide to hold the credential at the time. Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys baking, backpacking, and spending quality time with her family.

Christa, LVT

Christa has been part of the AMC family since 2009, and is one of our gifted licensed veterinary technicians. She is a dedicated animal lover with more than 20 years of experience working with companion animals, wildlife, and zoo animals! One of her passions lies in regenerative medicine and working with senior pets. Keeping older pets healthy and healing from illness is both challenging and rewarding for her.

Christa has also taken on the role of lead trainer for our staff, ensuring you and your pet receive consistent, quality care from the moment you both walk through the door until it’s time to go home.

When she isn’t working, you may find Christa driving down the highway on one of her famous road trips or riding her bike on the local trails.

Bryan, CSR

Bryan has lived in Loudoun his whole life, and has had many different animals as pets. Bryan joined the AMC team in 2014 and loves ensuring every pet is well taken care of. Bryan is here on the weekends, he does a little bit of everything around the clinic! We have yet to find something that he isn’t keen to help with. Bryan has a passion for automobiles, and his favorite activity in his free time is taking apart and putting an engine back together!

Matt, Veterinary Assistant

Matt, a Training Supervisor and Veterinary Assistant, brings over a decade of experience to his role in the veterinary field. Having lived in Northern Virginia his entire life, Matt’s love for animals was cultivated at a young age, especially through his childhood experiences with Jack Russell Terriers. These early interactions sparked his passion for animal care, leading him to pursue a career that allows him to help both pets and their owners. Since joining the AMC team in May 2021, Matt has continued to grow professionally and is committed to learning something new every day.

In his current role, Matt is primarily responsible for training the appointment staff, ensuring that his colleagues learn and implement industry best practices and techniques. This helps to strengthen the clinic as a team and ensures that clients and their pets receive the best possible care. His contributions go beyond in-person training sessions, as Matt also writes standard operating procedures (SOPs) and creates training videos for the clinic’s internal YouTube site. Whether it’s developing new training materials or helping behind the scenes, Matt is always ready to lend a hand wherever needed.

Although Matt thrives in the training and operational aspects of his role, his true passion lies in working directly with clients and their pets. He finds great fulfillment in building relationships with pet owners and watching the unique bond between them and their pets grow over time. One of the highlights of Matt’s day is when a client specifically requests him for their pet’s visit, as it reassures him that he is making a positive impact and delivering the level of care that people trust.

In addition to his work at the clinic, Matt possesses two “super” skills. He’s exceptionally skilled at reading a pet’s facial expressions and body language, which allows him to understand their emotional state. He’s also adept at handling dogs that may be anxious or stressed. To further enhance these abilities, Matt completed “FearFree” veterinary training earlier this year, equipping him with additional techniques to reduce stress in animals.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, playing with his children, and catching up with his childhood friends. His passion for both people and pets is evident in everything he does, making him an invaluable member of the AMC team.

Yvette, CSR

Yvette works at our front desk, and she’s a gem! She moved to the US from Europe in the early nineties, and as a lover of dogs, she spent over a decade working as a partner/owner in one of Loudoun County’s first pet-sitting agencies, Best Kept Pets. It earned “Loudoun’s Best” (twice!) in the Washingtonian. After closing her agency, Yvette continued to work with dogs for 11-1/2 years. During those years, Dr. Mitchell was the vet for all 5 of her dogs, which lead to the obvious choice of joining our team.

Jean, Bookkeeper

Originally from New Jersey, I now live with my husband and children in Purcellville, VA.  Over the years, our family has had Guinee Pigs, Fish, Jelly fish, and currently we have 2 rescue cats & 1 rescue dog.  I was a client of AMC for many years before joining the team.  As office manager since 2022, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wonderful team and being surrounded by animals all the time.

I have had a variety of interesting jobs during my career ranging from climbing telephone poles to being a Medical Assistant prior to coming to AMC.

“Jean approaches her position here at Animal Medical Center with a positive attitude, open mind and a wonderful sense of humor.”

When it comes to time off, I love to go to concerts, travel and getting together and laughing with family and friends.

Myla, Veterinary Assistant and Laser Safety Officer

Hello to all of our clients and your furry companions! I’m Myla Smith, a veterinary assistant and the Laser Safety Officer. I joined AMCC in May 2024 and am originally from Herndon, VA.

I assist doctors and LVTs with appointments, filling medications, restraining animals, trimming nails, giving vaccines, and performing laser therapy. This is my first job in this field, but my previous job taught me the importance of teamwork for a smooth operation. I love seeing the variety of breeds and their personalities. Watching patients heal after major procedures and seeing the gratitude from families is my favorite part of the job.

Since becoming a veterinary assistant at AMC, I’ve become certified in photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy and serve as the Laser Safety Officer. This is my proudest achievement so far. PBM is a non-invasive therapy that uses light to stimulate and heal tissues. Hearing positive feedback from clients after treatments is really motivating.

I view everything as a learning opportunity. I ask questions and observe my peers when I’m not confident in a task. My main goal is to learn new skills and ensure both clients and pets are comfortable during every visit.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing table tennis, watching true crime documentaries, and seeing the latest Marvel movie. A fun fact about me is that I love volleyball.

Ellie, Veterinary Assistant (and yoga instructor)

Ellie, a veterinary assistant at AMC since May 2024, hails from Ashburn, Virginia. In her role, she assists veterinarians during appointments and surgeries, administers vaccinations, and focuses on building strong relationships with both patients and their owners. Before joining AMC, Ellie gained valuable experience working at a dog boarding and daycare facility, as well as volunteering at equine barns during her time in college. She loves how her work allows her to meet new clients and see the positive impact veterinary care can have on the animals’ well-being.

Ellie graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2024 with a degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences, specializing in companion animals. She embraces every challenge with an open mind, believing that problem-solving often requires considering multiple solutions. Her constant motivation comes from a desire to improve her skills and provide the best care for both clients and their pets.

Outside of work, Ellie enjoys reading, experimenting with new recipes, and staying active through yoga. As a registered yoga teacher, she finds balance in both her professional and personal life through movement. Her advice to newcomers in the field is to be patient and open-minded. Confidence, she says, comes with time and experience—skills like identifying tools or asking the right questions eventually become second nature.

Amanda, Veterinary Assistant

Amanda Marden, a Veterinary Assistant at AMCC since December 2023, hails from Massachusetts. With a lifelong passion for animals, Amanda has always worked with them, even from a young age. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire in 2012 and became a Certified Veterinary Assistant through Animal Behavior College in 2015, further deepening her expertise in animal care.

At AMCC, Amanda’s primary role is assisting with veterinary tasks, but she’s always willing to help out wherever needed. Her favorite part of the job is learning about the medical side of animal care—understanding why certain treatments are done and how they help animals recover. This hands-on learning experience fuels her passion for the field.

Outside of work, Amanda is a devoted mother of three kids, with a cat and dog that have traveled the world alongside her family. Having lived in the UK for over two years, Amanda and her family have had many unique experiences, making their journey through life even more exciting.

McKenzie, CSR

McKenzie has been with AMC since late August 2024, working as a customer service representative. Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, she enjoys the opportunity to interact with the patients and listen to the stories their owners share. For McKenzie, these connections are the most rewarding part of her job. She approaches challenges by asking questions to avoid mistakes and believes there’s no shame in seeking help when needed.

Outside of work, McKenzie loves attending concerts and spending time with her pets, family, and friends. A fun fact about her is that she used to play the guitar. Her advice to someone new in the field is to always greet every person with a smile, as it can make a big difference in creating a welcoming environment.

Ama, CSR

Ama, a Customer Service Representative at AMC since April 2024, is originally from Flushing, New York. With over 15 years of customer service experience across a variety of industries—including tech companies, restaurants, Korean cafes, music camps, and pet care services—Ama brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for delivering exceptional service. Her role at AMC involves scheduling appointments, and her favorite part of the job is the supportive training she receives, as well as the opportunity to work alongside talented doctors and veterinary technicians.

Ama holds a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Music Production and Design from Berklee College of Music, specializing in singing and songwriting. Her creative background contributes to her ability to think outside the box and approach challenges with patience. When facing difficulties in her role, Ama believes in asking questions and consulting with the medical staff, ensuring she provides accurate and helpful information to clients.

Outside of work, Ama enjoys spending time at the gym, writing music, and caring for her beloved Bichon Frise-Toy Poodle mix, Deshka. Few people know that she also enjoys hiking and nature walks, activities that bring her peace and relaxation. Ama is proud of her dedication to fitness, having worked with a personal trainer for over six months to improve her health.

Her advice to anyone starting in customer service is to take detailed notes during training, ask questions, and always approach interactions with respect. She also recommends taking a deep breath before answering the phone to ensure a calm and professional demeanor.

Roarke, Kennel Attendant

Roarke is an invaluable member of the AMC team, always ready to lend a hand with any task that comes his way. From cleaning kennels to fixing things and assisting wherever he’s needed, Roarke’s willingness to help makes him a key part of the team’s success. He takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized environment, knowing that a well-kept clinic contributes to both the animals’ well-being and the overall atmosphere.

His passion for helping animals is clear in everything he does. When tackling any task, Roarke believes in taking his time and thinking critically about the most efficient and effective way to complete the job. This thoughtful approach ensures that he consistently delivers high-quality work, whether it’s cleaning, organizing, or problem-solving.

Roarke is particularly motivated by the joy and relief he sees on clients’ faces when they know their pets have received excellent care. For him, this emotional connection with clients is the most rewarding aspect of his job. Their gratitude inspires him to continue doing his best every day.

Beyond his work at the clinic, Roarke enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, whether they’re watching movies, playing video games, or doing art together. He also loves attending festivals, where he can experience new things and create lasting memories.

Roarke also takes pride in helping streamline operations at the clinic. One example is his contribution to organizing the kennel whiteboard, which keeps track of boarding animals, ensuring that every pet receives the attention and care they need. His advice to newcomers in the veterinary field is simple but valuable: don’t be afraid to ask questions. He believes that learning is an ongoing process, and asking questions is key to growing in this constantly evolving field.

Ryan, Kennel Attendant

Ryan, a member of the kennel staff at AMCC for the past 10 months, hails from Indiana. His role involves tending to boarding, grooming, and treatment animals, as well as maintaining cleanliness and order within the hospital. Although Ryan has limited formal veterinary experience, he has gained valuable insights from caring for his own pets, many of which had health complications. This experience has helped him handle various animals confidently throughout his workday.

In addition to animal care, Ryan is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the building and equipment. He approaches challenges with humility and is never afraid to admit when he doesn’t know how to do something, seeing it as an opportunity for growth. Motivated by the hands-on experience his job provides, Ryan embraces learning every day. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games and is a dedicated fan of tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer 40K. His guiding principle is to be open to criticism and avoid taking on tasks without confidence.

Nicholas, Kennel Attendant

Nicholas Heishman is a dedicated member of the kennel staff at AMC, having joined the team in April 2024. Originally from Veliky Novgorod, Russia, Nicholas brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in veterinary clinics and with the Feline Foundation Adoption organization, where he worked as an assistant and animal handler. His primary role at AMC is managing the kennels, and his favorite part of the job is the constant, fulfilling work he gets to do while spending time with the animals.

Nicholas has a strong background in handling animals and administering medication. He began his studies to become a veterinary technician at NOVA and plans to resume his education soon. He approaches his work with a growth mindset, always seeking to either succeed at a task or learn how to improve. His desire for self-improvement and ensuring the clinic runs efficiently drives his daily motivation.

Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys hiking and studying ancient history. A fun fact about him is that he knows basic Latin, which ties into his passion for historical studies. His proudest achievement in animal care was successfully socializing a clutter of feral kittens, allowing them to be adopted into loving homes.

Nicholas believes that hands-on experience is key to success in the veterinary field. His advice to newcomers is to spend as much time as possible physically engaged with animals, as it’s the best way to learn and grow in this profession.

Danny, Groomer

Danny has been working in pet salons for over 12 years, and has worked with everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes!

His goal is to give you—and your fur baby—a top-notch experience that is brag-worthy. After all, there’s no greater tip than seeing you happy.

Sally, VP Marketing 

I’m originally from Connecticut, but I moved to Virginia after completing my degree in History and Education at the University of New Hampshire. I became a Social Studies teacher at Notre Dame Academy in Middleburg, where I wasn’t just a teacher but also “Mom” to 32 young women living in the dormitory. Though I eventually left teaching to explore other interests, I’ve stayed in touch with many of my students, which has been incredibly rewarding.

After leaving education, I had the chance to pursue a variety of careers, ranging from working for an international trade association to roles in telecommunications at MCI and Cable and Wireless, and later with Blackboard, an e-education infrastructure company. It was during my time at Blackboard that I fell in love with Boxers! Growing up, I had dogs, but I never imagined having one as an adult while commuting from Sterling into DC.

That all changed when I connected with Boxer Rescue in Reston and adopted my first Boxer, Max. Max needed a dog door, a dog walker (shoutout to Yvette!), and of course, the best vet I could find. That’s how I first started coming to Animal Medical Center of Cascades more than 20 years ago, and I’ve been taking all my dogs to Dr. Mitchell ever since. Over the years, my pups—Max, Tippy, Gigi, Joey, Sadie, Mia, and Buddy—have all made the trip from West Virginia, where I now live, down to Sterling for their veterinary care.

So, when Dr. Mitchell called me and asked if I’d like to join the team, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I’ve been with the clinic since June of 2024, and I absolutely love working around animals and being part of such a talented and amazing team.