Our Care Team

BJ

Clinic Manager

Animals have always played a central role in clinic managers BJ’s life. Growing up on a farm in Franconia, Virginia, she has always had a strong connection with animals, and discovered the power of the deep connection and unconditional love pets bring early on. She soon became the one who helped the animals whenever they were hurt. Those early experiences turned into a lifelong passion. Veterinary medicine is not just a career to her: it’s a calling

BJ started her career in Bowie, Maryland, before moving to Virginia. She spent 13 years at a clinic in Annandale, including eight as a treatment manager. After this, she spent several years as an assistant manager in Fairfax. In 2024, she became the clinic manager at Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, where she brings both experience and heart to her role.

One moment that stands out for BJ happened with a fearful pitbull at a previous practice. The dog was agitated and several techs were struggling to restrain him. BJ took the dog aside, quietly bonded with him, and within minutes had him calmly standing on the scale without a muzzle. The incident was a very powerful reminder of how patience, body language, and trust can transform even the most challenging pets. Today, BJ continues to find fulfillment in helping anxious or fearful pets feel safe.

BJ especially enjoys supporting both animals and their owners, assisting in surgery, and learning new techniques that improve patient care. Her approach blends skill with compassion, always keeping the animal’s comfort and well-being at the forefront.

Outside of the clinic, BJ shares her life with her husband and three grown children. She also has a lively household of pets. That roster includes Lulu, a princess pup who loves snacks; cuddly Linux, who likes rolling on people; Chester, the cautious orange kitty; and Clyde, an easygoing dragon who is also a bit of a reptilian foodie. She also loves hiking and nature. Despite facing some health challenges, she continues to push forward with determination, and is grateful for each and every opportunity that allows her to keep helping animals.

Sherry

Veterinary Technician, Training Supervisor & Assistant Manager

Sherry’s journey to Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic began long before she became part of the team. While she was growing up in Orange County, VA, her family entrusted their pets to Dr. Walton, who later became the veterinarian for Sherry’s own animals. Sherry initially studied graphic design, and then worked as a CNA. Eventually, her lifelong love for animals and the joy they bring with their innocence and unconditional love guided her into veterinary medicine. Sherry found her calling just around the corner from home. Drawn to Dr. Walton’s holistic approach to care and the clinic’s willingness to train new assistants, she joined the team in the summer of 2012.

Sherry’s connection with animals runs deep. Her mother loves to recall a childhood trip to the zoo, where Sherry was the only child that a deer chose to approach. That quiet moment of trust has stayed with her, and has helped shape the compassion she now brings to every patient she sees.

Over the years, Sherry has become both a skilled technician and a trusted educator. She loves helping clients better understand how to care for their pets, and firmly believes that knowledge empowers families to give their companions the best lives possible. Thanks to her steady hand and calm demeanor, she’s also earned a reputation as the clinic’s “go-to” for phlebotomy. She is often sought out for tricky blood draws, especially for elderly patients.

At home, Sherry shares her life with her husband, their child, and a cat named Asha, who definitely has a strong personality and a healthy dose of cattitude. (As Sherry puts it, “Asha likes humans the way she likes her coffee. She doesn’t like coffee.”)

Whether at the clinic or in nature, Sherry is happiest when she’s learning, teaching, and caring. Her daily work is always guided by the same empathy for animals that’s been with her since childhood.

Jess

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Jess has loved animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up surrounded by pets, she quickly realized that caring for animals wasn’t just a passion—it was a calling. Her early experiences pet sitting, working at kennels, and helping with family pets shaped her deep commitment to animal health and wellbeing.

Jess joined Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic in September 2014. She eagerly accepted the role of veterinary assistant, and over the years, has grown into a skilled and compassionate licensed veterinary technician. Her dedication to patient care and comfort shines in every interaction, from routine wellness visits to surgery and physical therapy sessions.

One of Jess’s favorite aspects of her job is helping pets improve their mobility through physical therapy. She loves seeing animals move more comfortably and watching the joy on owners’ faces as their pets make progress. Patient comfort is a guiding principle for her, whether she is performing a procedure, grooming, or simply providing reassurance during an exam.

Outside of the clinic, Jess shares her life with her high school sweetheart, whom she married in 2020, and their lively mix of pets. This includes Abigail, a spoiled pig; Autumn, a needy calico cat; Trudy, an energetic blue heeler; three sweet rats—Gouda, Pimento, and Alfredo—and a few fish tanks. Each has its own unique personality, keeping Jess’s home full of laughter and activity.

In her free time, Jess enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, watching drag racing with her dad and brother, playing golf, cooking, gardening, photography, and caring for her menagerie of pets. Her love of animals, combined with her dedication to education, skill, and compassion, ensures that every patient at Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic receives the highest quality care.

Alyssa

Veterinary Assistant

Alyssa joined Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic in August 2023, but her journey into veterinary medicine began years before she ever walked through the clinic doors. Growing up in Orange County, Virginia, Alyssa discovered her calling early on as an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA). Traveling around the country to compete in veterinary medicine competitions only fueled her passion and prepared her for a career dedicated to caring for animals and the families who love them.

For Alyssa, veterinary medicine is about more than a love of animals: it’s about being their voice. Since pets cannot speak for themselves, she believes it’s our responsibility to advocate for them, provide comfort, and guide them to health. That philosophy shapes her work every day.

Alyssa assists in diagnostics and patient care. She especially enjoys the problem-solving side of veterinary medicine. Every case is like a puzzle, and finding the solution brings her both challenge and reward. Just as meaningful are the connections she forms with clients. She loves watching the bond between people and their pets and playing a role in supporting those relationships.

At home, Alyssa shares her life with two dogs: Rex, a spirited three-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; and Miss Koda Jo, her sweet but spunky twelve-year-old Pomeranian. The two couldn’t be more different, but together they keep her smiling and on her toes.

When she isn’t at the clinic, Alyssa is working toward her next professional goal: earning her license as a veterinary technician. Driven by a desire to learn and grow in the field, she wants to continue making a difference in the lives of both pets and people.

For Alyssa, veterinary medicine isn’t just a job. It’s a calling rooted in compassion, community, and a lifelong dedication to speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Jazmyn

Veterinary Assistant

Jazmyn grew up in Virginia in a large, close-knit family, where exploring nature and caring for animals was a daily adventure. From a young age, she knew she wanted a life centered around animals, and she began gaining experience pet-sitting and working at a kennel and doggy daycare. Her passion for improving animals’ lives naturally led her to veterinary medicine, and she recently joined Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic in May 2025, drawn by the clinic’s rehabilitation and physical therapy services.

One of Jazmyn’s most memorable experiences was caring for a rare amelanistic crow named Hope during an internship with a bird rehabilitation group. Hope’s white feathers made her striking but vulnerable, as she was often targeted by predators and attacked by other crows. Jazmyn helped with her daily care, ensuring she stayed safe, healthy, and well-fed, and assisted in preparing her for transfer to an educational facility to teach the public about wildlife, genetic diversity, and conservation. Hope’s story was even highlighted in The Washington Post. The entire experience left a lasting impression and strengthened Jazmyn’s commitment to improving the lives of animals of all species.

Another moment that stands out in Jazmyn ‘s journey, In high school, she also worked with dogs in hydrotherapy, including a senior Great Dane with degenerative myelopathy. Helping the dog exercise safely and regain mobility deepened her desire to enhance pets’ quality of life through care, rehabilitation, and compassion.

At Locust Grove, Jazmyn enjoys helping animals through physical therapy, surgical support, and routine care, while constantly learning from her colleagues to expand her veterinary skills.

Outside of work, she lives with her parents, two siblings, and their lively mix of pets: Ranger, an older dog who rules the household; Yona, a loving Australian Shepherd; and Willow, a playful Aussie puppy. Jazmyn also enjoys reading, running, gardening, and spending time outdoors with family and friends, always seeking ways to connect with animals and nature.

Savannah

Veterinary Assistant

Savannah’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a simple desire to help—but quickly grew into something much deeper. Her love for animals led her to begin volunteering at a rescue in 2021, where hands-on experience showed her the true impact of compassion, patience, and care. It was there that Savannah realized working with animals was not just something she enjoyed, but something she felt called to do.

One of the most meaningful chapters of her journey took place at a horse rescue, where two horses in particular left a lasting impression on her heart. Caring for them day after day strengthened her connection to animals and deepened her understanding of how much trust they place in the people around them. That experience transformed her lifelong love for animals into a clear sense of purpose and inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary care.

Savannah joined Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic in September 2025. The move felt like the perfect next step after her volunteer work, allowing her to continue learning while making a tangible difference in the lives of animals. From her first days in the clinic, Savannah knew she had found a place where her passion and dedication truly belonged.

As a Veterinary Assistant, Savannah enjoys every aspect of her role, especially working hands-on with patients and supporting the doctors and her teammates during treatments. She takes pride in helping animals feel safe and comfortable, whether that means gently holding a nervous patient or assisting with procedures designed to improve their health and well-being. One of her favorite responsibilities is helping with laser therapy, knowing it brings relief and healing to animals who need it.

Savannah’s compassion, teamwork, and genuine love for animals shine through in everything she does, making her a valued member of the Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic team.

Yvonne

Veterinary Assistant

For Yvonne, animals have always been at the heart of everything she does. As both a Registered Nurse and a long-time Veterinary Assistant at Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, she has spent her life caring for others — human and animal alike. When she moved to Virginia in 2012, she was eager to find a way to give back to the animal community, so she began volunteering with local rescues and the Humane Society. A year later, she met Dr. Walton at a fundraiser, and the rest is history. For the past 13 years, Yvonne has been a dedicated part of the Locust Grove team, working, learning, and growing alongside people who share her lifelong passion for animals.

Yvonne’s love for animals runs deep — a gift, one passed down from her grandfather, Sam, a devoted cat lover who she never got the chance to know but whose spirit lives on in her. She finds joy and purpose in every stage of an animal’s life, from cuddling playful puppies and kittens to tending to elderly pets who need extra love and medical attention. She’s especially honored to provide comfort and support to clients during life’s hardest moments, helping families say goodbye and allowing their beloved companions to gently leave this world surrounded by love and compassion.

Originally from New Jersey, Yvonne comes from a close-knit family and now shares her home with her own beloved trio: Shelby Lynn and Stuart Little, her inseparable 17-year-old Ragdoll cats, and Coco Reese, her 13-year-old Maltipoo and self-proclaimed household queen.

Outside the clinic, Yvonne continues her mission of helping animals through rescue work and her role on the board of the Orange County Humane Society. For her, every day is an opportunity to give back to the creatures who have given her life so much joy.

For Yvonne, animals aren’t just her passion — they’re her purpose.

Brittany

Receptionist

Brittany is a part of our front-of-house team. She’s a dedicated employee who has been here since 2017. She will keep you laughing and always has a smile on her face. She loves to help clients anyway she can and is a valued member of our team. Brittany is a mother of one and and a “fur-mama” to her two cats, Loopay and Tofu, and dog Jada. In her free time, she likes to spend time with friends and her son.

Carissa

Receptionist

I’ve been working in the veterinary field for over 8 years and recently made the move to Virginia. I love both aspects of my job – connecting with clients to ensure their pets get the best care, and assisting in the clinic to support our team in helping animals feel better.

I have eight dogs, most of whom are champion show dogs, and I spend a lot of my free time attending dog shows, competing in dog sports, and hiking with my dogs. They’re a huge part of my life, and I’m always excited to share my knowledge and love for animals with others.

Bobbie

Receptionist

Bobbie’s journey into the field of veterinary medicine began long before she ever stepped into a clinic. Born and raised in California, she carried with her a deep well of compassion—she often felt like she needed a place where that compassion could truly matter. She knew early on that caring for people in the traditional medical world didn’t feel like the right fit, but she also knew she was meant to help. When she shifted her focus to animal care, everything clicked into place.

Her first opportunity came at a small animal hospital in Oakland, where she accepted a position as a kennel assistant. Within just a few months, she found herself stepping into a full hands-on technician position, using skills she’d learned in human medicine and discovering new ones that came naturally. The work challenged her, inspired her, and sparked something meaningful—a sense of purpose she hadn’t felt before. Nearly 30 years later, that calling continues to guide her.

Today, Bobbie serves as a receptionist at Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, where she has become a welcoming and steady presence for pets and the families who love them. She takes pride in being the first face clients see, the calming voice on the other end of the phone, and the reassuring presence that helps people navigate moments that can feel overwhelming. She loves building genuine relationships with clients, forming bonds that feel more like friendships than formal appointments. Nothing brings her more joy than watching a once-sick or injured pet walk back out the door healthy and comforted.

Bobbie’s upbringing in California shaped her warm, down-to-earth approach and grounded the way she cares for others. Her compassion, resilience, and dedication make her an invaluable part of the Locust Grove team and a trusted figure for the many families she supports every day.

Holly

Receptionist

Holly’s love for animals began on her family’s 240-acre dairy farm in Vermont, where she grew up as one of four girls—including a twin just 28 months apart. With a mother who majored in animal husbandry and a father who she met at a veterinary clinic, Holly’s childhood was destined to be filled with hands-on lessons in animal care. She spent her days helping on the farm, learning to nurture and respect every creature, and discovering the joy—and responsibility—that comes with caring for animals.

After moving to Virginia from New Hampshire, Holly became a client of Dr. Walton’s at Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic. While working in Fredericksburg, she heard about the open front desk position and decided to apply. From her first day in 2002, Holly found her place, connecting with pets and their owners while making visits as calm and comfortable as possible for everyone.

One experience that stays with her is caring for a dog diagnosed with cancer who was given only six months to a year to live. Working with the oncologist and providing attentive care and love, Holly helped that special dog thrive for another two and a half years. Witnessing the strength and spirit of that patient left a lasting mark, reinforcing Holly’s commitment to supporting both pets and the families who love them.

Today, Holly shares her life with her energetic 28-pound terrier mix, Moxie, who at nearly 17 still refuses to act her age. Moxie keeps Holly laughing daily, whether it’s grabbing her favorite toy or running around the house in pure delight. Outside the clinic, Holly enjoys gardening—having once managed a farm stand and greenhouse—drawing, and spending time outdoors, particularly at the beach.

With decades of experience, a lifetime of learning, and an infectious warmth, Holly makes every visit to Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic a welcoming, compassionate, and memorable experience for pets and their people.

Crystal

Receptionist

For more than two decades, Crystal has been a friendly, familiar face at Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic — someone who wears many hats and helps wherever she’s needed. Though her current role is as a receptionist, she’s also spent years as a veterinary assistant, stepping in to lend a hand wherever animals or teammates could use her support. Since joining the practice in 2003, all while finishing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Mary Washington, Crystal has become part of the heart and history of Locust Grove.

Crystal’s love for animals runs deep — a passion shaped by a childhood spent on her grandmother’s farm, caring for horses, dogs, cats, and just about any creature that came her way. From bottle-feeding kittens to tending horses in the barn, she’s been helping animals since she could walk. That devotion has never wavered. She’s even helped Trap-Neuter-Release countless cats from local feral colonies, ensuring they could live safer, healthier lives. For Crystal, caring for animals isn’t just a career — it’s a calling, one she sees as a true gift.

Her compassion for animals became even more personal several years back when a beloved family cat was injured but survived thanks to the care of a skilled veterinarian. That experience reinforced her belief that every pet deserves the best chance at life — and that she wanted to be part of making that happen for others.

Today, Crystal continues to find joy in helping clients and their pets, whether she’s carrying a nervous dog inside, comforting an anxious cat, or simply offering reassurance to a worried owner.

At home in Madison, Virginia, Crystal and her husband, Jeff, share a bustling life with their three children, three dogs, seven indoor cats, and a few barn cats who’ve happily adopted them. Her favorite, Slippers the Siamese mix, insists on joining family walks — right alongside the dogs.

For Crystal, life at Locust Grove isn’t just work — it’s family, purpose, and the joy of knowing she’s helping animals live their best lives every single day.