Denise Sharp - Practice Manger

My career in the veterinary industry started when I was barely legally employable.  Our family veterinarian had repeatedly told me to let him know when I was old enough to work for him.  So, on the day I turned "legal" (back in my day you could get a work permit when you were 15 years 9 months old), I showed up at his office, work permit in hand, and told him to "put me to work."  What choice did he have, right?  And here we are 25 years later and I am still in the industry. 

Over my years in the profession, I have worked every job in the hospital.  My initial job in the kennel lasted only a few weeks, before a receptionist quit, and I was thrown into the front desk.  Working as a receptionist provided me the foundation for my next position as a veterinary technician.  This is by far my favorite job in the hospital and is the position that I was originally hired by Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital to fill.  As time passed, it became evident to the owners of the hospital that they could no longer handle the management aspects of the facility and provide patient care.  The rest as they say is history. 

I graduated from UMBC in 1992 with a Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences.  I am once again studying, hoping to become certified as a veterinary technician.  It isn't easy getting back into the habit of studying. 

Much of my life, both professional and personal revolves around animals.  I am currently the training officer for NVRT-2 (National Veterinary Response Team) which is a federal disaster relief team for animals.  As a member of this team, I was deployed to assist the veterinary community in Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. I am also a member of the MD. State Animal Response Team (MD SART) and the Anne Arundel County Animal Response team (which is currently awaiting new leadership).

On the personal side, I have been competing with my Keeshond, Casanova, in flyball for almost 2 years.  We belong to the Two-Lane Highway Flyball Team which trains in Laurel.  Grady, the Mississippi rescue Chihuahua is currently in training - but is likely on the 3 year plan.  In the little spare time I have, I enjoy needlepoint, puzzles, bowling, and watching football.

 

 

 

 

Tara Watkins - Reception Supervisor

I have always loved animals and my life has always been involved with animals, whether my dogs and cats growing up, to my horse, BlackJack my dad bought me at 14. I always dreamed of being a veterinarian from as far back as I can remember. In 1990, I began my career in the veterinary field.  I began my training as a receptionist then crossed-trained to become a technician. Once I was fully trained, I was promoted to Medical Supervisor.  I managed a 25+ staff state of the art facility in Rockville.   I have also helped a veterinarian friend open and manage a clinic in New Market, MD in 1996. I have also put in time at a pet hotel in Rockville. I started working at OSSVH in the fall of 2004 as a receptionist.  I was promoted to Reception Supervisor in Fall 2006.  I completed my degree in Animal Science from the University of Maryland in the Spring of 2006. 

I have continued to further my education by taking classes at Montgomery College. I  have taken an interest in Canine Massage and Rehabilitation to aid our patients.  I will be taking classes to become certified in Massage Therapy and Rehabilitation.  I will also begin to study to become a certified  veterinary technician. 

My husband and I live in Olney with our 2 beautiful children, Ciara and McKendree "Mac".  We share our home with our 2 dogs, Sweet Pea, a standard poodle, and Demi, a 3 lb. Yorkshire Terrier.   We enjoy family time playing golf, taking walks or just laying around watching television.  Both of my children share my love for animals .

 

Diane Leonard - Receptionist 

Diane is an avid animal lover, and has 3 Labrador retrievers Samson, Delilah and Moses.  She has 3 sons, 1 daughter, and 3 beautiful grandchildren.  For 30 years she ran a daycare center out of her home, but decided she needed a change.

Di began working at OSSVH in the summer of 2005, and found her niche.  Her bubbly personality and sense of humor was a great addition to our reception staff.  Her knowledge of animal breeds, and behavior modification make her a great asset.

Di spends her time off being a professional dog trainer in obedience and agility.  She and Moses are presently working on a CDX  and an agility title with CPE.  Delilah is also completing her Rally X title.  Di assists in obedience at Montgomery County Dog Training, City of Gaithersburg Dog Training, and Rally at CTA. 

 

Marie Marinari - Receptionist 

 I have had animals since I was a child.  I love animals so much, that after years in medical transcription, I began working at OSSVH in the kennel in 2005.  I now work at the front desk, but still play with the animals as possible.  I am currently studying to become a veterinary technician.

I rescued a dog and two cats from Hurricane Katrina, which were nice additions to our home.  We now have six dogs and four cats.  My husband will divorce me if we have another hurricane.  My hobbies include reading, cross stitch, and making fleece blankets.

 

Kristy Montgomery - Receptionist

Since childhood, I have owned 13 cats along with caring for many rescues and strays.  I currently have 3 cats Shelby Dolby and Motley.  I got my degree from York College in Therapeutic Recreation, but decided that I wanted to work with animals. I have worked in a veterinary setting for 12 years, 8 of those here at OSSVH as a part-time receptionist.

I  married Joey in 1994, and we had our son Andrew in 2000.  In our free time, we listen to music, go hiking and attend Andrew's baseball games.

 

Britani Robinson - Receptionist 

Hi, my name is Britani and I currently live in Columbia, MD.  I was born here, but raised in Florida.  I moved back to Maryland in August of 2008 to get started with school and make some decisions to further my life goals.  I am currently attending Howard Community College part-time wqorking toward an Elementary Teacher Degree. 

I came to OSSVH in August of 2009 and am very excited to have made the move and met some amazing clients.  I have the best co-workers.

I have a yellow Labrador Retriever named Hollie who was born Christmas day 2007.  I knew she would be mine from the day I helped deliver her at the emergency vet, where I worked back home.  She is full of energy and loves anything that has to do with the great outdoors.

In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with some of the co-workers that I have developed friendships with outside of work, going to the movies, taking Hollie to the dog park and watching her play and enjoy herself.  I also enjoy traveling and spending time with my family, all my nieces and nephews, and friends.  

 

Megan Hedrich - Receptionist  

 

 Bill Brown - Technician Supervisor 

I’ve been working in the veterinary field for 19 years, initially satisfying my love for animals by working as a kennel assistant in high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the years that followed, I trained as a veterinary assistant in New Mexico’s largest emergency and referral practice, and held various positions throughout my 15 years there, including 8 years as the Technician Supervisor and 3 years as Hospital Manager. In 2004 I moved my wife and daughter across the country to experience life on the east coast, settling into Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital as Technician Supervisor. I enjoy the daily variety of my job here and have a special interest in surgery, anesthesia, and critical care.

When I’m not at work I enjoy photography, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching, and have a keen interest in reptiles and amphibians. I come home to two German short-haired pointers, a boxer, three cats, and a leopard gecko. 

 

April Chappelle - Registered Veterinary Technician

I joined the OSSVH family in the fall of 2000.  Soon after I started school to become a certified veterinary technician.  I completed the program in Aug. 2008 when I received an associates degree in Veterinary Technology.  I left the OSSVH team in March 2008 to start a career in the world of referral medicine.  After a year of being a full time chemotherapy technician, I returned to OSSVH in June 2009.  I recently took the National Veterinary Technicians Exam in June 2009 and fortunately I passed! 

I am owned by my two-year old daughter, Mary, and one black Labrador retriever named Rae.  I am glad to be back amongst the OSSVH family!

 

Angela Gruenfelder - Registered Veterinary Technician

Angela graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology.  She has been working in the veterinary Field for five years.  She began her career as a dog runner, and trained to be a technician.  Angela came to work at OSSVH in 2007, and her knowledge and great work ethic have made her an essential member of our staff.

Although Angela grew up with pets, she currently has none, so she gets plenty of animal interaction while she is working.  In her spare time, she volunteers at the Baltimore Aquarium as an Aquarist Assistant.  I recently took the National Veterinary Technician Exam in June 2009 and I passed.

 

Noel Shaw - Veterinary Assistant

I came to work at OSSVH in the winter of 2002.  I was hired as a receptionist, but found that I love working with the animals much more.  With on the job training, and my past experiences as a horse trainer, groomer, certified pet-sitter, and landscaper, I found my niche behind the scenes as an assistant.  I tend to the needs of our clients, assist the doctors and devote myself to the pets with tenderness, caring and understanding.  To me, being a veterinary assistant means having compassion and being a voice for our patients.

Away from the long days at OSSVH, I enjoy reading, sunbathing, power walking, weight training, and landscaping.  I also continue my education with on-line classes, after all, knowledge is power!  I am raising a beautiful teenage daughter and we have 2 cats and a crazy Parrot named Captain Morgan. 

 

 Alaila Cabrera - Veterinary Assistant

I began working in the veterinary industry as a volunteer at a local animal shelter in D.C. at the age of 17.  Over the last 2 years my interest for animals has grown into love and a deep passion.  What's that?  Why yes.... You read right I am 19 years old!..... Let's move on shall we?  Longing to further my newly found career path I held positions from kennel assistant, receptionist, and finally veterinary assistant at 3 different practices throughout the area.  I also pursued a Pre-Vet degree at University of Maryland at College Park, where I studied for 3 years before deciding I'm much more of a "behind-the-scenes" kind of girl!

Currently, I'm working toward an AA degree from Northern Virginia Community College, in their Veterinary Technology Program.  Once completed, I plan to take the state board exam to obtain certification and licensing.  Wish me luck!

I currently reside alone...deep sigh...in Rockville with my two fur-butts, the new "odd-couple" Chulo a 5-year old Pit Bull mix and Bella a 2-year old Pomeranian.  The "Cabrera Kids" and I are very happy to be a part of the OSSVH family.

 

 

Season Lee - Veterinary Assistant  

 

Carli Ellenwood - Veterinary Assistant  

My name is Carli. I grew up in Howard county where I attended 4-H, happy hounds 4-H and pony club.  All my life my mom has always made sure that I had a pony to ride and dogs and cats to play with. 

I began my journey in the veterinary field when I was in night school.  My cooperative work experience teacher Mr. Sharp found me my first job as a kennel assistant.  From that point I knew that I found my career, so after I graduated I received my certificate as a veterinary assistant from a local community college.  Since then I am currently working toward my associates degree as a veterinary technician and hope to get registered one day. 

In my free time I like to spend time with my two American pit bull terriers Fiona and Titan taking them hiking, swimming, to dog parks and walks around the neighborhood. I also enjoy mountain biking, roller blading, riding my horse and my motorcycle.

 

 Stacie Purnell - Veterinary Assistant / Kennel Supervisor









 

 

 Liz Alexander - Kennel Assistant

Hi, I'm Liz.  I have loved dogs my entire life.  I grew up in Ashton, and my family has been coming to Dr. Roskin for over 20 years.  I went to Howard Community College and was unsure of a major, so I decided to work with animals. I have been working in the kennel at OSSVH for 7 years, and I love my job. 

I have 2 Golden Retrievers, Wiley who is 5 years old, and Duncan who is 4 years old.  When I am not playing with my "boys", I enjoy working out and kickboxing.  We have a house on Deep Creek Lake, and spend our holidays and free time there with family and friends.

 

Alexandra Dame - Kennel Assistant  

My name is Alex, and I am one of the kennel assistants here ot OSSVH.  I have lived in Olney all my life, and graduated from Sherwood High School in 2008.  I am currently pursuing my degree in Education and Psychology.

I love animals.  I have a dog named Linus that is quite the mixture, Chihuahua, Papillon, and Fox Terrier - but I lovingly call him a "Party Terrier!"

In my spare time, I really enjoy sleeping!

 

Christine Clem - Groomer 

I have always and only worked with animals my whole life. I've been grooming dogs for over 17 years, and still have a passion for it.  I love the challenge of working with different types, and temperaments on a daily basis. My goal is to keep each dog true to their breed standard, while making it practical for their owners. When I groom, I try to make it a pleasurable experience for the pets and owners, and educate my clients so it is easier for them to maintain in between groomings. 

I have been at the Olney Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital since March of 2003. When I'm not at work, I spend most of my time showing my Toy Manchester Terrier's in the conformation ring. My family and I love to camp, go jet skiing, ride our motorcycles, and generally spend as much time in the outdoors as possible.