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Our Staff

Brandt Vet Services is happy to welcome Dr. Angelica Melara to our team. Dr. Angelica will join our practice as our newest veterinarian on April 1st, 2024. Many of you may recognize her as she has worked at our practice since 2009, starting her veterinary journey as an assistant and going on to completing two veterinary externships with BVS. Dr. Angelica first attended Virginia Tech and graduated with a bachelors in Animal Science in 2015, she started attending veterinary school at St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, and graduated with a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in January 2024. We are thrilled to have been a part of Dr. Angelica's veterinary mentorship and journey and we are excited to have her back to continue her future here at Brandt Veterinary Services.

Steve Brandt, D.V.M.

Veterinarian / Practice Owner
Education: Old Dominion University
                         Virginia Tech

Dr. Steve Brandt, owner, worked with Dr. Bill's Pet Infirmary for over 20 years, starting as a veterinary assistant while in veterinary college. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Old Dominion University and his D.V.M. from Virginia Tech in 1998. Dr. Steve is married to his lovely wife, Kim, and has two wonderful children, Parker and Campbell. In his free time he enjoys hiking, camping and playing golf.

Lindsey Hacker, D.V.M.

Veterinarian
Education: Virginia-Maryland Regional College
                         Virginia Tech

Dr. Lindsey Hacker graduated from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech) in 2003. She also went to Virginia Tech for her undergraduate degree in biology and is a big Hokie fan. Dr. Lindsey was born and raised in Midlothian, where she currently lives with her husband Brian, her daughter Abigail, her two dogs a Bernese Mountain dog Ella and a Hound Mix Lucy, and her two cats Luna and Jules. She enjoys scrapbooking and tropical fish keeping in her spare time.

Kelly Buckley, D.V.M.

Veterinarian
Education: Ross University
                         Virginia Tech

Dr. Kelly Buckley received her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University, school of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and her undergraduate degree in biology from Virginia Tech in 1994. She grew up in Newport News, Virginia. Dr. Kelly lives with her husband, two daughters, her boxer, Hazel, and cat, Doodlebug. She enjoys reading, cooking, and relaxing on the beach.

Kate White, D.V.M.

Veterinarian
Education: James Madison University
                         Virginia Tech

Dr. Kate White graduated from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in 2018 after completing an undergraduate degree in Biology at James Madison University. She grew up in England but has lived in Chesterfield since 2004. Dr. Kate moved back to Chesterfield after graduation. She lives with her husband Andy and daughter Sophie, their two cats Navi and Fleur, and two Goldendoodles named Sulley & Appa. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family and running.

Natalie Martin, D.V.M.

Veterinarian
Education: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech
Dr. Natalie Martin graduated from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in 2022 after completing her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech in 2017. She grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia. She lives with her fiancé Joe and their cat Fletcher. She enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, and kayaking in her spare time.

Lori McInnis, D.V.M.

Veterinarian
Education: Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lori McInnis moved to Midlothian the summer of 2023 from Michigan where she has spent the last 25 years. She is a 1994 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Growing up, she was an army brat, moving all over the United Stated as well as spending 5 years in Germany. Over the last 30 years of practice, Dr. Lori has developed a special interest in advanced dentistry, taking many specialized courses to improve her knowledge and capabilities. She is the proud mom of two grown sons and lives with her dog Lilly, a 13 year old Shih Tzu. She spends her free time with family, visiting friends, reading, and trying to stay active.

Angelica Melara, D.V.M.

Veterinarian
Education: St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine
                         Virginia Tech
Angelica started working with our practice when it was still Dr. Bill's Pet Infirmary in July 2009. She started here as a Veterinary Assistant and went on to graduate from Virginia Tech with a bachelors in Animal Science in 2015. Dr. Angelica completed her clinical year at the University of Tennessee and received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from St. George's University in 2024. In her free time she enjoys travel, reading, and exploring Richmond with her dog Chandler.

Mary Anderson, L.V.T.

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Education: St. Petersburg College
Mary started out as an employee when the office was still Dr. Bill's Pet Infirmary in August 1994. She graduated from St. Petersburg College in 2002 as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Mary enjoys country living in Nottoway County with her husband John, a logger, and their twin boys and daughter. They have many pets including 12 cats, who enjoy patrolling the homesite and 27 hens that provide them with daily eggs for breakfast.

Casey Wormuth, L.V.T.

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Education: Blue Ridge Community College
Casey has been an employee of BVS since January 2019. She graduated from Blue Ridge Community College in 2014 as a licensed Veterinary Technician. She lives in Chesterfield County with her husband Spencer, their dog Ellie and cat named Kitty.

Samanta Venegoni, L.V.T.

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Sam began working at Brandt Vet Services in October of 2022. She lives with her dog Luna, her cat Peter, and her husband and two kids. In her free time Sam enjoys doing pilates and traveling. Sam graduated from Carrington College in California with a degree in Veterinary Technology.

Dreeme Leverette, L.V.T.

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Dreeme began working at Brandt Vet Services in the summer of 2021 as a Kennel Attendant and returned after graduating in 2024 to work as a Veterinary Technician. Dreeme lives with her cat, Granola, and her family dog, Oreo, as well as her Mom, Dad, and little brother. She enjoys live music, crocheting/knitting, and nature walks. Dreeme graduated from Mississippi State University in May of 2024 with a Bachelor's of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology.

Lauren Dias, L.V.T.

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Lauren began working at Brandt Vet Services in August 2024. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, and her youngest sister. She enjoys reading, drawing, crafting, hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and exploring. Lauren graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Biology and from Northern Virginia Community College with a degree in Veterinary Technology.

Ashleigh Breeding, L.V.T.

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Education: Blue Ridge Community College
Ashleigh graduated from Blue Ridge Community College in 2014 as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and has been an employee since 2011. She has a Newfoundland named Roland and two cats named Eliza and Evie.

Jennifer Rooney, C.V.A.

Certified Veterinary Assistant
Jennifer has been working with BVS since August 2023. She received her Veterinary Assistant Certification through Boston Reed College in 2011. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking her two Great Danes, and spending time with family.

Jennifer Stevens

Veterinary Assistant / Office Manager
Education: Ashworth University

Jennifer started working at our office when it was still Dr. Bill's Pet Infirmary in January 2008. She is married to her loving husband, Mike and has two grown children. She has four furry children as well. Her fur family consist of Chomper, the Shorkie, Maple, the Labradoodle, and kitties named Holly and Lilly. She enjoys spending time with her family camping, going to amusement parks and trips to the mountains.

Brittany Brinser

Veterinary Assistant / Assistant Manager
Brittany started volunteering back when the office was still Dr. Bill's Pet Infirmary in 1998 and has been an employee at the practice since August 2000. They live with their dogs, Wyle E. and Trudy, and their two cats, Monkey, and Guenevere. Brittany enjoys books and movies and loves spending time with their pets.

Christie Mellard

Veterinary Assistant / Assistant Manager
Christie started working with us when the practice was still Dr. Bill's Pet Infirmary in June of 2006. She attended the Veterinary Science class at Chesterfield Tech Center in 2005-2006. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and baby girl.

Sheila Buchanan

Receptionist
Sheila started working at our practice back when it was still Dr. Bill's Pet Infirmary in 1998. Her favorite past time is to go camping. Her pet family consists of two dogs, Sailor, a Boston Terrier and her Chihuahua mix, Houston.

Jenny Pully

Veterinary Assistant
Jenny began working at our office in December 2011. She has two dogs, five cats, and several pocket pets. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

Jessica Blackstock

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Jessica has been an employee since 2017. She has an Associate's degree in Science and attended the Small Animal Care Class at the Chesterfield Technical Center. She has 3 dogs; Dexter, her Lhasa Apso, Cody the Pomeranian and a Shetland Sheepdog Mix named Scooter. She enjoys reading, playing video games and hiking with her dogs.

Ashley Newman

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Hi! My name is Ashley and I have been at BVS since June 2021. I worked with large animals previously at a dairy farm and raised dairy goats for 5 years. I have a Mini Poodle named Annie and a cat named Gracie. Currently, I am enrolled in Ashworth College's Veterinary Technician program and I also enjoy volunteering at the Richmond Animal League's Loving Spay and Neuter Clinic when I'm not working at BVS.

Emily Adkins

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Hi, I'm Emily! I have been working at Brandt Vet Services since August 2020. I have a lovely hound dog named Samuel. In my spare time, I enjoy going to church and training Sam.

JaVona (AKA Joejoe) Pepin

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Hi, my name is Joe joe and my passion is animals. I love ALL animals, big and small. I started working for Brandt Vet Services in 2021. I took this job so that I could help animals and their owners live their best, healthiest lives possible. One day I hope to go to school to become a Veterinarian and this is just my first step in my lifelong goal to care for animals. I have a few animals of my own too. I have 2 dogs, Beau and Newton, 2 cats, Skarsnik and Beanz, 2 lizards, Gourdon and Derpasaurus Rex, a turtle, Pike and a tarantula, Pengsong. I can't wait to meet you and your pet.

Alexis Smith

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Alexis has been working at Brandt Vet Services since 2021 and has a Bachelor's degree in Animal and Poultry Science from Virginia Tech. She and her fiancé have two lively cats named Coconut and Curry, and enjoy going rock climbing together in their spare time.

Amber Ferrell

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Amber has been an employee since May 2019. She is attending John Tyler and is interested in studying Veterinary Medicine. Amber enjoys animals, her friends, and warm weather. She has a cool cat named Zeppelin.

Tyler Ricks

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Tyler began working at Brandt Vet Services in June of 2022. He recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science for both livestock and companion animal health/management, and is currently waiting for responses from veterinary schools. He lives with his dog Cooper and in his spare time Tyler enjoys his dirt bike, model building, and videogames.

Trinity MaGarity

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Trinity has been an employee at Brandt Vet Services since February 2023. They live with 2 cats, Casper and Buffy. Trinity enjoys reading and little kitty purrrs. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Animal Behavior.

Ronda Crissman

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Ronda began working at BVS in September 2023. She lives with seven cats, one dog, her husband and two youngest daughters. Ronda enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, camping, hiking, and kayaking in her spare time.

Katie Trent

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Katie began working at Brandt Vet Services in August 2023. She lives with her three cats Ami, Milo, and Tiggy. Katie graduated from Longwood University with a degree in music and she enjoys painting and reading in her spare time.

Astrid Ovalles

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Astrid began working at Brandt Vet Services in August 2023. She lives with her two cats, Hatchi and Misty. Astrid enjoys baking and building Legos. She is currently attending VCU and is working towards a degree in Biology.

Rebekah (Bekka) Gowin

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist

Annabelle Frazier

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Annabelle began working at Brandt Vet Services in May 2023. She lives with her dog Arya and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors. Annabelle currently attends VA Tech and is working towards a degree in Animal Science with the hope to attend Veterinary school someday.

Ashland Reasoner

Veterinary Assistant
Ashland started working at Brandt Vet Services in March 2024. Prior to working at our office she was a kennel manager for 5 years. Ashland has always had a passion for animals and is currently in school working towards becoming a Veterinary Technician. She lives with her dog, Porter, and two cats, Luka and Kaci.

Justin Manzer

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Education: Franciscan University of Steubenville
Justin started working for Brandt Veterinary Services in May 2022. He will finish his undergraduate degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville in the Fall of 2022 with a major in Biology. After graduation Justin plans to apply to Veterinary school. Justin’s family has one Goldendoodle named Stella. His favorite past times are enjoying time with friends and family.

Drew Rivas

Receptionist
Drew began working at Brandt Veterinary Services in July 2024. They live with two cats, Mitski and Tiny Tim, and their boyfriend Max. Drew enjoys writing and drawing and is working towards a degree in Biology at VCU.

Casey Harris

Kennel Attendant
Casey has been employed at Dr. Bill's since August 2019. She graduated from Longwood University in 2016. Casey enjoys hiking, fly fishing, and spending time outdoors with her Husky/German Shepherd Mix named Mia.

Mary Cortez

Kennel Attendant
Mary has been an employee at Brandt Vet Services since February 2021. They live with their parents and two siblings along with the family dog Oso. Mary enjoys ready, listening to music, and playing video games. Mary graduated from John Tyler Community College(now Brightpoint) with an Associate of Science Degree and plans on attending the Blue Ridge Community College Veterinary Technician program.

Anelise Ivey

Kennel Attendant
Anelise began working at BVS in March of 2023. She lives with her parents, her sister, and brother-in-law. She also lives with her two cats, Meow Meow and Kitty Kitty Moon Spider, as well as her sister's dog, Beowoof, and cat, Kitty Girl. Anelise enjoys singing, spending time with her friends and family, and playing video games in her free time. Anelise currently attends Manchester High School and hopes to attend Virginia Tech in the future and work towards a degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences.

Salem

Our House Pet
Our house cat Salem! He was left at our front door in a trap and was terrified of people but he very quickly warmed up to our staff. He now enjoys wandering the hospital and greeting people and pets. You may see him sitting at the front door or sleeping on our desk. When he is not in the lobby he loves to sit in our treatment area and supervise our work (: He enjoys chasing a laser pointer and lots of chin scritches!

A special message from Dr. Bill

When I started working at a veterinary hospital at the young age of 12 in Staten Island New York, I never would have imagined the career I have experienced. Starting a practice and nurturing it until it blossomed to over 20 thousand clients. The friendships I have developed during this time are priceless. It was such a pleasure to work with your fur babies. I will miss catching up on all the events of your family lives. I will miss the laughter and the corny jokes that I subjected many of you to. The smiling faces that I was met with when I walked in that exam room will create such a void in my life. Now comes the time in my life to spend more time with my lovely wife, family and slide into the role of being a grandfather. I thank each and every one of you for allowing me to live my dream of practicing veterinary medicine and I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with your 4-legged (sometimes 3) family members.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is with mixed emotions that I announce that Dr. Bill will be retiring from our practice on May 9th, 2023. We are excited for him as he moves on to the next chapter of his life which hopefully will include relaxing and enjoying some much-deserved free time. On the other hand, we are sad to know that we will not see his smiling face or hear his infectious laughter each day. Dr. Bill established his practice in 1994 and has been an integral part of the growth and development of many veterinarians. We are extremely thankful for all he has done to advocate for the health and well-being of countless pets. I have known Dr. Bill for over 30 years and he was inspirational in me becoming a veterinarian. He has been a terrific mentor, a supportive colleague, and a great friend. I wish him all the best and will be forever grateful for the time we have shared together.

-Dr. Steve Brandt and the entire staff of Brandt Veterinary Services