Our Administrative Staff
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Nicole is a Registered Veterinary Technician and avid bulldog lover who oversees the daily operations of VNIoC. Nicole has been with VNIoC for several years and was instrumental in building the imaging program. She is a doting mother to two dogs: Burt, and Ferdinand. She is a devoted volunteer for Bullies 2 the Rescue.
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Mackenzie is a dedicated veterinary receptionist with a strong passion for animal care. With experience in managing client relationships and providing excellent service, she ensures that both pets and their owners feel welcome and supported. Outside of her professional role, Mackenzie enjoys horror movies and video games, which reflect her adventurous spirit. She also finds joy in cooking and creating art. On weekends, she loves hiking with her dog, Cisgo, exploring new trails and appreciating the beauty of nature.
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The oldest of three, Alexis was born in Pennsylvania but moved to Maryland with her mom when she was eight. Previously she worked in Emergency medicine as a CSR before coming to VNIOC– she’s a true animal lover. Alexis has a chocolate lab she says is “Wild!” and a painted turtle that will be 30 years old this summer. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends including those in Pennsylvania, going camping in western Maryland, and fishing with her dad and boyfriend–though she tells us, “I don’t like touching the fish!” She also has a green thumb and loves getting new plants.
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Dr. Leigh Clayton’s full-time job is as vice president of animal care and welfare at the National Aquarium in Baltimore Maryland, where she was previously the director of animal health and welfare. She loves creating team environments that foster learning, innovation, and excellence in animal care. She believes that when people are working well together, animals get the best care possible, and she is deeply committed to improving the lives of animals—and the people who care for them—in a variety of settings. She brings this passion for learning and excellence to everything she does, including going back to school herself! She is recently completed the executive MBA program at the Smith School of Business, University of Maryland.
She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her veterinary training included programs in small animal medicine and surgery internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, zoo and aquarium medicine internship at Lincoln Park Zoo and John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL, and avian/ exotic animal medicine and surgery residency at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. She is an American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Diplomate in Avian and Reptile/Amphibian.