Our Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
Karen, Registered Veterinary Technician
Karen is a Registered Veterinary Technician and instructor of veterinary imaging at the Community College of Baltimore County’s Veterinary Technology program.
Anna, Registered Veterinary Technician
Anna joined VNIoC two years ago after completing an extended internship with the practice and spending four years in a general practice. "I was introduced to VNIoC by one of my instructors at the Community College of Baltimore County, Karen, who's also a vet tech at VNIoC. I was intrigued by the specialty and fascinated by all the different cases and how VNIoC does life-saving and life-changing surgeries," she explains. "It's such a great practice. Everyone is so supportive–it's really like. a second family–and you're always learning.
"I especially like imaging, as it helps you see the whole picture, pinpoint the problem and find ways to resolve it. I appreciate how Dr. McDonnell goes over scans and reviews cases with us. He's very forward-thinking, inclusive and always explaining and teaching so our skills and knowledge grow."
Katelyn, Registered Veterinary Technician
Licensed vet tech Katelyn was introduced to VNIoC by a previous coworker and instructor from school, joining the team in late 2023.
"Specialty practice really is my forte. I've done Emergency medicine, general practice, and surgery. Now at VNIoC I do anesthesia monitoring for imaging and surgery, and I rotate through the ICU," Katelyn says. "I love the culture here: the small, close-knit team, and the opportunity to spend more time with patients, learn more and observe advanced imaging."
Shay, Veterinary Assistant
Shay has been working at VNIoC for five years–when her jam-packed schedule allows! She is currently studying business at Howard Community College, and planning to transfer to a four-year college to finish her degree. Her long-term goal is to go into marketing in the veterinary field.
A Maryland native, Shay has always been passionate about animals. At 16, she worked in a boarding kennel, then moved on to work in veterinary practices. At home, she and her fiance have a Pomeranian-husky mix named Isabele, and a chameleon.
Nicolle started her veterinary career as a kennell worker, but has since worked in emergency, urgent care, general and specialty practices. Along the way, she earned certifications in K laser (therapy for post-surgery recovery), Fear-Free (addressing stress and anxiety in patients), and RECOVER (veterinary CPR), and is now studying to become a veterinary technician at Penn Foster.
"I'd heard Dr. McDonnell speak several times, and when I saw this position open, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I love patient care, seeing from start to finish, and seeing the appreciation in an animal's eyes for what we've done."
This mother of a 21-year-old is fan of Dobermans, races cars and kickboxes, and loves traveling, cooking and gardening.
Trinity, Veterinary Assistant
Nicolle, Veterinary Technician
Lifelong animal lover Trinity has been in the veterinary field since she was 15, whe she started by cleaning kennels. She became a vet assistant at 18, receiving extensive on-the-job training she's now augmenting at Penn Foster, where she's earning her vet tech degree.
"Being a vet tech runs in my family. My mom was a vet tech and helped me get my foot in the door. In my previous jobs, I worked with quite a mix–companion animals, exotics, and wildlife," she explains. "I loved general practice, but I wanted something more, and working at VNIoC checks every box for me."
The mother of a blended family with four teens, Trinity loves to learn and praises VNIoC's three neurologists for being so committed to sharing their knowledge with staff and clients.
Rylie, Veterinary Technician
A graduate of CBC, Rylie will be taking her VTNE exam in November. Before joining VNIoC, she worked in an emergency practice for three years and a general practice for one. She also traveled to South Dakota to help with spay/neuters in low-income areas.
When not at work, she’s typically home with her “zoo”: two Aussies, Harper and Eva, and two crazy street cats, Thomas and Cheeto. She also loves going to thrift stores and yard sales, attending concerts and listening to her vinyl collection.
Kara, Veterinary Assistant
Mady has been in the veterinary field for eight years, having started as a receptionist, where she developed a passion for client education and patient advocacy. With experience with various animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, and avians, she’s currently pursuing her goal of becoming a Registered Technician.
Mady is also passionate about wildlife conservation. In summer 2024, she completed a Wildlife Veterinary Medicine In Conservation course in Costa Rica, where she helped care for primates, macaws, and sloths. Outside of work, Mady enjoys crafting with her French bulldog by her side.
