VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital

Bios

• Rena Allen

  DVM

  Dr. Allen is a Virginia native who grew up in the suburbs of Richmond. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Lynchburg College in 1988, she attended the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her veterinary studies in 1991, and was awarded her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Immediately following veterinary school, Dr. Allen was selected for a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. From 1992-1995, Dr. Allen practiced emergency medicine before pursuing a three year residency in emergency / critical care medicine at the Animal Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. She joined the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in June of 2002, as a member of the critical care team. Dr Allen is married and has two cats, Hansel and Taz, and a dog, Kirin.

• Julie Augustine

  DVM

  Dr. Augustine started at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in November of 2000. She got her undergraduate degree at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in Health Science and Athletic Training and her Master's degree in Biology/Biomechanics at Bucknell University. While at Bucknell she worked as a certified athletic trainer for six years evaluating injuries, providing immediate and long term care as well as rehabilitation of injuries of the athletes of the 26 varsity sports teams. She then went to Oklahoma State University for her veterinary degree and graduated magna cum laude in May 1999. At AAH, she has a great interest in both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, and is also developing skills to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures as well. Dr. Augustine has been married to her husband Doug, a registered critical care nurse, since November 2001, and currently her family consists of Eric, her step-son, Sidney, an American Eskimo dog, Lizzy and Angus her cats, and Perrier, a veteran Thoroughbred mare. In the fall of 2004, Dr. Augustine and Perrier competed in the inaugural American Eventing Championships where they finished fourth in the Novice Amateur division. The newest member of the family is Tex, a Thoroughbred gelding born in 2001. He came to Dr. Augustine as an uneducated 4-year-old, and after a rocky start involving surgery to Tex's leg in the spring of 2006 and surgery to Dr. Augustine's leg in the fall of 2009, they are developing a successful partnership in the sport of eventing which continues to progress and grow with both of their educations. Doctor Augustine is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

  Education:

• Janice Baxter

  DVM

  Dr. Baxter joined VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in September of 1995. She attended high school in Oxon Hill, MD and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland-College Park. After college graduation, she moved to Blacksburg, VA, to attend the Virginia/Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Baxter lives with her two Boston Terriers, Monty and Nigel. In her spare time, she is an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer who enjoys traveling, hiking and cooking. She volunteers as a diver at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. Doctor Baxter is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments. She also performs laparoscopic procedures, including spay and tissue biopsy.

• Sophia Chiang

  DVM

  Dr. Chiang joined the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in July 2006. A native Texan, she received her undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Chicago in 1997. She then taught high school science in rural North Carolina through the Teach For America Service Program before pursuing her veterinary degree at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, Dr. Chiang traveled to Thailand and Nicaragua to experience various facets of veterinary medicine, including exotic species medicine and sustainable livestock production. After receiving her veterinary degree, Dr. Chiang completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA. In 2010, She completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course in veterinary acupuncture and is now providing this exciting and important treatment therapy for the patients of VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital. She enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff, their daughter Sela and cats Suvi and Summer. She is an avid reader, traveler and musician. Doctor Chiang is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments as well as acupuncture appointments.

• Seth Cohen

  DVM

  Dr. Cohen joined the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in August of 2001. Prior to this he worked as an intern at the Georgia Veterinary Specialists for a year. Dr. Cohen began his career in veterinary medicine well before earning his doctorate. During the course of his undergraduate and graduate education he worked as a Veterinary Technician and as a lab assistant at NC State's vet school. In 1996 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from North Carolina State University, and in May of 2000 his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia. Dr. Cohen's special interests include internal medicine, cardiology and ultrasound. In his spare time, Dr. Cohen enjoys working in the yard and grilling. He can be found spending time with his wife, Laura Jane, and playing with their two kids, Sylvia and Lucas and dogs Cassidy and Juni. Doctor Cohen is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

• Jenifer Farrell

  VMD

  Dr. Farrell has been with the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital since January, 2000. She received her bachelor's degree form Duke University in 1991 and her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995. Following veterinary school, she completed a one-year internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital. Dr. Farrell has special interests in endocrinology and dentistry. She currently resides in Alexandria with her husband and daughter. Doctor Farrell is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

• Stephanie Galvan

  DVM

  Dr. Galvan is a native of Los Angeles, California. She graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a B.S. in Biology. She then got her DVM from Cornell University, where she graduated with distinction. She completed a one year internship at a specialty hospital in San Diego, California. Dr. Galvan joined VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in 2007. She now lives in Del Ray with her orange tabby Bodhi and her chocolate lab Kelby. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, mountain biking and spending time with friends. Doctor Galvan is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

• Katie Gies

  DVM

  Dr. Gies, a native of Concord, NC, joined VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in 2008. After graduating from North Carolina State University (Summa Cum Laude) with a major in Biological Sciences in 2002, she went on to that University's College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Always an avid student of emergency and critical care, Dr. Gies is happy to be practicing emergency medicine at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital. New to the DC area, Dr. Gies and her husband Aaron are having a great time exploring it on walks with their dog, Ferris, as well as kayaking, horseback riding, and playing with their two cats, Boniface and Pumpkin. Doctor Gies is part of our Emergency Department Team, and does not see regular appointments.

• Donna Krochak

  DVM

  Dr. Krochak earned her B.S. degree in Genetics/Biology from Cornell University in 1987, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. She then came to VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital as a full time associate veterinarian in August 1993. Along with her duties as a small animal practitioner, Dr. Krochak maintains a strong interest in ophthalmology, surgery and behavioral medicine. A native New Yorker, Dr. Krochak has lived in Virginia since 1993 and has two boys, Sam and Alex. She also is the proud owner a yellow Labrador retriever, Kelly and two cats Reese and Kasha. Besides being an avid Yankees fan, Dr. Krochak also enjoys gardening and cooking. Doctor Krochak is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

• Bridget Shirley

  DVM

  Dr. Shirley is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and received her B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry in 1999. Following her undergraduate degree, Dr. Shirley graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2004. After graduation, Dr. Shirley moved to the Northern Virginia area to complete an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Southpaws Veterinary Referral Center. Dr. Shirley chose to stay in the NOVA area after completion of her internship and joined the critical care team at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in July of 2005. Dr. Shirley currently resides in Alexandria with her hound mix otherwise known as Hannah Banana, Chow/Golden Retriever mix named Josie, American shorthair named Dugan, and not so domestic shorthair named Katie. In her time away from the hospital, Dr. Shirley enjoys traveling, cooking, photography, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Doctor Shirley is part of our Emergency Department Team, and does not see regular appointments.

• Marcus Smail

  DVM

  Dr. Smail joined the critical care team at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in July 2003. Born and raised in Albany, NY, Marcus graduated from Siena College with a B.S. in Biology in 1996. He received his DVM degree in 2002 from Cornell University. He was an active member of Omega Tau Sigma Veterinary Fraternity and held several positions including House Manager and Treasurer. Marcus moved to the Northern Virginia area in 2002 to complete a one year internship at a local Veterinary Referral Center. He decided to stay in the area after completion of the program and joined VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his dogs, Tyson and Izzy, traveling, reading a good book and participating in many outdoor activities including running, hiking, swimming and skiing. Doctor Smail is part of our Emergency Department Team, and does not see regular appointments.

• Jackie Suarez

  DVM

  Dr. Suarez has worked as an associate veterinarian at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital since 1995. Dr. Suarez graduated with high honors from The University of Notre Dame in 1988 with a B. A. degree in Pre-professional Studies (Premed) / Sociology. She later attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she received the UPJOHN Small Animal Medicine Award. While attending veterinary school, Dr. Suarez was a member of the Delta Chapter of Phi Zeta National Veterinary Honor Society and a group leader in the raptor rehabilitation program. After earning her DVM degree in 1994, Dr. Suarez completed a one-year internship in medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Married to John, Dr. Suarez has three children. Her other family members include her guinea pig, Squeaky and her German shepherd Lola. When not volunteering for her children's schools, Dr. Suarez enjoys sculling on the Potomac. Doctor Suarez is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

• Shannon Talbott

  DVM

  In 1996, Dr. Talbott joined VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant and returned in 2002, after receiving a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. During her veterinary education, Dr. Talbott was the recipient of the Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club Scholarship, Vaughan Scholarship, H.R. Winslow Trust Scholarship, Charles Gose Endowed Scholarship, and the Richard and Marie Venable Scholarship. She held offices in student chapters of the American Animal Hospital Association and Omega Tau Sigma, the veterinary service fraternity. Her special interests include dentistry and oral surgery. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Talbott moved to northern Virginia after receiving her B.A. in Political Science from The George Washington University in 1994. Dr. Talbott is a volunteer for the Alexandria Animal Welfare League. Outside the hospital, she enjoys cooking, crafting, and boating with her husband Mark, son Nate and their dog Sandy, the wonder-mutt. Doctor Talbott is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

• Kristin Terrio

  DVM

  Dr. Terrio is VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital's resident abdominal ultrasound associate. She has been a member of our veterinary staff since graduating from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. During her academic years, Dr. Terrio was awarded the John T. Stanley Scholarship, the A. Cleveland Brown Scholarship, the Vaughan Scholarship, the W.R. Winslow Scholarship, the Maryland House of Delegates Scholarship, and the Washington Animal Rescue League Scholarship in recognition of her achievements. Dr. Terrio began her career in the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant. She has also worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Veterinary Pathology. When not at work, Dr. Terrio enjoys spending time with her husband John, two children, Sydney and Gabe, and their dog Lincoln and cat Mortimer. She also enjoys reading, running, and traveling. Dr. Terrio is one of our generalists and sees regular appointments.

• Jeremy Dubin

  DVM

  Dr. Dubin is a proud native of Northern Virginia. He received his B.S. degree in biology from the University of Richmond in 1998. Following college, he served four years in the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer, then returned to the area for a stint as a veterinary assistant right here at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital. He received his DVM degree from Michigan State University in 2009, then participated in a one- year rotating small animal internship at a specialty practice in Greensboro, NC. After spending a year as an emergency clinician at a hospital in Pennsylvania, Dr. Dubin returned to VCA Alexandria in January 2012 as part of the emergency department. He enjoys the variety of cases emergency medicine provides, and has a particular interest in crises involving internal medicine issues ( such as diabetes), as well as learning more about effective and safe anesthesia and pain management. He currently resides in Washington, DC with his rodent-hating terrier mix, Weezie. Doctor Dubin is part of our Emergency Department Team, and does not see regular appointments.

• Jennifer Gilbert

  DVM

  Dr. Gilbert is a native of Newark, Delaware. After graduating from Tufts University cum laude, she taught in Japan for a year before returning to Tufts Veterinary School. She completed an emergency and critical care focused rotating internship in Phoenix, Arizona. Very excited to be joining VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital's emergency service, she has a special interest in critical care and internal medicine. New to the DC area, she is excited to explore the town, find new places to go hiking, salsa and swing dancing, spend time with her cool black cat, Kiti, and continue traveling. Doctor Gilbert is part of our Emergency Department Team, and does not see regular appointments.

• Stephanie O Brian

  DVM

  Dr. O' Brian joined the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital team in 2012. A native of Kentucky, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from The University of Louisville in 1997 while studying orchestral flute performance. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. After graduation, Dr. O' Brian was in private practice in Birmingham and Montgomery Alabama where she developed special interests in internal medicine, ultrasound, and exotic pet medicine. Dr. O' Brian and her husband Stephen are new to the D.C. area and reside in Springfield. They have 3 children (Sean, Keagan and Ella), 3 dogs ( Maggie, Sam and Dylan), and Alli the cat. She enjoys playing the piano, gardening, and running. Dr. O' Brian is one of our generalists and is available to see regular appointments only on the weekends.

• Yao Yao

  DVM

  Dr. Yao joined VCA Alexandria in 2013. She received her bachelor's degree in molecular biology with a minor in art history from Bryn Mawr and Haverford College prior to attending University of Pennsylvania, where she obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduation, Dr. Yao completed one year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ. Before becoming a full time veterinarian, Dr. Yao dedicated a lot of time in academic research projects including ones involving human esophageal and pancreatic cancer. In her free time Dr. Yao enjoys traveling, cooking, painting, spending time with family, friends and her lazy grey tabby Logan.

• Jennifer Geiger

  DVM

  Dr. Geiger graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in animal science. She then went on to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, on the island of St. Kitts in the West Indies. She graduated in 2009 and pursued a small animal rotating internship at Friendship Animal Hospital in Washington, DC where she developed a strong interest in the field of veterinary neurology. She spent two years pursing additional training in neurology; first as an intern with Bush Veterinary Specialty Care in Virginia, then with the Center for Veterinary Specialty care in Dallas, Texas. She returned home to Virginia and began working at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in 2013. Dr. Geiger is still focused on becoming a specialist in the field of neurology and neurosurgery in the future. Dr. Geiger lives in Northern Virginia with her husband Doug, as well as their five furry kids - Tess and Quincy who are Border Collie mixes, Bandit, a Cattle dog mix and 2 cats named Minnie and Ginny.