THE ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTER TEAM
Our passionate and hardworking team is committed to providing the best service for you and your furry (or feathery) family members! We look forward to meeting you in person, but in the meantime, get to know our team and what we’re about!
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Lesley Bell // Office Manager
Lesley Bell // Office Manager
Lesley was born and raised in Albemarle County and attended Albemarle High School. After graduating with a BS in psychology from Longwood University in 1996, she moved to Free Union. She still resides in Free Union with her husband, Rich, daughter Lillian, son Phin, 3 dogs, Ruby, Pearl and Munch.
Leah Clark // Inventory Manager
Leah Clark // Inventory Manager
Leah was born and raised in the White Hall/Crozet area and has had a life long passion for animals and nature. Leah received her associates degree in Eco-tourism and Adventure Travel from Hocking College in 2008. After graduating from Hocking College, Leah attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 2013 with her Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Recreation.
Leah lives in White Hall with her dog, Duke, and four cats Turbo, Tigey-Bruce, Buxton, and Frisco.
Shannon Caruana, LVT // Technician
Shannon Caruana, LVT // Veterinary Technician
My love for animals and veterinary medicine started at a young age while going on farm calls with my grandfather. Originally from Maryland, I have had the opportunity to work both in the US and Central England, where I fell in love with Europe and travelled as much as possible. When at home with my kids and husband, we enjoy getting outside to hike, kayak camp and rock climb.
Delaney Tysinger, LVT // Technician
Delaney Tysinger, LVT
Delaney graduated from the veterinary technician program at Blue Ridge Community College in May of 2020. She worked as a veterinary assistant from 2017 until becoming licensed. She enjoys working with small animals (especially felines) and is most interested in pain management and anesthesia.
In her spare time, Delaney enjoys painting and cooking and the company of her friends, her four cats, and her dog.
Maureen "Moe" Ewing // Veterinary Assistant
Maureen "Moe" Ewing // Veterinary Assistant
Moe is originally from Rome, Georgia but considers herself a transplant local. She recently decided to change her career and work with animals which has always been a long-term passion of hers. In her spare time Moe works as a pyrotechnician and has helped put on the 4th of July firework show in Charlottesville for the past 14 years.
Moe has 2 pit mixes, Emma and Luna, as well as a tortoise, Jet. She also has one cat named Dat because he acts more like a dog than a cat.
Pamela Cairns // Veterinary Assistant
Pamela Cairns // Veterinary Assistant
Pam grew up in Northern Virginia, but has called Albemarle County home since 2006. She graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor in science in Health Science.
She resides in Crozet with her husband Jamie, son Ben, daughter Ava, dogs Meg and Yeti, bearded dragon Cutie, and leopard gecko Bossk. In her spare time, Pam loves to go on vacation with her family.
Ronan Christman // Veterinary Assistant
Ronan Christman // Veterinary Assistant
I grew up in Massachusetts and spent some years in Wisconsin before moving to Virginia. I spent as much of my childhood around animals as possible- riding horses and bringing home as many pets as my parents would agree to. After I graduated from Lawrence University with a degree in Biology in 2013, I have finally come back to the first field I ever imagined working in - Veterinary Medicine. I currently live in Waynesboro, VA with my sister and my dog, Hagrid.
Alice Kweon // Veterinary Assistant
Alice Kweon // Veterinary Assistant
Alice's lifelong passion for animals inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary care. She is currently on the pre-vet track, conducting research and studying Cognitive Science with a concentration in Neuroscience at the University of Virginia.
Outside of her academic and work commitments, Alice enjoys crocheting and exploring the outdoors with her beloved German Shepherd, Gucci.
Jade Herring // Veterinary Assistant
Jade Herring // Veterinary Assistant
Born and raised in the Crozet community, Jade joined the AWC family after graduating from Western Albemarle High School. She has always had a deep love for animals and a passion for caring for others. Even as a kindergartner, Jade's affection for animals shone through—she performed tricks with her beloved puppy, Jinx, at the school talent show to demonstrate why dogs are better than brothers.
Jade now lives in the White Hall area with her family and her beloved beagle, Diesel.
Shani Alexander // Veterinary Assistant
Shani Alexander // Veterinary Assistant
Born and raised in Charlottesville, Shani has always held a strong passion surrounding the care for animals. From having dogs and cats, to guinea pigs, rats, mice and rabbits, there is not a species that she doesn't admire.
After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2021 with a major in Animal Science Pre-Vet and minor in psychology, she pursued a career in veterinary medicine as a veterinary assistant and has plans to further her education and become a licensed veterinary technician. In her free time, she enjoys reading, video games, outdoor activities and spending time with her cat, BW, and her Goldendoodle, Kylah.
Savannah Kline // Veterinary Assistant
Savannah Kline // Veterinary Assistant
Savannah is a dedicated individual with a deep-rooted love for animals. Graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in animal science, she has honed her knowledge and expertise in the field. Her lifelong passion for assisting both animals and their caring owners has led her to adopt multiple cats and dogs over the years. With a heart full of compassion and a wealth of knowledge, Savannah is eager and ready to lend a helping hand with anything you may require in the realm of animal care and support.
Lisa McEwan // Receptionist
Lisa McEwan // Receptionist
Lisa chose to stay in Charlottesville after completing a degree in economics at UVA. She ran her own business, HotCakes, for many years but is now happy to be among the warm, caring staff at Animal Wellness Center and seeing some of her former customers herE with their animal family.
Page Smith // Receptionist
Page Smith // Receptionist
Page is our receptionist who joined the AWC team in 2013. She is originally from Norfolk, Virginia and relocated to the Charlottesville area in 2006.
Page is a retired Licensed Practical Nurse living in Crozet with her husband, Bud, and their three rescued pups, Benny, Pixie and Stella. Other than spending time with family, friends, and her dogs, Page enjoys horseback riding, garden design, and reading.
Barbara Siemon // Receptionist
Barbara Siemon // Receptionist
Barbara ("Barbi") is one of the friendly faces you’ll see at the front desk of Animal Wellness Center. With over 8 years of experience as a receptionist and veterinary assistant at another clinic, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role. Barbara has also worked extensively in the dental field, where she held positions as a receptionist, dental assistant, office manager, and even an instructor.
She currently resides in Keswick with her partner, their two Labrador Retrievers, and five cats. In her free time, Barbara enjoys caring for her pets and spending time with her family.