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Our Care Team

Your pet’s emotional and physical well-being is prioritized with every visit. We put the patients first!
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Winnie

Practice Manager

Some animals give their trust easily. Others take more time.Growing up in West Virginia, Winnie spent much of her time around both small and large animals and learned early that every animal has its own personality, needs and way of communicating. One experience in particular has stayed with her over the years.

A dog named Stonewall was well known throughout the community for escaping from home and keeping people at a distance. He had a reputation for being difficult to approach, and most people were cautious around him. One day, Winnie found Stonewall wandering loose and calmly approached him. To her surprise, he allowed her to slip a leash on him and walk him safely home. After that, something changed. Whenever Stonewall got loose and spotted Winnie, he would come directly to her, trusting her to help him get home. That simple experience reinforced a belief she still carries today: patience, trust and compassion can create extraordinary connections between people and animals.

Those values have guided Winnie throughout her career in veterinary medicine. Raised in a family that loved animals, she grew up caring for a variety of pets and developed a deep appreciation for the role animals play in people’s lives. Her father was a devoted dog lover, and her brother never seemed to meet an animal he didn’t like. Caring for animals became a natural part of everyday life and eventually inspired her to pursue a profession dedicated to their well-being.

Today, as Practice Manager at Brentwood Animal Hospital, Winnie remains passionate about advocating for animals and helping ensure they receive the care they deserve. She enjoys working with pet owners to develop care plans that support both the health and quality of life of their companions. Knowing she can make a positive difference for pets and the people who love them continues to motivate her every day.

At home, Winnie shares her life with Oliver, a terrier mix, and Cash, a boxer-pit bull mix. Together, they serve as daily reminders of why helping animals remains so meaningful to her.

Damon

Veterinary Technician

Damon was only a young boy when he first started developing an interest in animals. He always wanted to learn more about not only domesticated pets, but exotic creatures and wildlife as well. Now that he’s a veterinary professional, he especially loves sharing that knowledge with others! Damon is a member of the Veterinary Technician team here at Brentwood Animal Hospital.

A native of southern Maryland, Damon began working for a small doggy daycare facility in 2012, where he would remain for the next eight years. In 2020, he decided to make a change and knew that he wanted to get into the hands-on medical care of animals. That’s when he joined the Brentwood Animal Hospital family—Damon couldn’t be happier with his choice. He loves helping pet owners to better understand their companions’ healthcare needs, and he’s also fond of doting on puppies and kittens whenever they visit the hospital. 

Damon’s interests away from animal medicine include writing and music, and he hopes to explore the world of visual art soon. He lives with two loveable cats at home, Marble and Phoebe, who are polar opposites but remain the very best of friends.

Rachel

Veterinary Technician / Relief Receptionist

Rachel’s passion for veterinary medicine began early in her life, driven by an instinctive need to help animals who had no one else. As a child, she often brought home stray animals, guided by compassion and the belief that every animal deserved care, comfort, and a chance to be safe. Those moments of concern and kindness shaped the way she sees the world and became the foundation of a career devoted to protecting, healing, and improving the lives of pets and the families who love them.

Her professional journey started in a doggy daycare facility, where she worked in a variety of roles and gained hands-on experience with animals of all temperaments and needs. Those experiences inspired her to pursue formal education and certification in the veterinary field, turning her lifelong compassion into a skilled profession. In 2019, while searching for an externship opportunity, Rachel found Brentwood Animal Hospital. What began as a learning experience quickly became home, and she has been a valued member of the team ever since.

As a Veterinary Technician, Rachel finds the greatest fulfillment in watching pets grow healthier over time. Seeing medical progress firsthand and witnessing the relief and happiness of pet parents during follow-up visits is what makes her work especially meaningful. Those moments reaffirm her commitment to patient care and remind her why she chose this path.

Rachel grew up in Washington, DC and moved to Maryland around the age of twelve with her mother and three siblings. Today, her family includes her daughter, her boyfriend, and their son, along with a lively group of four dogs. Biggie is an old soul, Cypher is an energetic momma’s boy, Zero thrives on affection, and Cocoa is the family’s gentle little old lady. Each brings their own personality into the home and adds joy in everyday life.

Outside of work, Rachel is learning to crochet and has set a personal goal to become skilled enough to make clothing for pets. Her creativity, patience, and dedication carry through in everything she does, shaping the thoughtful and compassionate care she provides every day at Brentwood Animal Hospital.

Tony

Veterinary Assistant

Growing up with household pets, Tony saw firsthand how deeply animals rely on the people around them for care. While his family pets were loved, limited resources sometimes meant they did not receive the level of veterinary care they deserved. That reality stayed with Tony and quietly shaped the way he viewed animals, not just as companions, but as lives that depend on advocacy, compassion, and medical care from the people who serve them.

That understanding followed Tony into adulthood, where his natural desire to help others found a clear and meaningful purpose. For Tony, learning to understand animals when words could not express what they were feeling became one of his greatest strengths. Observing behavior, identifying concerns, and supporting recovery allowed him to play an active role in helping animals feel better. What began as curiosity soon became a calling rooted in service and empathy.

Tony’s professional journey working with animals started as a pet sitter, where he gained hands-on experience caring for animals with different personalities, routines, and needs. That role taught him patience, accountability, and the importance of earning an animal’s trust. A recommendation from a close friend led him to Brentwood Animal Hospital, where he joined the team in October of 2025 as a Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Care Technician.

At the hospital, Tony enjoys learning about different dog and cat breeds and understanding what makes each one unique. One of the most rewarding parts of his job is calming nervous pets and helping them feel safe. Building trust with an anxious animal and seeing that bond carry into future visits makes his work especially meaningful.

Outside the clinic, Tony stays energized through basketball and music. He has played basketball since the age of five and has been making music since he was twelve. Both passions have helped shape his discipline, creativity, and balance, qualities that continue to guide his growth as a veterinary professional.

Thai

Kennel Technician & Veterinary Assistant

For Thai, working with animals feels less like a career choice and more like a natural extension of who he has always been. From a young age, animals seemed to find their way to him naturally. Like the time he formed an unexpected bond with two butterflies during his childhood, who would follow him and sit nearby as he spent time outdoors. Experiences like these felt like a kind of magic that only those who tuned into the world around them could see and shaped his belief that animals communicate in ways that go beyond words.. Those early moments sparked a lifelong sense of responsibility to care for and protect them.

Helping animals in any way possible became second nature to Thai, guiding his decision to pursue a role in veterinary medicine. His path into the field was built through a combination of school and hands-on learning, allowing him to grow his skills while staying closely connected to the animals he cares for.

Thai joined Brentwood Animal Hospital in December of 2025 and serves as both a Kennel Technician and Veterinary Assistant. In his role, he supports patients throughout their visits and assists the medical team wherever needed. What he enjoys most is helping every animal that comes through the hospital doors and witnessing the relief and happiness of pet owners when their companions begin to feel better. 

Working alongside his coworkers is another aspect of the job that Thai values deeply. He appreciates the opportunity to learn something new each day and to be part of a team that shares the same commitment to every animal’s well-being. Every interaction, from routine care to recovery moments, contributes to his growth and sense of purpose within the field.

Thai’s journey continues to be guided by curiosity, learning, and a genuine desire to help. His respect for animals, combined with his hands-on dedication, allows him to bring thoughtful care and positive energy to every patient experience at Brentwood Animal Hospital.

Niyoshi

Veterinary Receptionist

Niyoshi’s path to veterinary medicine began with two interests that shaped her early goals: a love for animals and a desire to work in a welcoming, organized office environment. Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, she learned the importance of compassion, responsibility, and kindness through her family, with her mother serving as her greatest influence and guiding force. Those values continue to shape how she approaches both work and personal relationships.

Relocating to Maryland in September of 2025 marked the start of a new chapter for Niyoshi. While she never expected her career to lead into the veterinary field, the opportunity at Brentwood Animal Hospital stood out. It offered her a chance to grow professionally while learning more about animal care and to serve clients in a setting that felt meaningful and purposeful. She embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, eager to combine her strengths in organization, empathy, and connection.

Niyoshi takes pride in being the first person clients and patients meet when they arrive. She understands that every visit carries its own emotions, and she makes it her goal to create a warm, reassuring experience from the very first interaction. Offering gentle attention to pets and thoughtful support to their families allows her to help set a positive tone for each visit. She also values the strong sense of teamwork within the hospital and enjoys working alongside colleagues who share a commitment to compassionate care.

Outside of the clinic, Niyoshi finds joy in painting and exploring the city with friends, using creativity and connection as ways to recharge. She is also currently pursuing additional education to become a social worker, reflecting her deep desire to support others and make a difference within her community. Together, these experiences shape the thoughtful care and kindness she brings to Brentwood Animal Hospital every day. Grounded in empathy and driven by compassion, Niyoshi brings warmth, intention, and genuine care to every interaction, making each client and patient feel seen and supported.

At the hospital, Tony enjoys learning about different dog and cat breeds and understanding what makes each one unique. One of the most rewarding parts of his job is calming nervous pets and helping them feel safe. Building trust with an anxious animal and seeing that bond carry into future visits makes his work especially meaningful.

Outside the clinic, Tony stays energized through basketball and music. He has played basketball since the age of five and has been making music since he was twelve. Both passions have helped shape his discipline, creativity, and balance, qualities that continue to guide his growth as a veterinary professional.

Karen

Veterinary Receptionist

Karen’s path to veterinary medicine began not just with animals alone, but with people. She has always been drawn to customer service and the simple power of making someone feel welcome, understood, and supported. When she realized that a veterinary receptionist role could blend her strengths with the joy of meeting new pets every day, it opened the door to a career that felt both meaningful and personal.

Her journey was shaped by a series of positive interactions with veterinarians who showed her how compassion and professionalism can leave a lasting impact on pets and their families. Those experiences stayed with her, planting the idea that veterinary care extends far beyond medicine. It is also about trust, communication, and reassurance. For Karen, choosing this path carried a deeper purpose. As a mother to a young daughter, she strives to model empathy, dedication, and integrity, both at home and in her career.

As a Receptionist at Brentwood Animal Hospital, Karen takes pride in being a calm and friendly presence for clients. She enjoys connecting with people, listening to their concerns, and helping guide them through their visits. Each interaction is an opportunity to create comfort and clarity, and she values the role she plays in shaping a positive first impression for both clients and their pets.

One of Karen’s most unforgettable days at work involved a client arriving with ten puppies, only for the mother dog to surprise everyone by delivering two more in the parking lot. Moments like these remind her that veterinary medicine is full of unexpected stories, and she feels grateful to be part of a profession where connection, care, and moments of wonder happen every day.

Outside of work, Karen finds joy in drawing, using creativity as a way to unwind and express herself. She also enjoys spending time out occasionally, but her favorite moments are the quiet ones spent relaxing with her daughter. Those moments bring balance and perspective, grounding her in what matters most. 

Ayleen

Veterinary Receptionist

Ayleen understands that some of the most important moments in veterinary medicine happen before a patient ever reaches an exam room. A worried pet owner walking through the front doors needs reassurance just as much as answers, and helping people feel heard during stressful situations is one of the things Ayleen values most about her role as a Veterinary Receptionist.

For Ayleen, communication is one of the most important parts of quality veterinary care. She chose to work in the veterinary field because she saw how much trust, organization, and compassion are needed to help both pets and their owners feel supported throughout each visit. From scheduling appointments to answering questions and helping clients navigate emotional situations, she enjoys being part of the process that keeps both patients and owners cared for from the very beginning.

At Brentwood Animal Hospital, Ayleen appreciates being the first point of contact for clients and creating a welcoming experience for every family who comes through the doors. She enjoys helping people feel more comfortable during difficult moments and understands how meaningful kindness and patience can be when someone is worried about their pet. The fast pace of a veterinary hospital also keeps every day interesting and gives her the opportunity to continue learning more about the field.

Ayleen also values the teamwork involved in veterinary medicine. Working closely with doctors, technicians, assistants, and pet owners has helped her better understand the coordination required to support patient care behind the scenes. She sees her role as an important connection point between the medical team and the families trusting the hospital with their pets.

For Ayleen, veterinary medicine is not only about caring for animals. It is also about helping people feel supported, informed, and understood during moments that matter deeply to them.

Eric

Lead Surgical Technician

Bio coming soon.

Michael

Surgical Technician

Michael found his way into veterinary medicine through a personal experience that inspired him to seek deeper knowledge. After losing a beloved pet, he made a personal vow to learn as much as possible so he would never feel unprepared in a pet emergency again. That commitment became the foundation of his path into the veterinary field, transforming reflection into purpose and motivation.

He began his professional journey by enrolling in online courses, eager to build the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in critical moments. Over time, that dedication led him into a hands-on role where precision, focus, and continuous learning are essential. Today, Michael serves as a Surgical Technician at Brentwood Animal Hospital, where he plays a key role in supporting patients through some of their most important procedures.

What Michael enjoys most about his work is the constant evolution of the field. No two days are ever the same, and each case presents a new opportunity to learn, problem-solve, and grow. He values the challenge and responsibility that come with surgical care and takes pride in being part of a team that prioritizes preparation, adaptability, and patient safety.

Originally from Santa Monica, California, Michael relocated to Washington, DC in 2004 and has built both a career and a family there. He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter, who keep his life full and active. Their home is also shared with a lively group of pets, including Rupert, a laid-back dog who loves to cuddle, Pepper, a polite and well-mannered companion, and Lady the cat, who prefers to spend snuggle time with Michael and his son.

Outside of work, Michael is an avid Star Wars fan and enjoys spending time in nature. Whether exploring the outdoors or spending quality time with his family and pets, he values knowledge, connection, and reflection. These same qualities guide the surgical care and dedication he brings to every patient at Brentwood Animal Hospital.

Divan

Kennel Technician

The decision to work in veterinary medicine became personal for Divan long before he ever stepped into a clinic. As a child, he had a beloved puppy named Rex. When Rex became seriously ill, there were no animal hospitals nearby that could provide the care she needed. Losing her was heartbreaking, and the experience stayed with him long after she was gone. It also planted the seed for a future goal. Divan wanted to be part of a profession that helps animals receive the care they need when they need it most.

That experience continues to shape the way he approaches his work today. For Divan, veterinary medicine is about helping animals that cannot speak for themselves and providing support during moments when they are most vulnerable. He believes every pet deserves compassionate care and that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in an animal’s life.

Today, at Brentwood Animal Hospital, Divan works as a Kennel Technician and enjoys the opportunity to learn more about veterinary medicine each day. He appreciates being part of a team that is dedicated to helping pets and supporting the families who love them. One of his favorite aspects of the job is the opportunity to learn something new each day. Whether he is assisting with patient care, supporting the veterinary team or caring for hospitalized pets, he enjoys gaining experience and developing new skills.

Another rewarding part of the profession is building relationships with both pets and their owners. Divan enjoys getting to know patients, earning their trust and helping create a positive experience during their visit. He also values the connections he forms with pet owners, knowing how important their animals are to them.

For Divan, every day in veterinary medicine is a chance to honor the memory of Rex by helping other animals receive the care and attention she was unable to access. That purpose continues to motivate him as he grows in the profession.

23,458

Sloppy Kisses

19,389

Bellies Rubbed

27,193

Treats Given