It started with a childhood love for all animals, including many family pets.  A bent for artistic endeavors was replaced by a greater desire to help keep pets healthy and happy.  Providence eventually lead me to the veterinary school at Virginia Tech., followed by practice in No. Va. With the support of my parents, we started looking for an area in need of a vet.  We moved to Lake of the Woods in 1992 and started a house call practice.  We opened the clinic in 1996 to provide care for dogs and cats.  It was a good move.  Wanting even more ways to help my patients stay happy & healthy, led me to study various holistic therapies. This started with certification in Acupuncture, then Animal Chiropractic, later studying Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, herbs, homeopathy, and other techniques.  My/our goal is to be of service - to you & your pets & to our community; to be a good steward of the environment & all of God's creatures.  Personal pets: One dog, Diamond; 3 house cats, Sparkle, Phoebe & Grayson; 1 clinic cat, Cas.  Hobbies: my pets and painting, especially painting animals:-)

Dr. Erin Mathews Casey joined our practice in June 2015. She earned a degree in Biology from James Madison University in 2006. She then developed an interest in veterinary medicine and worked in several practices before attending veterinary school at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. In her spare time, Dr. Mathews enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with her pets. She has two dogs, Jewels and Crash, and two cats, Jasper and Hazel. Dr. Mathews is very excited to have joined the team at Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic and is looking forward to caring for your pets.

Dawn is our Clinic Manager and head of the Veterinary Nursing Staff.  She has been devoted to animals since childhood - dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, birds, wildlife, etc.

Carissa is our Office Manager, taking care of the reception and business side of clinic activities, which are many.  Animal friendly, Carissa is also the current VP of the Orange County Humane Society.  She not only helps with PetSmart pet adoptions, but also manages their website and Facebook page.     

Holly is our Senior receptionist & social secretary.

Give some background on this staff member, such as how long they've been in this field and what they love about their job. Also provide some personal info about hobbies, pets, family, and more.