Meet the vets and staff at Great Falls Animal Hospital!

Richard Henshaw, D.V.M.
Owner
I received my D.V.M. degree from the University of Georgia in 1981. My love of animals began long before that, however, as I had worked at the Great Falls Animal Hospital as an assistant for seven years.

Dr. Goldsmith and I purchased Great Falls Animal Hospital in 1982 from Dr. Edward Michelitch.

I enjoy treating all species of small animals from reptiles, small mammals (pocket pets) and birds to dogs and cats. I have owned many types of these pets over the years. My wife, Ruth, and I currently enjoy the company of two Labs, Diesel and Sunny, our cat named Bob; and an Amazon Parrot named Buddy.

I have two daughters, Erin, who is working as a Participant Representative at AVON Walk for Breast Cancer, and Katherine who is finishing high school at Madison and enjoys playing volleyball.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, fishing, photography, gardening and traveling. I also play the trombone, guitar and harmonica.

My professional memberships include the American Veterinary Medical Association, Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Northern Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, and the DC Academy of Veterinary Medicine. I have spoken before many schools and groups in the Northern Virginia area. I am an active volunteer at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

My veterinary interests include medical diagnostic cases as well as surgery. I balance these disciplines with management of the hospital facility and staff.

William T. Goldsmith, D.V.M.
Owner
I can look back and see several critical factors that have formed who I am today.

I was a competitive swimmer in both high school (Ohio State champions 1966) and college. Swimming taught me the value of dedication, hard work, competition and focus.

After an undergraduate degree in economics from Miami University (Ohio) and starting an MBA program at The Ohio State University I was called to active duty in the Navy. That time away from campus gave me the opportunity to assess career choices. Upon returning to Ohio, I took a leave of absence from the MBA program (never looking back) and began course work for Veterinary Medicine graduating from the Ohio State University in 1980.

During my studies in Columbus, I supported myself as a bartender and waiter. This experience not only gave me an appreciation for good food and wine, but most importantly helped form my people and communication skills for clinical practice.

I accepted an associate position at Great Falls Animal Hospital because I loved what was then a quiet semi-rural tight knit community close to the culture of DC. Obviously, some of that has changed since 1980, and yet Great Falls is still a very special place to work and live.

While in Northern Virginia, I have been actively involved in the Veterinary community. I have maintained memberships in the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and the Northern Virginia Veterinarian Medical Association (President 1986-1987). In addition I was the NVVMA liaison and Veterinary advisor to The Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging and their Pets on Wheels program. I have continued my membership in the District of Columbia Academy of Veterinary Medicine, a continuing education organization (program chairman 1990-91, board of directors 1993-1995). I acquired PennHip certification in 1996.

The most profound event of my life was the illness and death from a malignant brain tumor of my then 10 year old only child Frances in 1999. Since then I have been involved in The National Childhood Cancer Foundation to benefit The Children's Oncology Group, working toward the day when all children with cancer can be guaranteed a cure.

Elizabeth and I currently live in Great Falls with our daughter Katerina (adopted in Russia 6/2000) and six cats, Susie, Georgie, Colonel Mustard, Coco, Chloe, Panda, and a cockatiel named Pixel. I still enjoy good food, good wine and a hard swim. When I go to work, I get to talk to a variety of interesting people (usually taking too much time), solve problems, and play with dogs and cats.

Who could possibly have a better career?

Laurie Cook, D.V.M.
Senior Associate Veterinarian
I am a 1984 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary medicine and have been working at GFAH since 1986. I grew up in Potomac, Maryland and did undergraduate work at the University of Maryland and the University of Massachusetts.

While I mostly treat dogs and cats, I will gladly take care of anything small and fuzzy (guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, etc.). I am often known as "the Springer doctor" (for my previous dogs), and I have a special place in my heart for Basset Hounds (my first dog).

My household includes my husband (Randy), 5 cats who were adopted from GFAH (Riker, Marco, Neo, Trinity, and Flute), a rescue league Boxer (Logan), and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (Gator). My son Tyler is away studying electrical engineering at VCU in Richmond.

I am an avid Red Sox fan, having married into the "faith" in 1982. To quote Susan Sarandon from the movie Bull Durham, “I believe in the church of baseball.” I watch just about every game and read about the state of the Nation daily. My husband and I have also followed our boys around the country, and we hope to eventually visit every major league ballpark. Our first Springer was named Fenway. Go Sox!

The rest of my free time involves hiking with the dogs, reading sci-fi, doing crosswords or logic puzzles, watching the Redskins, and enjoying our area’s many fine restaurants.

Anne Garrood D.V.M.
Associate Veterinarian
I was born in Cambridge, England. I went to the University of East Anglia for my bachelor's degree in biology and then studied nursing (human!) in Sheffield. After several years working at a pharmaceutical company in Nottingham running clinical trials of new drugs, I decided I wanted to see the United States. I came to Pine Bluff, Arkansas on a one year nursing contract. I was so taken by the country that at the end of my contract I returned home, sold my house and returned immediately, this time to Gulfport, Mississippi. Here I practiced nursing and went to the local community college to prepare for veterinary school. I had always dreamed of being a veterinarian but had blown my examinations in England because I was young and foolish (not any more, unfortunately!). Now I could realize my dream. I entered the Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987 and graduated in 1991. 1991 was a good year for me because I also became a United States citizen that year, in Oxford, MS.

I have been working in the Northern Virginia area since I graduated and have been at GFAH since 1999. I have served on the board of directors for The Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging Pets on Wheels program. I live in Washington, DC with my partner, and several animals including one 60 lb. mutt named Dumpster (because she was found in one when she was a puppy), two miniature long-haired dachshunds (Hannah and Gracie), four cats (Simon, Shelby, Zelda and Raisin), two red-eyed tree frogs, two red-eared sliders, a salt-water reef tank and some fresh-water fish. It is quite a zoo! In addition to caring for my animals I love reading and golfing.

I enjoy seeing small mammals, reptiles, birds etc. in addition to dogs and cats. I am very interested in "alternative" or complementary medicine. I took the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) course in 1997 and have been practicing ever since with very encouraging results. I am also studying homeopathy.

Kimberly C. Cleland, D.V.M.
Associate Veterinarian
I am a graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Williams College undergrad (go Ephs!). I live with my husband, son, and three fabulously friendly oversized cats. (I joined GFAH in 2003.) I am particularly interested in pain management (I am a member of the International Veterinary Pain Management Association), anesthesia and caring for older pets. Cats and dogs make up the majority of the patients I treat but I also enjoy seeing exotics. I feel very lucky to have a job where I can help animals (and by extension, their people) feel better. I am fluent in French, and can get by in Mandarin, which was one of my majors. In my spare time I like to read (especially science fiction and fantasy), write letters, and ballroom dance.

Elizabeth Sochurek, DVM, MLAS
Associate Veterinarian
I started off in Virginia Beach and being a Navy brat, got to travel to the
Philippines and New Zealand for three years each. While overseas, I started
riding horses which helped me figure out I wanted to be a veterinarian. My
family has always had pets: dogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, but having to take care of my
own horse really got me interested in vet medicine.

I did my undergraduate degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech
and then decided to pursue a Master's degree in Laboratory Animal Science at
MCP Hanhemann University in Philadelphia. I worked with small ruminants for a
year after graduate school and then went back to Blacksburg for vet school
at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Luckily my
husband, Greg, and I share a passion for Hokie Football because the 2000 Sugar Bowl
led to our meeting and eventual marriage.

Greg and I were both looking for jobs at the same time and ended up in between
our hometowns of Baltimore and Virginia Beach, respectively. We reside in Leesburg
with our pupperkin, Sugar (named after the fateful Sugar Bowl), a Yorkie-Shih
Tzu cross, and our four guinea pigs, all rescues, Boris, Bosley, Brewster and Penelope. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running and heading to the gym with my husband, baking, cross-stitching, cross words and su-do-ku, watching and attending Hokie football games. I am interested in small mammal medicine, in addition
to working with cats and dogs.

Christine Kellogg, D.V.M.
Associate Veterinarian
Following in the footsteps of my parents, I explored several careers before arriving as a veterinarian at GFAH in 2003. As a youngster, I wanted to be a genetic engineer, but numerous life changes occurred and led me along alternative paths, including careers in management, collections, mathematics, teaching, and the technical world (such as projects to get our world ready for Y2K!). I have always worked with animals, mostly with humane societies, and have had the chance to meet lots of movie stars working with groups in Southern California. I love being a veterinarian because I am able to satisfy my rational side by practicing medicine, and I also have the opportunity to have great conversations with owners and spend time with wonderful pets.

I live in Oakton with a Labrador Retriever, a Terrier mix, four cats (including one Manx), and my husband Marc, who hails from Omaha, Nebraska. Our passions include contemporary art and traveling. Great Falls Animal Hospital has accepted me with open arms, and I thoroughly enjoy working with the other doctors, the staff, and most of all, great owners and pets!

Gregory Lawrence D.V.M.
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Greg Lawrence is a native of the Washington D.C. area. He grew up in Maryland, and is a graduate of Towson University. After graduating with a theater degree, he went to work in a wildlife hospital and sanctuary, where he realized his passion for veterinary medicine. He quickly applied, and was accepted, to Ross University on the island of St. Kitts. After 2 1/2 years of life in the Caribbean, he completed his clinical year at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville. After graduation, Dr. Lawrence practiced for one year in New York City, before returning home to the D.C. area. He has been practicing for several years at another small animal hospital in the Northern Virginia area, before joining GFAH in the summer of 2007. His professional interests include surgery, dentistry, and an especially challenging case. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga, kayaking, scuba diving and discovering anything electronic. He shares his home with two big dogs, Shadow and Ben, and two cats, Maggie and Maude.

Jennifer Keane, L.V.T.
Senior Licensed Veterinary Technician & Inventory Specialist
I am a licensed veterinary technician who has worked for this great practice since my internship in 1985. I am the liaison for our hospital with pharmaceutical companies and other vendors. A good portion of my time is occupied by keeping medications, foods and supplies in stock.

Along with my husband and son, I live on a small farm in Lovettsville where we raise Christmas trees and enjoy the company of many animals. Our menagerie includes: four cats, one dog, a pony, two goats (Murray & Toro the lawn mowers), Lucy the one-eyed goose, a duck and a flock of chickens.

Renee Small, L.V.T.
Head Technician
I have been working for Great Falls Animal Hospital since 1988. In 1998 I graduated from Northern Virginia Community College's Veterinary Technology program and received my Veterinary Technician license. I am especially interested in pain management and exotic medicine. I rescue rabbits and guinea pigs and currently have 11 rabbits and 36 guinea pigs. I live with my husband, Joe, our son, Brandon, my 6 dogs and 9 cats. I like to hike, camp, and go four wheeling and spend time with my family.

Denise Sanchez, L.V.T.
Technician
Hi, my name is Denise Sanchez. I have worked here since October 2000. I have been working in the animal field since 1997. I graduated from NOVA as a Veterinary Technician in May 2002. I currently live in Herndon with my poodle/terrier mix Chewie and my cat B.J. I like to relax by reading a good book or sitting on the couch with my husband, Juan (who also works here) watching television.

Beth Lannon, L.V.T.
Technician
As a Licensed Veterinary Technician my main concern is giving your pets the best nursing care I can provide. I know when my animals are sick they are scared and in need of loving hands. I promise I will do my best to give your pets the same comfort and love that I give my own.

I joined Great Falls Animal Hospital in April 2000. I worked as Veterinary Assistance for five years before deciding to go back to school and get my Technician's License. Prior to that I spent sixteen years working with computers in "corporate America". I have a degree in computer programming. Prior to that I was a social worker.

I'm an excellent cat handler and am frequently called on to work with our most challenging cat patients. But I have an equal love for dogs and I worked at an exotic practice for 6 months so I can treat your birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and reptiles too. I also belonged to the Wildlife Rescue League for several years specializing in waterfowl and songbirds.

I recently joined the Human Society of the United State (HSUS) outreach program for Veterinary Technicians. I just came back from Louisiana where I helped provide medical treatment for the thousands of displaced animals from Hurricane Katrina.

I live with my husband Russell, three cats, my dog Timber, and a rescued deer mouse in Reston, VA.

Mary Portelly L.V.T.
Technician
After 20 years working as a Software Engineer for various Telecoms companies, I decided it was time do something I feel passionately about ... so I went back to school to become a Veterinary Technician and graduated in May 2007. I started working at GFAH in February 2006 and completed my internship in the summer of 2006. I love working at GFAH and find everyone to be supportive and helpful as I am learning all the new skills I need.

I was born in England and moved to this country in 1988. I live in Reston with my husband, Ken, our dogs, Troop (a sweet lab mix), and Casper (weird husky mix) and two cockatiels. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering for animal welfare organizations to help homeless dogs, swimming and taking our dogs to a Dog Park.

Betty Rowe
Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist
Hi. My name is Betty Rowe, and I have been an assistant at Great Falls Animal Hospital since July 1989. I live in Burkittsville, Maryland with two mixed breed dogs, Emmett & Torie, two cats, Maizie & Abbey; and one human, Ben. I also have a horse, No Regrets, whom I enjoy showing at the hunter shows.

Karen Bracken-Penley
Hospital Administrator
I started working here in 1982 while still in high school. You can find me in reception helping clients, assisting doctors with patients, helping employees with questions, or paying the bills to keep the hospital running. My husband, Harold, and I live in Berryville and share our home with four beasts: Jolie, a mixed breed, whom I enjoy taking to agility classes, Nemo a yellow Lab, Marley, a Golden Retriever, and Henry a yellow lab. We are raising Henry and Marley for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. We have raised five puppies GEB and they are currently working guide dogs enabling visually impaired people to have more freedom. When not at work or working with one of our dogs I enjoy riding motorcycles (I have a Harley Davidson 883 Sportster), gardening, entertaining and reading.

Lisa Forgrave
Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist
Hi! My name is Lisa. I have been employed at GFAH since September 1991. I am an avid birdwatcher, an interest that I share with my four cats, Chiquita, Leo, Simba, and Tuesday. I enjoy hiking, especially with my Labrador, Oso, and Golden, Pete. While we are out on the trails my house is guarded by a Toy Poodle, Grace, and a terrier, Jake. I am also involved in cat rescue, helping to direct the cat adoption program at the hospital.

Barbara Johnson
Receptionist
I developed a love for pets at an early age and I have worked with animals, in various capacities, since 1979. While volunteering in cat rescue/adoption, I met a fellow cat lover who became my husband on May 8, 2004. The veterinarians of Great Falls Animal Hospital have treated my pets for over 15 years so joining the staff as a receptionist in 1996 was a logical choice. I love animals and have three dogs, two cats, one "step-cat" and a hamster, all of whom were rescued. I am a lifelong resident of the Northern Virginia area.

Leanne Swisher
Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist
I joined the GFAH team in October 2001. I have been working with animals since 1996. My jobs have ranged from working with horses and livestock to dogs and cats. My pet family includes Kira (Siberian Husky), Jessie (Longhaired Calico), and Oscar (Lilac Point Himalayan). In addition to my routine duties here I have recently taken on the task of writing articles for the hospital newsletter, "Paws For Thought".

Karen Van Es
Receptionist
Hi, I'm Karen # 2! I came to GFAH as a part-time veterinary assistant after being a client since January 1990. I currently share my home with an elderly kitty and a Springer Spaniel. For many years I have been engaged in feral cat rescue. In addition to animal welfare and preservation, my interests include travel, foreign languages, audio books and Tai Chi.

David Raynor
Veterinary Assistant
I have been with GFAH since October 1995, currently on a part-time basis. I have been working with animals since 1984. I enjoy working with all types of animals, especially cats, rodents and birds. I raise and show Persian cats and travel all over the continental United State exhibiting them. I am also involved in feline rescue, particularly Persians and Himalayans.

Mike Chew
Veterinary Assistant
I have worked at GFAH since March 1996. I love working with the animals and the staff. I am living in Manassas with my lovely wife, Nikki.

Mohamed Bashir
Veterinary Assistant
Before coming to the United States I was a large and farm animal veterinarian in Sudan. I immigrated to the United States in 1997. I first settled in North Carolina working at a small animal practice there. I moved to this area May 1998, and found another family at GFAH. Working in a small animal practice is a great, wonderful new experience. I enjoy watching Animal Planet and wildlife shows. I also love to play and watch soccer. I have a gorgeous wife, Nagla, and 2 beautiful daughters, Leena and Noon.

Scott Retter
Veterinary Assistant
I started here in October 2002. I have worked in the pet industry for the previous two years. Before that I was a painter. I grew up with a house full of pets, so it was easy for me to get into veterinary medicine. My wife, Nancy, and I have three kids, our son Irie, our daughter Althea, and our youngest son, Eli. When not spending time with my kids I enjoy camping, soccer and football.

Nick Reimuller
Veterinary Assistant
My name is Nathan Stocks; I have been an employee of Great Falls Animal Hospital since October 2001. I just recently got married to a wonderful woman, who I happened to meet here at the hospital. She is also a Veterinarian who graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Sochurek. We currently have two birds, two cats, and two dogs at home so, all in all our lives tend to revolve around animals! I’m lucky enough that Great Falls allows me to work part time so I can finish my Bachelors degree in healthcare management at GMU.

Nathan Stocks
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, my name is Nick Reimuller. I have been working at GFAH since December of 2002. I live in Reston with my three Pit Bulls Tank, Diva, and Abel. I also have a very chubby cat named Punkin. When I am not working or in class I enjoy walking my dogs, cheering for my Redskins, playing basketball, football, and golf, and working on my 1974 Ford Bronco.

Jenny Meyers
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I have been with GFAH since September 2003. Working with animals runs in my family as my great grandfather preferred working with animals as a veterinarian in Quakertown, PA. My aunt, Barbara Mackey has worked here, now "behind the scenes" since 1991 and I have worked along side my lovely little brother, Sean since he started in July 2004. GFAH has taken care of my family's animals since the good old days dating back to 1963 and we wouldn't have it any other way.

In my spare time [or even when I'm on the clock] you can find me singing whether you want me to or not, doing karaoke up at the Old Brogue and enjoying most forms of art, reading, writing, camping, music, video games and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

I share a lovely house in Ashburn with my two cats, Bella & Cujo, my three roommates, and a dog mate, Bender who is an Australian Cattle dog. I also enjoy visiting my parents' menagerie of 4 cats [Fival, Phoebe, Fidget and Pete] and Border Collie, Katie as much as I can. If I ever leave here, I hope you will find me on IMDB.com with my resume including some form for performing art under my belt!

Cara Scarano
Veterinary Assistant
I am the newest member of the GFAH family, having started here in Aug. 2005. I have five years experience working with mammals, pocket pets and reptiles. I truly enjoy helping animals. I am a newlywed and love to spend my free time hiking, camping & playing Frisbee with my husband. When I am not outdoors, I enjoy spending time with my two cats (Zoe & Ophelia) and my snake (Albacus).

Sean Meyers
VeterinaryAssistant/Receptionist
Sean has been a member of the GFAH team since June of 2004. Sean enjoys writing bio's in the third person. Sean enjoys working at GFAH very much, due to the silly antics of his co-workers. Sean has been asked many times whether or not he wants to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. The answer to that question is no. One day Sean will bring the gift of rock and roll to the world, one town at a time. Sean also enjoys long walks off short piers.

Tracy Kiser
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I'm Tracy Kiser and I have worked at Great Falls Animal Hospital since 1992. I live in Herndon with my husband Dave, my Shepard mix Daisy and my Cockatiel Nacha. In my free time I like to read, go on hikes with my husband and dog, swim and cook.

Joanne Fujito
Veterinary Assistant
After thousands of dollars spent at Virginia Tech for my double major in Human Services and Psychology (class of '05), I decided that I would much rather not work with humans. I found that despite my unparalleled social skills and alluring charisma, the truth was that I cried more during sad animal movies than human ones. Thus began my debut in animal care. I started at Great Falls Animal Hospital in July of 2006, and have found myself frequently acting jovial while preparing for work. I consider this a paramount characteristic because never before has this happened for me in other occupations I've held. To say that I enjoy the hospital's friendly, caring atmosphere is a gross understatement, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be included on staff. One of my most noticeable strong traits that benefits the hospital is perhaps my borderline obsessive/compulsive urge to organize everything. Cabinets and drawers look fantastic, but maybe I should consider psychotherapy.

I am a single mother of two boys, Tino (1yr) and Ricky (12yrs), and one girl, Pancake (3yrs). Tino is a Jack Russell Terrorist who loves to steal drainage hoses from my neighbors' yards and run around with it maniacally. Ricky is the original gangster beagle mix who's been mine since 8th grade. I have been 'fostering' Pancake the retriever mix for the past year and plan to foster her for the next 15. In my spare time I enjoy naps, visiting dog parks, and eating. Every now and then, I dabble in some computer hardware modification, guitar, and babysitting children with autism. I look forward to meeting each and every one of your animals!

Autumn McPherson
Veterinary Assistant
Autumn grew up in Gainesville, FL then moved to Columbus, OH during her freshman year of high school. Most of her experience has been in various sorts of management. However, her passion is to one day become a veterinarian. For the mean time autumn enjoys her work hear at GFAH gaining experience. In addition to her pet sitting job with All Friends Pet Care, Autumn also has 4 pets, three cats (Casper, Dexter and Pyewacket), in addition to Abby her Doberman Pincher puppy who has resided with them since October 2006.

Aaran Koutoulakos
Veterinary Assistant
I am one of the newest smiling faces at GFAH (Aug. 2007). I have worked in various animal hospitals in the metropolitan area. I have a great love for animals as well as their individualized needs. I have extensive experience in animal health care and am currently enrolled in classes to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Arika Orozco
Veterinary Assistant
After managing a kennel in my home state of Texas for a couple of years, I moved to D.C. and GFAH in late summer of 2007. While I like all animals, I am especially fond of large dogs and horses. I live in NE D.C. with my fantastic husband, Joe and our wonderful, spoiled dogs Addie, a Border collie mix and Gator, a German shepherd.

Sarah Sherrow
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, my name is Sarah. I have been @ GFAH since September 2004. I have always been surrounded by animals of all sizes. I have four cats, Pippa a Bengal, Potsy is my ½ feral “ghost” kitty, Bouncer the biter and Hidey Doo’s the other ghost kitty. I love dogs but currently do not have the time to give to one. I am known around the hospital as the “cat whisperer” and the future “crazy cat lady.” In my free time I like to paint, draw, DJ, and travel. I plan on being a graphic designer when I grow up. Until then you will find me most afternoons petting the cats upfront in our adoption center.