Our Staff
Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital is growing!
If you are interested in becoming a part of our staff, please email us at info@eldersburgvet.com.Let us introduce you to our wonderful staff:
Doctors
Jacqueline James, DVM
Dr. James is a DMV native and graduated from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She started full time as the Medical Director in 2021 after a year of relief shifts here at EVH.
Her interests are surgery, nutrition, and she is an advocate for low stress handling techniques. Most recently, Dr. James has trained in Nutrition Response Testing, a non-invasive system to assist practitioners' assessment of underlying causes of ill health, and aids in healing through nutrition.
Outside of the practice Dr. James enjoys activities with her two children and rescue kitty, "Jadan".
Years in Practice: 34
Education: Tuskegee School Of Veterinary Medicine
Experience: Tailwaggers- non-profit animal clinic
- Former Chief of Staff Banfield Columbia (6 years)
- Practice Owner (4 years)
- Waldorf Well Pet non-profit
- MDSPCA
Whitney Alper, DVM
Dr. Alper graduated with honors from Ontario Veterinary College in 2017. Upon graduation she has been working as a small animal practitioner in Maryland. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and her special interests inclue dermatology, pathology, and reproductive surgeries. Prior to starting at Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Alper did relief work at a local ER to help further hone her emergency medicine skills.
Years in Practice: 7
Education: Ontario College of Veterinary MedicineInterests: Outside of work, Dr. Alper enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, as well as running and travelling.
Michelle Easter, DVM
Dr. Easter graduated from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She joined our hospital in 2018 after briefly serving as a relief vet. Before that, she worked in general practice and at an emergency hospital. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. Her particular areas of expertise include internal, behavioral, and emergency medicine in addition to wellness and preventative care.
Years in Practice: 13Education: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineInterests: Dr. Easter enjoys spending time with family, visiting the beach, swimming, boating, and hiking.
Support Staff
Amy Smith, Practice Manager
Meet Amy Smith, the heart and soul behind Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital! Growing up near Taneytown, MD, Amy graduated from Francis Scott Key High School in 1997 and earned her Veterinary Assistant certification in 2006. With 19 years of experience, she has a deep love for all animals, especially the adorable puppies and kittens. Amy finds great joy in nursing sick pets back to health.
Her home is like a mini-farm with two dogs, two cats, pigs, cows, chickens, and even a rabbit! When she’s not busy caring for animals, Amy loves tending to her beautiful flowers, going on camping adventures, and leading a bustling 4-H club with her kids.
As the longest-standing member of our team, Amy’s unwavering dedication and genuine love for animals make her an indispensable part of Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital. Her warmth and kindness make her a beloved figure in the veterinary community and beyond!
Her home is like a mini-farm with two dogs, two cats, pigs, cows, chickens, and even a rabbit! When she’s not busy caring for animals, Amy loves tending to her beautiful flowers, going on camping adventures, and leading a bustling 4-H club with her kids.
As the longest-standing member of our team, Amy’s unwavering dedication and genuine love for animals make her an indispensable part of Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital. Her warmth and kindness make her a beloved figure in the veterinary community and beyond!
Lauren Oliver, Assistant Manager
Lauren Oliver, a dedicated Veterinary Assistant Supervisor and Assistant Manager at Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital, has been passionate about animal care from a young age. Growing up in Highland, MD, Lauren was actively involved in showing livestock at the 4-H county fair, which ignited her lifelong commitment to animal welfare.
With a career spanning since 2017, Lauren's journey in veterinary medicine began as a kennel technician. Through dedication and hands-on experience, she transitioned to the role of a veterinary assistant, a path she believes chose her. Lauren's favorite aspect of her career is the continuous learning opportunities and witnessing the success stories of her patients.
Outside of her professional life, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and engaging in various activities on her family farm. Surrounded by her two horses, three rabbits, four dogs, one bird, and a few chickens, Lauren finds joy in riding her horses and being immersed in the rural lifestyle.
Lauren's commitment to animal care, combined with her rich background and personal experiences, make her an invaluable asset to the Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital team.
With a career spanning since 2017, Lauren's journey in veterinary medicine began as a kennel technician. Through dedication and hands-on experience, she transitioned to the role of a veterinary assistant, a path she believes chose her. Lauren's favorite aspect of her career is the continuous learning opportunities and witnessing the success stories of her patients.
Outside of her professional life, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and engaging in various activities on her family farm. Surrounded by her two horses, three rabbits, four dogs, one bird, and a few chickens, Lauren finds joy in riding her horses and being immersed in the rural lifestyle.
Lauren's commitment to animal care, combined with her rich background and personal experiences, make her an invaluable asset to the Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital team.
Amanda Carter, Veterinary Assistant Lead
Amanda Carter serves as the Veterinary Assistant Lead at Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for animal care to the team. Hailing from Anne Arundel County, MD, Amanda earned her AA degree from Anne Arundel Community College.
Amanda’s journey in veterinary medicine began in 2009 when a unique opportunity presented itself, steering her into a fulfilling career that she embraced wholeheartedly. She finds joy in the diverse personalities of the animals she cares for and relishes the constant learning that her role offers.
At home, Amanda is surrounded by her own menagerie, including a dog, a cat, four ducks, and numerous chickens. In her free time, she loves camping with her family, enjoying the great outdoors and creating cherished memories.
Amanda’s dedication to her field and her genuine love for animals make her an integral part of the Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital team.
Amanda’s journey in veterinary medicine began in 2009 when a unique opportunity presented itself, steering her into a fulfilling career that she embraced wholeheartedly. She finds joy in the diverse personalities of the animals she cares for and relishes the constant learning that her role offers.
At home, Amanda is surrounded by her own menagerie, including a dog, a cat, four ducks, and numerous chickens. In her free time, she loves camping with her family, enjoying the great outdoors and creating cherished memories.
Amanda’s dedication to her field and her genuine love for animals make her an integral part of the Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital team.
Jenna Welsh, LVT & Radiologic Technologist
Jenna is a Veterinary Technician and a registered Radiologic Technologist, with a certification in radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Interests: Spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters. She also loves yoga and reading.
Natalie Fountain, LVT
Natalie joined our practice as a Veterinary Technician in late 2021 after being certified as a Veterinary Assistant at Carroll Community College. At home she has 2 cats, "Dexter" and "Ruby".
Interests: Video games, dyeing her hair, and crocheting cat toys.
Jess Braunlich, LVT
Jess joined our practice as a Veterinary Technician in 2022, bringing 3 years of prior veterinary reception and technician experience. She has two dogs, one cat, and many fish!
Interests: Spending time with her husband and son, and listening to music
Rachael Davis, Receptionist
Rachael started working here in March 2019 as our Receptionist Extraordinaire, bringing seven years of previous experience in the veterinary industry. Previously an EMT, she has a handsome German Shepherd ("Aiden") and two cats.
Interests: Reading, painting, and listening to classical music.
Interests: Reading, painting, and listening to classical music.
Brandy Edwards, Receptionist
Brandy has been with our practice since September 2021, bringing over 4 years of veterinary reception experience with her. She's the goofball of the practice and loves to bring a smile to everyone's face. She's not only a mama to two fur-babies, "Angel" & "Kilo", but also one to four daughters, and a Nana of two boys.
Interests: She loves the outdoors and you can likely find her and her trusty companion, "Angel" (pictured), on trails out at Patapsco.
Bernie
Meow! Meet our hospital companion and front-desk supervisor, Bernie.
Bernie joined our practice as a kitten and EVH has since been his home. Bernie enjoys napping on the printers and greeting our feline patients.
Interests: Temptations treats and anything relating to Dr. Alper