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Our Staff
Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital is growing!
Let us introduce you to our wonderful staff:
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".
Practicing since: 1991
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
Tammy Han, DVM
Dr. Tammy Han is a Maryland native. She graduated from the University of Maryland with dual Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. She continued her education in Massachusetts where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and received a Masters in Public Health from the Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Han is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and holds USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) accreditation. Prior to joining Eldersburg Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Han practiced at Main Street Veterinary Hospital, where she honed her skills in small animal medicine and built lasting relationships with clients and their pets.
Practicing Since: 2009Education: Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineInterests: In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends (both two-legged and four), travel, and any activity that allows her to explore the great outdoors
Erika Watkins, DVM
Dr. Erika Watkins grew up and has lived in Sykesville her whole life. She received her B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2014 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She did her clinical year at the University of Tennessee.After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Watkins practiced as an equine veterinarian for a year before transitioning to mixed animal practice. After the birth of her son, she went to work strictly with small animals. Fun fact – during her senior year of high school, Dr. Watkins interned here at EVH!Dr. Watkins lives in Sykesville with her husband, Tony, and their son, Chase. She also owns an Alpaca farm (Huggable Humming Alpacas), where she breeds and trains award-winning alpacas. In addition to her alpacas, she has three dogs (a Doberman, a blind Shih Tzu, and an island dog also known as a coconut retriever), a guinea pig, a bearded dragon, two crested geckos, and seven chickens!
Practicing since: 2018Education: Ross University School of Veterinary MedicineInterests: Dr. Watkins loves being outdoors and activities such as horseback riding, fishing, visiting wineries, and spending time with her family and friends. She is always up for an adventure.
Michelle Easter, DVM
Dr. Easter graduated from the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She joined our hospital in 2018, working full time for several years before transitioning to an occasional relief veterinarian here at EVH.
Dr. Easter is the owner of Paws at Rest, an in-home euthanasia service dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets and their families. Prior to that, she gained extensive experience in both general practice and emergency medicine.
Her professional interests include internal medicine, behavioral medicine, emergency care, and all aspects of wellness and preventative medicine.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Easter enjoys spending time with her husband, her high school sweetheart, and their two children. Her empathy, expertise, and dedication continue to make her a valued part of the EVH family. Practicing since: 2011Education: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineInterests: Dr. Easter enjoys spending time with family, visiting the beach, swimming, boating, and hiking.
Dr. Easter is the owner of Paws at Rest, an in-home euthanasia service dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets and their families. Prior to that, she gained extensive experience in both general practice and emergency medicine.
Her professional interests include internal medicine, behavioral medicine, emergency care, and all aspects of wellness and preventative medicine.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Easter enjoys spending time with her husband, her high school sweetheart, and their two children. Her empathy, expertise, and dedication continue to make her a valued part of the EVH family. Practicing since: 2011Education: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineInterests: Dr. Easter enjoys spending time with family, visiting the beach, swimming, boating, and hiking.
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!
Amanda, Veterinary Assistant Lead
Amanda 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.
Natalie, Veterinary Assistant
Natalie joined our team in January 2022 as a Veterinary assistant intern and officially became one of our full time assistants in May 2022. Since then, she has become an invaluable member of our tech team, always ready to jump in, learn, and ensure every patient feels cared for.
In her downtime, she dedicates herself to providing special care to our hospital cats, showcasing her compassion and love for all animals. At home she has 2 cats, "Dexter" and "Ruby".
Interests: Video games, dyeing her hair, and crocheting cat toys.
Shannon M, Veterinary Assistant
Shannon began her veterinary journey in 2018 as a kennel technician, and her dedication and compassion quickly earned her a promotion to veterinary assistant just a year later. After taking some time away from veterinary medicine, Shannon has returned to our practice as a valued team member, bringing fresh energy and the same love for animals that inspired her career from the start. She is fond of many different breeds and enjoys caring for pets of all kinds.
At home, Shannon shares her life with two cats and four dogs, reflecting the same compassion and devotion she brings to every patient in our care.
Interests: Family, Pets, her favorite tv shows
Interests: Family, Pets, her favorite tv shows
Sarah C, Veterinary Assistant
Sarah has been a veterinary assistant since 2018 and joined our practice in 2024 and has quickly become an integral part of our team. She brings strong technical skills and a calm, compassionate approach to every patient she cares for, making both pets and their owners feel at ease. Her dedication and gentle demeanor make her a trusted member of our veterinary family.
Interests: Hiking, Music, Puzzles & Spending time with her pets
Interests: Hiking, Music, Puzzles & Spending time with her pets
Jess, Veterinary Assistant
Jess joined our practice as a Veterinary Assistant in 2022, bringing 3 years of prior veterinary reception and technician experience. She has two dogs, 3 cats, fish and 2 children at home.
Interests: Spending time with her husband and sons, and listening to music
Rachael, Receptionist
Rachael began her veterinary career in 2012, starting as a kennel technician before advancing to veterinary assistant. She joined our team in March 2019 as a dedicated receptionist, where her friendly and organized approach ensures every client and patient feels welcome. On busy days, you’ll often find Rachael jumping in to assist the veterinary team, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to providing excellent care. Her experience, warmth, and can-do attitude make her an invaluable part of our practice.
Interests: Reading, painting, and listening to classical music.
Interests: Reading, painting, and listening to classical music.
Sarah F, Receptionist
Sarah began her veterinary career in 2015, starting out as an assistant and quickly discovering her passion for helping animals and their owners. With five years of experience as a receptionist, she has developed a strong background in client care and enjoys building lasting relationships with pet owners. Sarah joined EVH in 2024 and loves being part of a dedicated and compassionate team.
Outside of work, Sarah is a proud mom of two children and a devoted dog owner. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, going on outdoor adventures, and finding new ways to keep her energetic pup entertained. Interests: Family, motorcycles, reading & video games
Outside of work, Sarah is a proud mom of two children and a devoted dog owner. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, going on outdoor adventures, and finding new ways to keep her energetic pup entertained. Interests: Family, motorcycles, reading & video games
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
Stella AKA HoHo
Sella joined our EVH family in April 2025. Since then, she’s taken her time settling in and getting to know her big new family — though she still has a few favorite people she prefers most. While you might spot her occasionally around the clinic, Sella tends to enjoy her quiet time away from the crowd. Her calm, independent spirit makes her a beloved member of our team in her own special way.
Interests: Sunbathing by the window