Caring for your pet isn’t simply our profession. It is our calling in life. Here, you will see a true team approach. An uncommon depth and breadth of expertise. And a belief in working together to make sure your pet lives the longest, happiest life possible.
Mika is an experienced veterinary professional with a decade of dedicated service in the field. Hailing from Silver Spring, MD, she is passionate about providing high-quality care to animals and their families. Outside of her veterinary work, Mika enjoys taking long walks and diving into a good book, reflecting her love for both the outdoors and continuous learning. Her commitment to animal health and well-being drives her to make a positive impact in the veterinary community.
Mercedes joined OSSVH in 2024. An avid lover of animals, she found her way into the Veterinary field after years in retail and within two years proved herself as a skilled professional. Always hungry for more knowledge and devoted to taking care of the patients in her care, she continues to push through and challenge herself. In her spare time she takes care of her family of three Chinese Cresteds, two Bearded Dragons, two Leopard Geckos, one Ball Python, and a Husband.
Monet is from Bronx, NY and currently a Rockville native with her husband and 3 children. She also resides with her 1 yr. old Cane Corso, 3 yr. old hound mix, 3 yr. old Eqyptian Mau, bearded dragon, African Cichlids, and dwarf frogs. Monet has an extensive background within veterinary medicine and laboratory research for a total of 11 years. Previously, she attended Delaware State University as a Pre-Vet major and is currently pursuing her Psychology degree. Her hobbies include: drawing, painting, arts & crafts, sculpting, writing, event planning, and petsitting.
Alex has worked with pets since 2021 although they have been around them their entire life as their father is a veterinarian. They have previously worked with police working dogs as well as celebrity owned dogs. Alex was also previously a professional mascot working for Six-Flags. During their free time they enjoy weightlifting, snowboarding and going to conventions.
Dr. Kenna Frierson spent eight years at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), earning her undergraduate degree in wildlife science, then her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. She has spent the last year practicing emergency medicine at Dogs and Cats Emergency and Specialty Hospital, and is excited to be making the transition into general medicine with the OSSVH team! She has a special interest in neurology and emergency/critical care.
Dr. Frierson spent most of her life in Georgia before moving to the DC area with her fiancé Jeff a little over a year ago. In her free time, Dr. Frierson enjoys baking, crocheting, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with her pitbull mix, Bjørn.
Originally from Baltimore County, Maya has recently returned to the area and brings with her a lifelong passion for animals and a commitment to helping others. She has always grown up with dogs, which has fueled her dedication for advocating for pets and providing top-notch care. She graduated with a degree in Design Studies from West Virginia University, but started her college career in Animal Sciences, from which she gained key knowledge in veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Maya enjoys cooking, socializing with friends, and exploring various forms of art.
Victoria (Vicky) is joining the OSSVH team in May 2023. She grew up in New Jersey and started grooming there 12 years ago. Before that, she worked with pets her whole life, caring for them and working in retail. Victoria spent the last 6 years in Orange County, California as the Head Groomer at the #1 grooming salon in the Laguna beach area where she really honed her craft. She took specialized courses and went to pet expos to keep up with the latest trends and tricks of the trade. Victoria continues her education and perfecting her skills to make sure she can give her clients and their pets the best care and products possible.
Being a professional pet stylist and canine esthetician, she’s taken different courses on skin conditions, allergies, and practices fear free grooming techniques. Victoria has always been super patient with difficult dogs knowing that some dogs just don’t like certain things and she’s always up for a challenge, She’s had clients call her the “Nail Ninja” for some of the more difficult dogs. Safety always comes first with Victoria. Most importantly, she prides herself on the bonds she gets to share with not only her people clients but their pets who make her job a passion. Gaining all dogs’, especially a difficult dog’s trust is ultimately her goal in the grooming process.
Victoria enjoys doing breed standard cuts, but my absolute most favorite part of the grooming process is doing a good de-shed on a double coated breed. She loves creative grooming -if you bring a picture of what you want your dog to look like, she will do her best to make your wishes come true, like a grooming fairy godmother.
Victoria has two dogs; Morty, a hound mix who was a foster failure, Luna, a Peek-a-poo, and a cat, Poop, an extremely vocal tabby. She recently moved to the DMV area to be closer to family. When she’s not grooming, she enjoys cooking recipes she finds online, painting and creating art, as well as binge watching the Office and Bob’s Burgers.
Milton joined the OSSVH team in November 2023. He has a great passion for animals and has worked in the animal care industry since 2021. He attended Montgomery College and then transferred to the University of Maryland & is working on completing his bachelor’s degree. His desire is to continue his education in the veterinary field. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym and spending time with his two dogs. He owns a pit-bull named Bruno and a beagle named Lucy. He is also a huge Baltimore Ravens Fan! Milton is committed to treating every client’s pet like his own.
Devon joined the OSSVH team in 2018 as a Kennel Attendant and was promoted to Veterinary Assistant. She has been around animals her entire life and grew up showing dogs in conformation, dabbling in pack dog titling, and sled dog racing with her Siberian Huskies. Devon has also been pet sitting since she was old enough to care for animals. She currently has one lead sled dog at home, her Siberian Damien, and her two cats, Mystique, and Zoe. In her free time, In her free time, Devon enjoys going to music festivals and concerts, exploring nature, and spending time with her dogs.
Bio Coming Soon.
Patrick joined the OSSVH team in May 2022. He grew up with Jack Russell terriers and currently resides with two dogs, a cat, two rabbits and an uncertain number of fish. This is his first formal job in the veterinary industry, but Patrick has devoted several years working for animal welfare and rights. He enjoys spending time with his son and is an avid fan of fantasy literature and gaming. He is committed to ensuring that our client’s pets are comfortable and happy.
Lily joined the OSSVH team in March 2021. She was born in Austin, Texas and although she has lived in Maryland for most of her life, she still considers herself a Texan at heart! Lily has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember. Her first “real” job was as a Pet Care Associate at a pet store chain when she turned 18, and after 2 years she began working as a Veterinary Assistant. Lily also has a strong background in customer service and worked as a Certified Pharmacy Technician prior to joining our team.
She has a Maltese named Mollie and a Norwegian Forest Cat named Harley at home and she loves them both endlessly. She is currently working on finishing her Associates of Science in Biology at Montgomery College. When she’s not at work, she loves listening to true-crime podcasts, cooking new recipes, going to breweries, playing MMORPGs, and cross-stitching.
Liz grew up in Ashton, MD. She attended Howard community college and joined the OSSVH team in 2001. She started her career here in the kennel and then moved to the Client Care department in 2016. Liz has two dogs, Nori and Marlon, and when not at work or playing with her dogs She enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends at her vacation home in Deep Creek Lake.
Bio Coming Soon.
Brianna joined the OSSVH team in Spring of 2023. She graduated from Montgomery College with a Veterinary Assistant certificate and is now at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Prior to joining the team, Brianna interned at another private practice in the area. When not at work, you can find Brianna spending time with her family and their Rhodesian ridgeback dogs.
Holly joined the OSSVH team in July 2022. She has lived in Montgomery County her whole life and has worked in the animal care industry the past few years. Holly has a strong passion for caring for animals and pet sits regularly. She started as a Kennel Attendant and quickly showed her eagerness to learn and help our doctors and technicians so she was promoted to Veterinary Assistant. She is currently a dog mom of three; one blue pit bull named Ace and two golden doodles, Teddy and Hazel. Holly has a range of interests in animals, but specifically in animal behavior. She plans to continue her education in this field, growing her knowledge. In her free time, Holly enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, walking her fur babies, as well as watching reality shows. Holly is committed to the well-being of all patients and treats each like her own.
Franziska (she/they) joined our team in August 2022. Prior to finishing a Veterinary Assistant program in January 2022 she pursued a degree in sculpture with a minor in ceramics from the Maryland Institute College of Art. As a child she grew up helping on her Papaw’s farm. Taking care of cows, pigs, guinea fowl, chickens and more; sparking a love for animal care at a young age. She resides in the quiet town of Greenbelt where she spends her time drawing, exploring and gaming with her two pets, a terrier mix , Laila and a cat, Penelope.
Sarah joined the OSSVH team in 2019. After working in the service industry for many years she needed a change in life and came to OSSVH as a Kennel Attendant. She was then promoted to Veterinary Assistant. Sarah was raised in Parkton, Maryland and grew up around lots of animals. From dogs and cats to bunnies and chinchillas, Sarah has loved all different kinds of animals from a young age. Currently, she owns Drummer, an Appendix Paint horse and Jasper, a cat. She likes to hike, play video games, and paint in her spare time.
Nicole joined the OSSVH team in 2018 after moving from Northern Virginia and has been in the field since 2016. She’s always had a passion for animals and has been taking care of them her whole life. Nicole grew up with dogs, a snake, and various pet rodents. She now has a Rottweiler and four wonderful cats! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her family and friends and plans on continuing her education in the medical field.
Megan started at OSSVH as a student and officially joined the team in August 2023. She is a recent graduate of Penn Foster College’s veterinary technician program.
Megan is a Montgomery County native. She has always loved animals and grew up with lots of pets of many different species. Megan currently has three dogs, Hans Muzzie Willow, and Charlotte, two cats, Remus and Tonks, and a cockatoo, Chrissy.
Megan also has a background in ceramic art, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Winthrop University in South Carolina. In her spare time, she still enjoys art, cooking, working out, video games, music, and bad horror movies.
Anna joined the OSSVH team in the spring of 2022. They are originally from Ukraine, moving to Baltimore in 1994, and still speak Russian fluently. They’ve always had a passion for animals and loved working with them. They graduated from Community College of Baltimore County in 2015 with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and became licensed as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in 2020. They have a background in emergency medicine, dentistry, and general practice. In their free time, Anna enjoys painting, drawing, playing video games, and spending time with their spouse and cat.
Jaime joined the OSSVH team in May 2019. She is a Maryland native with ties to the DMV. She graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Northern Virginia Community College in 2013 and has held her Registered Veterinary Technician license ever since. Her interest and specialty revolves around anesthesia, surgical nursing, and dentistry. When she is not working, Jaime enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Cassie, and traveling.
Rae joined the OSSVH team in April 2019. She is a Baltimore native and knew she wanted to be in veterinary medicine since she was four years old. She has a special interest in exotic pets and wildlife. Prior to coming to OSSVH, Rae has worked at a veterinary ophthalmologist clinic and a veterinary emergency hospital.
Rae shares her home with her fiancé, Troy, her dogs Juliet & Pazuzu, cat Aubrey and rabbits Edgar and Lilac. She enjoys listening to music, dancing, camping & hiking, and photography. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with family around a fire, watching football or enjoying a good family dinner.
Desirée joined the OSSVH team in the fall of 2010. She is a native of Northeast Ohio and came to Maryland to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. She completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science & Policy, specializing in wildlife ecology and management in 2010. Prior to joining OSSVH, Desirée worked for the U.S. Army at their Veterinary Treatment Facility in Whidbey Island, Washington and a private practice in Virginia.
Starting as a Client are Specialist, then supervising the front desk, Desirée is now assisting the owners in managing the practice as the Assistant Practice Manager. She especially enjoys the technical aspects of the hospital, growing and leading the team, building relationships with our clients, and neonatal care (who doesn’t love puppies & kittens?).
Desirée lives in Germantown with her husband, Mike, an Animal Keeper at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, their Border Collie, Ticket as well as a variety of reptiles including snakes, lizards and frogs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with Mike & Ticket, photography, traveling, baking, gardening, and reading.
Denise has worked in the veterinary field since she was old enough to get her first work permit. Throughout her career, she has worked in almost every capacity of veterinary hospital practice. She joined Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital as veterinary technician and later took over the management aspects of the facility, freeing the veterinarians to focus on patient care. Denise earned her bachelor’s in biological sciences from UMBC in 1992.
In addition to her responsibilities at OSSVH, Denise serves as a training officer for NVRT (National Veterinary Response Team), a federal disaster relief team for animals. She was deployed to assist the veterinary community in Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. She shares her home with her partner Joseph and their 3 keeshonden, Lego, Caymus and Frolic. In her spare time, she and the pups enjoy a variety of dog sports to include flyball, fast cat and agility.
Dr. Laura D’Aurora is a 2014 graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College, located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Her four years of veterinary school included diverse interests and events, from serving as the President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association to volunteering at a sanctuary for injured and/or abandoned sloths, to traveling to Africa, where she summited Mt. Kilimanjaro.
After earning her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. D’Aurora has worked in both general practice and emergency/critical care medicine, and is a member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. She has a special interest in endocrine diseases, soft tissue surgery, and wound management.
In her free time, she enjoys chasing after her two young children, spending time with her dogs, hiking, reading, playing piano, and training for her next (half) marathon.
Dr. Olcott, a native of upstate NY, obtained his bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo. He then earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1995 and, in 2013, his MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.
Dr. Olcott was a partner for several years in a multi-doctor small animal practice before leaving to start his own mobile ultrasonography business. More recently, Dr. Olcott worked as an Emergency Veterinarian at a local referral hospital, where he was named by his peers as one of the Top Veterinarians in Northern Virginia.
Dr. Olcott also holds multiple patents, is a published author, and is the co-founder and former CEO of a software company called VitusVet. VitusVet is a growing company with one simple goal: to make it easier for veterinarians to use technology to better connect with pet owners.
Dr. Olcott lives in Boyds, Maryland with his wife, three children, five dogs, one cat, and a few reptiles. In his spare time, he breeds and trains Pudelpointers, a type of versatile hunting dog, and is a North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) judge.
Dr. Steven Rapp graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. He has been working in the veterinary field in one way or another since 2005. He joined OSSVH after practicing general medicine in Gaithersburg for two years. He is especially passionate about dermatology, dentistry, and preventive medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association, and the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association. He became a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary Medical Honor Society in 2017.
Dr. Rapp grew up in Germantown and now lives in Montgomery Village with his wife Gwen and their 4 cats. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys spending free time cooking, hiking, biking, writing computer programs, playing Pokémon (sometimes competitively), and watching various anime such as Chihayafuru, Your Lie In April, and One Piece.
Dr. Christy Shoup attended Moravian College in her native state of Pennsylvania, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in biology and experimental psychology in 1996. She began her veterinary career at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and graduated in 2001. After graduation, she moved to Springfield, Virginia, where she completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center. She then spent a year in emergency medicine, helping to open the Emergency Animal Hospital in Catonsville, Maryland, before moving to private practice.
Dr. Shoup spent 5 & ½ years in private practice, during which time she treated exotic animals from macaws to pythons as well as dogs and cats. In 2008 Dr. Shoup opened her own business as a traveling “relief” veterinarian, working in clinics all over the greater Baltimore-Annapolis metro area. In November of 2018, she brought her relief veterinary skills to OSSVH and was happy to officially join the practice in June 2019. Dr. Shoup especially enjoys animal behavior and dentistry.
Dr. Shoup is a member of the American, Maryland, and Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Societies. She is also a member of the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers). She has been working as a volunteer with Fidos For Freedom, a local non-profit organization that provides therapy dogs and raises and trains service dogs. Her Dalmatian, Saoirse, is a therapy dog with Fidos and Dr. Shoup co-directed the Therapy Dog Department for 4 ½ years. She has raised two Fidos service puppies, Wrigley and Maya. In addition to Saoirse, Dr. Shoup lives with 3 parrots (Mango, Beaker & Adam West). In her spare time, Dr. Shoup enjoys trick training with Saoirse, who has earned her AKC Advanced Trick Dog title. She also enjoys artistic pursuits such as photography, pet portrait painting, and making ceramic pottery.
Dr. Joellen Gregory is a 2005 graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. During school, she was a two-time AKC veterinary scholarship recipient, thanks to her involvement with the dog fancy. She has shown otterhounds in conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking since the late 1990s.
Dr. Gregory has a special interest in reproduction, genetics, and canine sports medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Society for Theriogenology. In her free time, Dr. Gregory enjoys training and showing her dogs. When the dogs need a break, she enjoys traveling and music.
Prior to beginning her veterinary career, Dr. Karen S. Hoffmann received her MS from the University of Connecticut in biochemistry. She obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota in 1991. In veterinary school, Dr. Hoffmann focused on equine medicine, which she practiced for the first several years after graduation. Over the next few years, Dr. Hoffmann worked in several small practices throughout Maryland, transitioning to mixed practice and later exclusively small animal medicine.
Dr. Hoffmann joined Olney-Sandy Spring in the spring of 2000 and is OSSVH’s medical director. She has special interests in dentistry and behavior and takes a holistic approach to the wellness of all her patients. Certified to perform PennHIP studies, Dr. Hoffmann received formal training in the PennHIP Method of canine orthopedic evaluation from the University of Pennsylvania. She regularly attends local and national continuing education meetings.
In addition to her responsibilities at OSSVH, Dr. Hoffmann is an active member of the American Veterinary Dental Society, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, as well as the Maryland and American Veterinary Associations. As medical director and majority owner of the OSSVH practice, Dr. Hoffmann is also a member of a national veterinary study group that addresses business and management development.
Dr. Hoffmann is married to a retired professor of physics at the University of Maryland and the couple has three children. She spends her spare time running her farm, gardening, and breeding and obedience training her champion miniature schnauzers. She enjoys hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
