MEET OUR TEAM
The COVE’s veterinary specialists are supported by an entire team of veterinary technicians, and managerial and support staff. Check out our Facebook page, as we highlight a member of our team each month. Call our team with any questions you might have at (757) 935-9111.
MEET SOME KEY MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Danielle T. Russ, BS, BA, AS, LVT
Hospital Manager
With over two decades of experience as a veterinary technician, Danielle has a unique understanding of referral medicine and the needs of primary care veterinarians, clients and team members. She has honed her skills as both a licensed veterinary technician and practice manager, becoming adept in all aspects of running a busy practice with a 24/7 caseload.
Respected in her profession, Danielle has served as a Veterinary Support Personnel Network (VSPN) board moderator and course assistant, and is a sought-after speaker for national professional conferences. Additionally, she is an advisory committee member of the TCC Veterinary Science Program. Outside of work, you’ll find her tending to her horses and family pets at Brydelle Farm in Gloucester County.
Office Manager
During this time, Jennifer was a founding member of the Great Dane Rescue of the Commonwealth and has remained an active member, serving on the board. She joined The COVE in 2012 as part of the inaugural client liaison team, and became part of the administrative team the next year. When Jennifer isn’t working, you can find her playing the bassoon, piano or clarinet surrounded by her furry family.
Operations Manager
Julie served as an LVT at a veterinary emergency clinic, honing her skills as a leader among her co-workers, an advocate for patients, and a source of comfort and confidence for their owners. Julie also spearheaded a local animal blood banking program.
In 2012, Julie joined the inaugural veterinary technical team at The Center of Veterinary Expertise and helped facilitate our successful opening. In early 2013, she became operations co-manager, and divides her time between working as an ICU LVT and developing protocols & procedures, training and scheduling.
When Julie isn’t at The COVE, you can find her with her feet in the sand of the beaches of Hatteras, NC, and spending time with her friends, family and pets.
Administrative Assistant
Melody currently lives in Chesapeake with her husband, son, and a Pit Bull named Brogan. In her spare time, she enjoys anything involving water—pools, beaches, rivers, boating, and fishing. She also loves reading and snacking on popcorn.
REFERRAL COORDINATORS
Referral Coordinator Lead
Rhiannon is originally from Texas, but as a proud military wife, she has lived throughout the United States from San Diego to Virginia Beach. Before joining The COVE in 2015, Rhiannon worked as a vet tech in a spay/neuter clinic, a veterinary receptionist, and a dog trainer. In 2016 she transitioned from client liaison to referral coordinator.
Her furry family includes a six-year-old Lab and Golden mix, named Troubadour and a 16-year-old Blue Heeler, Kaiser. When she is not working, she enjoys spending her time traveling to new places, going to concerts, sailing on the water and dinners on the back deck.
Referral Coordinator
Referral Coordinator
TEAM LEADS
Dentistry Team Lead
Cardiology Team Lead
Critical Care Team Lead
Her entire veterinary career she has worked in emergency medicine and Critical Care became her passion through the years. Meg loves helping get the most critical patients home (even the ones people may have given up on). She has shared her knowledge and expertise with various presentations to local primary care practices as well as presenting at the Seaside CE Series in 2018. Outside of work, Meg enjoys trivia nights, concerts, being a foodie (AKA general hipster things) and traveling with her husband!
Training Supervisor and Anesthesia Team Lead
Day ER Team Lead
Surgery Team Lead
Alison Bacon
Day Client Liaison Team Lead
Alison grew up around animals and during middle school, volunteered with the SPCA which is where her love for animals blossomed. She graduated from Radford University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, minoring in Psychology. After graduation, Alison joined Team COVE as a Client Liaison. Her canine companion is an Australian Shepard named Dusty. She and her fiancé will be getting married in October 2021. In her spare time, Alison enjoys tv marathons, hanging out with friends and sipping on iced coffee.
Michelle Pearson
Evening Client Liaison Team Lead
Michelle was born and raised locally. She graduated from ODU and spent time teaching before changing careers and finding a home at The COVE in 2015. Michelle originally visited The COVE as a client, after her dog had been hit by a car. Michele was super impressed by the collaborative care from the surgery and ER service and that was when she knew she wanted to join the team. Ultimately, Michelle fell in love with the past pace of ER which is why she is an anchor for the evening team at the front desk. Her spare time is spent visiting with her family & friends, traveling to the outer banks, hanging out poolside and loving on her 11yr old Pit mix, Rel. She also enjoys digging in the dirt and loves spring time when she can freshen up the yard and flower beds.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Surgical Sterility & Safety Manager
Inventory Assistant