Meet Our Staff in Suffolk, VA

Animals have always been an important part of Danielle’s life. Her formal education began at North Carolina State University where she obtained bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biochemistry. She went on to earn an associate in science degree in veterinary technology from St. Petersburg College.

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 and serves on the Board of Directors of Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance (VSPA)since October 2017, as President-elect, President, Immediate Past President and current role, Member at Large. Outside of work, outside of work, you will find her with her dog , Philip and at the gym training for bodybuilding competitions. 

Jennifer graduated from Kempsville High School with plans to pursue a degree in music, but a summer job as kennel help at a local veterinary hospital changed her mind. She eventually rose through the ranks, from receptionist to veterinary assistant to management.

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.

Julie developed a passion for animals as she grew up in the countryside of Northern Virginia surrounded by dogs, cats and horses. After high school, she worked as a veterinary assistant in a general veterinary practice, and enrolled in Blue Ridge Community College’s distance veterinary technology program, earning her associate’s degree in applied science of veterinary technology and becoming a licensed veterinary technician.

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.

Rhiannon serves an essential role here at The Cove as our Hospital Relations Coordinator. Her primary responsibilities are to foster positive relations within our hospital as well as with other veterinary hospitals in our community via communication, visits, and events.

Rhiannon is originally from Texas, but as a proud military wife, she has lived throughout the United States from San Diego to Norfolk. Before joining The Cove in 2015, she worked in primary veterinarian hospitals, spay/neuter clinics, veterinary reception and was a Service Dog trainer in San Diego. In 2016 she transitioned from Client Liaison to Referral Coordinator and in 2022 she transitioned to Hospital Relations Coordinator.

Her furry family includes a ten-year-old Lab/Golden Retriever Mix named Troubadour. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time traveling to new places, going to concerts and sailing on the water.

Melody was born and raised in Gloucester and grew up on a 25-acre farm, so her earliest memories involve animals. She has worked in the veterinary field for more than 15 years, most of which were spent in smaller general practices. She’s excited to be a part of The Cove and see the expanded services and care we provide to our patients.

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.

Tyler developed a passion for animals at a young age. She grew up around horses, saving the baby birds that fell from their nests and bringing home the barn cats. Tyler was determined to be a voice for the unspoken, which led her to consider careers in veterinary medicine or pediatric medicine. She began work as a veterinary assistant in a primary care veterinary practice while pursuing a degree in business/marketing. Quickly, she realized her passion was in veterinary medicine and enrolled in Blue Ridge Community College. Tyler completed her associate degree in applied science of veterinary technology, and shortly after, she passed her board exam to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Tyler began her LVT career in a small family practice. Yearning for more, she came across a brochure for the opening of The COVE in 2012 and promptly applied shortly after The COVE opened its doors. Initially, Tyler worked in the emergency service, then transitioned to cardiology and ended up finding her niche in surgery. Tyler led the surgery department for 6+ years before transitioning to Team Resources Manager. During her years of leadership, Tyler developed a strong passion for establishing and strengthening internal team relations to in turn continue to provide the utmost care for all the surgical clients and patients.

When she is not at The COVE, you can find her at the barn with her beloved equine companion, spending time with her fur babies or on an outdoor adventure with her kids and husband.