About The COVE
Meet Our Team
Get to know the dedicated veterinary professionals and staff at The COVE.
A Team Committed to Excellence in Veterinary Medicine
At The COVE, we believe pets deserve the highest standard of care — delivered with empathy, precision, and respect. Our team of board-certified specialists, experienced veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and support staff work together to provide advanced veterinary care to families across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and beyond.
With emergency and critical care services and specialty care in surgery, cardiology, dentistry, and more, our team is honored to be a trusted partner in your pet’s health.
Our Doctors
Jocelyn Patterson, VMD, DACVECC
Critical Care Specialist
Leadership & Administration
Our Referral Coordinator
Team Leads
Tricia Randall, LVT
Surgery Team Lead
Coming Soon
Jeff T. Stallings, DVM, DACVS
Surgeon & Co-Founder
A Virginia Beach native, Dr. Stallings earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Tech, then moved to Georgia to work on a cattle ranch. In pursuit of a veterinary education, he subsequently took a job as a veterinary technician at the University of Georgia Animal Sciences Department and was accepted into the school’s College of Veterinary Medicine the following year.
After completing his DVM and an internship in small animal medicine and surgery, Dr. Stallings worked as an emergency veterinarian for a year prior to entering a three-year surgical residency at the University of Florida. After his residency, Dr. Stallings moved his family to Maryland to work in a referral practice before returning to the Tidewater region, where he established a mobile surgery service. His practice moved to a fixed location many years ago, where he proudly offered pet owners and referring veterinarians the latest techniques in soft-tissue, orthopedic, oncologic, and neurologic surgical procedures.
As a co-founder of The COVE, Dr. Stallings has been encouraged to pursue his dream by his supportive family.
Merrilee T. Small, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Cardiologist & Co-Founder
Our co-founder, Dr. Small, has worked her entire career in the Hampton Roads area. First, she was a veterinary technician, then an emergency veterinarian. She then served two years as Hospital Director at TVECC before completing a residency in cardiology at NC State. In 2005, she became a board-certified cardiac specialist.
During her residency, Dr. Small earned numerous awards, including being named outstanding resident twice by her classmates and the Bedside Manner Award bestowed by the faculty.
A true local, Dr. Small grew up in Norfolk, attended Old Dominion University, and is deeply embedded in the fabric of life in Hampton Roads. She has been a member of the viola section in Symphonicity, the Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach, for over 20 years.
In addition to the satisfaction Dr. Small receives serving the community she calls home, she also enjoys gardening, and spending time with her husband, son, and pets.
Colleen Fox, DVM, CSAVP Dentistry
Dentistry & Oral Surgery
After earning her Bachelor of Science and DVM degrees at Cornell University, Dr. Fox has called Virginia home since 1998. She developed a deep passion for veterinary dentistry when she discovered how dramatically a pet’s quality of life and longevity could be improved through proactive oral health protocols and advanced corrective and restorative procedures to treat infection and oral pain. She is highly proficient in employing leading-edge veterinary dentistry technologies, techniques, and materials.
Dr. Fox has traveled thousands of miles and devoted countless hours to advancing her dental knowledge and skills through continuing education and practice. She is a member of the American Veterinary Dental Society and has limited her practice to dentistry as a DVM. In 2020, she earned a Certificate of Small Animal Veterinary Practice/Dentistry (CSAVP Dentistry) at the University of Luxembourg in cooperation with the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS). The CSAVP testifies that an intermediary level of theoretical and clinical competence (as defined by the leading European veterinary organizations) has been obtained in a chosen discipline.
In recognition of her innovative veterinary practice as well as her service to the community, Dr. Fox was honored in 2012 as one of Inside Business magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40 in Hampton Roads.” In 2017, she was awarded Inside Business – The Hampton Roads Business Journal’s with a Woman in Business Achievement Award.
Alicia Thomas, DVM
Emergency Care
Dr. Thomas earned her DVM from the University of Tennessee in 2015. In June 2016, she completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Texas A&M. She has special interests in emergency medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, and soft-tissue surgery.
Dr. Thomas was born and raised in Midlothian, Virginia, and is excited to be living back in her home state. She shares her home with Penni, a four-year-old Golden Retriever, and Lily, a cat she hand-raised since its birth in 2008. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Arriana Williams, DVM
Emergency Care
Dr. Williams obtained her DVM from Western University of Health Sciences in 2019 and a BS in Biology from South Carolina State University in 2014. She also did two externships at The COVE during her 4th year in veterinary school. Her interests include ultrasound, ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery, and urology.
Her favorite part of her career is being able to utilize the special bond she has with animals and knowing she has the knowledge and skills to make a difference in their lives. During her free time, Dr. Williams likes to spend time with her kids, go to the beach, kayak, and cook with her family.
Laurie Granata, DVM
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Dr. Granata graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Since then, she has worked in general practice, emergency/referral, and mobile ultrasound. Her special interests include ultrasound, surgery, and critical care. An original New Yorker, Dr. Granata moved to Virginia in 2014 and is enjoying southern living with her husband, son, and two dogs, Robert and Walker.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and backpacking in the national parks.
Tawny Humphrey, LVT, CVOM
Emergency Services Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field, Tawny brings deep knowledge, leadership, and compassion to her role as ER Manager. A Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM), Tawny has dedicated her career to delivering high-quality care while fostering strong, collaborative veterinary teams.
Her leadership is rooted in hands-on experience and a passion for patient advocacy. Tawny is especially proud of building strong workflows and a positive, resilient team culture that supports patient care and staff well-being — even in the most high-pressure moments.
Outside of work, Tawny can often be found at the ballfield cheering on her two kids or spending time with her beloved rescue pitty, Pearl. Her commitment to care, both at work and at home, is what continued to drive her each day.
Marie Moore, LVT
QC Manager
Marie is a Hampton Roads native and obtained her AS in Veterinary Technology from Blue Ridge Community College in 2012. She has been a member of Team COVE since our opening in May of 2012, working in the ER/ICU, quickly transitioning over full-time to the Cardiology service, and taking on the role of Team Lead in 2018. In July of 2023, Marie accepted her current administrative role. Marie’s speaking accomplishments include: Seaside CE Series in 2018; she was selected to present at the Technician Case Report Track at ACVIM Forum in 2019. In her free time, Marie enjoys camping in the mountains and spending time with her family, friends, and two animals: a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and an orange tabby cat.
Allison Ryes
Allison Rye is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager with over twenty years of experience in the veterinary field. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, she has enjoyed getting to know Suffolk. Her extensive background spans various roles, from Veterinary Assistant to Licensed Veterinary Technician and Hospital Administrator to Practice Manager. Serving the veterinary industry, she believes in operational excellence, building community, and making emergency veterinary medicine sustainable for veterinary teams.
Allison’s commitment to the veterinary industry is reflected in her advisory roles with the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and Tidewater Community College’s Veterinary Science Program. She plays a pivotal role in shaping educational programs, providing feedback on curriculum development, and ensuring the highest standards of veterinary education and practice through the ever-changing landscape of veterinary care.
Her expertise includes business operations, financial oversight, employee recruitment, and leadership development. Allison believes in fully utilizing the talents of individuals within the team to meet the needs of our patients, our clients, and our community. Her greatest passion is in building relationships and community within the veterinary team and among local veterinary practices.
Deanna Clay
Facilities Manager
Deanna grew up in the Hampton Roads area and always had a love for animals – especially cats! Before joining Team COVE in June of 2022, Deanna had some veterinary experience under her belt; however, she sought a position that was more “behind the scenes”. As our Facilities Manager, she ensures that our facility is running smoothly and that we have all the needed supplies to provide top-notch care for our patients! Outside of work, Deanna enjoys spending time with her husband and fur babies!
Shannon Smith, LVT
Referral Coordinator
Shannon was born in Arkansas and raised in Mississippi. Since childhood, she has always had an affection for, and morbid curiosity about, animals; in fact, her mom used to fuss at her for bringing home injured animals so she could fix them. Shannon started working at a local vet clinic during her senior year of high school and was hooked after that. She attended Vet Tech School in 2001 at Hinds Community College and Mississippi State University and graduated in 2003 as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Her husband’s military career brought them to Virginia Beach, where she first discovered emergency medicine at Tidewater Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2004.
Shannon and her husband spent some time in Charlottesville, where she was a clinic supervisor for four years prior to returning to the Hampton Roads area. Upon her return, Shannon began working for Dr. Stallings, and during that time, she found her love for anesthesia and surgery. She helped get the surgery service up and running when The COVE opened in 2012.
Shannon currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and two children, along with Schmelly Cat, a tortoiseshell calico, Angus the red bone coon hound, Han So Low, a mini-Dachshund, and various freshwater fish. Shannon’s current hobbies include watching and carting her children to various sporting events, cooking, road biking, aquascaping freshwater aquariums, grooming, music, and finding homes for less fortunate pets.
Kimmie Callahan, LVT
Cardiology Team Lead
Kimmie has been in the veterinary field since 2006. She obtained her AS in Veterinary Technology from Manor College in Jenkintown, PA, in 2008 and became licensed shortly after. Kimmie has a background in clinical pathology, general practice, emergency, internal medicine, surgery, and neurology, but her heart and passion belong in cardiology. Kimmie is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional. She is originally from Philadelphia, PA, and enjoys traveling back to visit family and indulge in local delicacies (cheesesteaks and soft pretzels). In her free time, she plays Dungeons and Dragons with friends and spends time with her husband, coonhound Annie, and a clowder of cats.
Taylor Dismukes
Evening ER Team Lead
Taylor was born and raised in northern Virginia. She moved to Alabama in 2010, where she met her husband and they started their family. Taylor’s family moved back to Virginia in 2022. She has been in the veterinary field for over 10 years. She graduated in 2018 with an Associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Jefferson State Community College and went on to pass her VTNE later that year. Taylor has worked in general practice and ophthalmology as well as emergency medicine, and is a member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association, and the Virginia Association of Licensed Veterinary Technicians. After spending time in various veterinarian departments, Taylor realized that she thrived in emergency medicine and the fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Her true passion is stabilizing and nursing critical trauma patients back to their happy, healthy selves! When Taylor isn’t busy saving lives, she thoroughly enjoys spending time with her toes in sand at the beach with her husband, daughter, and their lab, Leyla.
Alison Eavey
Client Liaison Team Lead
Alison grew up around animals, and during middle school, she volunteered with the SPCA, 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. In her spare time, Alison enjoys TV marathons, hanging out with friends, and sipping on iced coffee.
Kathleen Means, LVT
Anesthesia Team Lead
Kathleen Means is a skilled veterinary professional with over 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She has spent the last five years at The COVE, where she discovered a strong passion for anesthesia and patient care. Throughout her career, Kathleen has cultivated a strong passion for anesthesia, finding fulfillment in precision, responsibility, and critical thinking required to keep patients safe and comfortable during surgical procedures.
In March, Kathleen was promoted to Anesthesia Team Lead, a role that allows her to mentor others while maintaining high standards of safety and care. Driven by a continuous desire to grow, Kathleen is eager to expand her knowledge and refine her skills in advanced anesthesia techniques. She thrives in environments that challenge her to learn and innovate, always keeping patient safety and comfort at the heart of her practice.
Kathleen brings focus, calm, and dedication to every case, from routine to high-risk. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, caring for and riding her two horses, and reading to unwind and recharge.
Kelsey Eure, LVT
Dentistry Team Lead
Kelsey, born in Lebanon, TN, and then raised in Burlington, WI, has spent her life with animals big and small. After graduating high school, she attended St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, NC, where she obtained a B.S. in Biology with a specialization in Equine Sciences with both Chemistry and Spanish minors. After graduation, she became an assistant barn manager at her Alma Mater’s Equestrian Facility that housed approximately 130 horses during the school year. After spending 2 years as the assistant barn manager, Kelsey and her college sweetheart married, and together they moved to his hometown, here in Suffolk, VA. After those two long years providing all sorts of care for the large animal counterparts, Kelsey found her niche here at the CoVE in 2016 with the smaller 4-legged community working in the Dentistry Service. Initially, joining the Dentistry service as a veterinary assistant, she found a passion that she had not realized she had. She then joined the Blue Ridge Community College distance education program and obtained her A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology, and is now practicing as a licensed veterinary technician. She states, “My time at The COVE has been invaluable. I truly appreciate those I work with closely in the Dentistry service, but it is always a pleasure to dabble in the ER here and there when needed.”
In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys time with her family and the zoo that she has at home. With two horses, two dogs, two cats, one rabbit, and chickens for the backyard, you could say that Kelsey is surrounded. She also enjoys time with her horses and rides whenever her son allows (he has since claimed her horses as his own).