Dr. Arlene Gardsbane, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian and Practice Owner

Dr. Gardsbane has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1987. Her hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana and she obtained her veterinary degree from Louisiana State University. Upon graduation, she moved to Maryland and worked in a small animal practice in Catonsville. After several years, she moved to Florida, gained management skills, returned to Maryland, and then worked in a practice near Andrews Air Base as well as in an emergency hospital, where she further developed her abilities through work experience. Finally, in 1997 Dr. Gardsbane established her own practice in the Aspen Hill area. In addition to caring for your pet companions, she also spends her time on Goodwill Missions and collecting pet food, which she donates to Manna Food Drive.

Dr. Kristin Davis, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Davis joined our team January 2013 and we are fortunate to have her form part of our family. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2006, she moved to Washington State, where she has been working in a practice for the past 6 years. Upon her return to Maryland she decided to join our team of doctors–providing the best nurturing care for pet and owner.

Dr. Kelly Hinkle, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Kelly Hinkle joined us is 2016. Since then she has quickly become an integral part of our team! After graduating from St. George’s University in 2015, she continued her education on the island of Grenada for 3 years and completed her clinical year at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Hinkle, then spent a year working at an emergency mixed animal clinic located in Central Pennsylvania. After this long journey, she returned home (Maryland) to be closer to her family and shortly after joined our team of doctors. When she is not here, providing the best care for your furry companions, Dr. Hinkle also enjoys hiking, swimming, and skiing, as well as spending time with her dogs: Maizie and Addie!

Tory Gallagher

Office Manager/Veterinary Assistant

Tory grew up only a few blocks away from the Animal Place. She has been working here since 1999, and took on the responsibility of office manager in January 2005. Since then, she has proven to be a skillful leader, caring friend, an essential member of the Animal Place and the glue that holds us all together.

Connie Horrocks

Veterinary Assistant

(coming soon)

Roxana Rivera

Veterinary Assistant

Originally from Mexico, Roxana made one of the biggest decisions in her life when she came to the United States to provide a better life for her and her family. In her younger years, she spent a lot of her time caring for stray dogs and cats and bringing them all home! Even after leaving her home country, she continued her passion for animals and in 2005 she became a member of our team. Roxana now lives in Kensington with her husband, son, daughter and adorable cat, Tenoc. Here she not only manages the kennel area, where we care for our hospitalized patients, but she is also an excellent veterinary technician and our very own “dog whisperer”. Roxana has a very obvious connection with animals that is reflected through her care of our patients. Now we wonder how we ever got by without her.

Nikki Link

Veterinary Assistant

Nikki has been with us since July 2011 and her enthusiasm and dedication was quickly reflected through the quality of her work. She graduated from H.D. Woodson High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Fort Lauderdale. Furthermore, she enjoys arts/crafts, reading and spending time with loved ones, including her cat (Salem) and dog (Shorty). Nikki started as a receptionist here, but her 10 years of experience in dental health care pushed her to expand her knowledge and better excel as a technician.Thus, making her a very integral part of our family. We are proud that In addition to working with us, she is also a technician at the Humane Rescue Alliance & Medical Center.

Cordero Curry

Veterinary Assistant

Born and raised in Free Port, Bahamas – Cordero has always had an interest in the well being of animals. He attended St. Georges High School and graduated in 2010. Upon taking a few college courses, he started working at Free Port Veterinary Hospital. After 5 years of developing his skills as a veterinary technician, he decided to make the big move and come to Maryland. In 2015, Cordero traveled from home and decided to start a new chapter in his life – here in Silver Spring! In October of 2016, he became part of our team of veterinary technicians and has quickly found his niche in our family. Cordero enjoys working out, reading, spending time with his dog (Red) and he is also part of the Rocky Gorge Division 1 Rugby Team! His love for animals shines through in all he does and his charismatic personally is contagious!

Jennifer Munoz

Front Desk Staff

Jennifer graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in 2005 and attended the University of Maryland, College Park for three years. She finished her education at University of Maryland University College, earning her degree in Investigative Forensics. Jennifer and her daughter, Evelin, love spending time with their two cats and a goofy English bulldog named Terrigan. She joined our team in August of 2006 and has grown to be an essential member of our team. Starting out from working in our kennel area, Jennifer is now our head receptionist and helps to manage our social media networks and website, while also assisting with patient care when needed. She is definitely a jack of all trades and we are lucky to have her!

Susie Kernan

Front Desk Staff

Born and raised in DC, Susie graduated from Holy Trinity High School and attended Montgomery College to study Criminal Justice. She started her experience in the veterinary field working as a receptionist at Friendship Animal Hospital in 1978. In 1980, she decided to join Dr. Robert Mueller start his practice, Hampden Lane Veterinary Hospital. After 21 years of service, Susie joined Dr. Charlie Weiss's team at Bradley Hills Animal Hospital. Ten years later, she is now closer to home and became part of our team in November 2012. She enjoys reading, running, walking, biking, going to the gym and collecting shells at the beach – all with her furry companion, Rascal! With over 30 years of experience in this field, she has shown to be a great addition to our team!

Kelsey Thompson

Front Desk Staff

Kelsey is a local Rockville girl who started her journey in working with animals shortly after graduating high school. She attended Rockville High School and graduated in 2011. Kelsey then became part of the Sniffer’s Doggie Retreat team in 2012. Starting out as a receptionist, she quickly developed her pet care skills and is now also an animal care specialist at Sniffer’s. In her free time, she likes to read and shop, while also spending time with her pets: Tallulah, Jam and Jack. Looking to expand her knowledge in pet care, Kelsey joined our team of front desk staff in January of 2017. She continues to enjoy caring for animals at Sniffer’s, but is now also excelling in our vet family.

Sarah Buckner

Front Desk Staff

Sarah is a true creative soul with a passion for animal care. She grew up in the DC/Silver Spring area and graduated from Albert Einstein High School in 2008. Upon graduating, she attended Coppin State University and obtained her BA in Global Studies.  Now Sarah is pursuing a Master's Degree in New Media Photo Journalism. In addition to working with us, she is also an assistant coach for the band dancers at Milford Mill Academy. When she is not in class, studying or working, Sarah enjoys spending time with her 7 pets : 2 mastiffs, 3 cats and 2 bearded dragons! She also enjoys creative writing, reading and tries to spend as much time outdoors as possible! Sarah joined our team of front desk staff in January 2017 and since then her outgoing personality and love for animals makes her a perfect match to our team.

Rene Blehr

Kennel Assistant

Rene loved animals since she was a little girl and always treats our patients as if they were her own. She has a siamese named Cruise, and a DSH cat named Isis. Rene has been a part of our family since November of 2005. When she is not here caring for our furry patients, she enjoys working out, nature walks and reading. She is a huge help and an important part of our team!