Our Staff

Dr. Arlene F. Gardsbane, DVM, CVA
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. Stuart Caplan, DVM
Dr. Caplan grew up in Baltimore County. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1987 and his degree in veterinary medicine from Virginia- Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. He finished his internship in small animal medicine and surgery in 1992 at Oklahoma State University. He has worked in an emergency hospital where he and Dr. Gardsbane met, and currently, he works full time at a small animal hospital in Clarksville. He has been coming to work for us on Wednesdays for about seven years. He performs surgical procedures and dental cleanings in the morning and then sees appointments in the afternoon. Dr. Caplan loves to spend time with his family, and also enjoys sailing and hiking.
Dr. Carole Foster, DVM, CVA
Dr. Foster is a Maryland native. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of veterinary medicine in 1986. She practiced for 8 years in Florida before moving back to Maryland.  She practices full time at Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic and here on Mondays and Fridays.  She completed the course on Animal Acupuncture from the Chi Institute in Florida, and is currently taking courses in Chinese Herbal medicine.  Therefore, she is certified in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Dr. Julie Maul, DVM
Dr. Maul grew up in Somers, NY. She attended Rochester Institute of Technology, where she received her Bachelors Degree in Biology. She then continued her education at Cornell University, where she obtained her degree in veterinary medicine. In 2002, Dr. Maul did an internship as a large animal veterinarian at Cornell University Hospital for Animals Ambulatory Clinic. Moreover, from 2003-2005, she worked at Shelter Outreach Services – a traveling spay/neuter clinic, serving several counties in the Finger Lakes Region of NY. Finally, before moving down to Maryland, she worked at Meadowridge Animal Hospital, which is a small animal practice outside Ithaca, NY. She now resides in Greenbelt, MD, along with her husband, 3 kids, 2 cats and their dog “Peanut”. When she’s not working here, she enjoys going out camping and hiking with her family.
Tory Naas, Office Manager/ Veterinary Technician
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 Technician
Connie has worked at the Animal Place since 2003. However, prior to joining our staff, Connie had 10 years of experience being a veterinary technician. Here, she specializes in performing dental cleanings and is also our head surgical technician. Connie loves all animals, but those who know her best can say that cats are the ones that hold a special place in her heart.

Mellissa Carter, Receptionist
Mellissa is a native to the area where she lives with her mom, son, her cat Flash, and newest addition, Cleopatra the kitten (who she adopted from The Animal Place!) She has been working as a receptionist in veterinary hospitals for a total of 5 years and joined our team at the end of 2008. She is proving to be a great fit and an asset to The Animal Place. In her free time she likes to read and cook. She loves watching Nascar and Redskins football.

Brooke Celestin, Receptionist
Brooke joined our family in Janurary 2007. In her spare time she likes to read and go shopping, as well as spend time with her pets and loved ones. Brooke is originally from Alabama, but traveled to the east coast to continue her education and achieve her many goals. She graduated from Howard University in 2006 and is currently attending University of the District of Columbia. Brooke soon plans on going to either Tuskegee University or Louisiana State University and enrolling in their School of Veterinary Medicine. She is an important part of our team and we will all miss her when she's gone.
Roxana Rivera, Kennel Supervisor/Veterinary Technician
Roxana is originally from Mexico, where she spent a lot of her time caring for stray dogs and cats. However, now she lives in Aspen Hill with her husband, son and daughter. Roxana has been a member of the Animal Place since September of 2005. Here she manages the kennel area, assists as a technician when needed and keeps the hospital spotless. She is great with all our patients and the dogs (no matter what!) always seem to love and adore her. Now we wonder how we ever got by without her.
Rene Blehr, Kennel Assistant
Rene has been a part of our family since November of 2005. She is a huge help in the kennel area where she cares for the animals that are boarding with us. She’s loved animals since she was a little girl and has two cats of her own named Albert and Cruise, who she spoils rotten. Cruise follows her around the house like he is a dog and Albert loves to cuddle.
Jennifer Muñoz, Receptionist
Jennifer has been part of our staff since 2006. She graduated from Richard Montgomery High School, attended the University of Maryland, College Park for three years and is now finishing her education at the University of Maryland, University College. She is planning to major in Investigative Forensics and minor in Biology. Jennifer has a baby girl named Evelin and a goofy English bulldog named Terrigan. When she’s not working or studying, she loves making scrapbooks, cooking and spending time with her family.

Katie Hurley, Kennel Assisstant
Katie has always been an animal lover, so in Fall 2007 she joined our family as a volunteer. Proving her hard work and dedication, Katie soon became a part-time employee in April 2008. In addition to working at the Animal Place, Katie also attends Blair Highschool and is involved in many extraccuricular activites. However, apart from working with animals and going to school, Katie also loves shopping, spending time with her friends and playing with her adorable dog, Paddy.
Enrique Lemus, Kennel Assisstant
Enrique loves animals, therefore taking on a position at the Animal Place was a perfect fit for him. He is currently a student at Albert Einstein High School, however he also attends Thomas Edison School of Technology, where he is specializing in cosmetology. In addition to working here, Enrique also works at Davids Beautiful People in Rockville. Even though pursuing a career in cosmetology is his dream, he loves the Animal Place and the opportunity he gets to experience different working atmospheres.
Joane Haanes-Olsen, Veterinary Technician
Joane has been with the Animal Place since August 2008. Before joining our team, she worked in the veterinary field for 9 years. It's hard to believe there was ever a time when we were without Joane - her outgoing personality and caring heart are truly to be admired.
Lisa Johnson, Veterinary Technician
Lisa was born and raised in Rockville, Maryland and now resides in Washington, DC. She has four boys and one cat and joined our team in March 2010. Lisa has 10 years of experience in the veterinary field, which reflects on how easily she is able to handle any pet, through nurturing care and patience.


Arlene F. Gardsbane, D.V.M.
13818 Georgia Avenue
Aspen Hill, MD 20906
301-603-1223
Doctor's Hours By Appointment
Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Sunday:Closed