You’re her hero.

You’re ours, too.
Meet the team at your back.

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Thought leaders. Change agents. Passionate animal lovers. The team here believes in challenging each other, holding each other accountable, and pushing the standards of what veterinary care can be and can accomplish. Because the future is waiting to be built.

DOCTORS

Towson Doctors

Tanya Tag, DACVECC

Medical Director | Towson & Columbia

Dr. Tanya Tag, DACVECC

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Bachelor of Science, Biology

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Virginia – Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

INTERNSHIP/PRIVATE PRACTICE EQUIVALENT
Animal Emergency and Referral Center, Fort Pierce, FL

RESIDENCY- EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE
Louisville Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services, Louisville, KY

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association
Critical Care Medicine Society

Lectures

RECOVER CPR Initiative, November 2015
Nutritional Support of the Veterinary Patient, November 2011
Arterial Catheter Placement and Maintenance, November 2009
Unwitnessed Arrest Protocol, June 2009
Mechanical Ventilation: Set Up and Patient Care, March 2008
Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, June 2006
Thoracic Trauma, May 2006 and April 2006
Abstract presentation: Tag TL, Day TK.
Electrocardiographic assessment of hyperkalemia in dogs and cats. San Diego, CA
International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Association, September 2004
Nutritional Support of the Critical Care Patient, January 2004

Publications

Tag TL, Day TK. Electrocardiographic assessment of hyperkalemia in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, Volume 18, Number 1, February 2008, pp. 61-67 (7)

Professional Interests

SIRS/ Sepsis
Mechanical Ventilation

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. Tag has been practicing exclusively at emergency referral practices since entering veterinary medicine. Her favorite part of this job is helping people, whether owners, the referring veterinary community or co-workers, understand the best way to apply a patient’s diagnostic and treatment options to achieve the owner’s goal given the complexities of the case and situation. When Dr. Tag is not working at Pet+ER, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Rene’, two kids, Ali and Eli, relaxing at a local vineyard with live music, swimming, gardening, or just being outside with their two dogs and three horses and many chickens!

Jiama Cao

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Jiama Cao

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Bachelor of Science, Microbiology

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

INTERNSHIP/PRIVATE PRACTICE EQUIVALENT
Animal Emergency Referral Center, Northbrook, IL

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association
New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association

Professional Interests

Wound Care
Surgery
Small Animal Acupuncture
Feline Urethral Obstruction

Hobbies / Interests / Family

In her free time, Dr. Cao enjoys archery, gardening, hiking, cooking, and anything that includes having fun with her dog and cats!

Rachel Hershner

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Rachel Hershner

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Bachelor of Science, Animal Science

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

INTERNSHIP/PRIVATE PRACTICE EQUIVALENT
Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Austin, TX
Sonora Veterinary Specialists Phoenix, AZ

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association
Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association

Lectures

Management of the Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Hemoabdomen: February 2012
Management of Intervertebral Disc Disease: April 2012

Professional Interests

Surgical Emergencies
Orthopedic Disease
Wound Management
Urethral Obstruction in Male Cats

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. Hershner is happy to finally be back in her home state of Maryland. She enjoys horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, and yoga. Recently married, Dr. Hershner currently lives with her husband, 2 dachshunds Camden and Baxter, and 2 cats Alex and Smelly Cat.

June Vakil

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. June Vakil

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts, Public Health Studies

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

INTERNSHIP
Pet+E.R., Towson & Columbia, MD

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association

Professional Interests

Infectious diseases
Feline medicine
Multiple organ dsysfunction syndrome

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. Vakil enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with friends and family and discovering the best of Baltimore.

Danielle Allen

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Danielle Allen

Education

UNDERGRADUATE:
Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA
Bachelor of Science, Biology

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE:
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association

Professional Interests

Soft tissue surgery
Dental disease
Feline urethral obstruction
Diabetic ketoacidosis management

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. Allen lives in Towson with her husband, Ben, two persian cats (Gremlin and Grump) and her chihuahua (Petey). She enjoys running, hiking, reading inspirational stories and visiting amusement parks.

Ian Rawdon

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Ian Rawdon

Bio coming soon..

Nicole Roberts

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Nicole Roberts

Bio coming soon..

Melissa Ogg

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Melissa Ogg

Education
UNDERGRADUATE
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Business Administration

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
VeterinariaeMedicinaeDoctoris

EVALUATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery, New Castle, DE

Current Organizational Membership
American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Professional Interests
Endocrine disease
Radiology
Cardiology

Hobbies/Interests/Family
Dr. Ogg enjoys gardening, travelling (particularly to Bermuda), and exploring new restaurants. She and her significant other Josh, share their home with their two cats, Gremlin and Little Foot.

Michelle Panek

Emergency/Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Michelle Panek

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

EVALUATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Emergency & Critical Care Rotating Internship, Pet+ER, Towson & Columbia, MD

Current Organizational Membership
American Veterinary Medical Association

Professional Interests
Heart disease
Pain management
Ultrasound
Emergency surgery

Hobbies/Interests/Family
Dr. Panek enjoys traveling, hiking, live music, going to the beach, and exploring the many restaurants Baltimore has to offer. She also loves to spend spending with her family, friends, and her adorable Golden Retriever named Wilson.

Darien Rodriguez

Emergency/Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Darien Rodriguez

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

EVALUATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Emergency & Critical Care Rotating Internship, Pet+ER, Towson & Columbia, MD

Current Organizational Membership
American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

Professional Interests
Emergency, Shelter medicine, Field medicine

Hobbies/Interests/Family
During her time away from the hospital, Dr. Rodriguez enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee, hiking and being outdoors, visiting new places.

Shannon O’Keefe

Emergency/Critical Care Veterinarian

Bio coming soon..

Natosha Richardson

Residency Trained Criticalist

Bio coming soon..

Columbia Doctors

Loren Hutt

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Loren Hutt

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
Ithaca College
Bachelor of Arts, Biology

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association
New York State Veterinary Medical Society

Professional Interests

Soft Tissue Surgery
Ultrasound

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. Hutt recently relocated to Maryland from Syracuse, NY. She lives with her husband and their 2 year old son, dog and cat. In her free time she enjoys running, cooking and reading.

Amy Lauterstein

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Amy Lauterstein

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Arts, Forensic Science

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

CLINICAL YEAR
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL

INTERNSHIP
Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral and Emergency; Bowie, MD

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Professional Interests

Toxicities
Pain Management
Veterinary Forensics

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. Lauterstein spends her free time running, hiking, and adventuring in the DC Metro area with her boyfriend and their two dogs, a mixed breed named Brinley and a Vizsla named Tabor. She also cannot pass up a good Netflix binge, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Laura D’Aurora

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Laura D’Aurora

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Bachelor of Science

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Atlantic Veterinary College at University of Prince Edward Island
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Florida Veterinary Medical Association

Lectures

Total Caudectomy in an English Bulldog

Professional Interests

Reproductive Emergencies
Endocrine Disorders
Trauma
Dermatopathies

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. D’Aurora enjoys traveling, playing piano, visiting wineries, long-distance running, and hiking. She spends her free time with her family, friends, beloved canine companion, Butterkins, and sweet kitty, Zoe.

Sanha Kim

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr. Sanha Kim

Education

UNDERGRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Jeonbuk National University, South Korea
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

CLINICAL TRAINING YEAR
Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA

ROTATING INTERNSHIP:
Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral and Emergency, Bowie, MD

SURGERY INTERNSHIP:
BluePearl Veterinary Partners: Sonterra, San Antonio, TX

Current Organizational Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association

Lectures

Surgical Treatment of Laryngeal Paralysis, 2015
Vestibular Disease, 2015

Professional Interests

Surgical Emergencies
Orthopedic Disease
Wound Management

Hobbies / Interests / Family

Dr. Kim spends his free time hiking and taking road trips with his wife and baby girl. When he was in Korea, he had a miniature poodle named Choco. In Maryland, he adopted a female mixed breed dog and gave her the name Ruby. Unfortunately, Ruby crossed the Rainbow Bridge and the family now wants to find another four-legged friend.

Cynthia Loveland

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Cynthia Loveland

Education
UNDERGRADUATE
Washington State University
Bachelor of Animal Science and Microbiology

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Ross School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts
Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

EVALUATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
DoveLewisEmergency Animal Hospital, Portland, OR

Current Organizational Membership
American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
European Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
Society of Critical Care Medicine

Professional Interests
Critical Care
Animal rescue
Wildlife rehabilitation

Hobbies/Interests/Family
Dr. Loveland enjoys gardening and reading in her spare time outside of the Pet+ER. She also loves spending time with her extended family and her pets at home.

Jessica Perkins

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Dr.Jessica Perkins

Education
UNDERGRADUATE
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Tuskegee University school of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee, AL
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

EVALUATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Small Animal Rotating Internship
Metropolitan Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services, Louisville, KY

Current Organizational Membership
American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Professional Interests
Emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging

Hobbies/Interests/Family
During her time away from the hospital, Dr. Perkins enjoys kayaking, hiking, baking, weight lifting. She has two dogs (Matilda a coonhound and Rory a basset hound) and a cat named Phoebe at home.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

-Simon Sinek

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

-Simon Sinek

LEADERSHIP

Tanya Tag, DACVECC

Medical Director | Towson & Columbia

Tanya L. Tag, DVM, DACVECC

Medical Director | Towson & Columbia

Dr. Tag is responsible for dictating and upholding the medical standard at both Pet+E.R. hospitals. She has been practicing exclusively at emergency referral practices since entering veterinary medicine. Her favorite part of this job is helping people, whether owners, the referring veterinary community or co-workers, understand the best way to apply a patient’s diagnostic and treatment options to achieve the owner’s goal given the complexities of the case and situation. When Dr. Tag is not working at Pet+E.R., she enjoys spending time with her husband, Rene’, two kids, Ali and Eli, relaxing at a local vineyard with live music, swimming, gardening, or just being outside with their two dogs and three horses and many chickens!

Elizabeth Moyers

Interim Hospital Administrator | Towson & Columbia

Elizabeth Moyers

Bio Coming soon..

Beth Faux, RVT, VTS (ECC)

Technician Team Manager | Columbia

Beth Faux

Technician Team Manager | Columbia

Beth joined the Pet+E.R. team in 2016 as the Technician Team Manager for Pet+E.R. Columbia. Beth has considerable veterinary experience, having worked in primary care, emergency and surgery referral practices, but found that emergency has always been her true passion. Patient care and comfort are very important to Beth, and she loves to learn and mentor other technicians. Beth and her husband reside in Fells Point with their two dogs, Tater- Tot and Russet and their cat, Bubba. She loves anything that takes her outdoors, especially cycling and swimming.

Ashley Carlson

Veterinary Technician Team Manager | Columbia

Ashley Carlson

Veterinary Technician Team Manager- Columbia

Ashley began her career with the Pet+ER in August of 2016 as a member of our Towson veterinary technician team. Her dedication towards patient advocacy and care, advancing her own skill set and knowledge, and empowering the team to be the best version of themselves, earned her the role of team Shift Lead nine months later. In the summer of 2018, Ashley advanced into the role of Veterinary Technician Team Co-Manager with Victoria, in our Towson location; and in June of 2019, she took on the role of Veterinary Technician Team Manager in our Columbia location.
Ashley has her Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Sciences and also owns her own handmade soap company called Lore & Lye. When she is not busy at Pet+ER or running her company, she enjoys spending her time with the rest of her family, including her three dogs Sally, Luna, Rudy, and her nine cats Siouxsie, Oona, Buzz, Wayne, Seneca, Rocka, Tiny, Milo, and Otis.

Victoria Syczurowski

Veterinary Technician Team Manager | Towson

Victoria Syczurowski

Veterinary Technician Team Manager- Towson

Victoria has been with the Pet+ER team since 2006. Her starting role within the Pet+ER was as a veterinary technician assistant and after two years of training, she moved up to the role of veterinary technician. Victoria’s commitment to the Pet+ER team later advanced her position to a team Shift Lead and in 2018, she accepted the role of Veterinary Technician Team Manager. She is a strong advocate for patient care and making a positive impact on clients during their pets stay in our hospital. Victoria’s commitment to her technician team has created an overall positive environment, with team members who feel both supported and heard. When she is not at work she spends her time volunteering at a non-profit animal rescue, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her furry children: kitties Alex and Shiloh, and her dogs Violet and Quincy.

Jeff Hawkins

Financial Manager | Towson & Columbia

Jeff Hawkins

Financial Manager | Towson & Columbia

Jeff started with Pet+E.R. in 2007 as a member of the Client Services team, and as a Client Services manager. Jeff graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Towson University in 2012. His professional interests include: management, training, accounting, budgeting and providing exceptional customer service. In his time away from Pet+E.R., he enjoys wildlife photography, cheering on the Orioles and Ravens and spending time with his wife, Lisa.

Christine Wolff

Inventory Manager | Towson & Columbia

Christine Wolff

Inventory Manager | Towson & Columbia

Chris began her veterinary career more than 15 years ago at a local primary care vet hospital. From there, she worked for Pet+E.R. for several years when it was known as the Animal Emergency Center in Timonium. Prior to returning to Pet+E.R. full time in 2010, Chris worked at an equine ambulatory and surgical practice as a surgical technician. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time on her farm, gardening, and riding and driving her Cleveland Bay horses.

Paul Heggie

Facilities Manager | Towson & Columbia

Paul Heggie

Facilities Manager | Towson & Columbia

Paul has been with Pet+E.R. for nine years and is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and operations of our 15,000 square foot hospital. Paul grew up in Baltimore City and comes from a family of five. He quickly understood the importance of preparation, hard work, and respect. Paul and his team are the glue that holds everything together behind the scenes. Paul volunteers regularly at the Helping Up Mission in Baltimore and enjoys spending time with his 8-year-old son, Kavon.

Joey Sumby

Facilities Supervisor | Columbia

Joey Sumby

Bio coming soon..

Rebecca Matthews

Client Services Manager- Columbia

Rebecca Matthews

Client Services Manager- Columbia

Rebecca began her career as a Client Service Representative with the Pet+ER in 2016; since the opening day of the Pet+ER Columbia. In 2019, Rebecca accepted the position of Pet+ER Columbia’s Client Services Manager. Since then, she has devoted much of her time and efforts to supporting our Columbia team and clientele. Rebecca’s professional interests include providing support to the PET+ER team as well as helping to create a positive experience for clients and patients.

Rebecca has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. In her time away from the Pet+ER, she enjoys reading, traveling, and volunteering for a number of organizations.

Jennifer Harvey

Client Services Manager | Towson

Jennifer Harvey

Client Services Manager- Towson

Jennifer Harvey began her career with the Pet+ER in 2009 as a member of our Pet+ER Towson veterinary technician team. In 2013, Jenn advanced into the role of Lead Veterinary Technician and in 2015, she changed roles within the Pet+ER to a discharge coordinator. In the summer of 2019, Jenn accepted her current position as the Client Services Manager for our Towson location.

Jenn’s professional interests include providing the best client service to our clients and also showing our Pet+ER clients the utmost compassion and empathy in their most difficult of times. Jenn has worked hard to make her role invaluable within our Pet+ER Towson team through her work not only with our clients but also within our CSR team as a whole. In her time away from the Pet+ER, Jenn enjoys being her husband, her two children, and her pets at home.