Holly Borkenhagen - Our fearless Hospital Manager

  I’d need to write a book to tell you all about this lady. Holly began riding horses at the age of 2 in Washington DC, where she was born. At the age of 4, her mom and dad moved her to London England.  She competed in the Junior Olympics in London England, and trained with the US Olympic team in Barcelona Spain. 

   In England she worked with a vet with small and large animals and was accepted to the veterinary colleges in North Carolina, Wisconsin, Bristol (UK), and Edinburgh ( Scotland).  It was then that she decided she liked working with the animals on a technician level and began working at Countryside Animal Hospital in N. Virginia in 1993. She started as a volunteer then worked as a kennel person, kennel manager & veterianry assistant, then as technician, head technician, floor manager and back staff manager. Then in 2000, she became their hospital manager until she was relocated in 2008 to manage their Virginia Beach Veterinary Hospital.   

      However, marrying a fisherman and her best friend, Dave, here on the Outer Banks was a wonderful break for us.  Holly became our Hospital Manager in January of 2011 and hit the ground running. With a heart full of compassion and a soul full of integrity she has already made a fantastic difference in how nicely our “ship” runs.  And WOW is she organized!!!  Holly spends her spare time offshore fishing with Dave, and their Chocolate Lab Charlie and , their Abysinnian cat Tigger..

 Thank you Holly!!!

Melissa Cooper - Head Technician/Supervisor (Lt and below - always havin fun)  

Born and raised in Baltimore MD, Melissa moved to the Outer Banks in 1993 knowing very little about veterinary medicine but having a deep love for all animals.  After being our animal assistant for 5 years, she traveled 4 hours twice weekly for 3 years to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) - and one of the best I’ve ever seen I might add. In 2006 she moved to Charleston, SC where her husband pursued a management position in radio. Two years later Melissa rejoined out team and is now our technical supervisor.  Melissa and her husband Gary have 3 beautiful children (Sophia, Isabella, and Jack), along with 2 dogs (Breeze and Belle), and 2 cats (Marble and Bugg). 

Sarah, Diane, and Hilda (below: left to right) get in a group hug at the 2009 Christmas Party

Sarah's one of our great receptionists and has been with the us for 5 years now. She's got a heart of gold, and endless comp-assion for the animals we treat and their owners, and a memory like a steel trap.
 
Diane is our lead Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT). She's been with us 4 years, can do anything and has been a huge asset to us and our newer technicians on the team.

Hilda is one of our "Jacks of all Trades". From the kennel to radiography, to restraining any animal, we can always count on her.  With her gentle and steady ways, Hilda has always been a pleasure to have on our team.  Her and hubby John have two great labs, Moose and Chief.

Mandi is another of our "fab four" receptionists. Mandi is a true professional - always with a smile, if she doesn't know the answer, she'll find it for you. Calling her 12 year old Pom a "pet" might be the understatement of the year. Darby is the love of her life and pure love at that. Steeler is a Rottie cross that is blessed also to be in her home. And lets not forget Echo, Mandi's 5 year old female Boston. Oh and by the way, she's married to Ed, who manages to get some attention once in a while.
Oh, and we forgive her for rooting for the wrong football team.  

Below Mandi sports her favorite football team uniform after losing a bet in the Superbowl

 Many of you know Robyn (right).  Robyn is our professional groomer and has been with the clinic for many years.  She does excellent work and is a true professional in every sense of the word. One day we're going to hear her raise her voice I swear. (-:

  Starr (below center) joined the team 7 years ago and is a true Outer Banks local. Starr began as a kennel assistant but has really grown with the clinic and now is quite the talented veterinary assistant. Starr has a natural feel for animals and her compassion for them shows in everything she does.

Katie (below left) is not new to our practice.  Katie worked at the clinic several years ago as a kennel support staff. Now, after obtaining  her Bacheler's Degree in nursing we welcome her back in her new role as veterinary technician.


   

 Below Katie comforts "Jake" as he gets ready for eye surgery.

Doreen (right below) joined the clinic in May 2009.  Doreen's positive attitude has a way of rubbing off on everyone. We were blessed when she decided to give up her computer career and take on veterinary medicine.  She quickly picked-up the basics and is currently enrolled in the veterinary technician program at Purdue University to become a liscensed Veterinary Technician.

 Emily (left), our "Greenhorn" from the great state of New York is seen here preparing Tommy for abdominal surgery.  Although Emily is fresh out of veterinay technician school she has a few characteristics we kinda like.  She's a pleasure to work with, compassionate about her work, loves the animals, and is a great team player. Welcome aboard Emily!

 Below is Stacy our full time part time receptionist. Always with a smile and willing to help anyone, we love having her on our team!

 Starr and Diane take a quick break in "Rad Land" to pose the camera. 

Nikki poses with our clinic pet Amazon "Clover" while Melissa and Dr Layng take a well deserved break!