Care team
Our Care Team At Barker Animal Hospital
Fear-Free for Sure! We are proud to be a Fear-Free certified clinic! Your pet’s emotional and physical well-being is prioritized with every visit. We put the patients first!
OUR CARE TEAM
Megan, CVPM, Practice Manager
Megan likes to say that her passion for animals began before she could even talk. She’s felt an indescribable connection with the earth’s creatures ever since she was a little girl, and she’s always wanted to do everything in her power to help others in need—four- and two-legged alike. For Megan, bettering the lives of not only pets but their loving owners as well is a dream come true!
Megan is a Virginia Beach native and attended Old Dominion University to study biology. She launched her career in the animal-care world as a Veterinary Assistant after college and has been helping pets and animal parents ever since. Now, she’s the Office Manager here at Barker Animal Hospital and loves to keep things running smoothly day in and day out. Megan especially likes to help educate the public on the best ways to care for their pets, including with Fear-Free techniques that pet owners can use at home! She received her CVPM certification in April 2021.
When she’s not at work, Megan likes spending time outdoors and loves to relax at the beach, go wakeboarding, and play Frisbee golf. She has one pet: Scooter, a miniature Schnauzer.
Lauren, Office Manager
Lauren used to work in early childhood education, but she knew that she wanted a change of pace while still getting to put her nurturing instincts to good use. When the opportunity arose for her to join the veterinary field, she knew it was too good of a chance to pass up! Lauren has been helping pets professionally ever since. She’s a part of Barker Animal Hospital’s talented Veterinary Assistant team.
Lauren grew up in Yorktown and moved to Norfolk to begin her journey in veterinary care. She worked at a number of practices in the area before joining the Barker Animal Hospital family in February 2020. As an Assistant, she’s particularly fond of dermatology and the way that a change in diet can help with skin issues. Lauren also enjoys radiology and the way it can help give her inside insight into what’s going on with a patient.
One of Lauren’s main hobbies outside of work is fostering cats and puppies—she loves to find forever homes for all the pets she possibly can! She also loves to spend time with her own animal companions at home. She shares her life with three cats named Onyx, Stink Bug, and Pooper, as well as a trio of loveable guinea pigs named Biscuit, Gravy, and Mashy.
Mikaela, Administrative Assistant
Growing up in Grand Junction, CO, Mikaela always had a deep interest in science. She was fascinated by how things worked and why. In fact, she even thought about human medicine for a brief moment but quickly realized veterinary medicine was more her cup of tea. As a Veterinary Assistant, Mikaela enjoys being the voice for her patients and the constant growth and endless knowledge this field has to offer.
After obtaining her certification from Ashworth College, Mikaela was hired by the hospital at which she completed her internship. Three years later, she decided to change hospitals in an effort to further her education. She worked at a third clinic for just over a year before moving to Norfolk and joining the Barker Animal Hospital team. Professionally, Mikaela has a particular interest in cytology and lab work. She also enjoys monitoring surgery.
Outside of work, Mikaela resides with her boyfriend and their three dogs: Athena, Oakley, and Miley. Her other dog, a Bear, currently lives in Colorado with Mikaela’s mother. In her spare time, Mikaela enjoys playing sports and spending time outdoors.
Julie, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Julie takes pride in being a voice for animals and finds deep fulfillment in helping to heal and improve their lives every day. Her commitment to patient care is matched by her compassion and dedication to every pet she works with.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys running, gardening, reading, spending time outdoors, going to the beach, traveling, and making memories with friends and family.
Maddie, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Maddie has a special place in her heart for senior animals and is passionate about making sure they receive the love, comfort, and quality of life they deserve in their golden years, whether that’s for days, weeks, or years to come. At home, she joyfully cares for her own little senior sanctuary of dogs.
When she’s not at work, Maddie enjoys relaxing with a good Netflix show and going on walks with her dogs.
Kathryn, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician
She holds a BA in Journalism and Biology from Old Dominion University, along with an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Northern Virginia Community College. Kat takes pride in delivering attentive patient care and clear, thoughtful communication with clients.
Outside of work, Kat enjoys reading, swimming, spinning, and spending time outdoors with her dog, Lilly. She has a passion for plants—especially growing them from seeds—and is a devoted Taylor Swift fan who keeps the music playing 24/7.
Kayla, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Emily, Veterinary Assistant
Emily prides herself on her compassion and treats every patient as if they were her own. She strives to make each visit as smooth and stress-free as possible for both pets and their people.
In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking, going to the movies, and expressing her creativity through coloring and painting.
Kylie, Veterinary Assistant
Kylie prides herself on being patient with all the animals and ensuring they are comfortable and happy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as walking and enjoying the outdoors.
Morgan, Veterinary Assistant
Ashlee, Veterinary Assistant
Megan, Veterinary Assistant
Ella, Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.
Tara, Treatment Lead
Samantha, Kennel Manager
Growing up in the rural area of Northern Wisconsin, just a few hours from the Canadian and Michigan borders, Samantha spent most of her youth surrounded by farms and wildlife. She always dreamed of becoming a vet and, as a teenager, was forever bringing home critters of some sort, from the extra rats from her biology class to a feral mama cat and her six kittens to the eight-week-old puppy she smuggled home under her coat on a 30-mile trip. It was inevitable that she’d one day end up in the animal care industry.
As they so often do, life circumstances put Samantha’s career aspirations on hold when she became a mother at a young age. After 25 years of running a household and raising her four children, she was ready to start exploring her career options outside of the home. She landed a job at a doggie daycare and soon moved on to dip her toe into veterinary medicine. As Kennel Manager here at Barker Animal Hospital, Samantha is taking every opportunity to learn and grow as she works toward her next goal of becoming a veterinary technician.
Not surprisingly, Samantha owns a multitude of pets of her own, including four and a half dogs (yes, you read that right), eight cats, a ball python, a hermit crab, and several beta fish. Charlie, who is co-owned with Samantha’s best friend and neighbor, is an amazing amateur anti-anxiety dog. Desmond is an easily-excitable cocker spaniel who loves to howl. Blue is a terrier mutt who believes he’s 100 lbs. Then there’s Opal Marie, a lab mix who was rescued as a feral pup. She still has some stranger danger but is making great progress. The cats all have their own unique personalities and are very social.
When she’s not busy running the kennel or tending to her mini-zoo at home, Samantha enjoys hiking. She recently visited Japan, where she was able to explore much of the breathtaking landscape on foot.
Kimberly, Receptionist
Kim has been in the industry for over 5 years. She attended Great Bridge High. Kim prides herself in making patients and their parents feel like family and whatever their concerns are, I want them to feel like we care and understand. In her free time, when shes not at her son’s soccer games, she will likely be with her family and dogs Callie and Zero.
Nancy, Receptionist
Outside of the hospital, Nancy loves spending time with her two boys, hanging out with her pets, and soaking up as much sunshine as she can. Her warm personality and genuine care make her a valued part of the Barker Animal Hospital family.
Bethany (Cat), Receptionist
Angie, Receptionist
Bio Coming Soon.
Alysa, Groomer
With 5 years of grooming and 1 year of bathing experience under her belt, Alysa is a dedicated pet care professional. Her educational journey took her through Deep Creek, Tidewater Community College (TCC), and Old Dominion University (ODU), where she cultivated a strong foundation in veterinary medicine.
She takes immense pride in her expertise in crafting Asian fusion faces for pets, ensuring they look and feel their best. Outside of work, you’ll often find her immersed in a good book, enjoying the tranquility of reading in her free time.
Tara Cashman is a highly experienced Veterinary Assistant at Barker Animal Hospital, having practiced since 2012. She attended Frank W. Cox High and completed the Penn Foster Vet Tech Program. Tara is known for her exceptional communication skills and her ability to form strong bonds with all of her patients, often eliciting wagging tails and loud purrs from even the most anxious animals.
In her free time, Tara enjoys spending quality time with her two children and her impressive fur family of 5 cats. She also loves outdoor activities, going to the beach, and discovering new breweries.