Meet the Team at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic

Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Earlysville, VA, houses a veterinary team dedicated to providing a profound love for animals combined with expertise in various specialties to ensure the well-being of your equine companions.

Get to Know Our Earlysville Veterinary Team

Veterinarians

Donovan Dagner
Donovan Dagner, DVM

DVM

Donovan Dagner, DVM, managing partner of Blue Ridge Equine Clinic, grew up on a training farm in New Jersey, where he gained an appreciation for horses and the people who worked with them. He graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995 and completed an internship at Apex Veterinary Hospital in North Carolina before joining Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in 1996.

His current interests include dentistry and reproductive services, such as embryo transfer. He provides these services as well as all routine health care to the clients of Blue Ridge Equine Clinic at their farms and the clinic. His wife Anne is also a veterinarian. They live in Crozet with their daughters, Cecelia and Calla. They enjoy hiking, camping, and any excuse to go to the beach.

Steve Trostle
Steve Trostle, DVM

DVM, ACVS, ACVSMR

Steve Trostle, DVM, ACVS, ACVSMR, was born and raised on a dairy and livestock farm in York, Pennsylvania. He received his DVM from the University of Tennessee in 1990. He completed a surgical residency at the University of Wisconsin, achieving his board certification in surgery in 1996 and Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Equine) in 2013. After a year as a Clinical Instructor in surgery and nuclear medicine at the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Steve returned to Wisconsin to assume a faculty position at the veterinary teaching hospital in 1995.

In 2001, he decided to leave academia and joined the San Diego-based referral practice, San Luis Rey Equine Hospital. In 2004, he returned to the East Coast to join the staff at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic. Steve served on the Board of Directors for the AAEP from 2012 – 2014 and currently sits on various committees and sub-committees. For ACVSMR, Dr. Trostle has served on the Examination Committee (2013-2018) and also sits on the Board of Directors (2018-2022). He and his wife Cheryl, a small animal veterinarian, live in Earlysville with their son, Justin, and their daughter, Kelsey. He enjoys sports, and the family likes all forms of outdoor activities.

Kelly Giunta
Kelly Giunta, VMD

VMD, DACVSMR

Kelly Giunta, VMD, DACVSMR, is originally from southern New Jersey, where she grew up riding hunters and jumpers. Prior to attending veterinary school, she obtained a Master’s degree in Genetics and performed biomedical research. Her passion for horses led her to pursue a veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, she completed an internship at Southwest Equine Medical and Surgical Center in Scottsdale, AZ. Next, Dr. Giunta joined Equine Sports Medicine in Texas, where she focused on sports medicine and lameness and followed the AQHA and NRHA circuits as a horse show veterinarian. She joined Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in 2010. In 2021, Dr. Kelly Giunta received her Diplomate in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (equine) from the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Giunta’s professional interests include lameness, sports medicine, and diagnostic imaging. She also practices acupuncture and completed her training at the Chi Institute in Florida. Her personal interests include travel, hiking, foxhunting, and eventing.

Susanna Charland
Susanna Charland, DVM

DVM, CVMMP

Susanna Charland, DVM, CVMMP, was raised in Sunshine, Louisiana, immersed in an animal-rich environment. She earned her undergraduate degree at UVA and actively participated in riding and competing with her horse, Hank, during her time there.

Dr. Charland obtained her veterinary degree from Ross University, completing her clinical year at UC Davis. Following her education, she pursued an equine internship at Ocean State Equine Associates in Rhode Island, eventually joining Blue Ridge Equine Clinic.

Charland’s professional focus spans emergency care, preventative medicine, and reproduction. Outside work, she cherishes moments with her husband Lucien and her dog Beast, engaging in outdoor activities and cooking.

Dr. Megan Medoff
Dr. Megan Medoff

Dr. Megan Medoff joined Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in 2022, where she completed an equine internship program. She enjoys caring for people and their horses to enrich the human-animal bond. Dr. Medoff is interested in ambulatory general practice and emergencies. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL, she spent most of her time with sea turtles, dogs, cats, and horses. Dr. Medoff graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida Atlantic University. Later, she returned to earn her veterinarian degree from the University of Florida.

Dr. Medoff lives with her dog, Kaya Bear, and two cats, Killian Jones and Chubby Checkers, also known as Roush. To include her love for marine life, she has a beta fish at her desk. Outside of veterinary medicine, she likes to work out at the gym, dance, and hike.

Julia Hecking
Julia Hecking, DVM

DVM, CVA

Julia Hecking, DVM, CVA,  is originally from Richmond, VA, but has lived and worked in the Valley for many years at a busy breeding farm. She completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech and then received her DVM from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she completed an equine internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic. After finishing her internship, she was thrilled to come work in the Valley and is currently working part-time. She enjoys working on a variety of breeds and disciplines of all different levels.

Her special interests include reproductive work, lameness/sports medicine, dentistry, and preventative medicine. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and completed her training at the Chi Institute in Florida. She is a member of the AVMA and AAEP and an FEI veterinary delegate in three-day eventing.

Dr. Hecking lives in Lexington, VA, with her partner Drew and his two daughters, along with their fur family: three dogs, two cats, one horse, and a multitude of sheep, goats, and cows. In her free time, Dr. Hecking enjoys eventing her horse Ranon, gardening, traveling, and creating mosaic glass art.

Anne Merritt
Dr. Elizabeth Kearney, DVM

Relief Veterinarian

Bio Coming Soon!

Licensed Veterinary Technicians

Malorie Kemmerer
Malorie Kemmerer, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Malorie Kemmerer, LVT, began riding at the age of 5, rode and worked on an Arabian farm through high school, and then worked in a hunter/jumper training barn during college. At that time, she retired her Arabian mare from competitive riding. Malorie graduated from high school (homeschooled) in 2005, entered the Vet Tech program at Blue Ridge Community College, graduated in 2008 with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, and began working at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic that year. She enjoys everything about equine veterinary medicine, but mostly getting to be a part of some pretty miraculous medical and surgical interventions.

Malorie lives in Charlottesville with her husband, Brian, daughter Remi, and their constantly misbehaving but loved pets, Logger (dog) and Noodle (cat). Malorie’s hobbies include mountain biking, camping, sailing, and spending time with family and friends.

Anne Merritt
Anne Merritt, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Anne Merritt, LVT, an Indiana native, developed a passion for animals early on. Pursuing Animal Sciences at Purdue University, she joined the equestrian team and Polo club, discovering a love for eventing. Post-graduation, she worked with Ossabaw Swine, later deciding to pursue a veterinary technology degree.

Blue Ridge Equine Clinic caught her attention, leading to an externship and a move to Virginia. After a year in northern Virginia, she joined BREC’s Valley division, balancing work with riding in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Currently based at the Earlysville Hospital, she enjoys hiking with her dog.

Anne Merritt
Oli Billcheck, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon!

Anne Merritt
Erika Fennell

Pharmacy Technician

Bio Coming Soon!

Veterinary Assistants

shay
Shay Lynn Paddie

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Brooke Sigrist
Brooke Sigrist

Veterinary Assistant & Customer Service Representative

Brooke grew up in the Valley and started her career in small animal clinics. She joined Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in 2019 as a customer service representative. As her knowledge of equine medicine increased, Brooke expanded her role and started working as an assistant.

coming soon
Kat Perry

Veterinary Assistant

Kat grew up in Earlysville and started riding at a summer camp when she was 8. This quickly spiraled into spending seven days a week at the barn and competing with the local hunters whenever possible. She went on to ride on the IHSA team at the College of Charleston and has since worked for hunter/jumper and Eventing trainers of all levels and, most recently, on a guest ranch in Wyoming.

Her interest in Equine Medicine increased as she experienced more of the industry. She loves sharing her passion for equine welfare with her hometown. Kat loves to hike, be outside, and spend time with her Thoroughbred, Flynn, and dog, Tucker.

sara mills
Sarah Mills

Veterinary Assistant

Sarah grew up in Earlysville and was the type to become obsessed with every animal she met. She rode sporadically in her childhood and fell in love with horses for their intelligence and the sense of calm she felt around them. She’s always felt passionately about animal welfare and conservation, which led her to pursue a degree in Marine Biology and Ecology from the University of Miami.

In her time in the veterinary field, she has worked in several different places, such as Miami, Seattle, and the Galápagos Islands, treating animals of all sizes, and her passion for animal medicine has only continued to grow. Her favorite part of working at BREC is the knowledge she learns from her coworkers’ vast array of expertise and getting to help treat such powerful animals. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, hiking, and spending time with her pets, Timmy and Bella.

coming soon
Sam Chasse

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

coming soon
Julie Cook

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Customer Service Representative

Dana Kline
Dana Kline

Customer Service Representative

Dana grew up in the Valley on a small family farm in Folks Run, Virginia. In 1995, Dana purchased her first horse, Cimmie, which she still has today, along with her other older horse, Hoop Shooter. She spent many years trail riding and pleasure riding both horses.

Dana started working at Blue Ridge Equine in 2001 as a hospital barn assistant. Throughout her years at BREC, Dana has been a veterinary assistant and pharmacy technician and is currently a front desk receptionist. She lives in Crozet with her husband, three-legged dog Joe Bird, Moluccan Cockatoo Louie, and cat Koonie.

Sandy Whorley
Sandy Whorley

Customer Service Representative

Sandy grew up in the small town of Beckley, West Virginia. After graduating from WVU, she raised her family in Beckley, where she had a 35-year career as a Middle School Band Director/Music Teacher. Sandy always had a love for all animals, especially horses. Her daughter started riding at the age of 4, and Sandy decided to join her. They have ridden and shown horses together (mostly Arabian) in many different disciplines for years but have settled into dressage. Sandy moved to the Charlottesville area in 2020 and loves that she got the chance to have a second career at Blue Ridge Equine with horses and their owners. Living in Charlottesville has also given her the opportunity to be a part of the Virginia Dressage Association-Charlottesville, Charlottesville Flutes, and Albemarle Symphony Orchestra. Sandy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, pets, swimming, and playing her flute in her free time.

Practice Manager

Sandy Whorley
Amy Moon
Practice Manager

Amy Moon, Practice Manager since October 2023, has a lifelong passion for horses stemming from her earliest memories on her grandparents’ farm. She’s a seasoned equestrian with Hunter Under Saddle, Ranch Confirmation, Ranch Rail, and Ranch Riding accolades. Alongside her career in veterinary science and various managerial roles, Amy is a dedicated mother to her daughter Brie, an enthusiast of outdoor activities, and a proud owner of two retired horses and a donkey on her parents’ farm, along with her show horses Mojo and Punchy at BMG Show Horses. Her diverse experiences in both professional and personal realms reflect her dynamic and resilient nature.

Facilities

Sabino DeDios
Sabino De Dios Garcia

Facilities Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Consultants

Lameness and Sports Medicine

Reynolds Cowles
Reynolds Cowles, DVM

DVM

Dr. Reynolds Cowles, a 1967 graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, founded Blue Ridge Equine Clinic and has been in Albemarle County since graduation. He specializes in lameness in performance and racing horses and actively engages in clinic activities.

With 25 years of deep involvement in the Virginia horse industry, Reynolds serves as Vice President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and has held various roles, including Treasurer.

His extensive contributions include positions on the advisory boards of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Marion Dupont Scott Equine Center.

Recognized for his achievements, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association awarded Reynolds the Distinguished Veterinarian Award in 2009. Reynolds, along with his wife Evelyn, resides at Yadkin Farm in Albemarle County, where they share their home with horses and dogs.

Ophthalmology

Catherine Nunnery
Catherine Nunnery, DVM

DVM, DACVO

Catherine Nunnery DVM, DACVO, owner of Equine Veterinary Vision, is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist available for consultations at BREC and other Maryland and Virginia practices.

Specializing in diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases, Dr. Nunnery offers advanced equipment and expertise. Appointments must be scheduled directly with her at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic.

Dentistry

Jack Easley
Jack Easley, DVM

DVM, MS, DABVP, DAVDC

Dr. Jack Easley, DVM, MS, DABVP, DAVDC, founder of Easley Equine Dentistry, is a dual-boarded specialist in Equine Practice and Dentistry. Offering remote support through telemedicine, he interprets clinical signs, x-rays, and intra-oral pictures for complex dental issues.

While based in Lexington, Kentucky, he also travels to Virginia for direct case involvement and manages referred cases at his clinic.

Equine Internal Medicine

Myra Barrett and Kurt Sellberg
Amy Polkes

DVM, DACVIM

Dr. Amy Polkes is a board-certified Equine Internal Medicine specialist who has been consulting with Antech Diagnostics for over 15 years. Dr. Polkes received her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and her degree in Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She was in private equine practice for several years before continuing her training at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine. In 2002, after completing her residency program, she established an Equine internal medicine mobile consulting practice, Equine Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Services, in Maryland and Virginia, as well as providing consultation for Antech Diagnostics on equine medicine cases.

Dr. Polkes has now grown her referral practice to provide mobile equine internal medicine services in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. For a list of services provided, please refer to her website, www.equineimed.com.

Dr. Polkes resides in Maryland with her husband (who specializes in small animal internal medicine), her two teenage children, and her three dogs. She enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, and spending time with her family at all of the various sports activities!

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Myra Barrett and Kurt Sellberg
Myra Barrett and Kurt Sellberg

DVM, MS DACVR

Myra Barrett, DVM, MS DACVR, and Kurt Sellberg, DVM, MS, DACVR, are both boarded radiologists and the owners of Inside Information Radiology. Inside Information Radiology provides diagnostic imaging telemedicine support (remote reading or interpretation) of various diagnostic imaging modalities for all types, including but not limited to MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, radiology, and ultrasound.

Both Drs. Selberg and Barrett have a vested interest in horses and have published numerous papers on horses and imaging.

Join Our Team

This isn’t just a job for us; it’s our way of life! We’re always looking for outstanding people to join our team. If you’re passionate about equines, people, and fun, we welcome you to browse our current openings and apply.