We are multi-faceted animal care facility, providing the highest quality veterinary care for your pets.
Meet Our Support Team
Emma | Practice Manager
Emma has been with Bon Air Animal Hospital since 2017, when she moved to Richmond from Fairfax County. She began as a Client Service Representative and, in March 2024, was thrilled to step into the Practice Manager role. Emma graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is grateful that her path ultimately led her to a career in veterinary medicine.
A lifelong animal lover, Emma grew up with cats, dogs, and a handful of “exotic” pets over the years. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, going to concerts, visiting her wonderful parents in Staunton, cooking and watching movies with her husband, and scouting out every vegan restaurant she can find.
Julia | Assistant Manager
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Julia graduated from Trinity Episcopal High School in 2001 and went on to earn her B.A. in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. With more than a decade of experience providing support to pet owners and their pets in veterinary hospital settings, Julia takes great pride in supervising Bon Air Animal Hospital’s staff to ensure that check-in and check-out procedures run smoothly. Julia currently lives in downtown Manchester with her husband, William, daughter Milou, and their teddy bear puppy, McGruff. When she’s not in the office, you can find her out in her garden, spending time with family and friends and/or at home perfecting her favorite recipes.
Kelsey | Inventory Manager & Lead Veterinary Assistant
Kelsey has been with Bon Air Animal Hospital for years, serving as both Inventory Manager and Lead Veterinary Assistant. She’s passionate about making a difference in the community by helping clients care for their furry family members. With a strong interest in the management side of veterinary medicine, Kelsey enjoys leading a team of dedicated vet assistants and continues to grow her knowledge of hospital operations.
Outside of work, Kelsey loves hiking, camping, going to concerts, and reading. She shares her home with Arlo, a husky mix who’s never far from his favorite ball, and Ellie, a mischievous (but adorable) tabby cat. Her inventory role has also opened exciting opportunities to collaborate with pharmaceutical reps and distributors—something she’s found both rewarding and inspiring.
Our Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Denise | Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician
Denise Sturgill graduated from Blue Ridge Community College in 1992 as a veterinary technician. She has been working with Bon Air Animal Hospital for over 20 years. She enjoys assisting in surgery and getting to interact with all the pets who come to the clinic. She is married to Tim Sturgill, and has two children, Katarina and Wyatt. Denise has two toy poodles, Jetta and Rivers, a Labradoodle named Trip, two cats, Elvis and Spooky, and an African Grey parrot named Peanut. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Danielle | Licensed Veterinary Technician
Danielle graduated from San Juan College in 2021 after earning her degree in Veterinary Technology. Danielle has been at Bon Air since 2014 when she started as a Veterinary Assistant. Danielle enjoys radiology, dentistry, general patient care, and working with small livestock such as pigs and chickens. In her free time, she enjoys being with her two young children and her two cats Dodge and Ruger.
Hanna | Licensed Veterinary Technician
Hanna graduated from Blue Ridge Community College Veterinary Technician program in May of 2023. She has been a lifelong advocate for animals and fosters for Richmond Animal Care and Control. She has two dogs, Daisy and Rosie, and two cats, Finnick and Buffy Summers. She looks forward to building a solid foundation with the fabulous Bon Air team and helping all of the areas animals.
Lillian | Licensed Veterinary Technician
Lillian is a recent graduate of Blue Ridge Community College Veterinary Technician program. She has a bearded dragon named Ishizu and a blue pitbull names Delilah. In her free time she enjoys traveling, crocheting, spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies.
Our Veterinary Assistants
Emily | Veterinary Assistant/DVM Candidate
Emily, a Richmond native, has been at Bon Air Animal Hospital since 2019 when she joined to shadow our doctors. Since then, she has worked as an assistant. Emily graduated from George Mason University, where she earned a BA in English & Sociology (2018) and a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (English) in 2019. Emily worked as a middle school teacher in Richmond Public Schools for 5 years while maintaining her role as an assistant and transitioning into the field of veterinary medicine. Emily was accepted into Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2024 (c/o 2028), where she is embarking on her journey to becoming a veterinarian. Education is her passion, and she plans to practice as a general practitioner who also works to educate future veterinarians and technicians.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors, reading, attending live music and local festivals, traveling, and trying new restaurants! At home, she shares her life with her two cats: Nymeria, a 9-year-old black cat, and Calcifer, a 4-year-old orange tabby.
Chandler | Veterinary Assistant
Chandler has been part of the Bon Air Animal Hospital team since 2021 and loves being involved in the special bond between pets and their people. She’s especially passionate about hearing each patient’s story, snuggling all the snorty-faced brachycephalic pups, and capturing heartwarming moments for our social media.
At home, Chandler shares life with her golden retriever, Romeo, and two cats, Binx and Casper. Outside the hospital, she stays busy as a mom of two, a dance teacher, and a professional princess performer. A lifelong Disney lover, Chandler brings a little magic wherever she goes.
Zoe | Veterinary Assistant
Zoe joined the Bon Air Animal Hospital team in 2025 and brings a strong passion for veterinary medicine and a clear goal: to attend vet school and become a veterinarian in the Army. She loves the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the field and values the opportunity to learn something new every day.
Outside of work, Zoe enjoys playing soccer, going on walks with her dog, spending time with friends and family, and catching live music whenever she can. Her dog Millie, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Alaskan Malamute mix adopted from Richmond Animal Control, is her constant companion—always ready to chase a ball or snuggle on the couch.
Rachael | Veterinary Assistant
Rachael has been working as a veterinary assistant for two years and brings a calm, caring presence to every patient interaction. She loves being part of a team that helps animals feel their best.
At home, she’s cat mom to Binx—also known as CardiBinx—who has a taste for avocado and an impressive trick list that includes sitting and spinning on command.
Sheldon | Veterinary Assistant
Sheldon entered the veterinary medicine field in April 2024 after a decade-long career in the finance technology industry. Driven by a deep passion for animal health and welfare, he made a purposeful transition to pursue this rewarding path. Sheldon is a devoted cat parent to six rescue cats, each with their own unique personality and story. He is preparing to begin veterinary school at the end of 2025, continuing his commitment to making a positive impact in veterinary medicine.
Ashton | Veterinary Assistant
Ashton joined Bon Air Animal Hospital in February 2025 and brings a lifelong passion for animals—especially marine life—to the veterinary field. Currently gaining hands-on experience while continuing education through online coursework, Ashton is working toward becoming a veterinarian. He is excited to grow within the profession and contribute to the health and well-being of animals every day.
Outside of work, Ashton enjoys fishing, collecting comic books, and traveling. At home, he shares his life with Luna, a purebred Husky, and several geckos. Spring is his favorite time of year.
Gabby | Veterinary Assistant
Gabby joined the Bon Air Animal Hospital team in June 2025 and has quickly become a compassionate and dependable part of the care team. What drives her in veterinary medicine is the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them. While the field can be challenging, Gabby finds strength in the support of her team and the shared mission to help animals live healthier, happier lives.
Outside the hospital, Gabby keeps busy with a full and vibrant life. She enjoys giving back to her local community, spending time with family and friends, and staying active in her church. On her days off, you’ll likely find her trying a new restaurant, walking her two dogs—Marley and Ellie—in the park, or indulging in a bit of retail therapy. She's also a big fan of The Sims and can happily unwind to episodes of Bob’s Burgers. Gabby is currently a college student at VCU majoring in Science with a concentration in Biology, with plans to attend veterinary school and specialize in cardiology.
Avery | Veterinary Assistant
Avery joined Bon Air Animal Hospital in July 2025 and has plans to attend veterinary school to become a companion animal and exotics veterinarian. With a passion for all creatures, especially the unusual ones, Avery brings curiosity and care to every shift.
Outside of work, Avery is a creative at heart. They enjoy sculpting, crocheting, painting, sewing, and playing puzzle-based video games (especially Zelda). At home, they care for a feisty gray tabby named Nezuko and an albino leopard gecko named Ezra—and also love their mom’s bustling crew of bulldogs, pugs, and black cats. During undergrad at Virginia Tech, Avery interned at a wildlife center, where working with snakes and bats became a personal highlight.
Olivia | Veterinary Assistant/Technician in Training
Olivia has been a dedicated member of the Bon Air Animal Hospital team since May 2018, bringing seven years of experience and passion to her role. She credits her Bon Air family for shaping her into the professional and person she is today, finding both friendship and support among her coworkers. Olivia’s love for veterinary medicine has grown deeply over the years, fueled by continuous learning and collaboration with her team.
At home, Olivia shares her life with Dutchess, an 18-year-old cat who has been her loyal companion since childhood, standing by her through life’s many ups and downs.
Ellie | Veterinary Assistant/Technician in Training
Ellie has been part of the Bon Air Animal Hospital team since May 2023 and is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician Program at Blue Ridge Community College. She chose this career path out of a deep belief that helping save someone’s best friend each day is one of the most fulfilling jobs there is.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys coaching and playing field hockey, going to the gym, and spending time with her family. She rescued her beagle, Cleo, in 2017—Cleo’s favorite things include bacon-flavored bones, long walks, and snuggling with her beloved stuffed animals.
Our Client Service Representatives
Melanie | CSR Team Manager
Melanie has been with Bon Air Animal Hospital for over three years and leads the front desk team with a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie. She finds veterinary medicine both challenging and deeply rewarding, and values the supportive, tight-knit community that comes with it. Over the years, she’s built lasting friendships and countless meaningful memories in the field.
Outside of work, Melanie is a proud nerd who loves video games, tabletop games, D&D, renaissance faires, and all things music. She enjoys camping, birdwatching, and gardening, and never turns down a karaoke mic. At home, she’s pet mom to three cats—Cinnabun, Nikki, and Pistachio, her beloved tuxedo “soulcat” who uses an inhaler each morning.
Tori | CSR
Tori has been part of the Bon Air Animal Hospital team since November 2022. She enjoys working in veterinary medicine because it offers a unique chance to support both pets and the people who love them—whether during routine visits or when extra care is needed. Of course, getting to cuddle adorable cats and dogs is a major bonus!
Outside of work, Tori enjoys baking, painting, crocheting, and watching documentaries. She has a bachelor's degree in International Studies from Virginia Tech and shares her home with three cats: tortie sisters Flora and Fauna, and her newest kitten, Oliver.
Jane | CSR
Jane has been part of the Bon Air Animal Hospital team for four years and values the collaborative environment and diverse team she works with every day. She enjoys connecting with clients and takes pride in being a helpful, welcoming presence at the front desk.
Outside of work, Jane loves gardening and spending quality time with her family—especially her two grandchildren, who are her pride and joy. She shares her home with a lively Frenchton named Jacques (lovingly known as Jacalepoo) and a resilient cat named Flapjack, who was rescued as a kitten and uses his strong tail like a rudder to help him get around. Jane has also shared a 50-year friendship with her best friend, who she considers more like a sister.
Naomi | CSR
Naomi joined the Bon Air Animal Hospital team in September 2023 and is currently pursuing a double major in Forensic Science and Biology at VCU. With a growing interest in veterinary medicine, she’s considering a future path to vet school.
Outside of work and school, Naomi is a lifelong horror movie fan, lover of classic TV shows, musical theater enthusiast, and artist. She lives in a full house with seven adult golden retrievers, one puppy, and a variety of rescued animals—including cats, reptiles, birds, chickens, and ducks. Her family responsibly breeds AKC/OFA-registered goldens with champion bloodlines.
Skye | CSR
Skye joined Bon Air Animal Hospital in March 2024 and brings a warm, thoughtful approach to client care. She loves hearing each pet’s unique story and finds joy in helping people care for their most precious companions.
Outside of work, Skye enjoys collecting records, Magic cards, and books. She has two cats—Ziggy, who just celebrated her 7th birthday, and Bones, a former foster she adopted through the hospital. Skye holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a double minor from Longwood University.
Grace | CSR
Grace joined the Bon Air Animal Hospital team in 2025 and brings a determined, creative spirit to her role. She is passionate about doing her best in everything she takes on and enjoys connecting with clients and their pets.
Outside of work, Grace loves making art, cooking, and playing pool. She shares her home with two dogs—Esmè, a Bichon Frise, and Thor, a Boxer. Grace also owns a small jewelry business that she launched during her journey with multiple systemic and autonomic disorders, turning a personal challenge into a creative and empowering outlet.