top of page
Meet Our Staff
Meet the Caring Team Behind Your Pet's Care
While our veterinarians provide expert medical care, it's our dedicated support staff who ensure every visit to Middle River Veterinary Hospital is a positive experience from start to finish. Our team of veterinary technicians, assistants, and client care specialists work together seamlessly to make sure your pet feels safe, comfortable, and loved during every appointment.
Ann Lowry, Client and Patient Experience Coordinator
Ann is one of our full-time receptionists and a friendly face you’ll often see when you walk through our doors. She has a true love for animals and enjoys spending as much time as she can with her two dogs, Sadie and Nash, along with her five beloved cats—Sage, Speedy, Midnight, Kia, and Tao.
When she’s not at the clinic, Ann stays busy at home with her husband, Ben, caring for their two children, Haleigh and Wyatt. Whether she’s helping clients, caring for her own pets, or spending quality time with her family, Ann brings warmth, compassion, and dedication to everything she does.
When she’s not at the clinic, Ann stays busy at home with her husband, Ben, caring for their two children, Haleigh and Wyatt. Whether she’s helping clients, caring for her own pets, or spending quality time with her family, Ann brings warmth, compassion, and dedication to everything she does.
Caitlyn Starcher, LVT, CHPT, CPEP
Caitlyn is a full-time Licensed Veterinary Technician who lives in Staunton with her husband, Geoff, and their two children, Greyer and Sawyer. At home, she cares for four cats—Mowgli, Bagheera, Baloo, and Spammie—and a spirited little dog named Toots.
Recently certified in hospice and palliative care through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, Caitlyn is dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family and reading.
Recently certified in hospice and palliative care through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, Caitlyn is dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family and reading.
Amy Russell, LVT
Amy is a part time Licensed Veterinary Technician with over 20 years of experience in
both general small animal as well as emergency practice. She lives in Staunton with her
husband, Mike and 3 children, Michael, Maddie and James. Her four legged/finned
household includes a lab, Pete, a cat Olive, 2 paint horses Delta and Pippa, and multiple
fish tank communities.
In Amy’s free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and all things outdoorsy and water
related. She spends time in the summer in NY (where she is from) at a family cabin on a
lake, where she and the kids enjoy boating, swimming, fishing & paddleboarding. She and
her sister have a 36+ consecutive month streak of paddleboarding at least once per month.
both general small animal as well as emergency practice. She lives in Staunton with her
husband, Mike and 3 children, Michael, Maddie and James. Her four legged/finned
household includes a lab, Pete, a cat Olive, 2 paint horses Delta and Pippa, and multiple
fish tank communities.
In Amy’s free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and all things outdoorsy and water
related. She spends time in the summer in NY (where she is from) at a family cabin on a
lake, where she and the kids enjoy boating, swimming, fishing & paddleboarding. She and
her sister have a 36+ consecutive month streak of paddleboarding at least once per month.
Kadence Tomlin, Veterinary Assistant
Kadence Tomlin is a recent graduate of Fort Defiance High School, Class of December 2024. She currently works as a part-time veterinary assistant while continuing her education at Blue Ridge Community College, where she is pursuing her goal of becoming a licensed veterinary technician. Kadence is passionate about animal health and is eager to grow her knowledge and experience in the veterinary field.
In her free time, Kadence enjoys barrel racing with her mare, Chick, camping with her family, and spending time with her dog, Ringo. Her enthusiasm for animal care and commitment to learning make her a valued member of our team.
In her free time, Kadence enjoys barrel racing with her mare, Chick, camping with her family, and spending time with her dog, Ringo. Her enthusiasm for animal care and commitment to learning make her a valued member of our team.
Susan Gleadow, Practice Manager
Susan brings over 35 years of experience in the veterinary field and became a valued member of the Middle River team in August 2024. Her deep compassion for animals and dedication to client care shine through in everything she does, making her an integral part of our hospital family.
She lives in Staunton with her husband, John-Mark, their two children, Jeshurun and Hannah, and their beloved dogs—Cash, an energetic Australian Shepherd, and Tex, a spirited Jack Russell Terrier. Outside of work, Susan cherishes time spent with her family and enjoys traveling, always embracing opportunities to create lasting memories together.
She lives in Staunton with her husband, John-Mark, their two children, Jeshurun and Hannah, and their beloved dogs—Cash, an energetic Australian Shepherd, and Tex, a spirited Jack Russell Terrier. Outside of work, Susan cherishes time spent with her family and enjoys traveling, always embracing opportunities to create lasting memories together.
Cassie Lowry, LVT Student
Cassie is a second-year veterinary technology student at Blue Ridge Community College. She currently works at MRVH part time while finishing her degree and plans to graduate in May of 2026 as an LVT. Cassie has a special interest in livestock medicine and small animal surgical procedures. While not at work, she enjoys competing in the Hunter Jumper showring with her horse, Cayenne, volunteering at local animal shelters, exploring nature and hanging with her two cats, Zach and Cody.
Sandy Schlesinger, Receptionist
Sandy is one of our valued part-time receptionists, bringing warmth and kindness to both our clients and their pets. She calls Weyers Cave home, where she lives with her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sniffles. Together, they enjoy exploring local parks, soaking in the fresh air, and making special memories—especially when they’re joined by Sandy’s six grandchildren, who keep life fun and full of energy.
Outside of the clinic, Sandy has a true heart for service. She generously gives her time volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Aisle 7 Fellowship, and the Girl Scouts. Whether she’s helping her community, spending time with family, or caring for pets, Sandy brings compassion and joy to everything she does.
Outside of the clinic, Sandy has a true heart for service. She generously gives her time volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Aisle 7 Fellowship, and the Girl Scouts. Whether she’s helping her community, spending time with family, or caring for pets, Sandy brings compassion and joy to everything she does.
bottom of page