Our Veterinary Team
Meet Our Veterinary Team in Moneta VA
The veterinary team at Staunton River Vet Clinic is a group of professionals dedicated to your pet’s continuous health and welfare.
Dr. Carrie Turnbull
Education: Dr. Turnbull graduated Vet School in 2006 from Ross University. She is the owner and lead veterinarian of Staunton River Vet Clinic since 2012.
Geeky Veterinary Moment: Dr. Turnbull saw a male calico cat. Only one in 3,000 calicos are male and are called Klinefelter males. Dr. Carrie made sure to get a picture taken with him to prove to her veterinary colleagues the moment happened!
Super Power: Just call her Dr. Doolittle – she can calm down anxious dogs and cats that are typically difficult to work with.
Outside Life: Married to Chris since 2002, with two daughters, Rachael and Hannah. She loves to be outdoors doing something athletic.
Dr. Corey Fruits
Dr. Corey Fruits, an alumnus of Lincoln Memorial University, was raised on a small family farm where he developed a passion for animals, particularly pigs, thanks to his early involvement in 4-H at the age of 10.
During his time at LMU-CUM, Dr. Fruits fell in love with the Appalachia area. Returning to this community fills him with excitement as he sees it as a homecoming of sorts, eager to contribute his skills to a place that holds such personal significance.
Outside of work, Dr. Fruits spends time with his two dogs, Atlas and Persephone. His free time is often spent outdoors, trail running, hiking, and kayaking.
Dr. Cathy Connelly
My first memories encompass wanting to be a veterinarian. My first real pets included a toad and four rats. My family then acquired a pony, and I went to the public library to learn more about all of our pets. We had never seen a veterinarian with any of our pets, and I read that you could be a doctor for animals. My path was set: I was going to be a veterinarian.
I attended Colorado State University (CSU) and worked my way through school at the CSU Veterinary Hospital in critical care. I acquired my master’s degree in Cell Biology at UNLV. While attending UNLV, I worked at the health department with wild rodents on a Plague study and volunteered at the Las Vegas Zoo. I was then accepted into the Veterinary School program at CSU. My dream was finally within my grasp.
I graduated from CSU in 1993 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I chose to live in Reno, Nevada, for about 20 years and built my practice. My advanced studies included ultrasound and other imaging modalities, endoscopy, exotic animal species, soft tissue surgery, veterinary dentistry, feline and canine medicine, and geriatric medicine. I completed a fellowship in Ultrasound at Davis California Veterinary School.
After leaving Reno, I worked on sea turtles in the Florida Keys and in emergency medicine at Marathon Veterinary Hospital. I really missed the change of seasons and the mountains, so I moved to the Roanoke area about 10 years ago.
After leaving Reno, I worked on sea turtles in the Florida Keys and in emergency medicine at Marathon Veterinary Hospital. I really missed the change of seasons and the mountains, so I moved to the Roanoke area about 10 years ago.
Outside of work, I enjoy Bicycle riding, hiking, reading, taking care of my pets, gardening, and cooking awesome food. My passion is lifelong learning and embracing any opportunity to learn. I attend continuing education courses all year round.
I started rescuing disabled cats about 6 years ago. I now have 30 cats with various disabilities that I care for daily. I also have chickens, a Golden Retriever, and 3 ferrets.
My approach to veterinary medical care is rooted in compassion. I have a deep respect for each individual animal as a unique soul that deserves the best care. Whether it’s stopping along the road to save a turtle or a frog or providing high-quality medicine to a beloved pet, my care for an animal is the same.
I have truly dedicated my life to the care and well-being of animals. I love veterinary medicine. I am as passionate about animals and their care as I was the day I acquired my first pet and the day I graduated from Veterinary School.
Brittany
Education: Brittany came when we purchased Furry Friends Vet Clinic in December 2020. She had been an assistant/receptionist there since 2010. She was promoted to our Practice Manager in March 2021.
Geeky Veterinary Moment: She is always surprised by how well animals can hide how sick they truly are.
Superpower: Brittany will go above and beyond for clients to make sure they are happy.
Outside life: She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Paisley, country music concerts, festivals, and time on the lake.
Kristen, Lead LVT
Education: Kristen has been an LVT at Staunton River since July 2019; she graduated as an LVT in 2015.
Geeky Veterinary Moment: Kristen loves senior pets and pain management.
Super Power: Kristen loves to teach. She will make sure our clients understand everything related to their pets and she is a great mentor for the other LVTs and assistants.
Outside Life: She LOVES her chickens and four-wheeling.
Lilly
Experience: Lilly has been a Veterinary Assistant at SRVC since October 2019.
Geeky Veterinary Moment: Lilly enjoys helping senior pets and helping in surgery.
Superpower: Lilly has the power of persuasion.
Outside life: She enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, and is an amazing baker
Maggie
Experience: Maggie has been with us for over 10 years!!!
Geeky Veterinary Moment: Maggie loves surgeries and everything involved, especially new and different ones.
Super Power: Maggie can get a muzzle onto any animal. She has an amazing ability to soothe stressed-out animals.
Outside Life: Maggie loves to travel! She also loves kayaking, hiking, concerts, and just being outdoors.
Aymarie
Experience: Aymarie has Veterinary Assistant since September 2021.
Geeky Veterinary Moment: Aymarie loves watching the transformation a dental makes for a pet.
Super Power: She can make a cat burrito better than any person we have ever seen!
Outside Life: When not at the clinic (or in school getting her LVT degree), Aymarie loves horse training, riding horses, and spending time with her husband, Gary.
Kate
An avid lover of all animals, big and small. I am a proud dog mama to five fur children whom I love dearly. I started working in the vet field in 2013 as a receptionist and assistant. I thoroughly enjoy the hands-on experience and working closely with the animals. Venipuncture and running lab specimens are a couple of my favorite things. Compassion is my superpower. Senior and special needs babies hold a special place in my heart. When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me shopping or relaxing on the farm, spending time with my husband and our fur children.
Olivia
Experience: Veterinary Assistant since September 2022
Geeky Vet Moment: Enjoys running ear cytologys, being able to identify the different types of bacteria and their distinct smell. I once had a patient shake their head during an ear cleaning and it covered the room in ear debris.
Super Power: Finding things to do for the clinic during quiet hours and staying patient with complicated clients/patients.
Outside Life: I enjoy my free time playing fetch with my labradoodle named Remi, fishing, listening to music, and going on spur of the moment adventures.
Hannah
Chandler
