Biography:
Jenn joined Caring Hearts in March 2004 when it opened, bringing her extensive experience and passion for veterinary medicine to the team. Her journey began in 1998, when she was accepted into the Veterinary Technician program at Gaston College, where she graduated with honors and earned her RVT certification in 2000. Over the years, Jenn has become a versatile, invaluable member of the Caring Hearts team, currently serving as the practice manager, and assisting at the front desk.

Professional Interests:
Jenn’s professional interests include animal behavior, reproductive health, and brachycephalic care, where she strives to bring compassionate, specialized support to her patients.

Personal Interests:
A lifelong learner, Jenn enjoys exploring a wide range of topics through audiobooks and podcasts. She’s also dedicated to her French Bulldogs, running a small breeding program focused improving the breed’s health and teaching her dogs with low stress collaborative training techniques.

Fun Fact:
Originally from Nebraska, Jenn initially felt “tree claustrophobic” when she moved to North Carolina due to the dense greenery—quite a change from the open landscapes she grew up with!

She shares her home with a very patient man, Erik, two cats, and a beloved pack of dogs.

Biography:

Amanda grew up in a small town in Connecticut, surrounded by dogs, cats, and horses. Her love for animals and curiosity about veterinary medicine began early, as she frequently asked her family veterinarian all the “why’s,” “what’s,” and “how’s” about caring for animals. Today, Amanda is a registered veterinary technician with years of experience in animal healthcare.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Tech and earned her Associates in Veterinary Technology degree from Northwestern Connecticut Community College. After passing her national certification exam, Amanda moved to Charlotte and joined Caring Hearts Animal Hospital in October 2010.

Professional Interests & Approach to Care:

Amanda has a particular passion for dental care within veterinary medicine, sharing that some of the transformations from her cleanings are truly jaw-dropping! She enjoys creating a comfortable experience for clients and is always excited to learn new techniques and insights in the field.

Personal Interests: 

Amanda and her husband, Dustin, have three dogs, Fairlee, Hattie and Wyatt along with three cats, Meechum, Hobbs, and Kassidy. Outside of work, she enjoys horseback riding with her horse, Carllisle, running and anything outdoors.

Biography:
Chrissa Blair has been an invaluable part of the Caring Hearts Animal Hospital team since 2022, bringing with her four years of prior experience in veterinary medicine. Inspired to change careers during the pandemic, she has found her true calling in caring for animals.

Approach to Care:
Chrissa is a compassionate advocate for dogs and cats, dedicated to delivering individualized care for each patient. She places a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships with pets and their families, ensuring optimal healthcare outcomes. Chrissa has a special fondness for Boxers and bully breeds, which she enjoys working with.

Personal Interests:
Outside the clinic, Chrissa loves staying active with her dog, River, whom she and her family found and adopted during a camping trip in the mountains of West Virginia. River, along with a chameleon named Falkor, complete their family. Chrissa’s hobbies include running, cultivating plants, and exploring creative projects.

Fun Fact:
Before entering veterinary medicine, Chrissa was a skilled cake and cookie decorator! Her decision to pursue veterinary care was inspired by the memory of her beloved Boxer, Lola Lu, who bravely battled lymphoma. Chrissa now channels that experience into helping pets and their families navigate challenging health journeys with empathy and support.

Biography:
Kaitlin has been a valued member of the Caring Hearts team since June 2017, bringing with her experience from working in a kennel in Kennesaw, GA before moving to North Carolina. You can sometimes find her smiling face at the front desk but she has skills in the treatment area too. Kaitlin finds joy in puppy and kitten visits, where she loves to educate clients on helpful tools to ensure a happy, healthy start for their pets. She also takes pride in supporting pets during sick visits, working to improve their well-being beyond routine wellness exams.

Approach to Care:
Currently, Kaitlin is pursuing her veterinary technician degree through Penn Foster College and is also obtaining her Fear Free Certification to further support her commitment to compassionate, stress-free care. She is devoted to the health and happiness of each animal, building meaningful connections with pets and their owners to provide personalized care. She is particularly interested in assisting with surgeries, capturing radiographs, and performing bloodwork, where she can directly contribute to diagnostics and treatment.

Personal Interests:
Outside of work, Kaitlin enjoys spending time with her friends and family, horseback riding, and golfing.

She shares her home with her husband, Justin, and their two dogs, Hank (a Rottie/Pit mix) and Luna (a Pitbull/Terrier mix). She also leases a Quarter horse/Draft Horse cross named Gracie.

Fun Fact:
As the youngest of three daughters, Kaitlin knew early on she wanted to work with animals, often “playing vet” with her family dog, Archie. This passion has followed her throughout her life and career!

Biography:
Mariah has been an essential part of the Caring Hearts team since 2023, bringing with her four years of prior experience in veterinary medicine. She is dedicated to supporting the health and happiness of every pet she encounters. Mariah believes that every pet is unique and deserves individualized care.

Approach to Care:
She is passionate about being an advocate for dogs and cats, building strong relationships with pets and their owners to ensure each patient receives the most effective and personalized treatment possible.

Personal Interests:
In her free time, Mariah enjoys spending time with her husband, Erik, hiking with her dogs, traveling, and exploring antique shops. She shares her life with two dogs, Luna (a Siberian husky) and Zara (a Chihuahua mix), along with a Ragdoll mix cat named Zoey.

Fun Fact:
Mariah is an only child and a self-proclaimed introvert, finding joy in quiet moments and close connections with her family and pets.

Biography:
Sam joined the Caring Hearts Animal Hospital team in 2021, bringing with her a background in health and wellness along with a criminal justice degree from South Piedmont Community College. Her lifelong passion for animals inspired her shift into veterinary medicine, where she enjoys learning about different cases and supporting pets in their healing journeys.

Approach to Care:
Sam is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care for each patient, prioritizing their unique needs and comfort. She finds great fulfillment in building trust with both pets and their owners, creating meaningful bonds that enrich her work every day.

Personal Interests:
In her free time, Sam loves spending time with her son, Ben, her partner, Matt, and their two dogs, Minnie and Riley. She also enjoys trying her hand at cooking, attending concerts and sports events, and tackling DIY projects as a first-time homeowner.

Fun Fact:
Oh – and you are not seeing double – Sam has an identical twin sister named Jennifer!