At River Road Animal Hospital, you’ll find a dedicated, compassionate team of veterinary professionals eager to serve you and your pet.  We strive to nurture the bond between you and your pet. Our goal is healthy, happy pets and our passion is providing the highest quality veterinary care through education, treatment, and prevention.  We believe that the best owners are informed owners, and we will take the time to educate you on everything from the basics of bringing a new pet home to your family, to the details of your pet’s specific condition.

Brad Schaefer

Brad attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he studied Biology and Psychology. Before coming to River Road Animal Hospital in 2007, Brad worked in laboratory medicine and pharmacology research and as wine bar manager for Landfall Country Club. He is experienced with dogs, cats, exotics and wildlife. He lives with his Staffordshire Bull Terrier pup Loki, aka “The Pig Dog”.

Caroline Miller

Caroline started at RRAH in 2009 and comes to us with over seven years of animal health care experience, having worked as a veterinary nurse in Longwood, Pennsylvania; as a Barn Manager and First Whip for Orange County Hunt Club in Virginia; and most recently as a surgical technician for Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral Hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina. Caroline has formal Veterinary Technician training through the University of Pennsylvania. Caroline is originally from England and attended high school at Launceston College, U.K. She has been living in North Carolina for the past two years with daughter, Kendal, and her three furry kids Willow, Sputnik, and Fuzzy Butt.

Molly Cairns

Molly comes to us from her previous position as head technician at Dogwood Animal Hospital, an AAHA accredited facility in Fayetteville, NC. Molly has over 6 years experience in small animal medicine.  She has been both lead surgical technician and head technician while simultaneously working as an emergency medicine technician at Animal Urgent Care of Fayetteville.  Originally from Niagara Falls, New York, Molly attended Niagara County Community College and Niagara University, where she studied nursing and biology.  She has lived happily in North Carolina for the past ten years with her husband Rob, and her daughter Keirstin.  Molly also has a large furry family including two boxers, Porter and Stout; a beagle named Stinky; a Carolina Brown Dog named Layla; Kilo, Noodle, and Smudge, her three cats; and a ferret named Sophie.

Ryan Howard

Ryan is originally from Rocky Mount, North Carolina and currently resides in Kure Beach. He graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone with a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Photography. Not only is he our Kennel manager and all-around Mr. Fix-It, but Ryan is also self-employed as a professional photographer. You can see his work displayed at the Art Shak here in Southport. He is a lover of the great outdoors and enjoys spending time with his Beagle-Akita mix, Merlin. Though relatively young, he has lived quite a full life and is proud of his accomplishments. A word from Ryan:

“I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I sing like Phil Collins, dance like Usher, cook like Emeril, and have the heart of Lance Armstrong. I have drunk coffee with the Pope. I solve problems like Dr. Phil and have the brains of Bill Gates. When I am not working at River Road Animal Hospital, you can usually find me at the local shelter serving our less fortunate homeless individuals. If not there, check the local library where I enjoy reading to the less-privileged youth of America. I have scaled Mt. Everest and explored the pyramids of Egypt. I have drunk wine on top of the Eiffel Tower and have lived in an igloo. I garden with a green thumb. I wear robes. I have won three Triathlons and speak French fluently. I recycle everything and only use recycled products.”

Jessica Ambrose – Head Receptionist

Jessica started with RRAH in 2011 and is originally from Livingston, NJ but has lived in NC since 1999.  She graduated from Grooming School in 2007 and worked in Raleigh, NC as a certified Pet Stylist gaining valuable experience in animal handling and restraint.  In her spare time she likes to spend time at the beach with her parents who have been Oak Island residents since 2010.  Her family includes her husband Richard, and her little stray dog she just adopted named Gypsy.

Mike Travis

Mike works part time helping Dr. T. with the business end of RRAH. He is a graduate of the United State Air Force Academy and still serves part time with the Air Force Reserves as an A-10 Instructor Pilot. He helps with the clinic animals including Seth and Neuth – our two African Sulcatta spurred tortoises, and his favorite (the only pets that earn their own keep) our chickens Ginger, Zelda, Henny Penny, & Clucky.

Melanie Wolosyn

Originally from Pennsylvania, Melanie has been living in North Carolina with her grandmother since 2005. She attended high school as a member of the first-ever enrolling class of Brunswick County Early College High School and graduated from BCECHS with her diploma in 2011 and also from Brunswick Community College with an Associate in Arts in 2011. She’s volunteered at River Road since 2008, and is now an official member of our staff in since June 2011. Melanie is now attending UNC Wilmington as an undergraduate double-majoring in Spanish and English, with the hopes of pursuing a Master’s degree in linguistics. Although she will be living and studying full-time in Wilmington, don’t be surprised if you see her around the clinic from time to time!

Terri Hoilman

Terri helps us out at Reception from time to time and is originally from the Blue Ridge Mountain area of NC.  She has been living in Southport since 2010 with her husband Glenn.  She has loved and cared for animals from goldfish to horses all her life.  She helps rehab wildlife in her spare time and is an avid beekeeper.  Besides Glenn her family includes her dog Max and her two kitties Mitzi and Comet.

Rachel Marshburn

Rachel is native of the Southport, Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes area.  She graduated from South Brunswick High School and is currently enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program at NC State.  She works with us part time and during the summers and is well on the way to becoming an outstanding Veterinarian one day.  Her family includes mom & dad, her dogs Angel, Rosie, and Copper, and her cats Poppy and Booger.

Mary Ellen Rogers – Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter