Our Careteam

Hospital Floor Staff

Cherish Merryman

Cherish Merryman

Office Manager

Cherish grew up in Annandale, Virginia, and lived there for 15 years before moving to Madison, Virginia. After that, her family moved all over the place, going as far as California, and now she’s back in Culpeper, Virginia. Cherish wanted to be part of the veterinary profession because she hates to see animals in pain and not be able to help them. She started at ODAHC as a Boarding Supervisor, moved to the hospital floor working as a nurse, and now she is the Office Manager.

With her experience, Cherish can help out wherever needed, from organizing reception to helping with dentals, x-rays, and lab work.

Cherish has 2 children, Bryce and Caden; 2 dogs, Dharma and Razor; 1 cat, Pita; and 1 horse, Moxley. She loves being outside working in the yard, riding Moxley, going mudding, 4-wheeling, and, most of all, playing with her girls.

Lorena Calani

Lorena Calani

Reception Manager

Lorena is from Potosi, Bolivia, and she moved to the USA 18 years ago. When she first started at ODAHC, she thought it would be a temporary job but shortly after, she realized how the staff had embraced her and treated her like family. This is the reason she’s stayed here for the last 18 years and counting! Lorena worked as a maintenance supervisor for a few years before getting a promotion to her current position as a receptionist.

She loves her job because it is a great way to interact with other people and provide good customer service. Lorena talks to clients by phone, sets up appointments, files documents, assists the doctors when needed, and makes sure the clients are always happy.

Lorena’s entire family is in Bolivia, but here in America it’s just she and her daughter, Geraldine. They also have a pet parakeet named Polly who was a rescue. Lorena’s daughter is working on graduating from Christopher Newport University and pursuing a career in Business Information Science. Polly, on the other hand, enjoys honey treats. Lorena’s biggest goal is getting her daughter through college, and for herself – well, she hopes to achieve more opportunities to grow professionally in this career.

Keely O'Connor

Keely O'Connor

Receptionist Supervisor

Keely, mother of three fur-babies, wears many hats at ODAH Center. She enjoys interacting with both clients and pets as one of our receptionists and veterinary assistant. Keely always serves as a morale boost to her patients, clients and peers and can often be seen sporting new & exciting hair colors. After a good day’s work at ODAH Center, Keely comes home to her beloved Aussie, Jasper as well as her cat duo Salem & Sabrina. Originally born in Okinawa, Japan; Keely rolled through both Massachusetts & Florida before settling down in the Fairfax area. Her vast life experiences have surely equipped her to navigate this uniquely rewarding career. Keely graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Justice & Human Rights. In her free time, Keely enjoys reading, anime, cosplay and playing guitar but most of all Keely is passionate about helping others in any way she can.

Paige Blackford

Paige Blackford

Receptionist/Boarding Assistant

Paige grew up in the Falls Church/Mclean area and graduated from Mclean High School. She currently attends the University of Virginia’s College at Wise where she’s studying elementary education and hopes to teach second grade. With four dogs and three cats at home, she is no stranger to animals and has always been interested in their care. Paige has worked at Old Dominion Animal Health Center since 2013, and has loved getting to know all the clients and their pets. She loves being a part of the ODAHC team when she’s not away at school or doing something outdoors with her fiancé, Cameron.

Greer Gabor

Greer Gabor

Licensed Veterinary Technician

After traveling halfway across the country with her bearded dragon, Todd & her three-legged gerbil, Spanky; Greer finds herself very happy at ODAH Center. She started animal work at Washington DC’s Dupont Veterinary Clinic in high school and found her life’s passion right away. She was especially proud to be recognized by the staff there as the only intern who did not get queasy during surgeries, unlike her male counterparts. She graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and is working on her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology. Greer absolutely loves taking care of all sorts of animals and has worked at various animal hospitals from Gibsonville, North Carolina to Austin, Texas’ Steiner Ranch, Austin Urban Vet Center and gained unique knowledge at the Westgate Pet and Bird Hospital also in Austin,Texas. She enjoys continuing her education and being a lifelong learner in many different areas of interest. Greer enjoys sewing clothes, baking, and adventuring with her friends but most of all, she loves her three-year-old rescue dog, Dakota, more than anything in the world.

Sam Labre

Sam Labre

Hospital Floor Manager

Sam started working at ODAH January 2019 as a receptionist, quickly working her way from our clients’ hearts into our patients’ hearts. After years of hard work and dedication, and her LOVE for Old Dominion, she was given the responsibility of the Hospital Floor Manager.

Sam is in love with her lifestyle here, she enjoys the environment, working with the staff and furry family members.

She has one rescue pup named Nellie, and one kitty cat.

Boarding Staff

James Cunningham

James Cunningham

Boarding Manager

James was born and raised in Washington D.C. He started working at ODAHCenter in the boarding department back in 2004 when a friend introduced him to our practice! He is the proud father of six children, three sons and three daughters. He also has two fur children, a Cane Corso named Ciroc and a Presa Canario named Kane.

When he’s not working he likes to spend time with his wife Sharon, who is a rehab nurse! He also enjoys hanging out with the rest of his family, he especially enjoys the time he spends with his grandchildren.

Brenda Gray

Brenda Gray

Boarding Supervisor

Brenda chose the veterinary field because she has a big heart filled with love for animals. A friend suggested she work with animals because every time she would see an animal, she would melt, and the animal would try to run to her (true story). Brenda works in the boarding/bathing/grooming department. Aside from handling paperwork, her main objective is to make the owners and their pets feel comfortable and reassured with love and understanding.

As a pet owner, she know there is no place like home, but if you must board your pets, ODAHC is ideal, and the staff is the best.

Brenda’s family includes her baby long-haired Chihuahua, Chula. She proudly served in the United States Army and loves all sports, especially basketball and football. She also loves music, dance and theatre.

Hal Edmonds

Hal Edmonds

Veterinary Assistant

Hal was born and raised in the District of Columbia, and now resides in Prince George’s County, Maryland. When he was seeking employment, he found the opportunity to be surrounded by the animals that he loves. In his daily duties, Hal gets to bathe, walk and provide playtime for dogs, clean cages, give medications and assist the staff as needed. He loves his job!

Hal has a wife, kids and grandkids, a dog, Dianna, and his Old Dominion family. These are his loved ones. His personal interest is doing his best at whatever is asked of him on any given day, even if it is just helping someone, or talking to someone. If it will help the team, then Hal is happy to do it. His greatest achievement is just knowing that he can do something that he loves to do and see his babies (the dogs).

Stephany Martinez

Stephany Martinez

Veterinary Assistant

Stephany grew up in Arlington, VA, graduating from Wakefield High School. Ever since she was a little girl, she has always had a passion for helping others and loving pets. While in high school, she had multiple recognitions from different humane societies and shelters in the surrounding counties. Her tenure with ODAHC began in 2013 where she has been a model employee ever since. Stephany plays a vital role in every department within our company. She loves to hang out with her two dogs Loby and Safiro when she is not working. For two consecutive years, Stephany was Employee of the Year and we are grateful that she chooses our company to make a part of her family.