Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Carrie Hart-Lopez
As a kid growing up in rural Carroll County, Maryland, I loved animals, horses, science, and math. I decided I wanted to be a vet when I was 11 years old and rescued an injured cat. She became an important part of our family, and I became hooked on veterinary medicine. As a teen, I did everything I could to be around animals, including working jobs in a stable, kennel, and small animal hospital.
I earned a biology degree from Duke University, where I worked with lemurs at the Duke Primate Center. The experience provided a unique perspective on medicine because we had to consider disruptions in the animals’ social status before deciding how to treat their illness or injury. After my undergraduate studies, I attended veterinary school at Purdue University and focused on equine, small animal, and exotic animal medicine.
I have practiced small animal and exotic animal medicine for more than 25 years. Being a veterinarian is a dream come true because I love helping animals and the people who love them. I can't imagine doing anything else!
My experiences with pet loss—both as a pet owner and a vet—shaped my understanding of end-of-life care. I recently lost my 19-year-old cat, the four-legged love of my life. I also helped a friend say goodbye to her elderly cat on the same day as her mother’s birthday, only a week after her mother had passed away. It was an extraordinarily difficult time for my friend, but she was grateful for the peaceful nature of her cat’s passing.
Through Lap of Love, I provide services that give pets the gift of passing peacefully and comfortably in their homes. Helping our furry friends leave this world with dignity is a vital part of our job as veterinarians, and I feel great satisfaction in dedicating my life to helping others in this way.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, baking, scrapbooking, reading, practicing Tai Chi with my husband, and cheering for my kids at their sporting events.
About Dr. Kelly Stockton
I grew up in the 70’s in Chevy Chase, MD which is a suburb of Washington, DC. It was a lovely area and time that allowed me to have pets throughout my life. I wanted to be a veterinarian from an early age as evidenced by stories that I wrote in elementary school – one wherein I had to patch up one of Santa’s reindeer one Christmas Eve.
Luckily, I was able to fulfill my dream and graduate from the Veterinary school at VA Tech - the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past 20+ years, I have exclusively practiced emergency medicine enjoying the spontaneity and variety of cases that presented themselves.
A significant amount of cases required counseling owners about when it would be in their pet’s best interest to consider euthanasia which is the ultimate responsibility for an owner to handle. Having been in their position, with my first pup as an adult, I know it is the hardest decision to make and one that is almost always second guessed. Helping owners make the decision and to confirm that they are doing the best thing for the loved one is a rewarding experience.
When I am not working, I relax with my sweet pup, Cricket, who is a Schnorkie. We watch movies, build LEGOs, play Sudoku, and cross stitch. My little sister and her family live nearby giving me the chance to watch her kids grow up.
About Dr. Walter Balladares
Due to being in the Marine Corps, I didn’t have the undergraduate college experience that most people have. Instead, I gained my credits as a commuter to different schools, landing in Maryland for some time. During this time, I gained experience in the field of veterinary medicine by working as a kennel assistant at a boarding facility and eventually becoming a veterinary assistant; these roles reignited my childhood dream and ultimately sparked my interest of applying to vet school. Once obtaining the appropriate undergraduate credits, I journeyed down to the beautiful island of Saint Kitts to complete my education in veterinary medicine at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. I then finished my clinical year at the Ohio State University. I enjoyed the Midwest so much, that I decided to stay after graduation!
I remained in Ohio for an extra year, working in general practice, then decided to head back to Maryland. I still had friends there and was so excited to return! Back in Maryland, I continued in general practice at the same hospital where I first learned to become a veterinary assistant. This allowed me to see patients now as a doctor whom I had initially helped as an assistant. Helping my patients brought me much joy, especially seeing them grow from a puppy or kitten, to a happy adult dog or cat. As they grew older, my goal was to assure their quality of life sustained. The more patients I helped through the end stages of life, the more I gravitated from general practice toward end-of-life care. Whether providing families with the tools they need to improve their pet’s quality of life or supporting them when it was time to say goodbye... I’ve always viewed it as an honor to help!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my own furry family, going to trails with my Labrador Retriever mix, Blair, who has been by my side throughout my veterinary career, and spending time at home with my 2 cats, Ruby and Nova, who are such sweethearts, yet keep me on my toes! I also enjoy playing boardgames, video games, and watching movies with my friends!
About Dr. Cristina Mollenkopf
I grew up in Queens, NY, within walking distance of the World’s Fair Park, Shea Stadium, and Arthur Ashe Stadium, as well as just about anywhere else we needed to go, including school, church, the grocery store, and several parks. My parents were both immigrants and our neighborhood was very diverse, with neighbors from India, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and China. When we wanted to visit " the city" (i.e., Manhattan), we would walk to the number 7 subway train and ride it in.
My love for animals, especially cats and dogs, drew me to the veterinary profession. One of my aunts gave me a set of James Herriot books, and I read them multiple times. I was the youngest kid on my block, and while the older kids were at school, I would wander up and down our back alley and make friends with the pets in my neighbors' yards. When the time came to think about a career, I knew I wanted to work with animals and help people, and veterinary medicine seemed a good way to fulfill both desires.
I went to college in New York City, and then moved to Ames, Iowa for my veterinary education. Moving to such a rural part of the country was quite a culture shock! I received my driver's license in college, but I really learned to drive in Iowa. Iowa winters are long and brutal, with the first snow storm typically at Halloween, and the last one around Easter.
I have worked in an emergency hospital, a general practice, and a shelter. Each setting had their own unique challenges, but all were fulfilling in their own way. I most enjoy working with two extremes: puppies and kittens, and geriatric pets. It is fun to educate new owners about preventative healthcare and basic behaviors, and start pets and their owners down a successful path together. However, I also have a soft spot in my heart for geriatric pets.
Many years ago, I experienced the loss of my father from advanced lung cancer. He was in constant pain and laboring to breathe during the last week of his life. He mercifully passed away on the day he was to be transferred to hospice care. This experience influenced my perception of euthanasia the most. I struggled with the decision about when to euthanize each of my three cats when the time came, and I empathize with pet owners who also find that decision challenging. However, watching my dad suffer, especially as his cancer progressed, made me wish that euthanasia was an option for humans. I think that when a patient with an advanced disease loses their quality of life, euthanasia is a merciful gift, and can bring peace to the patient and their family.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love to travel and learn about different cultures and history. I enjoy hiking, and especially visiting the national park with my little dog, Fozzie. One of my life goals is to visit—and hike in—all 50 states; I’m over halfway there! I also love to read, and watch movies and musicals. Before the pandemic I started learning how to swing dance, particularly the" lindy hop"—I love the music!
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Sarah Breedlove
I grew up in Simi Valley, California, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. The Simi Valley hills were a beautiful place to explore, and the beach was just a short drive away. I miss the Southern California weather and trips to Disneyland, but I don’t miss the LA traffic!
I received my bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in biomedical sciences from the University of Arizona. During college, I volunteered at the humane society in Tucson. I was struggling with my mental health and an eating disorder at that time, but I found solace and peace while working with animals. I firmly believe that the dogs and cats at the humane society played a vital role in my recovery. I decided to become a veterinarian in order to give back to animals, since they helped me so much.
I received my veterinary degree from Oregon State University's Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. I have worked in general practice for several years. I try to emphasize caring and compassionate communication with pet owners so that we can work together to do what is best for the pet. I like being a vet because it allows me to help preserve and cherish the human-animal bond, which I believe is precious.
My first experience with pet loss occurred when I was a teenager and I had to say goodbye to my cat, Mumfy, who had end-stage renal failure. He was a beloved family member and my best friend, and the pain of losing him was excruciating. I now understand that saying goodbye was the kindest thing at that time. End-of-life care allows me to ease suffering, which I believe is so important. If I can relieve an animal's suffering, I believe I have done a kindness to that pet and put some good into the universe. End-of-life care also allows me to help families through an incredibly difficult experience, providing comfort and relieving pain associated with the loss of their loved one.
When I am not working, I enjoy distance running, reading, and exploring the neighborhood with my Chihuahua-pug mix, Penny. Nowadays, most of my time is spent caring for our young twins, Jackson and Josie, who keep us very busy!
About Dr. Sarah Dilodovico
My early experiences in the small, close-knit town of Glyndon, Maryland, led me to veterinary medicine. I remember first wanting to become a vet while participating in an educational program at the local pony club. I have always loved animals—especially horses—and liked the idea of giving them a voice.
I attended the University of Delaware for my undergraduate studies and completed my veterinary degree at Ross University. After graduating, I practiced sports medicine and pain management, focusing on prevention, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. I am also a certified veterinary acupuncturist, which helps me better manage discomfort in my furry patients.
I became interested in end-of-life care through personal experience as a pet owner. I had a lovely fox terrier who lived to the age of 21 despite congestive heart failure. Although it was challenging as a caregiver, I really enjoyed providing him with the best quality of life possible through hospice care. We became closer than ever in his final years, and that closeness allowed me to recognize when he was ready to move on.
My involvement with horses and managing our farm has also informed my work with pet owners through Lap of Love. A farm is always changing, and life marches forever forward. We accept animals and pets into our lives, and I believe every pet deserves a comfortable end-of-life experience. In-home euthanasia helps ease the pain families feel during this difficult time, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help pets pass peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
My hobbies outside of work include riding horses, managing our farm, and hiking with my husband and our dogs, Frazier and Mim.
About Dr. Carrie Hart-Lopez
As a kid growing up in rural Carroll County, Maryland, I loved animals, horses, science, and math. I decided I wanted to be a vet when I was 11 years old and rescued an injured cat. She became an important part of our family, and I became hooked on veterinary medicine. As a teen, I did everything I could to be around animals, including working jobs in a stable, kennel, and small animal hospital.
I earned a biology degree from Duke University, where I worked with lemurs at the Duke Primate Center. The experience provided a unique perspective on medicine because we had to consider disruptions in the animals’ social status before deciding how to treat their illness or injury. After my undergraduate studies, I attended veterinary school at Purdue University and focused on equine, small animal, and exotic animal medicine.
I have practiced small animal and exotic animal medicine for more than 25 years. Being a veterinarian is a dream come true because I love helping animals and the people who love them. I can't imagine doing anything else!
My experiences with pet loss—both as a pet owner and a vet—shaped my understanding of end-of-life care. I recently lost my 19-year-old cat, the four-legged love of my life. I also helped a friend say goodbye to her elderly cat on the same day as her mother’s birthday, only a week after her mother had passed away. It was an extraordinarily difficult time for my friend, but she was grateful for the peaceful nature of her cat’s passing.
Through Lap of Love, I provide services that give pets the gift of passing peacefully and comfortably in their homes. Helping our furry friends leave this world with dignity is a vital part of our job as veterinarians, and I feel great satisfaction in dedicating my life to helping others in this way.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, baking, scrapbooking, reading, practicing Tai Chi with my husband, and cheering for my kids at their sporting events.
About Dr. Kelly Stockton
I grew up in the 70’s in Chevy Chase, MD which is a suburb of Washington, DC. It was a lovely area and time that allowed me to have pets throughout my life. I wanted to be a veterinarian from an early age as evidenced by stories that I wrote in elementary school – one wherein I had to patch up one of Santa’s reindeer one Christmas Eve.
Luckily, I was able to fulfill my dream and graduate from the Veterinary school at VA Tech - the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past 20+ years, I have exclusively practiced emergency medicine enjoying the spontaneity and variety of cases that presented themselves.
A significant amount of cases required counseling owners about when it would be in their pet’s best interest to consider euthanasia which is the ultimate responsibility for an owner to handle. Having been in their position, with my first pup as an adult, I know it is the hardest decision to make and one that is almost always second guessed. Helping owners make the decision and to confirm that they are doing the best thing for the loved one is a rewarding experience.
When I am not working, I relax with my sweet pup, Cricket, who is a Schnorkie. We watch movies, build LEGOs, play Sudoku, and cross stitch. My little sister and her family live nearby giving me the chance to watch her kids grow up.
About Dr. Walter Balladares
Due to being in the Marine Corps, I didn’t have the undergraduate college experience that most people have. Instead, I gained my credits as a commuter to different schools, landing in Maryland for some time. During this time, I gained experience in the field of veterinary medicine by working as a kennel assistant at a boarding facility and eventually becoming a veterinary assistant; these roles reignited my childhood dream and ultimately sparked my interest of applying to vet school. Once obtaining the appropriate undergraduate credits, I journeyed down to the beautiful island of Saint Kitts to complete my education in veterinary medicine at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. I then finished my clinical year at the Ohio State University. I enjoyed the Midwest so much, that I decided to stay after graduation!
I remained in Ohio for an extra year, working in general practice, then decided to head back to Maryland. I still had friends there and was so excited to return! Back in Maryland, I continued in general practice at the same hospital where I first learned to become a veterinary assistant. This allowed me to see patients now as a doctor whom I had initially helped as an assistant. Helping my patients brought me much joy, especially seeing them grow from a puppy or kitten, to a happy adult dog or cat. As they grew older, my goal was to assure their quality of life sustained. The more patients I helped through the end stages of life, the more I gravitated from general practice toward end-of-life care. Whether providing families with the tools they need to improve their pet’s quality of life or supporting them when it was time to say goodbye... I’ve always viewed it as an honor to help!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my own furry family, going to trails with my Labrador Retriever mix, Blair, who has been by my side throughout my veterinary career, and spending time at home with my 2 cats, Ruby and Nova, who are such sweethearts, yet keep me on my toes! I also enjoy playing boardgames, video games, and watching movies with my friends!
About Dr. Cristina Mollenkopf
I grew up in Queens, NY, within walking distance of the World’s Fair Park, Shea Stadium, and Arthur Ashe Stadium, as well as just about anywhere else we needed to go, including school, church, the grocery store, and several parks. My parents were both immigrants and our neighborhood was very diverse, with neighbors from India, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and China. When we wanted to visit " the city" (i.e., Manhattan), we would walk to the number 7 subway train and ride it in.
My love for animals, especially cats and dogs, drew me to the veterinary profession. One of my aunts gave me a set of James Herriot books, and I read them multiple times. I was the youngest kid on my block, and while the older kids were at school, I would wander up and down our back alley and make friends with the pets in my neighbors' yards. When the time came to think about a career, I knew I wanted to work with animals and help people, and veterinary medicine seemed a good way to fulfill both desires.
I went to college in New York City, and then moved to Ames, Iowa for my veterinary education. Moving to such a rural part of the country was quite a culture shock! I received my driver's license in college, but I really learned to drive in Iowa. Iowa winters are long and brutal, with the first snow storm typically at Halloween, and the last one around Easter.
I have worked in an emergency hospital, a general practice, and a shelter. Each setting had their own unique challenges, but all were fulfilling in their own way. I most enjoy working with two extremes: puppies and kittens, and geriatric pets. It is fun to educate new owners about preventative healthcare and basic behaviors, and start pets and their owners down a successful path together. However, I also have a soft spot in my heart for geriatric pets.
Many years ago, I experienced the loss of my father from advanced lung cancer. He was in constant pain and laboring to breathe during the last week of his life. He mercifully passed away on the day he was to be transferred to hospice care. This experience influenced my perception of euthanasia the most. I struggled with the decision about when to euthanize each of my three cats when the time came, and I empathize with pet owners who also find that decision challenging. However, watching my dad suffer, especially as his cancer progressed, made me wish that euthanasia was an option for humans. I think that when a patient with an advanced disease loses their quality of life, euthanasia is a merciful gift, and can bring peace to the patient and their family.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love to travel and learn about different cultures and history. I enjoy hiking, and especially visiting the national park with my little dog, Fozzie. One of my life goals is to visit—and hike in—all 50 states; I’m over halfway there! I also love to read, and watch movies and musicals. Before the pandemic I started learning how to swing dance, particularly the" lindy hop"—I love the music!
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Sarah Breedlove
I grew up in Simi Valley, California, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. The Simi Valley hills were a beautiful place to explore, and the beach was just a short drive away. I miss the Southern California weather and trips to Disneyland, but I don’t miss the LA traffic!
I received my bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in biomedical sciences from the University of Arizona. During college, I volunteered at the humane society in Tucson. I was struggling with my mental health and an eating disorder at that time, but I found solace and peace while working with animals. I firmly believe that the dogs and cats at the humane society played a vital role in my recovery. I decided to become a veterinarian in order to give back to animals, since they helped me so much.
I received my veterinary degree from Oregon State University's Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. I have worked in general practice for several years. I try to emphasize caring and compassionate communication with pet owners so that we can work together to do what is best for the pet. I like being a vet because it allows me to help preserve and cherish the human-animal bond, which I believe is precious.
My first experience with pet loss occurred when I was a teenager and I had to say goodbye to my cat, Mumfy, who had end-stage renal failure. He was a beloved family member and my best friend, and the pain of losing him was excruciating. I now understand that saying goodbye was the kindest thing at that time. End-of-life care allows me to ease suffering, which I believe is so important. If I can relieve an animal's suffering, I believe I have done a kindness to that pet and put some good into the universe. End-of-life care also allows me to help families through an incredibly difficult experience, providing comfort and relieving pain associated with the loss of their loved one.
When I am not working, I enjoy distance running, reading, and exploring the neighborhood with my Chihuahua-pug mix, Penny. Nowadays, most of my time is spent caring for our young twins, Jackson and Josie, who keep us very busy!
About Dr. Sarah Dilodovico
My early experiences in the small, close-knit town of Glyndon, Maryland, led me to veterinary medicine. I remember first wanting to become a vet while participating in an educational program at the local pony club. I have always loved animals—especially horses—and liked the idea of giving them a voice.
I attended the University of Delaware for my undergraduate studies and completed my veterinary degree at Ross University. After graduating, I practiced sports medicine and pain management, focusing on prevention, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. I am also a certified veterinary acupuncturist, which helps me better manage discomfort in my furry patients.
I became interested in end-of-life care through personal experience as a pet owner. I had a lovely fox terrier who lived to the age of 21 despite congestive heart failure. Although it was challenging as a caregiver, I really enjoyed providing him with the best quality of life possible through hospice care. We became closer than ever in his final years, and that closeness allowed me to recognize when he was ready to move on.
My involvement with horses and managing our farm has also informed my work with pet owners through Lap of Love. A farm is always changing, and life marches forever forward. We accept animals and pets into our lives, and I believe every pet deserves a comfortable end-of-life experience. In-home euthanasia helps ease the pain families feel during this difficult time, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help pets pass peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
My hobbies outside of work include riding horses, managing our farm, and hiking with my husband and our dogs, Frazier and Mim.
About Dr. Carrie Hart-Lopez
As a kid growing up in rural Carroll County, Maryland, I loved animals, horses, science, and math. I decided I wanted to be a vet when I was 11 years old and rescued an injured cat. She became an important part of our family, and I became hooked on veterinary medicine. As a teen, I did everything I could to be around animals, including working jobs in a stable, kennel, and small animal hospital.
I earned a biology degree from Duke University, where I worked with lemurs at the Duke Primate Center. The experience provided a unique perspective on medicine because we had to consider disruptions in the animals’ social status before deciding how to treat their illness or injury. After my undergraduate studies, I attended veterinary school at Purdue University and focused on equine, small animal, and exotic animal medicine.
I have practiced small animal and exotic animal medicine for more than 25 years. Being a veterinarian is a dream come true because I love helping animals and the people who love them. I can't imagine doing anything else!
My experiences with pet loss—both as a pet owner and a vet—shaped my understanding of end-of-life care. I recently lost my 19-year-old cat, the four-legged love of my life. I also helped a friend say goodbye to her elderly cat on the same day as her mother’s birthday, only a week after her mother had passed away. It was an extraordinarily difficult time for my friend, but she was grateful for the peaceful nature of her cat’s passing.
Through Lap of Love, I provide services that give pets the gift of passing peacefully and comfortably in their homes. Helping our furry friends leave this world with dignity is a vital part of our job as veterinarians, and I feel great satisfaction in dedicating my life to helping others in this way.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, baking, scrapbooking, reading, practicing Tai Chi with my husband, and cheering for my kids at their sporting events.