Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Joanne Kline
I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine for 30 years. I grew up on a small farm in rural Minnesota, growing up around horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. I always knew I had a deep love for animals and that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I did my undergraduate studies in Minnesota, moved to Virginia after getting married, and graduated from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. I started out practicing on every species, from horses to reptiles, and after several years of practicing mixed animal and exotic animal medicine I narrowed my field of practice down to just cats and dogs.
I spent over a decade in both general practice and emergency medicine before purchasing my own general practice in 2007. I loved emergency medicine because of the challenge of diagnosing and the surgical demand; however, owning my own practice allowed me the ability to follow my patients’ care from puppies and kittens through their geriatric years. Several years ago, I decided to step back and sell my practice. Since then, I have been working part time to keep up my diagnostic abilities and surgical skills.
Throughout the years I have discovered the importance of compassionate euthanasia. As heartbreaking as it can be, it is such a critical part of veterinary medicine and truly loving our pets. They deserve a wonderful life from the beginning to the end.
About Dr. Christine Shibly
Growing up with a constant influx of rescue animals into our home, I knew as a young child that I wanted to be a Veterinarian. I spent as much time as possible helping my mom with all sorts of animal activities; from working with retired Greyhound racers and the Weimaraner rescue to helping with the occasional stray. I even assisted with a Beagle that gave birth during the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. I remember always wanting to be around animals even during their final moments before passing away. We lost our family greyhound Bogie to bone cancer when I was about fifteen years old and I vividly remember sitting on the floor of the veterinarian’s office holding him in my arms as he slowly passed away. I feel that every family should have the opportunity to be with their pet, providing comfort and support during their final stages of life.
With a budding interest and determination in helping animals, I decided to attend the Veterinary College at the University of Florida. I simultaneously worked as a veterinary technician which allowed me to learn many of the technical skills necessary for a career as a Veterinarian. The hospital I worked for performed many house calls, mainly for in-home euthanasias, which provided me with an introduction to an important aspect of the Veterinary field which most have not been able to experience. Preparing the doctor’s bag for the euthanasia procedure was surreal, but I fully understood the reality and seriousness of the circumstances the minute I entered the family’s home.
I assisted with many euthanasias in various locations, from the family’s special garden or a soft blanket on the floor of the living room to a pet’s favorite spot in the backyard. The one thought that is synonymous with each location is the how in-home euthanasia can help bring a little peace to a family during a very stressful time. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult things in life. My hope is that I may be able to make this transition a little easier by allowing the family members to say farewell in the peace and comfort of their own home.
This Lap of Love location is independently owned and operated by Dr. Christine Shibly.
About Dr. Beth Meadow
My main goals as a young child were to convince my parents to let me have a dog, and to convince wildlife and stray cats to make a home in my family's yard in San Antonio, Texas. I grew up memorizing dog breed standards, reading James Herriot stories, and eventually was allowed to get a little rat terrier puppy I named Tootsie. As the oldest of four siblings, Tootsie was my constant companion and adventure buddy when my parents were busy with my sisters and brother. Though I loved her dearly, Tootsie was a terrier, and thus often disobedient by nature. In obedience school I received high marks for "excellent corrections,” but despite these efforts, Tootsie would often escape from the house just to chase down and bark ferociously at some friendly, easy-going labrador. One of her more humorous transgressions was to steal freshly-baked goods and hide them around the house. She was fiercely loyal, brave, and like most terriers, a little too smart for her own good. Due to my love for her, the animal kingdom, and curiosity about the natural world, I decided I wanted be a veterinarian when I grew up.
In addition to animals, I also enjoyed music and art as a child, taking piano lessons, playing in my middle and high school orchestras and bands, and singing in my college choir. I attended Austin College, a small liberal arts college in northern Texas, where I majored in Spanish and minored in Art and Biology while completing my pre-veterinary curriculum. I spent a wonderful semester in Granada, Spain, which was "like a dream," just as my professors had promised. My college jobs included veterinary technician work during school holidays, and weekly animal caretaking duties at the biology lab. I spent a year with Americorps working for Heifer International on a farm in Arkansas before graduating from veterinary school at Texas A&M in 2013. After vet school I spent three and a half fulfilling years in primary care and will always treasure these patients and their families in my heart.
Both in my personal and professional life, I have seen the comfort that in-home euthanasia and hospice care can bring to a grieving family. My first dog was terrified at the vet so letting her pass on at home was a gift for her and us at the end of her battle with cancer and heart disease. Some of my most tender and sacred moments in practice have been during end of life home visits for clients and friends. Our animal companions truly touch and enrich our lives in such meaningful ways. My goal is to help honor that gift of love and meaning by making their transition out of this world as peaceful as possible.
About Dr. Stephanie Henderson
Growing up in Tennessee, I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I brought home a menagerie of animals, all of whom I wanted to fix and keep.
I was fortunate enough to attend the University of the South and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Following school, I worked in a variety of veterinary hospitals in Tennessee, and then Virginia. These experiences allowed me to understand the importance of helping our beloved companions when they are suffering. Our pets are family members and they deserve the very best we can give them. Allowing our loved ones to be at home, where they are at peace and surrounded by people who love them, at the end of their life is a tremendous gift. I am honored to be a part of such a sacred process.
About Dr. Kimberly McGrath
As the granddaughter and daughter of animal lovers, it was only natural that I developed a love for animals at a young age. Growing up, I had several beloved animal companions: a cat, a dog, and two horses. Caring for and riding my horses taught me about the strength of the human-animal bond, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian.
It was a dream come true to attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. As a first year veterinary student, I began volunteering with the school's Pet Loss Support Hotline and remained involved all my years as a student. I felt drawn to this volunteer work, and it was a privilege to speak with grieving pet owners, hear memories of their beloved companions, and offer them empathy and support.
During my years in practice, my top priority has always been to help pets and owners maintain a good quality of life. I love teaming with pet owners to collectively decide on the best plans to diagnose, treat, and manage their pets. It is an honor to support and celebrate the strong bonds that we have with our animal companions, and to provide peace and dignity at the end of their lives.
About Dr. Jessica Gibson
I grew up in Los Angeles, California and was an animal lover right from the start. My family always had cats, sometimes lots of them. Cats were my first love, but then we got a little terrier mix dog named Casey and I adored him. My parents eventually let me take horseback riding lessons and my passion for horses just blossomed. My favorite horses at the time were Medicine Man and Gloria Kay. I remember my cousins saying that I would become a veterinarian one day due to my love of all animals; they were right!
I went to Cal Poly, Pomona, as an undergraduate, and then to the University of California at Davis for veterinary school. Prior to veterinary school, I worked as an assistant both in an emergency clinic and also in general practice. I rode around with an equine veterinarian, and even went to Wisconsin and went on calls with a dairy veterinarian. Upon graduation from veterinary school I worked in several practices in the greater Los Angeles area. My practices included daytime general practice, feline only practice and a busy 24-hour animal hospital. I eventually started my own house call practice, mainly caring for cats and I found that I really enjoyed getting to know people and their pets in the comfort of their own homes.
In 2015 I moved to Loudoun County, Virginia. My husband and I drove cross-country with two cars, two boys, two cats, and a dog! My horse followed 9 months later.
When I found Lap of Love, I knew it would be a great fit for me. I know how much easier it is for the pets and for their people to be in the familiar surroundings of their own home and I am honored to provide this loving care to pets and families.
About Dr. Adriana Silva
I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil as part of an animal loving family. Growing up we always had dogs and I was the kid that would bring home strays and beg my parents to let me keep them. My brother and sister got purebred dogs for their birthdays, a Siberian Husky and a miniature Poodle. Not me; my first dog was a cute mutt called Tieta that I brought home after finding her roaming the streets. We did not know at the time, but Tieta was pregnant and we ended up having a litter of puppies shortly after. I vividly remember the smell of newborn puppies and to this day it remains one of my favorite smells. My love for animals was always a constant in my life and my family knew very early on that I would pursue a career that involved animals. As soon as I could understand that a job as a Veterinarian existed I strived to become one.
I was accepted into one of the best Veterinary schools in Brazil starting my journey in this wonderful career. My favorite mentor in University had done his PhD at Virginia Tech and he always encouraged me to pursue a career in the United States. I did not shy away from the challenge and worked very hard to move to a new country and be accepted into an internship at an equine clinic in Texas. That was 16 years ago and I never looked back. My love for horses drove me to pursue a residency in large animal internal medicine and a Masters degree in veterinary science at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. I have been blessed to work with horses for a good part of my career and for the past few years I have been helping dog and cat owners at a General Practice clinic.
Throughout my career I’ve dealt with countless critical and incurable cases and witnessed suffering that I felt privileged to be able to alleviate in the most respectful manner. I always felt honored to be able to offer families the option to say goodbye to their beloved pets in a peaceful and respectful way. Animal welfare is paramount to me, be that at the clinic dealing with a healthy appointment or providing end-of-life care. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to utilize my experience and knowledge to alleviate suffering and give pets the most dignified and peaceful goodbye possible, in the comfort of their own home.
About Dr. Molly Tango
I always felt a connection to animals and knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. My mom is a nurse so medicine was a frequent topic of conversation around the dinner table. In elementary school, my parents let my brother and I pick out our own cats from the animal shelter. I picked a sweet Tortie kitty named Lily who was with me all through high school and college. Saying goodbye to her was my first real exposure to the loss of a pet. I remember coming home from college, taking one look at her, and knowing the decision that had to be made. The veterinarian let me hold her in my arms as she passed. While this moment was difficult - it solicited my passion to become a veterinarian and honor the human animal bond.
I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Animal Science then pursued my veterinary degree at The Atlantic Veterinary College, Prince Edward Island, Canada. I later completed a small animal rotating internship in Gaithersburg, Maryland before moving into private practice. In private practice, I found a love in forging lifelong relationships with clients and their pets. This includes guiding the difficult discussion of end of life care. I believe that allowing our pets to pass peacefully is the last great gift we can give them - for everything they give us. I am honored to be be a part of the Lap of Love family, providing this service to families in their time of need.
About Dr. Kelly Naughton
Growing up in Vienna, Virginia, I relentlessly begged my parents for a dog. Initially, my dad declined saying, “We don’t need a dog! We have you. We will call you Spot!” Unfortunately, the nickname stuck, but his assurance to never own a dog did not. In 1999, my mom finally outwitted my dad and our Golden Retriever, Abby, joined the family. She was truly the perfect childhood dog. My love for Abby and all animals sparked my initial interest in veterinary medicine. It was not, however, until I began volunteering for various therapeutic riding programs that my true aspiration to become a veterinarian ignited. It was then that I realized that by helping animals, I could help people too.
Since graduating from the University of Georgia followed by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, I am thrilled to be back in the Northern Virginia area. As a Lap of Love veterinarian, I am honored and humbled to serve the members of my community – both two and four-legged alike. I find fulfilment in being a source of comfort and support for families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Having experienced the loss of my own pets and witnessing the grief of my own family as well as many others, it is obvious that pets truly do become members of our families. As such, I believe they are undeniably deserving of the love, care, compassion, and dignity that is required at the end of life. I hope to offer a peaceful at-home experience for those family members undergoing this difficult transition.
About Dr. Juli Eaton
I grew up in Northwestern New Jersey, in rural Sussex County. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian, even as a child. I chose this noble profession to help not only animals, but the people who care for them, too. I completed my undergraduate degree in Animal Science at the University of Vermont. From there, I went through veterinary school at Purdue University. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in mixed animal practice, general practice, and even some urgent care.
The greatest gift has been the ability to create such meaningful relationships with pets and their families. I feel it is very important that people have peaceful final moments with their pets and I feel such fulfillment to be able to help people in this way.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, water sports, fishing, skiing, and on colder days cuddling up by the fire with a good book.
About Dr. Marcus Brown
Dr. Brown knew that he wanted to become a veterinarian at age 5. He was fortunate to be able to work with his father, a veterinarian, and became passionate about helping animals.
Dr. Brown is the founder of NOVA Cat Clinic, and he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1986 from the University of Illinois. Initially, Dr. Brown worked at several mixed practices, and an equine practice before finding his true passion was in the care and treatment of feline patients. Prior to opening NOVA Cat Clinic, he co-founded the Capital Cat Clinic.
He was on the task force for the establishment of the Cat-Friendly Practices. The goal is for our feline friends to have the same level of veterinary care as their canine counterparts. Dr. Brown has committed himself to seeing this become a reality.
He actively supports local, state, and national feline organizations. Dr. Brown is a former President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. He was one of the authors of Feline Life Stage Guidelines (2010). Dr. Brown is a former AAFP delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates.
Dr. Brown and his partner live locally with their cat, Bart. Dr. Brown enjoys traveling, reading, and running in his free time. He has completed numerous marathons and triathlons over the past couple of years.
About Dr. Margaret Baird
My path to veterinary medicine was by no means linear, though I have always loved animals and have spent my life and career championing their welfare. Growing up in coastal Connecticut, my family enjoyed the companionship of many wonderful felines, and then later a sweet rescue dog who won all our hearts. I also spent a significant portion of my teens and early 20s working at a nearby large public aquarium, where I was privileged to help care for many species of marine animals.
After graduating from the University of Connecticut, I continued working hands-on with captive wildlife at several zoos and aquariums, then later pivoted to animal welfare advocacy in the non-profit sector. I’d long toyed with the idea of studying veterinary medicine, but it wasn’t until an old friend who’d also taken a non-traditional veterinary path encouraged and inspired me that I decided to go for it. For the experience abroad in my ancestral home, I attended veterinary school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and loved every minute. Since returning stateside I have worked in small animal general practice, where I particularly cherish my relationships with pets and their people.
Deciding to euthanize a beloved animal is one of the most profoundly difficult choices we will make in life. Our pets are our intimate companions, sharing unconditional love and the daily rhythms of our lives. With the assistance of wonderful colleagues, I have said goodbye to two of my own elderly cats in the peace and comfort of home, while they rested comfortably in their favorite spots in the sunshine. Though heartbreaking, these experiences were made a little more bearable in knowing my friends received that last beautiful gift of a peaceful death in comfort, free from pain and fear.
While never easy, providing end-of-life care for pets is a sacred privilege and I am honored to do this work. I know firsthand the great comfort and support these services provide. I firmly believe every pet deserves a peaceful passing in their home, surrounded by the people who love them the most.
In my spare time I am an avid athlete and lifelong fan of numerous sports, a voracious reader, and enjoy any time spent outdoors.
About Dr. Joanne Kline
I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine for 30 years. I grew up on a small farm in rural Minnesota, growing up around horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. I always knew I had a deep love for animals and that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I did my undergraduate studies in Minnesota, moved to Virginia after getting married, and graduated from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. I started out practicing on every species, from horses to reptiles, and after several years of practicing mixed animal and exotic animal medicine I narrowed my field of practice down to just cats and dogs.
I spent over a decade in both general practice and emergency medicine before purchasing my own general practice in 2007. I loved emergency medicine because of the challenge of diagnosing and the surgical demand; however, owning my own practice allowed me the ability to follow my patients’ care from puppies and kittens through their geriatric years. Several years ago, I decided to step back and sell my practice. Since then, I have been working part time to keep up my diagnostic abilities and surgical skills.
Throughout the years I have discovered the importance of compassionate euthanasia. As heartbreaking as it can be, it is such a critical part of veterinary medicine and truly loving our pets. They deserve a wonderful life from the beginning to the end.
About Dr. Christine Shibly
Growing up with a constant influx of rescue animals into our home, I knew as a young child that I wanted to be a Veterinarian. I spent as much time as possible helping my mom with all sorts of animal activities; from working with retired Greyhound racers and the Weimaraner rescue to helping with the occasional stray. I even assisted with a Beagle that gave birth during the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. I remember always wanting to be around animals even during their final moments before passing away. We lost our family greyhound Bogie to bone cancer when I was about fifteen years old and I vividly remember sitting on the floor of the veterinarian’s office holding him in my arms as he slowly passed away. I feel that every family should have the opportunity to be with their pet, providing comfort and support during their final stages of life.
With a budding interest and determination in helping animals, I decided to attend the Veterinary College at the University of Florida. I simultaneously worked as a veterinary technician which allowed me to learn many of the technical skills necessary for a career as a Veterinarian. The hospital I worked for performed many house calls, mainly for in-home euthanasias, which provided me with an introduction to an important aspect of the Veterinary field which most have not been able to experience. Preparing the doctor’s bag for the euthanasia procedure was surreal, but I fully understood the reality and seriousness of the circumstances the minute I entered the family’s home.
I assisted with many euthanasias in various locations, from the family’s special garden or a soft blanket on the floor of the living room to a pet’s favorite spot in the backyard. The one thought that is synonymous with each location is the how in-home euthanasia can help bring a little peace to a family during a very stressful time. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult things in life. My hope is that I may be able to make this transition a little easier by allowing the family members to say farewell in the peace and comfort of their own home.
This Lap of Love location is independently owned and operated by Dr. Christine Shibly.
About Dr. Beth Meadow
My main goals as a young child were to convince my parents to let me have a dog, and to convince wildlife and stray cats to make a home in my family's yard in San Antonio, Texas. I grew up memorizing dog breed standards, reading James Herriot stories, and eventually was allowed to get a little rat terrier puppy I named Tootsie. As the oldest of four siblings, Tootsie was my constant companion and adventure buddy when my parents were busy with my sisters and brother. Though I loved her dearly, Tootsie was a terrier, and thus often disobedient by nature. In obedience school I received high marks for "excellent corrections,” but despite these efforts, Tootsie would often escape from the house just to chase down and bark ferociously at some friendly, easy-going labrador. One of her more humorous transgressions was to steal freshly-baked goods and hide them around the house. She was fiercely loyal, brave, and like most terriers, a little too smart for her own good. Due to my love for her, the animal kingdom, and curiosity about the natural world, I decided I wanted be a veterinarian when I grew up.
In addition to animals, I also enjoyed music and art as a child, taking piano lessons, playing in my middle and high school orchestras and bands, and singing in my college choir. I attended Austin College, a small liberal arts college in northern Texas, where I majored in Spanish and minored in Art and Biology while completing my pre-veterinary curriculum. I spent a wonderful semester in Granada, Spain, which was "like a dream," just as my professors had promised. My college jobs included veterinary technician work during school holidays, and weekly animal caretaking duties at the biology lab. I spent a year with Americorps working for Heifer International on a farm in Arkansas before graduating from veterinary school at Texas A&M in 2013. After vet school I spent three and a half fulfilling years in primary care and will always treasure these patients and their families in my heart.
Both in my personal and professional life, I have seen the comfort that in-home euthanasia and hospice care can bring to a grieving family. My first dog was terrified at the vet so letting her pass on at home was a gift for her and us at the end of her battle with cancer and heart disease. Some of my most tender and sacred moments in practice have been during end of life home visits for clients and friends. Our animal companions truly touch and enrich our lives in such meaningful ways. My goal is to help honor that gift of love and meaning by making their transition out of this world as peaceful as possible.
About Dr. Stephanie Henderson
Growing up in Tennessee, I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I brought home a menagerie of animals, all of whom I wanted to fix and keep.
I was fortunate enough to attend the University of the South and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Following school, I worked in a variety of veterinary hospitals in Tennessee, and then Virginia. These experiences allowed me to understand the importance of helping our beloved companions when they are suffering. Our pets are family members and they deserve the very best we can give them. Allowing our loved ones to be at home, where they are at peace and surrounded by people who love them, at the end of their life is a tremendous gift. I am honored to be a part of such a sacred process.
About Dr. Kimberly McGrath
As the granddaughter and daughter of animal lovers, it was only natural that I developed a love for animals at a young age. Growing up, I had several beloved animal companions: a cat, a dog, and two horses. Caring for and riding my horses taught me about the strength of the human-animal bond, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian.
It was a dream come true to attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. As a first year veterinary student, I began volunteering with the school's Pet Loss Support Hotline and remained involved all my years as a student. I felt drawn to this volunteer work, and it was a privilege to speak with grieving pet owners, hear memories of their beloved companions, and offer them empathy and support.
During my years in practice, my top priority has always been to help pets and owners maintain a good quality of life. I love teaming with pet owners to collectively decide on the best plans to diagnose, treat, and manage their pets. It is an honor to support and celebrate the strong bonds that we have with our animal companions, and to provide peace and dignity at the end of their lives.
About Dr. Jessica Gibson
I grew up in Los Angeles, California and was an animal lover right from the start. My family always had cats, sometimes lots of them. Cats were my first love, but then we got a little terrier mix dog named Casey and I adored him. My parents eventually let me take horseback riding lessons and my passion for horses just blossomed. My favorite horses at the time were Medicine Man and Gloria Kay. I remember my cousins saying that I would become a veterinarian one day due to my love of all animals; they were right!
I went to Cal Poly, Pomona, as an undergraduate, and then to the University of California at Davis for veterinary school. Prior to veterinary school, I worked as an assistant both in an emergency clinic and also in general practice. I rode around with an equine veterinarian, and even went to Wisconsin and went on calls with a dairy veterinarian. Upon graduation from veterinary school I worked in several practices in the greater Los Angeles area. My practices included daytime general practice, feline only practice and a busy 24-hour animal hospital. I eventually started my own house call practice, mainly caring for cats and I found that I really enjoyed getting to know people and their pets in the comfort of their own homes.
In 2015 I moved to Loudoun County, Virginia. My husband and I drove cross-country with two cars, two boys, two cats, and a dog! My horse followed 9 months later.
When I found Lap of Love, I knew it would be a great fit for me. I know how much easier it is for the pets and for their people to be in the familiar surroundings of their own home and I am honored to provide this loving care to pets and families.
About Dr. Adriana Silva
I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil as part of an animal loving family. Growing up we always had dogs and I was the kid that would bring home strays and beg my parents to let me keep them. My brother and sister got purebred dogs for their birthdays, a Siberian Husky and a miniature Poodle. Not me; my first dog was a cute mutt called Tieta that I brought home after finding her roaming the streets. We did not know at the time, but Tieta was pregnant and we ended up having a litter of puppies shortly after. I vividly remember the smell of newborn puppies and to this day it remains one of my favorite smells. My love for animals was always a constant in my life and my family knew very early on that I would pursue a career that involved animals. As soon as I could understand that a job as a Veterinarian existed I strived to become one.
I was accepted into one of the best Veterinary schools in Brazil starting my journey in this wonderful career. My favorite mentor in University had done his PhD at Virginia Tech and he always encouraged me to pursue a career in the United States. I did not shy away from the challenge and worked very hard to move to a new country and be accepted into an internship at an equine clinic in Texas. That was 16 years ago and I never looked back. My love for horses drove me to pursue a residency in large animal internal medicine and a Masters degree in veterinary science at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. I have been blessed to work with horses for a good part of my career and for the past few years I have been helping dog and cat owners at a General Practice clinic.
Throughout my career I’ve dealt with countless critical and incurable cases and witnessed suffering that I felt privileged to be able to alleviate in the most respectful manner. I always felt honored to be able to offer families the option to say goodbye to their beloved pets in a peaceful and respectful way. Animal welfare is paramount to me, be that at the clinic dealing with a healthy appointment or providing end-of-life care. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to utilize my experience and knowledge to alleviate suffering and give pets the most dignified and peaceful goodbye possible, in the comfort of their own home.
About Dr. Molly Tango
I always felt a connection to animals and knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. My mom is a nurse so medicine was a frequent topic of conversation around the dinner table. In elementary school, my parents let my brother and I pick out our own cats from the animal shelter. I picked a sweet Tortie kitty named Lily who was with me all through high school and college. Saying goodbye to her was my first real exposure to the loss of a pet. I remember coming home from college, taking one look at her, and knowing the decision that had to be made. The veterinarian let me hold her in my arms as she passed. While this moment was difficult - it solicited my passion to become a veterinarian and honor the human animal bond.
I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Animal Science then pursued my veterinary degree at The Atlantic Veterinary College, Prince Edward Island, Canada. I later completed a small animal rotating internship in Gaithersburg, Maryland before moving into private practice. In private practice, I found a love in forging lifelong relationships with clients and their pets. This includes guiding the difficult discussion of end of life care. I believe that allowing our pets to pass peacefully is the last great gift we can give them - for everything they give us. I am honored to be be a part of the Lap of Love family, providing this service to families in their time of need.
About Dr. Kelly Naughton
Growing up in Vienna, Virginia, I relentlessly begged my parents for a dog. Initially, my dad declined saying, “We don’t need a dog! We have you. We will call you Spot!” Unfortunately, the nickname stuck, but his assurance to never own a dog did not. In 1999, my mom finally outwitted my dad and our Golden Retriever, Abby, joined the family. She was truly the perfect childhood dog. My love for Abby and all animals sparked my initial interest in veterinary medicine. It was not, however, until I began volunteering for various therapeutic riding programs that my true aspiration to become a veterinarian ignited. It was then that I realized that by helping animals, I could help people too.
Since graduating from the University of Georgia followed by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, I am thrilled to be back in the Northern Virginia area. As a Lap of Love veterinarian, I am honored and humbled to serve the members of my community – both two and four-legged alike. I find fulfilment in being a source of comfort and support for families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Having experienced the loss of my own pets and witnessing the grief of my own family as well as many others, it is obvious that pets truly do become members of our families. As such, I believe they are undeniably deserving of the love, care, compassion, and dignity that is required at the end of life. I hope to offer a peaceful at-home experience for those family members undergoing this difficult transition.
About Dr. Juli Eaton
I grew up in Northwestern New Jersey, in rural Sussex County. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian, even as a child. I chose this noble profession to help not only animals, but the people who care for them, too. I completed my undergraduate degree in Animal Science at the University of Vermont. From there, I went through veterinary school at Purdue University. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in mixed animal practice, general practice, and even some urgent care.
The greatest gift has been the ability to create such meaningful relationships with pets and their families. I feel it is very important that people have peaceful final moments with their pets and I feel such fulfillment to be able to help people in this way.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, water sports, fishing, skiing, and on colder days cuddling up by the fire with a good book.
About Dr. Marcus Brown
Dr. Brown knew that he wanted to become a veterinarian at age 5. He was fortunate to be able to work with his father, a veterinarian, and became passionate about helping animals.
Dr. Brown is the founder of NOVA Cat Clinic, and he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1986 from the University of Illinois. Initially, Dr. Brown worked at several mixed practices, and an equine practice before finding his true passion was in the care and treatment of feline patients. Prior to opening NOVA Cat Clinic, he co-founded the Capital Cat Clinic.
He was on the task force for the establishment of the Cat-Friendly Practices. The goal is for our feline friends to have the same level of veterinary care as their canine counterparts. Dr. Brown has committed himself to seeing this become a reality.
He actively supports local, state, and national feline organizations. Dr. Brown is a former President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. He was one of the authors of Feline Life Stage Guidelines (2010). Dr. Brown is a former AAFP delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates.
Dr. Brown and his partner live locally with their cat, Bart. Dr. Brown enjoys traveling, reading, and running in his free time. He has completed numerous marathons and triathlons over the past couple of years.
About Dr. Margaret Baird
My path to veterinary medicine was by no means linear, though I have always loved animals and have spent my life and career championing their welfare. Growing up in coastal Connecticut, my family enjoyed the companionship of many wonderful felines, and then later a sweet rescue dog who won all our hearts. I also spent a significant portion of my teens and early 20s working at a nearby large public aquarium, where I was privileged to help care for many species of marine animals.
After graduating from the University of Connecticut, I continued working hands-on with captive wildlife at several zoos and aquariums, then later pivoted to animal welfare advocacy in the non-profit sector. I’d long toyed with the idea of studying veterinary medicine, but it wasn’t until an old friend who’d also taken a non-traditional veterinary path encouraged and inspired me that I decided to go for it. For the experience abroad in my ancestral home, I attended veterinary school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and loved every minute. Since returning stateside I have worked in small animal general practice, where I particularly cherish my relationships with pets and their people.
Deciding to euthanize a beloved animal is one of the most profoundly difficult choices we will make in life. Our pets are our intimate companions, sharing unconditional love and the daily rhythms of our lives. With the assistance of wonderful colleagues, I have said goodbye to two of my own elderly cats in the peace and comfort of home, while they rested comfortably in their favorite spots in the sunshine. Though heartbreaking, these experiences were made a little more bearable in knowing my friends received that last beautiful gift of a peaceful death in comfort, free from pain and fear.
While never easy, providing end-of-life care for pets is a sacred privilege and I am honored to do this work. I know firsthand the great comfort and support these services provide. I firmly believe every pet deserves a peaceful passing in their home, surrounded by the people who love them the most.
In my spare time I am an avid athlete and lifelong fan of numerous sports, a voracious reader, and enjoy any time spent outdoors.
About Dr. Joanne Kline
I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine for 30 years. I grew up on a small farm in rural Minnesota, growing up around horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. I always knew I had a deep love for animals and that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I did my undergraduate studies in Minnesota, moved to Virginia after getting married, and graduated from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. I started out practicing on every species, from horses to reptiles, and after several years of practicing mixed animal and exotic animal medicine I narrowed my field of practice down to just cats and dogs.
I spent over a decade in both general practice and emergency medicine before purchasing my own general practice in 2007. I loved emergency medicine because of the challenge of diagnosing and the surgical demand; however, owning my own practice allowed me the ability to follow my patients’ care from puppies and kittens through their geriatric years. Several years ago, I decided to step back and sell my practice. Since then, I have been working part time to keep up my diagnostic abilities and surgical skills.
Throughout the years I have discovered the importance of compassionate euthanasia. As heartbreaking as it can be, it is such a critical part of veterinary medicine and truly loving our pets. They deserve a wonderful life from the beginning to the end.