We'll Make a Difference
Our Team
Driven by compassion and purpose, here is the team who will work to make a difference in your pet’s life. Every single visit.
Dr. Melissa Birken
VeterinarianDr. Melissa Birken
Veterinarian
Dr. Melissa Birken and her family (husband, three children and three dogs) are residents of Damascus.
Natalie, RVT
Practice ManagerNatalie, RVT
Practice Manager
Natalie has been an essential part of the Paws & Claws Animal Hospital team since the day our doors opened in 2014.
Sophia
Veterinary TechnicianSophia
Veterinary Technician
Sophia grew up in Olney, Maryland, and now lives in Silver Spring with her beloved
Amy
Lead ReceptionistAmy
Lead Receptionist
Amy has lived in Montgomery County all her life and has always been surrounded by animals.
Tina
Veterinary TechnicianTina
Veterinary Technician
Since Tina was young she has gravitated towards animals. She has always had four-legged fur babies around and always felt a strong connection to them.
Sandra
Veterinary TechnicianSandra
Veterinary Technician
Sandra has been a veterinary technician since the young age of 19, bringing a wide range of experience
Jessie
GroomerJessie
Groomer
Jessie has always had a love for animals and started working with them immediately after graduating high school.
Dr. Katie Spaniol
VeterinarianDr. Katie Spaniol
Veterinarian
Dr. Katie Spaniol grew up in Frederick, MD. Her family’s farm style property was home to a wide variety of pets
Maria
Veterinary TechnicianMaria
Veterinary Technician
Maria has been in the veterinary field for almost four years and joined our team just a few months
Brianna
Veterinary TechnicianBrianna
Veterinary Technician
Brianna has been a valued member of the Paws & Claws Animal Hospital team for over two years and is currently applying
Sophia L
StaffSophia L
Staff
Growing up on an alpaca farm sparked Sophia’s passion for animal care at an early age.
Dr. Emily Jarvis
VeterinarianDr. Emily Jarvis
Veterinarian
Dr. Emily Jarvis grew up in Carroll County, MD on a horse and donkey farm, forming a passion for veterinary medicine
Patti
Veterinary TechnicianPatti
Veterinary Technician
Patti is a native of Pennsylvania where her love of animals started her on a new career path 21 years ago and she’s never looked back!
Grace
Kennel AssistantGrace
Kennel Assistant
Grace is currently a kennel technician at Paws and Claws Animal Hospital and working toward
Amy C
StaffOur Team
Driven by compassion and purpose, here is the team who will work to make a difference in your pet’s life. Every single visit.
Dr. Melissa Birken
VeterinarianDr. Melissa Birken
Veterinarian
Dr. Melissa Birken and her family (husband, three children and three dogs) are residents of Damascus.
Dr. Katie Spaniol
VeterinarianDr. Katie Spaniol
Veterinarian
Dr. Katie Spaniol grew up in Frederick, MD. Her family’s farm style property was home to a wide variety of pets
Dr. Emily Jarvis
VeterinarianDr. Emily Jarvis
Veterinarian
Dr. Emily Jarvis grew up in Carroll County, MD on a horse and donkey farm, forming a passion for veterinary medicine
Natalie, RVT
Practice ManagerNatalie, RVT
Practice Manager
Natalie has been an essential part of the Paws & Claws Animal Hospital team since the day our doors opened in 2014.
Patti
Veterinary TechnicianPatti
Veterinary Technician
Patti is a native of Pennsylvania where her love of animals started her on a new career path 21 years ago and she’s never looked back!
Tina
Veterinary TechnicianTina
Veterinary Technician
Since Tina was young she has gravitated towards animals. She has always had four-legged fur babies around and always felt a strong connection to them.
Maria
Veterinary TechnicianMaria
Veterinary Technician
Maria has been in the veterinary field for almost four years and joined our team just a few months
Jessie
GroomerJessie
Groomer
Jessie has always had a love for animals and started working with them immediately after graduating high school.
Brianna
Veterinary TechnicianBrianna
Veterinary Technician
Brianna has been a valued member of the Paws & Claws Animal Hospital team for over two years and is currently applying
Sophia
Veterinary TechnicianSophia
Veterinary Technician
Sophia grew up in Olney, Maryland, and now lives in Silver Spring with her beloved
Sandra
Veterinary TechnicianSandra
Veterinary Technician
Sandra has been a veterinary technician since the young age of 19, bringing a wide range of experience
Grace
Kennel AssistantGrace
Kennel Assistant
Grace is currently a kennel technician at Paws and Claws Animal Hospital and working toward
Amy
Lead ReceptionistAmy
Lead Receptionist
Amy has lived in Montgomery County all her life and has always been surrounded by animals.
Sophia L
StaffSophia L
Staff
Growing up on an alpaca farm sparked Sophia’s passion for animal care at an early age.