Veterinarians
Support Team
Head Licensed Veterinary Technician
Brittany grew up in Lorton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Christopher Newport University. Initially pursuing a career in teaching, she discovered her true passion for working with animals after volunteering at the Virginia Living Museum.
She went on to work at a boarding facility for three years, where she honed her skills in animal care. After joining MVP as a veterinary assistant, Brittany continued her professional development and became a licensed Veterinary Technician in 2018. She has been a valued member of the MVP team ever since.
Brittany's favorite aspects of general practice include building long-term relationships with clients and their pets, client education, and the variety of cases she sees each day.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband, son, and their beloved pets.
Nicole has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2014. She has a passion for making the veterinary experience enjoyable for all pets and owners. Nicole has extensive experience in high volume surgery centers where a regular day for her was getting 40-60 pets prepped and ready for surgery and recovered post-op. In her spare time, Nicole loves running, hiking, gardening and spending time with her furry friends.
Kaylee, a Northern Virginia native, began her journey in animal care at just 15 years old as a summer teen volunteer at the Prince William County Animal Shelter. By 16, she had secured her first job as a kennel assistant at a local animal hospital-and she's been passionate about veterinary medicine ever since.
Dedicated to every aspect of the field, Kaylee is excited to continue her growth by pursuing her Veterinary Technician License. She loves being part of the MVP team and bringing compassion and energy to every shift.
Dedicated to every aspect of the field, Kaylee is excited to continue her growth by pursuing her Veterinary Technician License. She loves being part of the MVP team and bringing compassion and energy to every shift.
At home, Kaylee is surrounded by a lively crew: her two beloved dogs, Blueberry and Kisses; her mischievous "dumpster kittens," Budweiser and Miller High Life; and her oversized hamster, Sasquatch.
Savannah, a skilled veterinary assistant, is always eager to lend a helping hand to our furry friends. She is currently juggling her passion for animals while pursuing a nursing degree. When she's not busy at work or school, you can find her enjoying quality time with her beloved Chihuahua, Belle, who brings endless joy to her life. In her downtime, Savannah loves to unwind and relax, whether it's through watching TV, napping, or trying out new hobbies.
Grace was born in the Philippines and raised in Northern Virginia. She has loved animals her whole life, especially dogs, but since joining MVP she has a new found love for cats that is growing drastically and catching up! Grace’s favorite things to do outside of the practice include trying new food, watching scary movies, and shopping!
Savannah grew up in Arlington, VA but lived overseas in England for 4 years before moving back to Fairfax, VA for high school. Ever since she was little she wanted to work with animals, and entered the animal field after her freshman year of college, where she interned at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Clarke County, VA! Savannah officially joined the veterinary field in 2019 as an assistant and graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2021 with a Bachelors in Biology with a minor in environmental studies. Her favorite thing about working in this field is spending her day with animals and constantly learning. In her free time, Savannah can be found either cuddling with her pets, Molli and Pearl, attending a boxing class, or enjoying the outdoors!
Maddie was born and raised in Northern Virginia and has been in the veterinary field since 2016 when she started work at the front desk in general practice. It was her beloved family dog, Cooper, that inspired her start in veterinary medicine back in 2016. In his last year and a half of life, he taught her more than a few things about senior dog care and the dedication it takes to manage a chronically ill pet-through medications, laser therapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy – he was a perfect patient!
Maddie enjoys spending time with her family and navigating the ups and downs of training their sweet and stubborn new rescue puppy named Ellie. Outside of work, she enjoys watching a good documentary, catching a local theatre production, gardening, and if it’s a race weekend- watching a Formula One race.
Megan, a native of Northern Virginia, developed a deep affection for animals early on, inspired by her grandmother's nurturing of the wildlife that frequented her garden. Unfazed by creatures great and small, Megan naturally gravitated towards large breed dogs, fostering a profound love for them. Two years ago, she embarked on a career transition from Fashion Marketing to the Veterinary field, a decision that ultimately led her to discover her true passion. Megan cherishes her two dogs, Koda Bear and Boba Tea, along with her feline companion, Tofu Bean. During her leisure time, she indulges in cozy moments with her beloved pets and eagerly explores new culinary experiences at various eateries. Joining MVP has filled Megan with overwhelming excitement as she anticipates the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the exceptional team.
Josie is a recent graduate from Virginia Tech, where she earned her degree in Animal Science in May. With a strong passion for animals and a desire to make a positive impact, she is currently in the process of exploring her career options, including the possibility of pursuing vet school or graduate studies, after taking a year off to gain valuable experience.
Josie's dedication to animal welfare shines through her volunteer work with Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, where she has made a remarkable difference by fostering over 80 puppies. She even played a pivotal role in her own dog's story, as Cherry, her loyal companion, was born as part of a litter of nine right in Josie's own home.
In her free time, Josie enjoys the simple pleasures of life, including leisurely walks with her furry friend Cherry, exploring the great outdoors through hiking adventures, savoring delicious food, and cherishing moments spent with family and friends. Her nurturing spirit, dedication to animals, coupled with her academic background, makes her a valuable addition to the Mainstay team.
Josie joined MVP full-time after she graduated MVP's First Inaugural MVP Institute Internship Program.
Katie, an experienced veterinary assistant, was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Richmond, Virginia. In 2021, Katie left the human nursing world and decided to take a chance on veterinary medicine. Shortly after, she realized her passion in life was to care and advocate for our furry friends without a voice. With 3 cats of her own, she quickly earned the title of "crazy cat lady," although she has a love for all animals no matter the size, breed, or species. Outside of work, Katie is working on classes, napping or reading her favorite books. Katie is currently studying hard to get her license as a veterinary technician and looks forward to a very bright future in veterinary medicine and with MVP.
Ingrid has been passionate about animals for as long as she can remember. Combining her love for animals with a desire to work in the medical field, she pursued veterinary science by taking specialized courses in high school and officially entered the animal care field in 2020. Her journey began with no pets of her own, but by 2021, her family grew to include Luffa, a rescued dog, and Poupie (short for Grey Poupon), a spirited gray cat she found wandering Arlington as a 7-week-old kitten. In her free time, Ingrid enjoys relaxing with video games or TV, exploring cafes with a good manga, and discovering new outdoor spots to explore with her dog.
Emma is originally from the scenic Shenandoah Valley, where she grew up surrounded by farmland. Her early years were spent caring for sheep, cows, and her own family pets, which sparked her lifelong passion for animal care.
With nearly four years of experience in the veterinary field, Emma is currently pursuing her license as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). Outside of work and school, she enjoys reading, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and creating landscape art in her free time.
Always passionate about animals, Melina began volunteering at the Smithsonian Zoo, where she discovered her love for patient care. Since then, she has gained experience in various animal care fields, striving to help as many pets and their owners as possible. At home, she shares her life with her rabbit, Phoebe, her green cheek conure, Ramsay, and her dog, Romeo. When she's not caring for animals, Melina enjoys crocheting and reading.
Alessandra, a proud Fairfax, VA native, has always been driven by her deep love for animals-a passion that has guided her toward a career in veterinary medicine. A recent graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in Molecular Biology, she is currently preparing to take the next step by applying to veterinary school while also exploring diverse opportunities within the field. At home, Alessandra adores spending time with her two Bernese Mountain Dogs and her charming, chunky cat. When she's not caring for animals, you'll find her immersed in a good book, uncovering treasures at thrift stores, or indulging in her love for delicious food.
Grace is a dedicated student currently enrolled in the Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) program at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where she is actively pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinary technician. Her passion for animal care runs deep, shaped by a lifetime spent around animals that instilled in her a profound sense of compassion, patience, and responsibility.
Outside of her academic and clinical pursuits, Grace leads an active lifestyle-you can often find her on the soccer field playing with friends or pushing herself at the gym. She thrives on adventure, whether it's discovering new local eats, exploring the outdoors, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Outside of her academic and clinical pursuits, Grace leads an active lifestyle-you can often find her on the soccer field playing with friends or pushing herself at the gym. She thrives on adventure, whether it's discovering new local eats, exploring the outdoors, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Grace's "why" is simple but powerful: she feels most fulfilled when she's around animals and is driven by a desire to make them feel safe, loved, and cared for-especially in their most vulnerable moments. For her, this career is not just a profession, but a meaningful way to give back to the animals who have enriched her life so profoundly.
Management
Blaine, a resident of Arlington, Virginia, shares her life with her husband, daughter, and their chocolate lab named Mato. She was born and raised in Arlington and remains connected to her roots. Blaine holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from James Madison University, and she further pursued her education at Georgetown University, earning a Master's in Business Administration. Growing up with a veterinarian mother, Dr. Hitt, Blaine has always been immersed in the world of veterinary medicine. The two of them were constantly found nursing injured wildlife back to health. Together, they established Mainstay Veterinary Practice, a testament to their passion for animals.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Blaine finds solace in outdoor activities such as hiking and traveling. She has set herself the ambitious goal of visiting all the National Parks during her lifetime. Among her cherished travel memories, two experiences stand out: hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and conquering Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. These adventures have left a lasting impression on Blaine, fueling her passion for exploration and nature.
Jessie, the General Manager of Mainstay Resort, is a passionate animal advocate with over 17 years of dedicated experience in companion animal care. Her expertise spans both veterinary medicine and caregiving, making her a well-rounded leader in the field.
Jessie's lifelong love for animals began in childhood, often bringing home strays and injured wildlife. This early passion led her to pursue her dream of working with animals, starting her journey in 2006 at an animal hospital. Since then, she's never looked back.
Her extensive background includes pivotal roles such as CSR Lead at a multisite Veterinary Specialty Surgical Center, Pet Sitting Manager at a Companion Animal Care Giving Facility, and Assistant Manager of multisite general practice veterinary facilities. Through these roles, Jessie honed her ability to build strong rapport with clients and effectively lead teams towards a common goal. She believes in coaching and empowering her team, which helps her achieve her personal "why" of making a positive impact.
Jessie's deep dive into canine behavior and training was sparked by her first dog, Molly, a gentle giant Mastiff. In recent years, she's dedicated countless hours to researching various training methodologies to help her current dog, Canary, overcome reactivity and build confidence. This personal journey has reinforced her understanding of the importance of considering genetics and tailoring approaches to each pet's individual needs.
Jessie is committed to providing the ultimate caregiving experience, focusing on enhancing the bond between pet owners and their companions. She champions appropriate healthcare and believes in implementing optimal mental and physical stimulation routines that align with owners' lifestyles and goals. She thrives on learning, pursuing new achievements, and coaching her team to reach their full potential, all while aiding sentient beings in living their best lives.
Outside of work, Jessie enjoys hiking, working with Canary, obeying Dalton (her cat), reading, visiting museums, drawing, binging the latest series, spending time with family, working out, and devouring audiobooks.
Receptionists
Carina was born and raised in Salinas, California and moved to Virginia with her husband Robert 9 years ago. She has her associates in business administration and is currently working towards her bachelors. She’s been in the veterinary industry for the past 8 years, but has been an animal lover since birth. While Carina loves your pets and enjoys helping take care of them on a daily basis, she has two cats of her own, Hambone and Chedda, along with three dogs, Max, Gus, and Preci. In her spare time, Carina enjoys pet sitting, reading, baking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband exploring the DC area. Carina looks forward to going to work and making a difference in your pet’s lives every day.
Rachel is an experienced veterinary receptionist. Born in Maryland and raised in Northern Virginia, Rachel has always had a passion for animals since she grew up with dogs. She is currently looking to adopt a cat with her partner. Her love for pets led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, and she has been working in the field since 2019.
In addition to her work in the veterinary field, Rachel has a background in yoga instruction. She used to teach yoga classes in her spare time and still enjoys practicing yoga and hiking as a way to stay active and maintain her mental and physical well-being.
Rachel’s passion for animal welfare and her commitment to providing the best possible care make her an invaluable member of our veterinary team.
Hope is a passionate member of our veterinary team, having joined us in 2023. She started her veterinary career in 2019. With a deep love for animals, Hope finds great joy in being around them every day. If you ask her, she'll say she is more of a dog person, but that doesn't mean she would give any less love to the cats that come into our practice. She embraces every opportunity to expand her knowledge in this field. At MVP, she eagerly looks forward to meeting and caring for all of our patients.
Chloe is a Fairfax native with a lifelong passion for animals. She grew up spending time on her grandparents' farm, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors and animals of all kinds. Now a proud cat mom to Cody and Flora, Chloe enjoys attending concerts, spending time with friends, and exploring astrology in her free time. She’s thrilled to play a part in keeping your pets happy and healthy!
Practice Mascots
Dinky is a small French bulldog with a huge personality. She’s convinced she runs Dr. Hitt’s household, though Dr. Hitt’s three other dogs don’t seem to take her seriously. If she throws a little attitude, they just ignore her—which only makes her try harder to act like the biggest dog in the room.
Dinky’s completely attached to her mom, Dr. Hitt, and never lets her out of sight. Car rides are her favorite, and she travels in style with her very own front-seat car seat because, of course, she deserves the best spot.
When she’s not busy following Dr. Hitt around, Dinky spends her days getting spoiled, bossing the other dogs (or trying to), and soaking up as much attention as possible. Life may be big for this little dog, but she’s determined to take up all the space she can—one bark and nap at a time.
Laz, also known as jumping bean, was turned over to Dr. C when a couple opted to euthanize him at only a couple weeks old as he was comatose from Parvo. Asking if she could try to save him, Dr. C spent days nursing him around the clock until he finally pulled through! You would never know his rough start to life by his cheerful attitude, happy demeanor and wiggling body. Laz loves all dogs and people and is a little energizer bunny. He runs frantically around the practice with his own jumping-like gait and all you see is flowing hair darting by! We appreciate the extra “mopping” he does for us as he covers a lot of ground quickly!
Reese is Brittany’s 5 year-old Pekingese/Basset Hound mix. She basically looks like a Pekingese head attached to a miniature Basset-shaped body. She has a silly personality to go with her silly shape. Reese loves running sprints up and down the practice hallway and wrestling with her best friend, Laz. Reese is a ham when it comes to wanting attention and will try to be as cute as possible so someone will come say “Hello”. Her go to position is usually on her back so she can get a belly rub. Reese puts a smile on everybody’s face and is a dog who can cheer you up when you’re having a bad day.
Mato is Blaine’s 7-year-old chocolate lab whose name means “little bear” in Sioux—but let’s be honest, he’s more like a walking stomach with fur. He’s a regular around the practice, often found parked on the scale, locking eyes with the receptionist as if to say, “More treats, please. I’m wasting away.”
When he’s not perfecting the art of begging, Mato spends his time on hold with the ASPCA animal poison hotline. Why? Because he has a bad habit of eating things he absolutely should not—especially when he feels his parents aren’t giving him the attention he deserves (which is always). So far, the highlight reel includes glass Christmas ornaments, pepper spray, and an impressive 25 citronella tea candles.
Outside of his questionable diet, Mato enjoys life on the farm, swimming, and attending “Grandma Daycare” with his best buddy, Dibs (another chocolate lab and likely Mato’s partner-in-crime).
Mato may keep his parents on their toes, but he keeps everyone else entertained—and slightly worried about what he’ll eat next.
Roo is Brittany’s Husky mix. She has the voice and mannerisms of a husky and the hunting instinct of a hound. She is always on squirrel patrol, but we think she really just wants to be friends with them. Being part husky, she always has a lot to say. She is very talkative and can be demanding when she wants something. She loves to give handshakes and high fives. Roo is Reese’s younger sister and they are best friends. You can often find them playing tug of war, cuddling or grooming each other. She always keeps us laughing. She loves to run and play but is also happy to cuddle on the bed at night. There is never a dull moment when Roo is around. She keeps life entertaining.
Emmy was Dr. Hitt's 13-year-old French Bulldog that passed away peacefully in 2020 after being diagnosed with a very large brain tumor. She was a part of Mainstay Veterinary Practice since it's very beginning, accompanying Dr. Hitt to the construction site and then to work in the office once the practice opened. Emmy was famous among the original MVP clients. She enjoyed nestling in her bed as well as sleeping on her heating pad. Emmy grew up with a chocolate lab brother, Dibs, and a shepherd mix sister, Moxie. Emmy could frequently be found stealing the other dogs' beds. When not sunbathing, she could easily be located by listening for her unique snorting noises. Frequently breaking the rules, Emmy became an angel at the sight of Twizzlers. She loved little kids that were "her size" although deep down Emmy thought that she was a giant dog. She wasn't even afraid to greet horses! Her big personality made up for her small size.
