Dr. Dickerson, a proud Northern Virginia native, felt a strong pull to return to her roots after college to be near friends and family. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and gained valuable hands-on experience working in small animal clinics across Northern Virginia as a kennel assistant, receptionist, and veterinary assistant.
Inspired to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, Dr. Dickerson completed a second Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences before attending veterinary school at St. George’s University on the stunning island of Grenada. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, she began her career in Northern Virginia, starting in primary care and later transitioning to emergency medicine at a 24/7 emergency center.
In 2024, Dr. Dickerson joined Mainstay, drawn to the opportunity to return to primary care and build lasting relationships with pets and their families while enjoying a more consistent schedule. She is deeply passionate about feline-friendly medicine and has a strong interest in dermatology, endocrinology, and neurology. However, her greatest joy comes from helping any dog or cat feel their best.
Dr. Dickerson lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her significant other and her beloved cat, Kaia (affectionately called Poo). They are excited to expand their fur family soon—with Kaia’s blessing, of course!
Q & A With Dr. Dickerson!
What is your Favorite?
- Food: Thai food
- Candy: Reese’s Take Five
- Drink: Coffee or Wine
- Movie: Blow
- TV Show: Breaking Bad
- Book: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Music: 90’s Alternative or 70’s rock
- Holiday: Halloween
- Hobby: Tap dancing
- Superhero: Batman
What is the Most Rewarding Part of Your Job?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping sick pets feel better and guiding their families through the process. I take pride in educating clients, empowering them with the knowledge they need to provide the best care for their beloved companions.
What is the Hardest Part of Your Job?
The hardest part of my job is dealing with the financial limitations that can sometimes impact the care we’re able to provide. I deeply empathize with the guilt and worry that pet parents feel when faced with tough decisions, and it’s difficult knowing that I may not always have all the answers. However, I’m committed to doing everything I can to find solutions and provide the best possible care for my patients and support for their families, even in the most challenging situations.
What is One Medical Case that you Remember like it was Yesterday?
The cases that stick with me the most, the ones I remember like they happened yesterday, are the abuse and neglect cases brought in by Animal Control. These animals who had suffered unimaginable circumstances, and there are two or three in particular that were absolutely heartbreaking. Those moments will stay with me forever.
What’s your Favorite Activity Outside of Work?
Hiking, cooking, tap dancing and going to concerts!
If you could spend a day with any famous person in the world, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?*
Dave Grohl or Jimmy Page; both because of the music they made and they seem like very cool humans.
Tell me about the moment you chose to become a doctor.
I vividly remember the moment I decided to become a veterinarian. I was 28 years old and had been working at general practice for several years as a receptionist and assistant. Although I loved what I was doing, I wasn’t making much money. I was offered a higher-paying job at a human neurology office, and while it seemed like the practical choice, I had a strong, almost visceral reaction to the idea of going to work without animals in my life. I’d always been fascinated by medicine and had even considered becoming a human doctor at one point, but in that moment, I realized that my passion lay in caring for animals. That realization was all the clarity I needed, and I immediately set out on my journey to vet school. It was a life-changing decision, and I’ve never looked back.
