Staff Members

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Richard Hawkins, DVM
Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. Hawkins graduated from North Carolina State University in 1976, then attended Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine graduating in 1980. After practicing in Baltimore, he began Colony Park Animal Hospital in 1984. He has continued to be involved in local and state veterinary medical associations including Past Presidents of the NCVMA. Dr Hawkins is also very active in the community; participating as a board member with numerous associations.

Susan Hughes, DVM
Veterinarian, DVM
PennHIP, BAER testing
Dr. Hughes joined Colony Park Animal Hospital after graduating from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She brings special interests and skills including BAER hearing tests, PennHip, radiography, and canine reproductive services to CPAH. Dr. Hughes is a long time breeder and exhibitor of dalmatians and has recently become involved in exhibiting and lure coursing her whippetts.

Alison Klaitman, DVM
Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. Klaitman, a native of New England, joined Colony Park in 2004 after graduating from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her interests include behavior, dentistry, and internal medicine.

Joyce McKinney, DVM
Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. McKinney, a native of Tennessee, graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. After practicing in Raleigh for 1 year, Dr. McKinney joined CPAH with a strong interest in dermatology, dentistry, and internal medicine. She is active in various community organizations and serves in the Big Brother Big Sister program as a youth mentor.

Erin Tom, DVM
Veterinarian, DVM

Jennifer Barnes
Office Manager
Jennifer became a member of the front office staff in 2003. Very organized and detail oriented, she now oversees the business aspect of the hospital as the Office Manager.

Rita McConnell
Receptionist
Rita has been part of the front office staff of Colony Park since 1987. Her extensive knowledge and experience is a valuable asset to our clinic and makes her the cornerstone of the administrative staff.


Jessica Dick
Receptionist
Jessica joined our staff in 2004 and has become an integral part of the front office. Always quick with a smile and friendly manner, she provides exceptional customer service.


Deborah Pond
Receptionist

Karen Fairbanks
Veterinary Technician
Karen joined our staff in 2005 with 19 years of previous experience in the veterinary industry. She graduated from Central Carolina Community College as a registered veterinary technician in 1990. Karen's experience and expertise make her a valuable asset to CPAH in the training of other staff members and care of patients.

Emily Bolch
Veterinary Technician
In 2005, Emily joined our team as a vet assistant. She is very compassionate and friendly while caring for patients and clients. She is currently attending school to become a certified veterinary technician.

Sandra O'Buckley
Veterinary Assistant

Rebecca Myers
Veterinary Assistant
Becky became a member of our vet assistant staff in 2005. Her caring and concern for each patient as an individual makes her a valuable member of our team.

Terri Oxendine
Groomer
Teri Oxendine joined the staff of Colony Park Animal Hospital in November of 2006 with 11 years of experience in the grooming industry. She began her career at a dog boutique in Virginia as a bather and became an apprentice to the groomer after a year. She continued to work at the boutique as a groomer for 3 years after her apprenticeship was completed.
When the boutique was sold, Teri began working at an animal hospital in Virginia where she spent 6 years as the primary groomer. Teri is experienced with hand scissoring and force drying for undercoat removal. She has experience with all breeds of dogs and cats and knowledge of all hair styles.

Baron Harris
Kennel Assistant
Baron joined our staff in 1992 and is a vital part of the success of our hospital. As an experienced kennel assistant, he if familiar with each patient's unique personality and knows the early signs of patient stress. Baron can always be depended on for help with difficult patients.

Rachel Smith
Kennel/Veterinary Assistant