Meet the Team

Brandy Ashman

DVM, Owner

Dr. Brandy Ashman, Owner and Veterinarian at Lunenburg Animal Hospital, has been passionate about animals since growing up on her family farm in Eastern North Carolina. Her early experiences caring for animals, especially a family goat named Sassy, inspired her to pursue veterinary medicine.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science in 2002 and graduated with honors from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Though initially focused on equine care, Dr. Ashman expanded her expertise to small animals and became certified in chiropractic care for both small and large animals in 2008.

Dr. Ashman came to Lunenburg Animal Hospital in 2010, where she provides compassionate, personalized care for pets. She has a special interest in small animal wellness and chiropractic treatments.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Dustin, their two children, and their pets, which include three dogs, a cat, and two horses. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, hunting, and family time.

Melissa

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Melissa Smith has had a lifelong connection to animals, starting with her early involvement in 4H and competitive riding in eastern North Carolina. Her passion for veterinary care led her to earn a BS in Animal Science in 2002 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from North Carolina State University. She then completed a surgical internship at Rhinebeck Equine in New York, focusing on equine surgery.

With experience in both mixed animal practices and small animal clinics, Dr. Smith has honed her skills in surgery and developed a holistic approach to veterinary care. She is also certified in animal chiropractics, integrating complementary therapies into her practice. Her professional interests include surgery, ophthalmology, nutrition, and holistic health.

Outside of work, Dr. Smith enjoys riding her horses, Ash and Elf, trail riding her mule, Henry, and spending time with her two dogs, Finn and Radar. She also has several cats and enjoys photography, hiking, yoga, and pilates. Dr. Smith’s dedication to compassionate care makes her a valued member of the Lunenburg Animal Hospital team.

Emily

DVM – Relief Veterinarian

Dr. Olson grew up in New Jersey. She knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She studied dairy science at Virginia Tech and went on to graduate with her doctorate from VT. She enjoys horseback riding, farming, and beekeeping in her free time.

Roberto

Veterinary Assistant

Roberto is a dedicated veterinary assistant at Lunenburg Animal Hospital, brings his passion for animal care and teamwork to the forefront of his role. Inspired by a lifelong love for animals, Roberto finds immense satisfaction in ensuring the well-being of his patients. His favorite aspect of working in the veterinary industry is the sense of accomplishment he feels when taking care of animals, coupled with the joy of collaborating with his coworkers.

Outside of work, Roberto enjoys spending quality time with his family and tending to their small farm. His homesteading lifestyle includes raising chickens, pigs, and sheep, which reflects his deep-rooted connection to animals and nature. Roberto’s commitment to animal care extends beyond his professional life, making him a valued member of the Lunenburg Animal Hospital team.

Jena

Office Manager

Jena originally hailing from Farmville, made the move to Victoria in 2014, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for veterinary care. Her journey in the veterinary industry began in equine vet care, but she soon discovered that her true calling was in small animal care. This shift allowed her to better align her skills and interests, and she has since become an integral part of the Lunenburg Animal Hospital team.

Jena finds great joy in learning new aspects of animal medicine and takes pride in being an essential part of the healing process for the hospital’s patients. Her dedication and compassionate approach make her a valued team member and a comforting presence for both pets and their owners.
Outside of her professional life, Jena enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their beloved pets: two dogs named Pickles and Millie, and a cat named Neko. She loves outdoor activities, especially visiting the lake and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Jena’s enthusiasm for both her work and personal life embodies the spirit of care and community that Lunenburg Animal Hospital strives to provide.

Rebecca

Lead Receptionist

Rebecca is the Lead Receptionist at Lunenburg Animal Hospital, hails from Blackstone, VA, and has proudly called this town her home for her entire life. Currently pursuing her education, Rebecca has always been driven by a passion for learning and community engagement.

Rebecca’s journey into the veterinary industry was inspired by her desire to experience something unique and meaningful. She finds immense joy in advocating for animals and takes pride in encouraging and educating pet owners on proper animal care. Her dedication to the well-being of pets and their families shines through in every interaction at the hospital.

Outside of work, Rebecca is a devoted mother to three children and enjoys spending time with her dog and several chickens. She finds great satisfaction in taking care of her family and pets, bringing the same level of care and commitment to her personal life as she does to her professional role.

Kolby

Kolby was raised in Blackstone, VA. She has always been passionate about her animals’ care. This passion led her to pursue a job in the veterinary field. Kolby’s personality has blossomed beautifully while she is a valued team member. She enjoys taking walks with her dog Sadie. She also enjoys hunting in her free time.