Meet the staff of Riverwalk Animal Hospital

Lora, Veterinary Technician

Lora

Hi! My name's Lora, and I have been working here at Riverwalk Animal Hospital as a technician in training since January 2007. I obtained a Bachelor's degree in biology from Millersville University, and am currently taking online classes to earn my veterinary technician certification. Before I moved to South Carolina, I worked in the nursing department of University of Pennsylvania's Large Animal Hospital for 7 years. I have always loved animals and cannot imagine working in a field other than veterinary medicine. I live in Bluffton with my husband Tony, 2 dogs Bo and Luke, and 3 cats Ben, Jeri, and Grace. When I'm not working I can be found out at the barn riding my horse Moose or puttering in the garden. I also enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Nikema, Receptionist Kema

Hello! My name is Nikema, but everyone here at Riverwalk calls me "Kema". I've been working here at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since June 2004, and I really enjoy it! I currently live in Bluffton with my Boyfriend and young son and our pets. We have 2 Pitbulls, Raven and Tank, and a mixed breed named Misty. When I'm not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and traveling up and down the east coast. I look forward to meeting you and your pets, as I am one of the smiling faces that will greet you upon your arrival at Riverwalk Animal Hospital.

Shadow, Receptionist

Shadow

Hi, My name is Shadow. I have been working for Riverwalk Animal Hospital since August 2003. Although this is my first experience working in an animal hospital, I have had the privilege of being around animals most of my life. I grew up on a small farm outside of Hardeeville, which has taught me many of the lessons that I know today. Currently I have four dogs and one cat. Most of my time away from work is spent playing and taking care of them. I also enjoy spending time at church with my family and friends.

Windi, Veterinary Assistant

My name is Windi Williams-Weaver and I have been at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since April 2001. I have always loved animals and working at an animal hospital where I can make their lives better was a great choice for me. I am a big proponent of spaying and neutering as well as annual bloodwork for animals of all ages. Routine bloodwork diagnosed one of my cats with diabetes and helped prolong her life with proper treatment and medication. I also founded and run Morningstar Animal Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to the homeless needy dogs and cats in the Lowcountry area (www.morningstar.petfinder.com). My dogs are a huge part of my life and I train and compete with them all over the southeast in agility, herding, earthdog, obedience and flyball (www.doggiedoos.net). And most importantly I share my life with a very patient husband, Billy, my son, Will, and our six dogs, Marley (Cocker Spaniel), Wick (Jack Russell Terrier) and the Border Collie's Ellie, Fli, Star and Fig plus three cats, Penelope, Patra and Chili (all rescue kitties). My life is very busy but the animals are my passion and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Janet, Kennel Assistant

Janet

Hi, my name is Janet Ossman. I have been working at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since July of 2004. I work as a kennel assistant. I also help the technician when they need help. I live in Beaufort, SC. and have been in Beaufort for 36 years. I have 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy, ages: 21yrs. 14 yrs. 11 yrs. I also have a lot of animals: I have 3 guinea pigs, 4 ferrets, 2 chinchillas, 5 cats and 4 dogs. I really love working here. The staff members are really terrific people to work with.

Nadine, Receptionist

Nadine

Hello-my name is Nadine. Although my pets have been patients here for many years, I began working as a receptionist in December 2004. My animal tribe consists of 8 dogs, 12 cats, and 3 horses. I make my home in Okatie, along with my husband, son, and all of our furry friends. Spending so much time at Riverwalk with my pets just naturally led to my working here. It is a great job since everyday is something new.

Ashley, Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Assistant

Ashley

Hey! My name is Ashley, and I am a Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Assistant here at Riverwalk Animal Hospital. I live in Ridgeland with my parents and my brother and little sister. I have known since I first started talking that I wanted to work with animals. (I used to say that I wanted to be a "Vegetarian" instead of Veterinarian!) I really enjoy working in this field because there is always something to learn or improve on. I also enjoy the hands on environment and getting to know the clients and the pets they're owned by! I have three rescue dogs, Trixie, a hound/lab mix, Duke, a shepherd/pittbull mix, and Kodi, a chihuahua/min pin mix. I have been working here for three years now, and I plan on being here much longer. I'm currently enrolled in Technical College of the Lowcountry, and I plan to move on to Cedar Valley College online to earn my AAS in Veterinary Technology. I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, going out on the river, spoiling my dogs and hanging out with friends and family. You can find me working in the back with out in-patient animals and boarders, or up front in appointments. Look forward to seeing you!

Bonnie, Veterinary Assistant

Bonnie Hello, my name is Bonnie. I do a little bit of everything here at Riverwalk. You'll find me behind the front desk, in the exam rooms, or playing with our boarders in the kennel. I was born and raised in Beading, Pennsylvania. I married Michael in 2001 and my energetic son, Hunter, was born in December 2002. We packed up and moved to Bluffton in 2004. I came to work here at Riverwalk in September 2005. The other members of our family include Pepper (Beagle), Cocoa (Rat Terrier), Smokey and Tiger (our kitties), and Chester (Umbrella Cockatoo). When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Christi, Veterinary Technician

Hello, my name is Christi. I began working at Riverwalk Animal Hospital in April 2006. I have been working at veterinary clinics since 1986. I guess you could say I have always known I wanted to work with animals. Born and raised in Atlanta, I moved to Charlotte, NC for a few years before settling in Port Royal to be closer to my parents.

I attended college at Fort Valley State University and graduated with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology in 1999. I have since taught veterinary technician classes, helped train veterinary technicians and assistants, and worked extensively in emergency medicine. My favorite things about my job are many and varied, but I particularly enjoy helping owners understand the importance of good veterinary care.

I am currently owned by 3 dogs, several cats, a fish, and a bird. We all make our home in Port Royal, SC. When I am not at work, I enjoy reading, arts and crafts, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and learning about the history of my new home.