The CSAH Family

 

Our Doctors

Dr. Mark Ledyard graduated from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. He devotes much of his time to performing soft tissue and orthopedic surgery and root canals, and takes a special interest in ultrasonography. Dr. Ledyard is involved with many animal-related organizations and neighborhood associations, volunteering and serving on their boards. Outside the office, Mark frequently participates in local and national races while actively pursuing his favorite hobby of running.

Dr. Jennifer Knepshield graduated from Louisiana State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 and joined CSAH in 2002. She brings to our hospital a special interest and skill in emergency medicine, critical care, and surgery. Formerly known as Dr. Logan, she was recently married and enjoys spending time with her husband and wonderful baby daughter. Their dog, Limo, completes the family and accompanies their frequent hiking and camping trips.

Dr. Beth Rhyne graduated vet school from the University of Illinois. Originally a North Carolina native, she has been living and working in Asheville since 2004. She brings to Charlotte Street a personal interest in avian and exotic animals. Her life long experience with exotics was expanded during and after vet school with specialized courses, externships, and conferences. She is currently a member of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), AAV (Association of Avian Veterinarians), and ASGV (Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians). Conferences over the past several years include the AAV/AEMV National Conference (2010, 2008), Exotics Symposium at UT (2008), and the International Ferret Symposium in Portland, OR (2007). When able she enjoys attending local Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue meetings and caring for WNC Nature Center animals. She shares her home with a 39-yr-old Blue and Gold Macaw, as well as 2 dogs, 2 cats, and husband, Brad. Her free time is often spent with gardening, traveling, home improvements, and enjoying her "furred and feathered" family.

Dr. Erin Husted graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. She is an integrative medicine practitioner with a special interest in canine and feline preventative medicine and feline infectious disease. Dr. Husted is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and is trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine diagnostics, food therapy, and herbology. She also has an interest in behavior problems, and performs behavior consultations at our hospital. Dr. Husted joined CSAH when she moved to Candler, NC in May of 2008 with her new husband and their dog, 4 cats, 2 snakes, and 2 horses.

Dr. Jaclyn Amber graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech) in 2009. Originally from southern Maryland, Dr. Amber looks forward to exploring and experiencing beautiful Asheville with her canine and feline "furkids." Her Lab mix, Lexi, is excited about hiking in the beautiful mountains. Ella, her hypothyroid beagle mix, would love to sample all the choice local cuisine and cannot understand why mom thinks this is a bad idea. Dr. Amber appreciates a holistic approach to medicine and has a particular interest in geriatrics. She hopes to attend the Chi Institute in the near future to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

Dr. Mary Peters graduated from University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. After graduation, she elected to continue her training by performing one-year internship in small animal medicine, surgery and emergency at a 24-hour emergency & referral practice in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Peters is particularly interested in ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery, and ultrasonography. After a visit to Asheville in 2007, she knew that she wanted to be a part of this community. A hiking enthusiast and music lover, she spends much of her free time seeking new outdoor adventures and traveling with her husband, Chad, to live music events. When at home, she enjoys spending quality time with her two cats, Mango and Milton.

Our Management

Dr. Mark Ledyard
When not practicing veterinary medicine, practice owner Mark Ledyard spends his time overseeing the administrative functions of the hospital and upholding the standards of excellence in medical care and client services for which CSAH is known. He gained medical and managerial experience from working in several practices before founding Charlotte Street Animal Hospital. Since our doors opened in 1998, Dr. Ledyard's practice has grown from 2 doctors with 3 staff members, to 6 veterinarians with a support staff of 28.

Karina Moser - MA, RVT, Office Manager
Karina joined the staff of Charlotte Street Animal Hospital in 2003 and presently serves as the office manager. Her life-long passion for animals (and her experiences as a client of CSAH!) inspired her to assume a vocation in the field of veterinary medicine. She was one of the first class of enthusiastic students to graduate in AB Tech Community College’s Veterinary Technology program. Karina received her certificate of completion in April 2007 from the AAHA Veterinary Management Training School. She and her husband, science teacher Mark Moser, their daughter Ava, and their 3 dogs: Ruby Queen, Lulabelle, and Otto, cat Zap Bebe have all been celebrating the arrival of their new baby human Max. The Mosers spend their spare time hiking, gardening, traveling, and finding the humor in life.

Our Technicians

Our technicians perform a wide variety of important tasks. They draw blood, place catheters, take x-rays, and monitor anesthetized patients among many other responsibilities. Most have gone to school and passed state and national exams to become registered technicians. Above all, they offer lots of tender loving care and attention to our patients.

Karen, Head Technician
Karen has always loved - and loved caring for - animals. A native of Asheville, Karen began at Charlotte Street Animal Hospital as an assistant. Her hard work, compassion, and knowledge quickly led to Karen's promotion as "hospital-trained technician," and she now has over 8 years of experience. At home, she and her husband take great pleasure in caring for their own babies. The Meadows currently share their lives with 11 ferrets. Karen and her husband have facilitated the rescue of many such ferrets, often opening their home to the sick and abandoned of this species. The ferrets fortunate enough to be adopted by Karen do not live in cages but rather enjoy life in their own special room complete with fluffy beds and hammocks, mazes of tubes and tunnels, and all the toys their little hearts desire! Eight beautiful felines also honor the Meadows' home and provide a great deal of comic entertainment. Karen claims that working with the doctors, staff, clients, and patients of CSAH is the best thing that she has ever done. We are so glad to have her!

Jen, Registered Technician, Inventory Manager
Jen graduated from Indiana State University in 1992 with her B.S. in Business Management. After realizing that her heart was not in that field, she returned to school and received her degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 1994. She had been working as a Registered Veterinary Technician since graduating when she decided to move to Western North Carolina with her husband in 2005, which is when she joined the team at CSAH. She continues to find fulfillment working with animals and has become a member of the NCVRC (North Carolina Veterinary Response Corp). In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and animals and walking her 3 wonderful dogs, Babe, Bud, and Kali. She also enjoys photography, boating, and ATV riding. She is affectionately known at CSAH as "Super Tech."

Kayce, Registered Technician
We were happy to welcome registered veterinary technician, Kayce! Kayce graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a B.S. degree in Marine Biology in 1997. She later attended Central Carolina Community College, where she received her degree in Veterinary Technology in 2002. She has worked in general practice and small animal rehabilitation and brings a wealth of experience along with a wide variety of skills to the CSAH health care team. Kayce enjoys photography, hiking, kayaking, drawing, and spending time with her family and friends. She shares her heart and hearth with her 2 Beagles, Walter and Margo, and 2 Himalayans, Rocky and Beau.

Dana, Registered Technician
Dana brings to our clients and patients 13 years of veterinary medical experience. She has worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician since 1998 and holds a special interest in canine and feline physical therapy, although she has cared for many species. In addition to earning her AAS degree from Central Carolina Community College and a BS degree from UNC Asheville, Dana has completed all the coursework for the University of Tennessee’s Certification in Canine Rehabilitation. Along with her work as a vet tech, Dana also served as an instructor for AB Tech’s program of Veterinary Medical Technology for over 3 years. She shares her home with 2 cats and 2 dogs with whom she enjoys hiking. Dana also busies herself reading, painting, and spending time with family and friends. She has been with Charlotte Street Animal Hospital since January 2008 and we are very happy to have such a compassionate and skilled technician on our team.

Jenny, Registered Technician
Jenny is a Registered Veterinary Technician and a graduate of the A-B Tech Veterinary Medical Technology program. She has worked at animal hospitals for over 5 years. Even though she is a cat lover at heart, she has really enjoyed all the opportunities to learn about "pocket pets" and exotics while working at Charlotte Street. She is married to the best husband ever, John. They share their home with three very cute cats: Luna, Murphy, and Bug. Jenny enjoys running, reading and road trips.

Our Receptionists

Our receptionists focus on providing compassionate and efficient service for you and your pet, as well as maintaining medical records. They act as a link between you and your veterinarian, communicating questions and concerns, and scheduling appointments for your pets with doctors or technicians. They are also happy to provide information about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

Randi, Head Receptionist
Randi graduated summa cum laude, with Honors, and as "University Scholar" with her double B.A. Degree in Art History and English at Western Carolina University in 2003, where she broke records as Catamount Yearbook Editor. Prior to college, Randi worked at a privately funded humane society for 2 years, where she also volunteered her time by writing their Pet of the Week column for the local newspaper, judging dog shows, organizing educational tours for local youth groups and schools, and promoting the affordable spay/neuter assistance program. Since joining the team at CSAH in 2005, Randi has been busy writing/updating forms and manuals, revising our brochure, supervising the update of our website, and training new receptionists. She will soon begin the construction of our new website. Randi loves spending time with her husband and 2 children, Courtney and Zane, and their 2 furry friends: Queen Bean and Jack. She also enjoys photography, painting, writing, and laughing.

Laura
After living for twenty-two long years in South Florida, Laura happily made the move to the mountains of Western North Carolina. She brings with her years of experience gained from working in animal hospitals as a veterinary assistant and as a receptionist. We are glad to hear her insist that the clients and staff of CSAH are the most wonderful she has met! Laura has a great interest in learning and often enrolls in college courses in the field of anthropology (her other great love), and spends her free time enjoying live, local music, going to the gym, and raiding antique stores and thrift shops for funky furniture to refurbish. She and her son Ryan share their home with a charming long-haired Chihuahua named Pilot, a black cat named Poe, a Siamese mix named Mantha, and the newly adopted orange tabby named Sparks. Laura’s sense of humor brightens our days and we are very happy to have her here at CSAH!

Bonnie
Bonnie grew up outside of Boston, MA, but has been living in North Carolina for the past 10 years. After recently completing her B.A. degree in English Literature from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington and traveling to Haworth, England on a fellowship, she relocated to Asheville and has been enjoying the refreshing view. She and her partner love spending time with their newborn son Orion and are happy to say that the transition for everyone has gone smoothly. Leopold, a lovable lab/beagle mix who is partial to cheddar cheese and peanut butter omelets, has proudly stepped up to his new big brother role in the household. He also enjoys long walks at the Biltmore and sleeping in on weekdays. They also share their home with an ornery domestic short-haired feline named Inez, whose pastimes include knocking over glasses of water and stealing croissants. Bonnie’s interests include painting, writing very short stories, ceramics, and traveling on limited funds.

Brittany
Brittany is a native to Buncombe County and currently resides in Weaverville.
Brittany has had ample experience with horses and has participated for 15 years in riding competitions such as English, Western, Halter, and Barrel Racing. She is a member of the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA), of which she has been a world qualifier for the past 5 years (2004-2008). Brittany and Dottie won the title of NBHA Third Division Champions in 2006 and Second Division Reserve Champions in 2007. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys trail riding and barrel racing with her 2 horses, Dottie (a Paint) and Princess (an Appendix Quarter Horse), and spending time with her other smaller four legged kids, 2 Dobermans (DeSoto and Cena) and 2 cats (Binx and Chancho). She is planning on joining the Paramedic program at AB-tech in the fall of 2009.

Evan
Evan Lemaster hails originally from Raleigh, NC. While volunteering at an animal shelter in Port Townsend, Washington, he realized how rewarding working with animals could be. He recently moved to Asheville and currently attends Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. He rooms with his best friend, a hound mix named Jack. Evan brings a friendly, positive attitude and stellar work ethic to our hospital, and is enjoying learning about veterinary medicine. Evan aspires to pursue training as a veterinarian in the future.

Julie
Julie was born in Houston, Texas but has lived in the mountains of Western North Carolina since she was two-years-old. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, where she regularly made the Dean’s List. Ever since she was a little girl, she has had a big place in her heart for all types of animals. Working at Charlotte Street Animal Hospital has provided the opportunity to fill a part of her life she felt had been missing. Julie shares her home in the small town of Mars Hill with her loving boyfriend, her Pit Bull, Kane, a Jack Russell, Uma, and Tigger the kitty. Julie enjoys smiling, cooking, shopping, and riding the mountain roads on her boyfriend’s motorcycle.

Jay
...Bio coming soon!

Our Assistants

Our veterinary assistants are prepared to greet our patients and clients, and get them ready for the doctor. They obtain laboratory samples, fill prescriptions, restrain pets, and perform an array of other duties throughout the day. They are very knowledgeable and are able to answer many of your questions.

Reanna, Head Assistant
Reanna moved from Philadelphia to WNC in August of 2005 and joined the CSAH family shortly thereafter. She commutes daily from Waynesville where she lives with her husband, Mike, and their Border collie, Sam. Sam is enrolled in obedience classes with the hope of becoming a therapy dog, while Reanna is pursuing her MS in Biology. Having worked with all types of animals in many different capacities, including the SPCA, pet therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, summer camps, and the Philadelphia Zoo, Reanna is happy to continue working with animals and making a difference.

Crystal
Crystal moved to Asheville from Colorado in 2003 with her husband and furry family. She joined the CSAH family in December 2006 after deciding to pursue her passionate dream of working with animals. Crystal is thrilled be graduating from AB Tech's Veterinary Medical Technology program in August 2010. She thoroughly enjoys the beautiful mountains surrounding Asheville and traveling to far away places with her family and friends in her free time. She currently lives in Asheville with her husband, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 4 snakes.

Mara Leah
Mara Leah, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, is happy to call Asheville her home for over 25 years. After 6 years of working as a cook, she decided to return to the rewarding field of veterinary medicine. Her beautiful cat, Cleopatra, has graced her with love and affection for 11 years and has taught her a lot about the benefits of animal companionship. She prefers to spend time at home curling up with Patra and a good book, but will usually venture outdoors for some hiking on the weekends.


Scott
Bio coming soon...

Jaime
Jaime came to CSAH in March 2008 from Roanoke, Virginia, where she worked for a hunter/jumper stable. She has completed an AAS degree in Equine Technology and a BA in Anthropology from Appalachian State University. Jaime enjoys bike riding, eating veggies, and playing roller derby.

Jessica
Jessica moved to Asheville in 2006 to study at Warren Wilson College. She took some time off of school and joined us in 2008, and is now finishing her biology degree at UNCA. When she isn't at school or working here with us, she enjoys spending time with her endlessly cute and amusing cat, Stinky, along with cooking, making arts and crafts, attempting to garden, and participating in various board sports.

Kate
Biographical info coming soon.

Our Kennel

Eric, Kennel Manager
Eric was born and raised in Danville, Illinois. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from Illinois State University. While at college, he won the first National Intercollegiate Frisbee Tournament. His love of flying disc competition has lasted 30 years and includes two world disc golf titles. After living in and around Austin, Texas for 18 years, he, his wife, and son settled in Asheville in 2001. They have a dog named Homeboy and a cat named Puckett. Being an animal lover and after working in various fields, Eric took advantage of the opportunity to work in an environment with animals. Eric enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and is always ready to take someone out for a round of disc golf.

Heather, OSHA Officer
Heather has worked at Charlotte Street Animal Hospital's kennel since she began at age 16 in 2002. She is currently a full-time student at Brevard College and hopes to attend the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. To further broaden her knowledge, Heather has spent a great deal of time shadowing our veterinarians. Along with her cleaning, stocking, and animal care-giving duties, she also shared her talents by assisting in the revision of our original website. In her free time, she enjoys the company of her 2 dogs, Louie (lulu) and Joey (jojo).

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