Meet the Team

Melanie has lived in Colorado most of her life and is part of a very large family. She is married to a supportive husband and has two adult children, of whom she is very proud. Her life was further enriched with 5 grandchildren.

Rachel has been working with animals since she was 14 years old. She started with reptiles and other exotics husbandry and then went into veterinary medicine. She enjoys veterinary medicine because she wants to see all of the animals get the care they deserve.

Ashley has been a lover of animals and medicine since childhood. She grew up with dogs an a parrot, loving and caring for all of them over the years. Ashley moved from New York to Colorado Springs in 2020 to be closer to family and reconnect with nature.

Donna is a retired classroom teacher who loves to spend time with her family in the garden and working on agility and nose work with her newest German Shepherd Dog, Ellie B. She also finds great pleasure in helping clients and their pets. Donna worked for Dr.

Dr. Pierce graduated from Colorado State School of Veterinary medicine in 1998 and has been practicing small animal medicine in Colorado Springs ever since.

Dr. Ian Stewart-Bates graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In veterinary school, Dr. Ian Stewart-Bates worked as a technician in the small animal ICU and was the president of the Dental Club.

Dr. Shumack graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, Dr. Shumack was part of a whelping and neonatal care team and was president of the Society for Theriogenology (reproduction) Club. In her clinical year at Auburn, Dr.

Dr. Brace is originally from the Reno - Tahoe area where she grew up with dogs and one cat; that she still has today. She attended her undergraduate school there and acquired her first veterinary job which helped her develop her love for the career.

Gwen has been with Village Center Veterinary Care since 2021. Before that, she was the facility manager for Homeward Bound Pet Memorial Center. She has four adult children, and shares her home with two cats, Rosie and Seven. Gwen is on the search for another dog...or two!

Dana has been in the Veterinary field for 12 years. She joined Village Center Veterinary Care in 2019. During her free time she likes to hike and spend time with her two Greyhounds.

Makayla is an RVT and our Technician Supervisor. She is from Santa Cruz, CA and is proud of it! She began her career in the veterinary field eight years ago when she enrolled in Pima Medical Institute's Veterinary Technician program and fell in love with this field.

Patty has a Master's Degree in Communication with a Specialty in Human Relations and Criminology. Prior to the veterinary field and in younger years, Patty was a Protective Service Worker, Social Worker, Homicide Investigator, and Regional Sales Manager for Progressive Insurance.