Our Veterinary Team

Dr. Melissa McKendry

Veterinarian
AVBP Board Certified Specialist

Dr. McKendry is one of a select group of veterinarians who have earned the title “Diplomate” from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) for both canine and feline species. Of the 127,131 veterinarians in the United States (per American Veterinary Medical Association 2023 statistics), there are fewer than 400 ABVP Diplomates in both canine and feline specialties.

Dr. McKendry began her undergraduate degree in the UK and later graduated from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Throughout her career in private practice, emergency, and referral medicine, she focused on advanced diagnostics and ultrasonography, often traveling to veterinary practices to provide these services. After practicing in the North East US and Southern California, Dr. McKendry settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her family.

In 2019, Dr. McKendry started a mobile service after years of providing comprehensive medical care to shelter animals and police K-9s, as well as handling the forensic aspect of cruelty cases in Virginia Beach. She enjoys providing convenient, in-home medical care and ultrasonography services to the community.

Dr. Sharon Cubelo

Veterinarian

Dr. Cubelo was born and raised in New Jersey and became a Virginia Beach local in 2017. She attended Rutgers University for her Bachelor of Science degree and moved to St. Kitts for veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

As she finished her modern veterinary training, she sought to further her knowledge of integrative veterinary medicine. She earned her certification for companion animal rehabilitation (CCRP) with the University of Tennessee CCRP program. During that time, she began her path with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and became a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA) by training at Chi University. Soon after, she became a Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner (CVMMP), which is comparable to chiropractic care in humans, through the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute (now part of Chi University). Furthering her knowledge in TCVM, she became a Food Therapist (CVFT) and has recently completed her training in Tui-na, which is medical massage therapy. Currently, she is growing her knowledge on Chinese herbal therapies.

Sharon has two dogs (Toby & Teagan) and two cats, (Pepperoni & Meatball) and a horse named Thomas. During her free time, you can find her on the beach, horse-back riding, or hiking in the mountains.

Kady Hanson

Practice Manager

Kady was born in Pennsylvania and moved to the area when she was five years old. From a young age, she has had a passion for animals, and was fortunate to own horses, dogs, cats, and an assortment of small animals while growing up. She met her husband Eric when they were both seniors in high school and got married in 2012. Kady breeds and shows American Staffordshire Terriers and currently has five dogs. Since 2013, she has been working in the veterinary medicine field, gaining experience in canine rehabilitation, hospice and end-of-life care, and general medicine. Outside of work, Kady enjoys showing her dogs in AKC conformation and other events. She also has a talent for pet photography.

Liza Baines

Lead Assistant

Liza brings over 30 years of animal care experience to our team. Liza is especially passionate about providing in-home care, ensuring pets remain healthy and comfortable in familiar surroundings. A long-time resident of the Hampton Roads community for 26 years, Liza shares her home with four furry family members: two cats and two dogs. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors with her dogs and bike riding.

Shiona Attenweiler

Operations Manager

Shiona is originally from Scotland and has lived in Hampton Roads for over 15 years. Shiona met her husband, Steve, when he was based in Scotland with the US Navy and they have been married for 27 years. They have one daughter, Cassidy, who lives in Richmond with her husband Jay. Shiona has worked in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Assistant for 15 years. She started with the Monterey SPCA in California, then moved to Bahrain in the Middle East where she worked with an Australian veterinarian, Dr. Nonie Coutts, for two years and then with the VBSPCA where she held the position of Veterinary Assistant, was promoted to Lead Veterinary Assistant and then Director of Clinic Operations, a position she held for 4 years. Shiona and Steve have 5 cats, all “foster fails” from the VBSPCA, and most recently adopted a rescue Boston Terrier called Jimmy Neutron from Compassion for Canines.