Meet the Team

Meet Your Professional, Caring Team

Our team provides exceptional veterinary care of the highest quality, providing the care and dedication that make a difference to both you and your pet.

Our Doctors

Dr. Jeffery Patton

DVM

Doctor Patton was born in Shady Spring, West Virginia. He did his undergraduate work at Marshall University and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University in 1994.

It was at Ohio State that Dr. Patton decided to work with Exotic animals. As a student, he studied at both the Columbus Zoo and The Ohio State University Exotic Outpatient Clinic in order to further his knowledge in exotic medicine. In addition, he spent a month at the Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii studying dozens of exotic animals including chimpanzees, black and white rhinoceros, cheetahs, giant tortoises, and flamingos to name a few. Dr. Patton now works with birds, reptiles, hamsters, and numerous other animals in addition to dogs and cats.

He is an active member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, American Veterinary Medical Association, West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and American Animal Hospital Association.

He and his wife Monica worked together for many years at Animal Care Associates, Inc. Monica is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She is the founder and former President of the West Virginia Association of Veterinary Technicians and is Secretary / Treasurer of the West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine. They are both clinical instructors at Carver Career Center Veterinary Technician Program. They reside in Charleston and share their home with numerous birds and multiple fish.

Dr. Mark Webster

DVM

Dr. Webster grew up in Teays Valley, West Virginia, and has been interested in Veterinary Medicine since he was five. He and his parents trained dogs and exhibited them in Obedience for 15 years.

Scruffy, the first dog he trained, was an intelligent and headstrong terrier that became the eighth Cairn registered by the American Kennel Club to earn a Utility Degree. Volunteering at the local Animal Shelter gave him first hand experience with the overcrowding, disease and funding problems that plague the shelter system.

Dr. Webster’s formal education included a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from West Virginia University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The University of Georgia in 1991. He is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.

His wife Toni and his three children also love animals. They have a menagerie which includes dogs, cats, and iguana, a chinchilla, and a ferret.

Dr. Karin Fujitani

DVM

Dr Karin Fujitani was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and graduated with a BS in Animal Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She received her DVM from the Ohio State University and returned to practice Veterinary Medicine in Hawaii, also serving for many years on the HVMA Executive Board and as a special consultant for the Honolulu Zoo.

Dr Fujitani has a special interest in exotic animal medicine, having worked with various pet exotics, zoo animals, and Hawaiian wildlife throughout her career. She is currently enjoying working with the pet exotics and wildlife that we see here at ACA, many of which are considered illegal and contraband in her home state.

Dr Fujitani is also enjoying exploring the Mainland and immersing herself in Appalachian food and culture. While she has been hanai mom and auntie to many animals over the years, Dr Fujitani is currently pet mom to a Mealy Amazon named Squawky, Littles the Lionhead rabbit and Puhi the Boa Constrictor.

Dr. Moore

DVM

Dr. Moore is a native to the Charleston area, graduating from George Washington High School in 2007. She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Nutritional Sciences from WVU in 2011, and her DVM from St. Matthew’s University in 2016. 

Dr. Moore practices mixed animal medicine and has a special interest in African hoofstock. Outside of work, Dr. Moore enjoys living an active lifestyle; especially hiking, skiing, and floating on the river. Her life revolves around her 3 beautiful girls and her 2 dogs Hitman (Doberman Pinscher) & Isla (Standard Poodle). She also has a beloved family cat named Diana. 

Administrative & Hospital Managers

Cortney Curry

Hospital Manager

Hi, I’m Cortney! As a receptionist, I began my career with Animal Care in 2014 and worked my way up to Practice Manager in 2022! I take great pride in my managing skill and enjoy being a positive contributor to our work environment. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my three kids and my 2 silver labs! We love camping, hiking, and enjoying the wild and wonderful outdoors that West Virginia has to offer. I’m grateful to be a part of a company that allows me to help care for your animals it’s a job I hold very close to my heart!

​Elizabeth Jernigan

RVT, Patient Services

Elizabeth pursued her dream in working with animals when she graduated in 2001 from the Vet Tech program at Fairmont State College. That same year she began work at Animal Care Associates and hasn’t looked back since. Fueled by coffee, she works behind the scenes caring for pets in the treatment area and in surgery. Elizabeth enjoys being a fur mom to her two dogs and two cats as well as a boy mom to her two sons. She loves rock music, any movie with Nic Cage, and will argue that Survivor is the best reality tv show.

Veterinary Technicians & Veterinary Assistants

Crystal

RVT

My name is Crystal Queen. I have been with ACA for 10 years. I graduated from Carver Career Center Veterinary Technology program in 2012. My favorite part of my job is critical care nursing and anesthesia. I also love giving comfort and care to patients and clients. In my free time, I love to dance, play in the wilderness and listening to music.

Erica

RVT

Hi all! My name is Erica Fisher and I am a Registered Veterinary Technician here at animal Care Associates. A country girl from Jackson County, WV, transplanted to the big city of Charleston! I live here with my h·usband Derek and our big blended family of 7 kiddos. We always joke that we run a zoo because of all of the chaos our life entails. With kiddos aged 22 to 3, and our fur babies, there’s never a dull moment! We have a dog, a cat, 2 Parakeets, 2 Guinea Pigs, a Bearded Dragon, and 12 Tarantulas! We love all creatures. I find it a privilege and a joy to be able to work in a field I truly love. My main goal o always make each of you feel at home here at Animal Care, and to help keep your babies as healthy as possible.

​​Erika

RVT

Erika graduated from Carver Career Center with an AAS in Veterinary Technology. She has been in the veterinary care field since moving to West Virginia from her hometown of San Diego in 2014. She has a special interest in anesthesia and client education. She enjoys being able to make a positive difference in the lives of animals and their families. Outside of the clinic, you will find Erika exploring the beauty of West Virginia with her daughter, fiance, and Cattle Dog mix Swami. Erika also has three cats (Rigel, Toki, and Devil Anse ), who spend their days plotting their takeover of the universe.

Abigail

RVT, Carver

My name is Abby and I have been a veterinary assistant at ACA for over 4 years. I recently graduated from Carver Career Center’s Veterinary Technology program. I have 2 cats (Gravee and Fleetwood), a hedgehog (Ozzy), and a bearded dragon (Zeppelin). I am a lover of all critters, but have a special interest in exotic animals. I like to spend my free time either in nature or at music festivals!

Emily

RVT

Bio coming soon!

Skylar

Vet Assistant

Hello! My name is Skylar and I’ve been a vet assistant since 2018, I have two dogs and a cross-eyed kitty. I love working with all creatures from big and small, fluffy and scaly, domesticated and wild. Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors and working with local rescues. I’m very passionate and love what I do, I will always be a voice for the voiceless!

Dawn

Vet Assistant

My name is Dawn, I’m a veterinary assistant, and I’ve worked at ACA for over 6 years. I work with animals of all kinds but my passion has always been reptiles. I have 2 dogs a GSD and a pitbull, 2 snakes a boa and a corn snake, and 1 bearded dragon.

Brooke

RVT Student

Brooke started working with us in August 2021. She is a vet assistant studying with Penn Foster for her technician degree and license. She lives in Sissonville with her partner Ben and her dogs Grizzy and Vixen. She enjoys attending dog shows and agility trials as well as painting pet portraits.

Katie

RVT Student

Hello! My name is Katie and I’m a new veterinary assistant at ACA as of June! I’m currently in school to become a veterinary technician at Carver Career Center. I love working with all the different pets that come in, but my favorite creature to work at the clinic is snakes! When I’m not at work, I like to cuddle with my cat (Emerald) and watch TV, go out with family and friends, hang out in nature, and play games!

Samantha

Vet Assistant

I’ve worked in veterinary medicine for approximately 3 years. I have a specific interest in reptiles and wildlife. I’m originally from Roanoke, VA but I’ve lived in 3 different parts of WV. In my free time I love to travel, see live music, spend time with my fiancé Jake, and play Animal Crossing.

Halea

Vet Assistant

I’m 20 years old, and am currently going to school to become a veterinarian. I have all kinds of pets from reptiles to farm animals. And I love to pet every dog and cat I see

Client Services

Samantha

Client Service Representative

Hello, I’m Samantha! I have worked for ACA since 2017 and have 10+ years of experience in customer service. I enjoy making meaningful relationships with clients and their fur babies! I have a love for cats! I enjoy being outdoors, music and trying new foods.

Susan

Client Service Representative

Susan began working with us May of 2017. She is one of our client service representatives. She lives in Hurricane with her husband (Jay), dog (Kora), and cat (Smudge). She loves traveling, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors in her free time.

Chantel

Client Service Representative

Chantel started in April 2018 as a kennel attendant and is now a receptionist. Chantel lives in Teays Valley, with her boyfriend Brian, their son Lennox, two dogs (Cupcake and Gibby), and two cats (Dwight and Zenon). Chantel enjoys working alongside all the amazing animals Animal Care sees on a daily basis but cats in particular are her favorite. In her free time, she enjoys all things involving her second passion of also being a cosmetologist.

Katriel

Client Service Representative

Katriel grew up near Los Angeles, California.  Then, at the age of 8, she moved with her family to Israel. She graduated with Honors from South Charleston High School. Currently, she resides in Charleston with her son, Zakai, boyfriend, Cody, Cody’s daughter Lilly, their 3 cats – Iroh, Meep, and Thyme, 3 dogs – Lady, Orla, and Finn, and their Ball Python, Leviathan. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and writing poetry, and playing in the garden.  

Summer

Client Service Representative

Summer is new to Animal Care as of 2024. She has always had a love for animals and wild life. She currently resides in Charleston, with her boyfriend (José), two dogs (Jade and Jax), and cat (Ashtray). In her free time, she enjoys traveling, listening to music, and spending time with her animals.

Ciera

Client Service Representative

Bio coming soon!

Animal Caretakers

Halle

Kennel Tech

Hi, I’m Halle! 5 months ago I decided to take a big leap moving from MB,SC to Belle WV with my boyfriend. In that time I adopted my sweet boy Space!!  I spend most of my time with my boys, reading, practicing photography and occasionally adventuring around to see what WV has to offer! I have loved the past few months getting to work here and getting the chance to see what the mountain life is all about!

Paige

Kennel Tech

Paige is from Ripley, WV, and a dog mom to a corgi named Harvey!

Cameron

Kennel Tech

Bio coming soon!