Our Team

Our team is here to help. At Appalachian Veterinary Services, we treat you and your pets like our family. Get to know our awesome team below!

Our Doctors

Dr. Alexandru Pop, DVM

President, Veterinarian

About Dr. Pop

Dr. Pop is a 2019 graduate from North Carolina State University and joined Appalachian Veterinary Services after practicing mixed, large animal medicine on the coast near Wilmington, NC. Dr. Pop’s family originally immigrated from Romania and settled down permanently in Fancy Gap, VA.

Dr. Pop’s interests within the medical field revolve around small ruminants and bovine medicine, focusing on start-up sustainable farming, and helping anyone feel confident in the world of animal husbandry. Dr. Pop is a car enthusiast in his free time and enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time traveling and exploring new places with his wife Mary and their pups Cali and Roxy.

Learn more about Dr. Pop and his transition into Appalachian Veterinary Services in this letter to our clients!

Dr. Ashley Roberts, DVM

Senior Associate Veterinarian

About Dr. Roberts

Dr. Roberts grew up locally on a small farm in McCoy, Virginia, where her family had a small herd of commercial beef cattle and a private horse boarding facility. She was very active in both 4-H and FFA where she competed at local, state, and national events in livestock judging, horse judging, and Stockman’s contests. She also enjoyed exhibiting beef heifers and market lambs and caring for a variety of horses. Dr. Roberts completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Virginia Tech in animal & poultry sciences in 2011. She also received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.

Dr. Roberts enjoys working with pleasure horses, beef cattle, and small ruminants. She enjoys taking the extra time to educate clients to better the care and health of her patients. In her time away from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, Border Collies, and her Quarter Horse named Henry.

Dr. Sally Suttenfield, DVM, CCRP

Senior Associate Veterinarian, Rehabilitation Specialist

About Dr. Suttenfield

Dr. Suttenfield is a 1991 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and is a certified canine rehabilitationist and career small animal veterinarian. Dr. Suttenfield offers wellness exams, vaccinations, routine lab work, and ‘sick’ patient exams, as well as arthritis, chronic pain, and nutritional management, electrical stimulation for pain control, heat and cold therapy, therapeutic exercise programs to aid in recovery, neurological and post-surgical rehabilitation, therapeutic ultrasound, and water therapy with our state-of-the-art underwater treadmill.

Dr. Suttenfield also works with Sports Dog Assessment and Conditioning as well as Managing the Handicapped Dog.

Dr. Patricia Báez, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

About Dr. Báez

Dr. Báez grew up in Puerto Rico, where she completed her bachelors degree in biology at the University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Báez grew up riding and showing Paso Fino horses and still has her show mare back home! She moved to North Carolina to attend veterinary school at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she focused on equine medicine and graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. After completing veterinary school, Dr. Báez stayed in North Carolina to complete a year long internship at Carolina Equine Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in equine medicine and surgery, while also working with other large animal species. Dr. Báez is passionate about working through difficult internal medicine cases, equine reproduction and neonatology, as well as managing emergency cases. During her free time, she enjoys hiking with her pup, Milo, going to the beach, reading and cooking.

Dr. Katie McQueen, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

About Dr. McQueen

Dr. McQueen was born and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Canada where she grew up in a house full of family pets and began riding horses at a young age. After moving to Nova Scotia, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Dalhousie University’s Agricultural campus in 2017. Upon graduation, she took two years off school to work as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic and as a CrossFit coach. She recently graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island in May of 2023. Dr. McQueen has always dreamed of going into mixed animal medicine and loves the diversity of cases it brings. She has a passion for theriogenology across all species and enjoys a challenging reproduction case. After working on a Standardbred breeding farm for the past two years, she has specifically developed a keen interest in equine reproduction and neonatology. On the small animal side, she enjoys soft tissue surgery, behavioral cases and educating clients on preventative medicine. She is currently completing a course in equine and small animal acupuncture and hopes to begin providing these services in the future.

Dr. McQueen has two rescue dogs, Saige and Darby, and two rescue cats, Rue and Mama. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys riding, working out, listening to true crime podcasts and is a die-hard Taylor Swift fan.

Our Support Staff

Kathy

Kathy VanDyke

Office Manager

About Kathy

Kathy is a Virginia Tech graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry & wildlife management. Her professional career took a turn after graduation when she joined her family business and spent her professional career overseeing the operations of a high tech manufacturing company. After several years of retirement, Kathy joined the Appalachian Veterinary Services team in 2011, and the rest is history!

When not at the clinic, Kathy enjoys life with family on a 20-acre horse farm with her Paint & Quarter Horses and Akita, Vader. She also enjoys bike riding with family and making stained glass for friends.

Chelsea Lang

Lead Veterinary Technician Assistant

About Chelsea

Chelsea joins the Appalachian team from Bristol, Virginia, and now resides in Belspring, VA, with her boyfriend Cody, their three cats (Zim, Wolfie, Poe), Blue Heeler, Hopper, and Golden Retriever, River. When Chelsea isn’t at work, you can find her hiking on a local trail or kayaking the New River.

Chelsea has worked with animals for almost two years, bringing her experience working in small animal emergency medicine in Blountville, TN. She has assisted in everything from surgeries to basic inpatient care and will be the cheerful smile that greets all of our patients and clients. Chelsea has always been on her toes regarding the health and well-being of animals. She can not wait to further develop her career here with us at Appalachian Veterinary Services.

Bekah

Bekah Reed

Large Animal Technician Assistant

About Bekah

Bekah, originally from Broadway, Virginia, discovered her passion for veterinary medicine and large animals at a young age. She pursued this interest academically, earning an Associate of Science degree from Blue Ridge Community College in 2020. In 2022, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Poultry Science, specializing in Equine and Food Animals. Her undergraduate studies included a Cattle Reproduction and Palpation course, along with certification in Artificial Insemination through Select Sires.

Bekah now resides in Christiansburg with her fiancé, their two cats, Pippin and Butters, and their two bearded dragons, Kennitia and Mushu. She also continues to care for her childhood horse, Sugar, and enjoys spending her free time riding and caring for her. When not at the barn or at work, Bekah enjoys relaxing with her fiancé and their two cats or working on crochet projects. Bekah is excited to further develop her skills and knowledge as part of the Appalachian Vet team.

Hannah Blanton

Emma Reed

Large Animal Technician Assistant

About Emma

Emma graduated from Virginia Tech in December of 2023 with a bachelor’s in Dairy Science and a minor in Animal and Poultry Sciences. She grew up on a small hobby farm in Millersburg, Pennsylvania which is where her love for animals started to grow. She now resides in Riner with her boyfriend, Carter, near his family farm. When Emma isn’t working, you can find her working cows or enjoying the outdoors when she’s hunting or fishing during her free time. 

Emma has gained valuable experience working with animals through her role at ZooAmerica and an internship with The Calving Corner in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is currently applying to veterinary school with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Emma is eager to further expand her knowledge of veterinary medicine through her work at Appalachian Veterinary Services.

Mary Katherine Buchanan

Veterinary Technician Assistant

About Mary Katherine

Mary Katherine joins the Appalachian Team locally from Hiwassee, Virginia with her four cats, Ryah, Mimosa, Piper, and Frazier, her Dachshund Poodle mix, Humphrey, and her Rottweiler, Gypsy. When Mary Katherine isn’t working you can find her reading a book or walking along the trails with Gypsy and Humphrey. Mary Katherine has been working with animals for almost four years and her love for animals has flourished, and has decided to take the next step and is in school to acquire her Veterinary Technician license. She enjoys engaging with clients and getting to know their pets, she is always excited to answer any questions, and help our clients in any way she can!

Hannah Blanton

Anna Harris

Veterinary Technician Assistant

About Anna

Anna joins the Appalachian team from the small town of Eagle Rock, Virginia which is where her passion for animals started. She was a member of the Virginia High School Rodeo Association and was awarded the title Queen twice during her time with the association. With one year of experience as a Small Animal Veterinary Technician Assistant, Anna is now furthering her education in veterinary medicine by becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Anna now resides in Radford with her boyfriend, Trevor, and their Goldendoodle beau. When she isn’t working, Anna enjoys visiting her family, taking walks with Trevor and Beau, and attending her siblings’ rodeo events.  Anna is committed to ensuring each patient has a positive experience, complete with plenty of treats and affection. She is excited to continue growing in her career at Appalachian Vet. 

Hannah Blanton

Hannah Blanton

Community Engagement Coordinator

About Hannah

Hannah joins the Appalachian team from Farmville, VA! She first came to the area as a student at Virginia Tech, where she recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She now resides in Christiansburg with her Blue Heelers, Easton and Lasso. When Hannah isn’t working, you can find her hiking the nearby trails or pleasure riding horses.

Hannah has worked in the veterinary field for nearly three years, but she has been around animals since her childhood. While Hannah started her role at Appalachian as a veterinary assistant, she has taken a more direct role with helping clients and coordinating events in our local community. Hannah is happiest when she gets to interact with our clients daily and ensures that all of their questions are answered, and needs are met. She is eager to grow her career at Appalachian Veterinary Services!

Hannah Blanton

Miranda Blackston

Customer Service Representative

About Miranda

Miranda joins the Appalachian Team from Tampa, Floridia! She came from a very large city where she worked as an Licensed Veterinary Technician and continued her education by studying veterinary medicine. She now resides in Radford with her fiance, Dylan, their two dogs, Bentley and Goose, and their children. When Miranda is not working, you can find her reading a book or hiking on the local trails with her dogs! 

Miranda has worked in the veterinary field since 2014 where she started as a kennel assistant and Client Service Representative. From there, she realized that she had a deep love for animals so she decided to continue her education at Hillsborough Community College and the University of Florida. Miranda enjoys interacting with our clients daily and helping them in any way that she can. 
Hannah Blanton

Mariah Long

Office Assistant

About Mariah

Mariah has joined the Appalachian Veterinary Services team from Charlottesville, Virginia, where she grew up on her family’s beef cattle farm. An avid equestrian from the age of 10, she was deeply involved in the Virginia Equine 4H Program throughout her youth. Mariah graduated from Virginia Tech in December 2019 with a degree in Animal Science. She went on to gain two years of experience in small animal medicine during the pandemic before returning to Virginia Tech in 2022 to further her education by attending Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Currently residing in Blacksburg with her husband, Christian, and their black lab, Cooper, Mariah balances her studies with her love of reading and horseback riding. After completing vet school, she plans to establish her veterinary career locally in Southwest Virginia, where she aims to pursue a mixed practice of both small and large animal medicine. She is excited to continue expanding her knowledge within the veterinary field by being part of the Appalachian team. 

Hannah Blanton

Sofia Koppy

Customer Service Representative

Sofia Koppy

Sofia’s passion for animals began in her early years growing up on a small poultry farm in rural Michigan. After relocating to Arlington, Virginia, for high school, she deepened her interest in veterinary medicine through volunteering and fostering with her local animal shelter. Sofia graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. 
She now resides in Blacksburg with her boyfriend, Bruno, and their cat, Oso. Outside of work, Sofia enjoys hiking and biking on nearby trails, knitting, and visiting her family abroad. She is enthusiastic about working with clients and is dedicated to expanding her knowledge within veterinary medicine as she works toward her goal of becoming a mixed-animal veterinarian.
Hannah Blanton

Liv Larson

Large Animal Technician Assistant

Liv Larson

Bio coming soon