Dr. Erica P. Vaughan
Dr. Erica P. Vaughan was raised in Oswego, NY. After graduating high school, she attended Virginia Tech with the long-term goal of becoming a veterinarian. In 1999, she received a B.S. in Animal and Poultry Science from Virginia Tech. Upon graduation she continued her pursuit of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Vaughan completed her studies in Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State in 2004. She moved directly to the Shenandoah Valley and has been practicing quality medicine ever since. Another long-term goal was achieved with the opening of Copper Ridge Animal Hospital. With the help of a top-notch staff, advanced diagnostics such as digital x-ray and ultrasound, Copper Ridge Animal Hospital promises only the best possible care for her clients. Dr. Vaughan excels at all aspects of Veterinary Medicine, especially geriatric medicine. When not in the office, Dr. Vaughan enjoys time with her husband Brian, their son Archie, their dogs ChiChi, Wally, Murray, Monty, and their cat Lava. Come visit her any time at Copper Ridge Animal Hospital.
Dr. Kate Stauffer
Dr Stauffer does relief work with CRAH, and also practices full time on nights and weekends at Veterinary Emergency Services in Verona. She is a 2012 graduate of the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, and did a senior year extern rotation with CRAH shortly before earning her degree. She has three big dogs of her own, and enjoys crocheting, reading, and traveling with her husband and children.
Dr. Tia Evans
Dr. Tia Evans (soon to be Dr. Houff) was born and raised in Chesapeake, Va. To pursue her dreams of becoming a veterinarian, she attended Virginia Tech and graduated with a BS in Animal and Poultry Science in 2020. Dr. Evans then moved to the island of St. Kitts and Nevis to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at Oklahoma State University in 2025.
Other than veterinary medicine, Dr. Evans enjoys spending time with her fiancé and friends, reading, photography, hiking, and exploring local wineries
Renea Carter
Renea Carter is our Office Manager and has been a veterinary receptionist/office manager for many years. She absolutely loves her job getting to know clients and their precious pets. Renea lives in Waynesboro with her husband, their dog Cody and 3 cats Dixon, Oakley, and Bella who rule the house now that their 3 children have grown up and left home. Renea enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and time at the beach.
Amber Meeks, LVT
Amber is a 2011 graduate of BRCC Veterinary Technology Program and joined the CRAH family in July 2019. She resides in Augusta County with her husband, Matthew, and their three children, and numerous pets. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends locally. Special interests include performing diagnostics and treatments to aid in healing patients, surgery, and emergency medicine. Amber also enjoys client communication to further educate pet owners. Amber is very excited to continue her LVT career here at CRAH.
Chloe Stidham
Chloe is one of our assistants and has been cross trained to help out in all departments. She is currently enrolled at Penn Foster University to earn an associates degree in Veterinary Technology and plans to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She has two dogs, Lokki (pictured), Harper a Golden Retriever, and 2 cats. When not at Copper Ridge, she enjoys doing schoolwork, playing with her pets, and watching movies. Chloe is dedicated to providing the best care for all animals and continuing to speak for those who have no voice.
Ivette Guevarra
Ivette is one of our assistants. She joined the CRAH team in 2022. She moved to the U.S. a few years ago from Nicaragua. She is also enrolled in the Blue Ridge Community College’s Veterinary Technology program to become an LVT. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, son and cats, peaches and Mr. Bigotes.
Ashley Good
Ashley started out as one of our kennel attendants in 2022. She tends to help out wherever needed and has recently transitioned to our reception team. She graduated with honors from Spotswood High School in 2022, while there she also completed the Veterinary Science program at MTC. Ashley joined the team at Copper Ridge shortly after graduating. It is safe to say that she is quite the animal enthusiast and is a great friend to all of our boarders. Ashley resides in Harrisonburg with 10 pets (3 pictured).
Ally McElroy
Ally McElroy is one of our kennel attendants here at Copper Ridge. She joined the Copper Ridge team in December 2023. She is originally from Rockbridge County, but has moved to Harrisonburg where she is in her first year of the Veterinary Technology program at Blue Ridge Community College, to further her veterinary career. She has her Advanced Veterinary Assisting degree also from Blue Ridge. When she’s not studying for tests and quizzes, she can be found working on her parent’s goat farm or Ice Cream Business, and hanging out with friends. Ally has one dog Mya and two cats Allen Earl and Skunk. (pictured)
Joe Andes
Joe is one of the Kennel Attendants at Copper Ridge. He has been part of the team since 2023. Joe joined the team at Copper Ridge because of his love for animals and wanting to get his foot in the door of Vet Med and get a better understanding of what all it involves. Joe was born and raised in Broadway, VA but moved to Verona in 2023. Joe graduated with advanced studies from Broadway High School and completed the Veterinary Science program at Massanutten Technical Center in 2022.
Gillian Hedrick
Gillian is a Kennel Attendant at Copper Ridge. Currently enrolled at Bridgewater College and will be graduating in the Fall of 2026. After graduation She plans to attend Blue-Ridge Community College to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She resides in Harrisonburg with her two dogs, Lyla (pictured) and Sadie and two cats, Stella and Minnie. When she’s not working she enjoys going on walks with her dogs, hanging out with friends and family, and reading a good book. She is driven by her passionate love of animals and will always give any animals that come to the clinic the utmost love and care!
Alexis Benner
Alexis is part of our reception team here at Copper Ridge. She joined our team because of her love for animals and meeting new people. Alexis has grown up in Rockingham County and graduated from Turner Ashby High School and completed the Veterinary Science class at Massanutten Technical Center in 2022. When Alexis isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with friends and with her 2 dogs.
