Meet
Our Veterinary Team
Meet the Veterinarians and team of Clarksburg Veterinary Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to know our team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Dr. Abigail Smith
DVM and Owner
Practice owner and West Virginia native, Dr. Abigail Smith, is a 2011 graduate of Clay County High School. She graduated summa cum laude from WVU with a degree in Animal and Nutritional Sciences in 2015 and went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech) in 2019. After working at several different veterinary practices in West Virginia, she returned to Clarksburg in July of 2023 to put down her roots.
Dr. Smith’s compassion for animals developed at a very young age as her family always had several cats. She knew by the age of 10 that she wanted to spend the rest of her life caring for animals, and as the new owner of Clarksburg Veterinary Hospital, is well on her way to achieving this dream.
Dr. Smith resides in Bridgeport, where she shares her home with her boyfriend, Tony, and their fur family — a German Shepherd (her favorite breed), two Labrador Retrievers, and eight cats.
When she’s working, Dr. Smith’s passions lie in surgery, as well as animal behavior. Driven by this passion Dr. Smith completed her Fear Free Certification and implements many of the practices that she learned during her work day in order to keep her patients happy and relaxed. In her spare time she can be found fishing, gardening, playing slowpitch softball, and spending time with Tony and their fur babies.
Dr. Payton Mann
DVM
Clarksburg Veterinary Hospital is excited to welcome Dr. Payton Mann to our team! Originally from Pocahontas County, West Virginia, Dr. Mann is a mixed-animal veterinarian with a passion for both small- and large-animal medicine. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary care, with particular interests in surgery, case workups, and lameness evaluations on the larger animal side. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Mann shares her home with two dachshunds, Remi and Hopper, and two cats, Hermi and Selena. When she’s not caring for patients, she loves hiking, horseback riding, and reading. Her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and dedication to her patients make her a wonderful addition to the Clarksburg Veterinary Hospital family.
Office Manager
Kendie Davis
VT and Office Manager
Kendie is a dedicated veterinary technician with over 15 years of
experience and has spent the past two years serving as the office
manager at Clarksburg Veterinary Hospital. Her passion for animal care
began early in her life in West Virginia and deepened when she started
volunteering at a local humane society in 2007. In 2012, she earned
her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
from Pierpont Community and Technical College.
Now living in Lost Creek, WV, Kendie enjoys the peaceful rhythm of
country life with her children, Kavian and Kavaya, and their beloved
pets—Great Dane “Harley,” Doodle “Ellie May,” and three cats:
“Junapurr, Kippurr, and Fernie.” They enjoy the joys of country
living, where they can freely ride four-wheelers, swim, and create
cherished family memories. In her free time, she enjoys dancing,
singing, engaging in playful Nerf gun wars, and having fun water
balloon fights with her family, embracing every moment of her dream
life in the countryside!
Veterinary Technicians
Lindsay Pettry
RVT
Lindsay is a Registered Veterinary Technician who graduated from Pierpont Community and Technical College. She has two beagles named Maci and Fancy, and two cats named Lilo and Stitch. Her and her husband enjoy being in the outdoors and are very competitive in various backyard sports. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and fur babies, crafting and kayaking.
LuraAnna Ringstaff
RVT
LuraAnna graduated from Pierpont Community & Technical College in 2018 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology and became a Registered Veterinary Technician the same year. She has a special interest in animal behavior and is passionate about making every visit a positive experience for her patients by utilizing Fear Free handling and restraint techniques. At home, LuraAnna shares her life with her husband and their four beloved pets—two cats, Meowgi and Bush, and two dogs, Bindi and Toast. Toast was rescued through Cheat Lake Animal Hospital’s Save Our Lives program after a car accident and now happily thrives as a three-legged “tripod.” In her free time, LuraAnna enjoys listening to audiobooks, playing video games, and crocheting, as well as spending quality time with her family and furry companions.
Brittney Sias
VT
Meet Brittney, our dedicated team member with a passion for all critters, big and small. Brittney graduated in 2012 with an Associate in Applied Science and has graced Veterinary Medicine with her positive outlook and sense of humor since. At home, Brittney shares her home with a wild array of pets. A cat, Toast, is the most loveable guy of all time. Pace, the Chihuahua, brings the zest. You’ll also find a colorful presence with Skittles, the Green Cheek Conure, and a melodious companion, Morgan Wallen, the parakeet. Dave the Dove is a gentle soul that rounds out the whole gang. Beyond her furry and feathered friends, Brittney’s family includes her two wonderful children, Emmy and Canaan, as well as her incredibly supportive husband, Mike. In her free time, Brittney finds solace in the pages of a good book. Her dedication to the well-being of animals, both at work and at home, is truly inspiring and we are very fortunate to have her as part of our veterinary team!
Veterinary Assistant
Angelina Booker
Veterinary Assistant
Angelina is a graduate from North Marion High School who later completed the Animal Science and Nursing program at the Marion County Technical Center, solidifying her commitment to the well-being of our furry companions.
In 2021, Angelina married her sweetheart Damon, and together, they are raising three energetic boys: Carson, Matthew, and Xavier. As a dedicated mother and wife, Angelina brings a nurturing touch to her role as a veterinary assistant, treating each patient with the same love and care she gives her own family.
When she’s not assisting our veterinarians or chasing after her little ones, Angelina finds solace in the simple joys of life. Whether she’s soaking up the sun at the beach, practicing yoga to find balance, or embarking on adventures to new destinations, Angelina embraces every moment with enthusiasm.
Of course, Angelina’s furry family members are just as cherished. At home, she’s accompanied by her gentle giant Great Dane, River, her loyal pitbull, Remington, and her feline friend, Blue. With a household full of love and laughter, Angelina brings warmth and compassion to both her work and personal life, making her an invaluable member of our team.
Jenna Bell
Hi, I’m Jenna Bell, a certified Veterinary Assistant with a deep
passion for animal care and a love for the outdoors. I grew up in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Plum Senior High School.
After moving to Flemington, West Virginia with my boyfriend Austin, I
pursued my lifelong dream of working with animals and earned my
Certificate of Applied Science in Veterinary Assisting from Pierpont
Community & Technical College.
Through my education and hands-on training, I’ve gained valuable
experience in animal handling, client communication, medical care, and
surgical assistance. I’m committed to providing compassionate,
knowledgeable support to both animals and their owners—whether in a
clinic setting or at home with my own pets.
When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me outdoors fishing,
gardening, or exploring the beautiful hills of West Virginia. At home,
I enjoy spending my time with Austin and our beloved animal family:
three dogs (a Shepherd/Collie mix, a German Shorthaired Pointer/Shar
Pei mix, and a Pomchi), two birds (a Cockatiel and a Pigeon), three
cats, and our Jerusalem donkey, Bucket. They bring joy to every day
and remind me why I love what I do.
Receptionist
Cristin Frederick
Receptionist
With a personality as radiant as her smile, Cristin lights up every room she enters. Her thoughtful nature and uncanny ability to lift others’ spirits have earned her a reputation as one of the most uplifting people to be around. Cristin’s reliability and dedication empower her to tackle any task, while her humor and positivity ensure the journey is filled with laughter along the way. Whether at work or with friends, Cristin’s kind heart and caring spirit shine through in all that she does. Cristin has 5 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She loves interacting with pets and enjoys getting the opportunity to learn and thrive in the veterinary field. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her dog, 2 cats and 2 Cockatiels.
Corrie Burlas
Receptionist
Meet Corrie, our newest team member! With a passion for learning and a heart full of enthusiasm, Corrie brings a fresh perspective to our staff. A true animal lover, she finds joy in both her work and her personal life, often sharing laughs and good times with those around her. Corrie is a proud pet parent to her playful dog, Ghost, and her curious cat, Toph, who often inspire her dedication to animal care. With a doctorate in organic chemistry, Corrie combines her scientific expertise with her current pursuit in veterinary medicine, making her a unique asset to our team. Her blend of knowledge, humor, and compassion ensures that both animals and people feel welcome and cared for in her presence. We’re excited to have Corrie on board as she embarks on this rewarding journey!
Gwen Smith
Administrative Assistant
Gwen was born in Kanawha County and resided there until 2022. She is a graduate of Herbert Hoover High School and later received a teaching degree from WVSC and a school psychology degree from MUGC. She served students in Kanawha County Schools as an educator and later as a school psychologist until she retired in 2021 with 33 years of service; although, she continued as a substitute providing homebound instruction through 2022. After enjoying full retirement for one year, she joined the staff at Clarksburg Veterinary Hospital. Although new to the field of veterinary medicine, she enjoys the opportunity to work with a team of dedicated professionals to provide quality care to our patients and support our clients. Gwen now resides in Clarksburg with her dog and eight cats. She also contributes to the care of a neighborhood community cat by providing food, water, treats, and attention. In her free time, Gwen enjoys Perry Mason reruns and Hallmark shows and movies. She is active in the church she attends and gives back by donating to charitable organizations including the ASPCA.
Aja Copenhaver
Groomer
Meet our newest addition to Clarksburg Veterinary Hospital, a local gem with a heart of gold and a talent for taming even the most timid of tails: Aja Copenhaver, a graduate of North Marion High School. With a caring heart and an unwavering passion for animal care, Aja brings a wealth of experience and a gentle touch to our NEW grooming salon. Consider her the animal whisperer of our clinic, as she effortlessly communicates with our furry friends, earning their trust and making grooming sessions a breeze. Patient and compassionate, Aja is dedicated to ensuring every pet feels safe and comfortable during their spa day- But her love for animals doesn’t end there! Aja is also an avid advocate for animal welfare, always eager to educate our clients on proper grooming techniques and the importance of regular pet care.
Outside of work, Aja enjoys spending quality time with her boyfriend and their furry family members, including dogs Peanut and Mozah, and cats Nala and Chip. Whether it’s fishing by the lake, crafting homemade candles, or belting out tunes on the dance floor, she fills her free time with a variety of hobbies that reflect her creativity and zest for life.
With Aja on board, your pet is not only in good hands but in the loving care of someone who truly understands and appreciates the bond between animals and their humans.
Clinic Cats
Bingo
Clinic Cat
Meet Bingo, our professional security guard at the veterinary clinic! With a keen sense of observation and a knack for napping in strategic locations, Bingo ensures the safety of our furry patients and staff. When not patrolling the premises, this feline hero enjoys cuddles, treats, and the occasional game of “hide-and-pounce.” With Bingo on duty, our clinic is not only a place of healing but also a fortress of feline vigilance.
Ray Ray
Clinic Cat
Sweet, snuggly, and oh-so-special, Ray Ray is a feline friend like no other. This loving kitty brightens the clinic with his affectionate nature, despite dealing with medical challenges like urinary and bowel incontinence. Though requiring extra care, Ray Ray takes it all in stride, spreading joy and comfort to staff and patients alike. His unwavering spirit and zest for life make him the ultimate morale booster and a true inspiration. Ray Ray proves that it’s not what you have, but who you are, that matters most.