Dr. Rhonda Smith grew up in Brook Park and attended Berea High School and the College of Wooster. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from The Ohio State University in 2001.
In 2012, Dr. Smith purchased Sandstone Animal Hospital (previously Bagley Road Animal Hospital) in Berea from Dr. Robert Randall. Over the next 7 years, Sandstone Animal Hospital grew and moved into a larger, more comfortable building. Dr. Smith has a special interest in creating a positive experience for her patients, which includes fear free, low stress handling techniques.
Dr. Smith is a strong believer in continuing education and is past President of The Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine. In her free time, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with her two daughters, and two cats (Luna and Midnight).
Dr. Nancy Elish received both her BS in microbiology and her DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 1996. Dr. Elish worked at a small animal practice in Rochester, NY for one year before returning home to the Greater Cleveland area to work several years in Medina County and Middleburg Hts. before becoming a self-employed relief vet in 2008. She has served as President of the Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine twice and is a graduate of the 2007 OVMA Leadership Academy. Dr. Elish lives in Brunswick, and in her spare time is kept busy with her two children and her dog, Scarlet. We are extremely grateful to have her available to us when our DVMs need an extra hand!
Linda grew up in Brook Park and graduated from Midpark High School. She received her degree from the Veterinary Technician Program at Cuyahoga Community College in 1998 and obtained her RVT license that same year. At Sandstone, Linda does everything from patient and client care to scheduling, inventory, ordering, and financials. She has excellent laboratory and venipuncture skills and spends extra time with hospitalized patients and boarders making sure they are happy, healthy, and comfortable. Linda currently resides in Eaton Township with her four-legged kids (2 dachshunds named Hilda & Wilhelm). She spends her free time with family and friends and enjoys listening to DMB, reading, and going on road trips.
Tracy grew up on a dairy farm and started working in veterinary medicine as a kennel attendant in 1994. Her passion to help animals and advocate for their needs grew stronger once in a clinic. She decided to juggle raising a family, working, and school, receiving her degree from an accredited Veterinary Technician Program and obtained her RVT license in 2010. Tracy is glad to be back at SAH where she gets to do what she loves while ensuring that your pet receives the best care possible and is treated with kindness, with other professionals that have the same values.
Gill has been in the veterinary field for 34 years, 23 of those years were as a RVT. She received her degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1999. Gill has an interest in pet nutrition and emerging technology in the veterinary field. She has two four-legged friends (Mr. Link the doggo, and Phil Chuck Norris the cat). She enjoys spending time with her family in her free time.
Michelle began working with animals in 2002 and joined the Sandstone team in 2015. Michelle is a versatile employee. She is always willing to jump in to cover reception, take X-rays, run lab work, assist in appointments, or cover weekend kennel shifts. Michelle has two daughters, two well-trained German Shepherds (Lacey and Zander), and is an active runner.
Stephanie graduated from Stautzenberger College in May 2020 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She is able to use her knowledge to help out in appointments and surgery, as well as the front desk. Stephanie has two dogs (Daisy & Emmie) and one cat (Turbo).
Shannon started in the veterinary field in 2017 and joined the SAH team on Valentine’s Day 2022. Shannon plans to return to school to become a RVT and aspires to manage a practice in the future. You’ll see her smiling face in appointments or at the front desk. Shannon has a German Shepherd (Riley), a French Bulldog (Harley), and a tabby cat (Frank).
Taylor graduated from Olmsted Falls High School and attended The University of Akron. She was a co-manager at an ice cream store before joining our team in February 2022. Taylor is excited to finally be working with animals which is something she is passionate about. (Even more so than ice cream.) She is looking forward to greeting everyone and creating connections with all of our clients and patients. In Taylor’s free time she enjoys spending time with family, reading, and playing fetch with her cat, Skye. She also shares the house with a German Shepherd, an Aussiedoodle, and a Bengal cat.
Olivia is a people person, but her love of animals always shines through as well. She is studying Animal Science at The Ohio State University. Her current pre-veterinary coursework is preparing her for her admittance into veterinary school. Olivia is active in a pre-health sorority and is a Peer Mentor for freshman students. Olivia was a dancer for eleven years. She likes to do yoga, explore the outdoors, and spend time with family and friends.
Emily graduated from The Ohio State University in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture after majoring in Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Biosciences. She then went on to receive a degree from Cleveland State University in 2019. Emily is continuing her education at University College Dublin in Ireland where she will receive her degree in veterinary medicine. We miss her terribly, but know she’ll be back to lend a helping hand on her college breaks. When in the US, she lives with her family, which includes a Goldendoodle (Gunner), a Bernedoodle (Beau) and a cat (Mojo).
Sara spent a day shadowing Sandstone Animal Hospital in high school and has been with us ever since! She currently helps out during holidays and summer break since she is a full-time undergraduate Animal Sciences student at Purdue University. Sara is active in a poultry research lab and her sorority. She is planning on graduating a year early and has started applying to veterinary school. In her spare time, Sara enjoys reading, writing, and cooking.
Morgan is majoring in zoology at The Ohio State University and will be pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. She joined us in December 2020 during her college break and will return as her school schedule permits. Morgan wants to give back to animals for all they have done to enrich her life.
April made the jump from human hairdresser to groomer and has fallen in love with it! She was a groomer assistant for 2 years and has been a groomer for 2 years. April loves all breeds and treats all animals as if they were her own. She really enjoys the special stylings for Cocker Spaniels, Yorkies, and Poodles. April has a Great Dane, two Shepherds, a Pitty, five cats, and six chickens. When not at work, April loves spending time with family, visiting zoos and national parks, and is a huge Disney fan.
