About Us

Meet the team at Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic!

A smiling female veterinarian with a stethoscope around her neck, standing in front of a light green wall, with the Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic logo overlayed at the bottom.

  • Dr. Scheller graduated from Virginia Maryland Veterinary School in 2012 and then went on to complete a rotating internship at the University of Illinois. After a year in the midwest, she accepted a position as Director of Veterinary Services at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. She worked as a shelter veterinarian for six years, during which time she gained invaluable experience in infectious disease, preventative medicine, and high volume surgery.

    Dr. Scheller and her family then relocated to Richmond where she worked in both a traditional private practice as well as a housecall practice.

    Dr. Scheller is passionate about achieving practical solutions for her patients and their families. She draws on her varied experience, passion for learning, and strong hands-on skills to practice high quality medicine with an individualized approach. Having worked alongside Dr. Sims for close to a decade, Dr. Scheller truly feels as though they build on one another’s strengths and make an outstanding team. They have dreamed of opening a veterinary clinic together and are incredibly grateful, and proud, that they have now made that dream a reality.

    When not at work, Dr. Scheller is most often found walking in the woods with her two young daughters, Willa and Eliza, their puppy Ruby, and her husband Matt. They also enjoy taking their camper to state parks, cooking, and searching for snails in their backyard.

A woman with dark hair, smiling and wearing a black uniform with a stethoscope around her neck, standing in front of a light green wall, with a logo that says 'Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic' and features silhouettes of a cat and a dog.

  • Dr. Anna Sims grew up on a farm in southwest Virginia where she was introduced to all types and sizes of animals. She attended Virginia Tech, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal and Poultry Science and Biology in 2007.

    While in undergrad, she joined a foster-based non-profit animal rescue and later became President of the organization for 5 years. Dr. Sims went to Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine where she and her colleague Dr. Scheller met and bonded over animal rescue and animal sheltering.

    After graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Dr. Sims moved back to her hometown of Woolwine, Virginia and worked at a private practice in Brosville for almost two years. In 2014, she joined Dr. Scheller in the beautiful city of Charlottesville where they worked together practicing high quality shelter medicine and surgery at the local animal shelter.

    After 10 years in shelter medicine, Dr. Sims is excited to return to private practice and build Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic with Dr. Scheller. Dr. Sims has strong interests in soft tissue surgery, dentistry, wound care, and counseling owners on practical ways to improve the quality of life of their pet. Dr Sims is also a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. In her free time, you can find Dr. Sims and her boyfriend (and often-times Dr. Scheller) attending live music events, visiting local breweries, or (attempting to) kayak with friends. While she enjoys traveling to sunny, sandy locations, she also has a sincere appreciation for hanging out at home with her boyfriend, dog pack, cats, guinea pig, chickens, ducks, and fish. Dr. Sims is truly looking forward to getting to know you and your pets.

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  • Kimberly graduated from James Madison University in 2019 with a degree in biology and a special interest in veterinary medicine. After graduating, Kimberly began working at the local animal shelter as a clinic veterinary assistant.

    There, she met Dr. Scheller and Dr. Sims, who helped her to grow and develop the skills she needed in order to be able to serve the animals of the Charlottesville community. Kimberly found that her time there allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the healthcare needs of animals, and strengthened her desire to provide excellent, ethical veterinary care to all.

    In 2021, Kimberly took her passion to Richmond, where she worked in a private veterinary practice alongside Dr. Scheller. There, she expanded her knowledge and expertise, bringing a wealth of experience back to her roots as she recently returned from Richmond with her girlfriend, Molly.

    Kimberly doesn’t leave her love for animals at the office door; every evening she is greeted by her own little zoo - three cats, a dog, and a bunny - at home.

    Outside of work, Kim enjoys relaxing with watercolors. Almost nothing makes her happier than her large collection of pens and art supplies. She also enjoys getting outdoors and exploring the Charlottesville views at Darden Towe and Riverview Park with her baby nephew, Jack.

    Now that she has moved back to her hometown, Kimberly is excited about the prospect of working closely with pet owners, forging connections, and ensuring that every animal receives the care they deserve. Her dedication to the welfare of animals, combined with her warm and compassionate nature, makes Kimberly a valuable asset to the Charlottesville community of pet lovers.

    As Kimberly continues her journey in the field of veterinary care, her mission remains clear: to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their devoted human companions.

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  • Shannon Tanner graduated from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) with an Associates of Veterinary Technology in 1993. During her time at NOVA, she interned at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine where she worked in large animal medicine. In 1994, she worked at the Reston Animal Park as a zoo curator. During her time there, she oversaw the care of a wide variety of animals; raising goat kids, antelope calves, lion cubs, and bear cubs, as if they were her own and even being involved in the first successful treatment of tetanus in an elephant in North America. After Reston, Shannon worked at variety small animal veterinary practices across Virginia, including companion animals, exotics, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, emergency medicine.

    For several years, Shannon and her husband Chris ran Dr. Doolittle’s Animal Companions, a petsitting service in Central Virginia.

    For 12 years she worked at the Charlottesville-Albermarle SPCA, where she cultivated a love for shelter medicine. She helped carry out protocols and procedures for shelter medicine and infectious diseases that helped improve standard of care at the clinic during her tenure.

    Additionally, she has participated in numerous high volume TNR and spay/neuter programs in local underserved communities. In 2019, she even traveled to Kauai, Hawaii to participate in a spay neuter program to provide veterinary services to local pets and control feral cat populations on the island in an effort to conserve the local wildlife.

    Prior to coming to Mill Creek Animal Clinic she worked at Kincheloe South at the Jessica Beath Clinic, where she served as clinic manager, developing training protocols and re-organizing clinic operations.

    In her free time, Shannon loves to spend time experiencing live music with her husband, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her four kids and loving pets. She’s the mother of a horde of highly intelligent queer children who have gone on to pursue college education, with one of her children making jewelry and textile arts, one teaching English in Japan and another pursuing a masters degree in environmental science.

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  • George Stephens is a kid at heart who enjoys getting lost in the world of fantasy literature and spending time with close friends and wife with particular time spent strategizing D&D campaigns, and conquering virtual realms. But there was one real-world adventure she craved more than any other: working with animals.

    From high school on, George's electives were a menagerie of animal-themed courses. Her passion for creatures of all kinds was so intense, it practically radiated from her. And so, when she graduated from Fort Defiance High School in Verona, Virginia, she dove headfirst into volunteering at a local spay/neuter clinic.

    As the years passed, George wrestled with a big question: was she destined to be a veterinarian or a veterinary technician? After much soul-searching, she realized that the thrill of the trenches, the hands-on work, and the chance to make a real, immediate difference suited her personality perfectly. She was meant to be a veterinary assistant.

    George’s fur family consist of a cat and a special dog she affectionately calls her "bubble boy." This little pup has a laundry list of food and environmental allergies that would make a human's life a living nightmare. But George loves him unconditionally, and her dog's unique challenges have only fuelled her curiosity about animal allergies.

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  • Savana Hutchinson has a lifelong passion for animals, growing up with cats, dogs, horses, and cattle. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences, specializing in Equine Science. While at Virginia Tech, she gained hands-on experience at a local small animal boarding facility and volunteered at the Smithfield Horse Center.

    In 2016, Savana moved to North Carolina to manage a 65-head horse herd, overseeing medical care, training, and general husbandry. Returning to the Charlottesville area in 2017, she joined the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, where she spent six years in various roles, including hands-on care and management. Savana developed a particular expertise in working with challenging canine behaviors.

    Before joining Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic, Savana expanded her knowledge at Virginia Veterinary Specialists, working closely with internal medicine specialists. She is thrilled to be part of the Mill Creek team and contribute to its success.

    Outside of work, Savana enjoys horses, gardening, home renovation, and her recent hobby of aquaculture. Her experience with handling difficult canine behaviors is invaluable in creating low-stress visits for clients and pets at Mill Creek.

    Currently enrolled in the Vet Tech program at Blue Ridge Community College, Savana looks forward to expanding her role at Mill Creek as she progresses in her studies.

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  • Jasmine McLellan is a Charlottesville-based adventurer with a soft spot for rescue animals and a knack for turning chaos into culinary gold. With a background in adoption counseling and a degree in anthropology, she's got a unique blend of empathy and curiosity that makes her a fascinating conversationalist. When she's not exploring the local farmers' markets or hosting epic D&D sessions, you might find her tending to her garden or snuggling with her furry friends.

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  • Rebecca Blackburn, originally from West Chester, PA, is a passionate animal lover who found her calling at Days End Farm Horse Rescue. After graduating from Loyola University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, she traded the city life for the tranquility of Charlottesville, VA.

    As a vet assistant at the Charlottesville SPCA, Rebecca worked alongside Drs. Scheller and Sims, gaining invaluable experience in animal care. 

    Between tending to her furry friends, Rebecca can be found tending to her own little garden, whipping up tasty treats, or tickling the ivories. A music lover at heart, she loves catching local concerts and exploring the area's wineries with her beloved companions.

    A lover of both nature and animals, Rebecca enjoys hiking with her dogs and soaking up the beauty of the Charlottesville countryside.

Smiling woman in veterinary clinic uniform with Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic logo on the foreground.

  • A native of Geneva, NY, Christina graduated from Finger Lakes Community College in 2000 with a degree in Natural Resource Conservation. Her passion for ornithology led her to participate in several bird banding projects. However, she later pursued another passion, becoming a successful manicurist and eventually owning a thriving day spa in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After two decades in the spa industry, Christina sold her business and relocated to Charlottesville, VA.

    Christina ended up at Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic, and after mentioning her interest in veterinary medicine, she was asked to spend time volunteering at the clinic. It quickly became apparent that Christina had found the right place, and she was subsequently offered a position.

    Christina is passionate and enjoys learning; her specific interests include pain management, dental care, and low-stress animal restraint. In her free time, Christina can be found cruising through the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband, stepchildren, and beloved dog, Truffles.

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  • Born in Hong Kong, Sky’s diverse upbringing includes attending a German school and living in vibrant cities like Toronto, Paris, and London. After studying law at Birkbeck College, London, she realized her true passions lay elsewhere.

    Returning to Hong Kong, Sky embarked on a creative journey, teaching English, DJing, and even stepping into the ring as a ring girl at several boxing events. Her multifaceted skills extended to TV, film, and print production, as well as logo and website design.

    She moved to Virginia to be with her husband and, after realizing a need to address the issue of stray and feral cats, particularly the importance of spay/neuter, she began volunteering at Operation Catnip of Richmond. There, she gained valuable experience and started working at a high-volume spay neuter clinic.

    Through her work at the clinic, Sky met Dr. Sims and Dr. Scheller. Sky was able to visualize their vision for Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic and used her design skills to translate that vision into their logo and website.

    Beyond her work at MCVC, Sky is passionate about animal welfare and enjoys volunteering with cat rescue groups and Cat Action Team’s spay neuter events in Charlottesville. She also enjoys Muay Thai boxing, TNR (trapping feral cats for sterilization), watching Korean & UK panel shows, cooking, and eating. She has six cats, one husband, and one human child.

    Now, as a Project Coordinator at MCVC, Sky works diligently behind the scenes to support the clinic’s various initiatives. She also lends a hand as a vet assistant, contributing to the team’s efforts to provide compassionate care to animals in need.

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  • Alyssa has found a new home in Texas, where she’s flourishing. We’ve kept her profile on our website as a lasting reminder of her contributions to the Mill Creek Vet family.

    Alyssa grew up in Northern Virginia with a small pack of animal friends, including a dog, multiple rabbits, and an aquatic turtle. She graduated from the University of Maryland Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in Biology.

    After graduating, Alyssa connected with Licensed Technicians at a local clinic and later at the vivariums of the University of Virginia, inspiring her to go back to school to pursue a degree in Veterinary Technology. Immediately after relocating to the Charlottesville area in the summer of 2015, she took on a Recovery Assistant position at the local animal shelter where she met Dr. Anna Sims and Dr. Kristen Scheller, who later became her veterinary mentor. Alyssa worked at the shelter for 8 years, during which time she earned her technician license. Always looking for opportunity to expand her skills, Alyssa has worked in a variety of clinical settings since becoming an LVT in 2020, including General Practice, ER and Urgent care, High-Volume Spay/Neuter, and Specialty. She is currently considering pursuing a specialty in Anesthesia and Analgesia.

    Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys the company of her dog, four cats, and many houseplants. She also cycles through several different hobbies, such as homebrewing cider, learning to DJ, and digital art. However, her biggest passion lies in dance (Kizomba!), which she teaches and travels for regularly. If you ask her anything dance-related, she is likely to talk about it for hours!

    Alyssa is excited to help Dr Anna Sims and Dr Kristen Scheller live out their dream of owning their own practice and giving back to the Charlottesville community. Like them, her goal is to provide ethical and compassionate care for pets and pet owners alike. She can't wait to meet the furry (and scaly and feathery!) friends of Charlottesville!