Our Team
About Our Team
The team at Battletown Animal Clinic is dedicated to providing the best possible care for their patients and creating a caring environment in the clinic. We strive to build strong relationships with our clients, as well as serve our community through various outreach initiatives.
We are passionate about delivering an individualized and exceptional client experience, ensuring that all of our furry friends receive the highest standard of care. Our team consists of highly skilled veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, animal care attendants and customer service specialists who are committed to providing personalized attention to all their patients and serving them with compassion, understanding, and kindness.
We believe that the team at Battletown Animal Clinic is essential to ensuring an exceptional experience for all of our clients and patients.
Veterinarians
Dr. Rachael Nuzzo
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Rachael Nuzzo graduated from Virginia Tech with degrees in both animal and poultry science and dairy science. Dr. Nuzzo earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a special interest in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and senior pet care. Dr. Nuzzo currently is on the board of directors for the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Nuzzo acquired Battletown Animal Clinic in 2021, and she was thrilled that she had the opportunity to work with people who genuinely care for the patients and people who care for them. She is inspired by her team who bring forth their best attitude every day. When not at work, Dr. Nuzzo enjoys spending time with her husband, son, three dogs, and cat, as well as gardening.
Favorite thing about being a veterinarian: For Dr. Nuzzo, Veterinary Medicine is more than just a profession – it’s a passion that’s fueled by the people she works with. Her colleagues share a deep-seated love for animals and an unwavering commitment to their well-being. It’s this shared sense of purpose that makes each day not just a job, but a privilege. For Dr. Nuzzo, Vet Med isn’t just what they do, it’s who they are.
Dr. Erin Rockwell
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Erin Rockwell earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech, where she also studied Animal and Poultry Sciences. She developed a passion for working with animals while growing up on her family’s farm in central Virginia. Dr. Rockwell has a special interest in general surgery and is an advocate for preventative care. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
She lives with her spouse, three cats, and a dog. Her personal interests include adventurous cooking, practicing to be a sommelier, outdoor activities, yoga, reading, painting, and traveling.
Dr. Brittany Jones
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Brittany Jones earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Dr. Jones has a special interest in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery and exotic pet care (small mammals, birds, reptiles).
Dr. Jones is passionate about the future of veterinary medicine and participates in programs such as the mentor program at VMCVM. Outside of work, Dr. Jones is an avid reader, enjoys hiking with her dogs and spending time with family.
Favorite thing about being a veterinarian: Being an advocate for patients
Dr. Holly Nightingale
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Holly Nightingale graduated from Virginia Tech with degrees in both Biology and Animal Science in 2001. In 2005, Dr. Nightingale earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Nightingale is certified in veterinary acupuncture from International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). She enjoys being able to offer this alternative therapy to her patients.
Outside of work, Dr. Nightingale enjoys spending time with her family and furry companions.
Dr. Belinda Burwell
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Belinda Burwell received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Tufts-New England School of Veterinary Medicine in Boston, MA. After spending 10 years working in Private Practice and Emergency Medicine in New Hampshire and Ohio, she moved to her grandparents’ farm in Boyce, VA., where she continued her career as an Emergency Vet at The Hope Center in Vienna, and was a founding manager of the Valley Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Winchester. She also was the founder and lead veterinarian at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for 15 year. She is passionate about animal and environmental health.
Dr. Burwell joined Battletown Animal Clinic in 2023. Her specialties are critical care and surgery. Outside of work, her interests include wildlife conservation, gardening, and boating. She is a Virginia Master Naturalist, and a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator.
Tina
Tina has an associate’s degree in Social Sciences. She came onboard Battletown Animal Clinic in 2021. Helping clients get the care they need for their pets is what she appreciates most about working in a veterinary clinic.
Away from work, she dedicates most of her time to AKC events such as hunting, obedience, rally, conformation, dock diving, and scent work with her German Shorthaired Pointers.
Shelly
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Shelly graduated from Northern Virginia Community College in 2016. In the same year, she proceeded to take the national board exam and has been licensed since. She came onboard Battletown Animal Clinic in 2021. Shelly loves taking care of cats and dogs whether they’re sick or healthy. She was only 15 years old when she started working in her chosen field and since then has become dedicated to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. What she loves most about her time in the clinic is the people she works with and their commitment and dedication to helping animals.
Sarah
Practice Manager
Sarah has a Bachelor of Science in Animal & Poultry Sciences degree from Virginia Tech. She joined Battletown Animal Clinic in 2021. Her favorite part of working at the clinic is having the opportunity to establish a relationship with pets and their owners, as well as nurturing the bond animals have with their humans. She also loves that they provide personalized care to each patient and their owners.
Away from work, she enjoys amateur photography, reading, and spending time with family. Sarah has given two rescued bully breed pups their forever home. Chopper the couchpotato enjoys afternoon naps in the sun and Gator is an adventurer that loves car rides no matter where the destination may be, as long as he rides shotgun.
Jenna
Jenna graduated in 2013 from Blue Ridge Community College and after completing the Veterinary Technician Program, obtained her license as a Veterinary Technician. In 2022, she became part of Battletown Animal Clinic and has since loved being part of the team. She appreciates how everyone is like family and collaborates so well.
Jenna values spending time with her family above all else, especially as a full-time working mom. She makes sure to set aside quality time with her daughter and husband. Jenna’s family is incomplete without Rylee the pointer mix and Hazel the pitbull mix. They love going on walks at Blandy farm!
Krista
Veterinary Assistant
Krista joined Battletown Animal Clinic in 2021. She enjoys working closely with clients and their pets. Krista knows the bond between a pet and its owner is oftentimes difficult to put into words but incredible to witness. She has chosen to dedicate herself to ensuring that clients receive top-notch individualized care for their pets and they leave the clinic feeling like their concerns have been addressed and that their furry companions are in good hands.
Away from work, Krista enjoys hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and going to dirt track races with her husband. Their family is incomplete without her beloved pets. They have a beagle named Winona who is a rescue from Madison County Shelter. Winona surely knows how to keep them on their toes and the trash can is her BFF! Krista also inherited a Bichon-Poo named Friday from her mom who now feels right at home with the rest of the gang. Tommy is a feral cat who has worked his way into their home and hearts. They also look after a special needs kitty called Franke who has cerebellar hypoplasia. This unique neurologic condition causes her to walk a bit funny, hence the name Frankie, short for Frankenstein. Another feral kitty they’ve given a forever home is Teddy a.k.a “Teddy the Tank”. Last but not least is Maybelline, their outdoor kitty.
Sarah
Veterinary Assistant
Sarah started working at Battletown Animal Clinic in 2022 and since then has enjoyed being part of a group of caring and compassionate professionals. She loves getting to know clients and their pets. Sarah chose a career in veterinary medicine because she knows the impact pets can have on people’s lives and has dedicated herself to helping to provide the best care possible to clients and their beloved pets.
Sarah is a proud firefighter wife and shows support to first responders whenever possible. She enjoys going to concerts, doing home improvement projects, traveling, scrapbooking, and various outdoor activities. Spending time with her friends, family, and furbabies is what she loves most of all. Her furry babies include a hound named Rubie Rue, a terrier mix named Cash, and three cats called Argo, AJ, and Buddy.
Ashley
Veterinary Assistant
Ashley came onboard Battletown Animal Clinic in 2022. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is being a voice and an advocate for the animals. She also very much appreciates taking part in the process of observing an animal in distress and assisting in their recovery. Ashley loves how everyone is like family at the clinic.
In her free time, Ashley can be found spending time with her family. In addition to her two kids, she has two furbabies named Kole and Kobe. They are playful black labs who enjoy swimming in the river for fun.
Cara
Cara, armed with the knowledge gained from her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and her passion for animal welfare, joined Battletown Animal Clinic team in 2023. What truly resonates with her in this field is the opportunity to collaborate with pet owners, fostering and strengthening the bond between them and their beloved companions.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Cara finds relaxation and enjoyment in playing video games, participating in family game nights, and simply spending quality time with her beloved pets. Sharing her home are two German Shepherds, Raven and Baron, a Pitbull-Staffordshire Mix named Chico, a leopard gecko named Franklin, and two hermit crabs named Henry and Toby. Each of Cara’s animal companions adds a distinct source of happiness to her life.
Julee
Julee has been a team member of Battletown Animal Clinic since 2023, having acquired her education from Wingate College and earning her Fear Free certification in 2017. With over 30 years of experience in various veterinary roles, Julee brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.
Her passion for veterinary medicine lies in its ability to strengthen the Human/Animal Bond, a connection she’s cherished since childhood, surrounded by dogs and cats. She marvels at how creatures of all kinds, from furry companions to those with scales or feathers, can bring immense love and comfort to our lives.
Outside of work, Julee indulges in her love for nature through hiking and photography, often exploring the beaches of Virginia and North Carolina. Alongside her husband, she navigates trails in their Jeep Wrangler, embracing the outdoors. At home, Julee shares her space with Jetty the Labrador Retriever, Nigel the “supermutt” rescue, Frisco the brown tabby, and Nugget the ginger tabby, forming a lively household filled with furry companions. Despite never owning a horse, Julee’s profound love for these majestic creatures is evident in her emotional response to films centered around them.
Samantha
In 2002, Sam graduated from Wilson College with a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Medical Technology and Equine Studies, showcasing her dedication to academic and professional success. With over 22 years as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia and Analgesia since 2009, Sam’s expertise covers various aspects of veterinary medicine. Her skills include small animal emergency care, internal medicine, surgery, equine surgery, and private practice, demonstrating her commitment to holistic animal care.
Samantha, known fondly as Sam, has devoted over 30 years to animal welfare, embarking on a remarkable journey in veterinary medicine. Her passion began at 14, leading to a lifelong commitment to safeguarding our beloved companions’ health. From early veterinary practice to serving as a Mounted Patrol Officer for the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Sam’s diverse experiences highlight her steadfast dedication to animal care.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Samantha shares a fulfilling life with her husband, Bill, a dedicated police officer of over 25 years. Together, they embrace the companionship of their cherished fur kids—an American Bulldog mix named Charlie, two cats, Mollie and Stevie, and a Medicine Hat Paint horse named Dash. Each of their beloved pets has found solace and love in their compassionate home, embodying the essence of rescue and second chances.
Alicia
Veterinary Assistant
Hannah
Hannah joined Battletown Animal Clinic in 2024. She brings a passion for veterinary medicine and a desire to expand her expertise. Currently, she’s preparing to enroll in the Veterinary Technician program at NOVA next year, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning.
Hannah finds fulfillment in being an advocate for patient care and strengthening the bond between pet owners and their furry companions. She particularly enjoys educating clients on preventive care and providing support during challenging diagnoses.
Outside of work, you’ll find Hannah immersed in her hobbies. She loves reading, spending quality time with her family, and training with her beloved dog, Suki. At home, she shares her space with a spirited Shiba Inu named Akira, who enjoys soaking up the sun, and Suki, a delightful “purebred mutt” who’s an expert at taking over the bed at night. Hannah’s dedication to both her professional and personal life reflects her genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being.
Ava
Kennel Technician
Hours
Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm
Call Us
(540) 955-2171
Email Us
Visit Us
3823 Lord Fairax Hwy
Berryville, VA 22611