Tammy Shumaker - Head Technician

Tammy Shumaker is our head technician. Her duties cross a vast area of skill sets from inventory to surgery and animal preparation to laboratory analysis and in-patient care. Tammy is a native of Buckingham, Va and now resides in Farmville. She received both her undergraduate degree in Biology and her Masters degree in Environmental Studies from Longwood College. Tammy worked with Dr. Carr in Appomattox during her college years and they were reunited to open Blackstone Animal Clinic. Her hobbies include softball, bowling, jewelry crafting and stained glass designing. She has 7 cats and many dogs but the most rotten one comes to work with her. She is a boxer mix named Little Girl.

Amanda Wells - Head Receptionist and Veterinary Assistant

Amanda may be our head receptionist, but her duties do not stop there!She is also our client-patient care coordinator. maintaining open lines of communication between pet owner and the clinic. Due to the fact that the clinic can be very busy and the doctor's time is limited, Amanda bridges this gap and keeps everyone “in the know.” Her additional duties include veterinary assistant, technician and kennel duty when necessary. She is truly our gal Friday! Amanda and her husband Allen and live on her family's farm in Farmville. Their family grew to three with the birth of Madalynn Paige on September 29, 2009.

Amanda graduated from Longwood University with a degree in Biology. In addition to her full time job here, she also finds time to do quite a lot of pet sitting. Her hobbies include gardening, canning and walking her dogs on the farm.

Courtney Seavey - Receptionist

A Richmond native, Courtney volunteered at Three Chopt Animal Hospital and later worked at Lakeside Animal Hospital while in high school. After graduation, she attended VCU. Her veterinary career continued with employment at The Veterinary Emergency Center. One of our newest employees, Courtney joined the staff of Blackstone Animal Clinic in October 2009.

Courtney enjoys a full spectrum of activities from hiking and kayaking, to reading and crocheting with a comfy cat in her lap. She aspires to continue her education in the medical field and eventually receive a Medical Doctrine.

Dr, Christine Sayed - Veterinarian

Dr. Sayed graduated with high honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts. She completed her clinical year of veterinary school at North Carolina State. Dr. Sayed began working at Blackstone Animal Clinic as our "relief" Veterinarian in 2008, while working full time at the Veterinary Emergency Center.

She made the decision in late 2009 to resign from the long hours of an emergency clinic to spend more time with her husband and two year old little boy. Fortunately for us, her new schedule allows us to have Dr. Sayed at Blackstone Animal Clinic every Wednesday. You may also expect to see her here when Dr. Carr has to be away attending seminars or Continuing Education events. A native of Ashland, Dr. Sayed and her family reside in Chesterfield. She and husband Rick are avid travelers.

Miranda Gravitte - Kennel & Technician Assitant

Miranda is a 2009 graduate of Central High School and currently attends SVCC. Her family raises and shows Jack Russell Terriers. They also have POA's (Pony of the Americas) which Miranda enjoys caring for and riding. Along with her varied animal care duties, Miranda also helps Tammy, our head technician. Miranda also proved to be a helpful addition to the "Rabies Clinic" team at the recent clinic hosted by Dr. Carr at Nottoway Courthouse.

Karissa Kyzer - Kennel & Technician Assistant

Karissa is our most junior staff member. She attends Central High School. She and her family are avid animal lovers. Her personal pal is Bear, a most handsome pomeranian. Between school, work and her pets, she still finds time to particate in school sports, too. A busy young lady, indeed. She lives in Victoria.

Ann Ingram - Kennel & Technician Assistant

Ann joined the Blackstone Animal Clinic team in the Fall of 2009. After retiring from a long and fulfilling teaching career, she just was not ready to "fully" retire. She finds her new charges to be just as tractable as her former students. They do shed more, though. Ann and her husband, Dickie, reside in Crewe. She is an avid birder and member of the Margaret Watson Bird Club.

Tina Chavis - Kennel & Technician Assistant

Tina has been working with animals and in the veterinary field for many years. She currently divides her work hours between our clinic and Hoofbeats Equine Veterinary Services. An avid horsewoman, Tina has participated in many equestrian events, including trail rides and not one, but two Inaugural Parades. She resides in Amelia county.

Kristin Barnaby - Kennel & Technician Assistant

Kristin is our newest staff member, becoming a welcome addition in December 2009. She is a 2008 graduate from Central High School. Along with her time here, Kristin also does farm and pet sitting. Besides working with animals, Kristin also enjoys photography. She resides in Kenbridge.

Karen Wilson - Clinic Manager

Karen has been working in the customer service field for many years, and no, she's not telling how many. Her duties around the clinic are many and varied. A typical day may include receptionist duties, business and social correspondence, customer service, food inventory and ordering, staff scheduling, accounts receivable and cleaning the litter box!

Karen and her husband, Tony, are both avid horse enthusiasts. A former competitor in Western & Hunter Pleasure and Trail Class, her favorite "event" now is trail riding. Karen and Tony reside in Victoria where they share a small farm with 4 dogs, 1 cat, an ever growing herd of goats and 6 horses.