Hospital Staff

Office manager Erik Lasher has been a member of the Noah's Ark team since 2009. He is proud to work at a veterinary clinic dedicated to the health and welfare of all pets and enjoys working with the caring, friendly staff. Hiking, golf, running, playing soccer and landscaping are among his many hobbies. He shares his home with a cat named Oreo.

Veterinary technician Barbara LaRue has been part of the Noah's Ark team since 1998. She loves working with the caring veterinarians and staff and enjoys helping pets become happy and healthy. Her animal companions include two dogs, a Beagle named Marlee and a Beagle mix named Jack, as well as Tweety, a parakeet. Barbara recently started training and showing Marlee with the Durham Kennel Club. She also enjoys working in her home and yard and going for walks with Marlee and Jack in her spare time.

Veterinary assistant Carolyn Bishop has worked in the animal care field for more than 10 years. She loves meeting all the clients and pets that come into the practice and finds helping pets to be very rewarding. Hiking, kayaking and camping are just some of Carolyn's many hobbies. She also is a volunteer at her son's school. Carolyn's animal companions include two dogs, Dylan and Sierra, and two cats, Chloe and Ginger.

Rachael Watkins has helped care for pets as a veterinary assistant at Noah's Ark since 2008. She is glad to be part of the friendly, caring staff and loves working with animals. At home, she enjoys the companionship of her dog, Twinkie, a cat named Peanut, and three leopard geckos, Spicey, Tangy and Raptor. Rachael enjoys riding her horse, Midnight, in her spare time, and can also be found running, hiking, gardening and cooking in her spare time.

Groomer Kim Snyder has more than 16 years experience grooming pets. She is a nationally-certified master groomer and scored in the 90th percentile on a test covering more than 400 questions involving breeds, anatomy, general health and pesticides. She is a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America and is an International Award-winner, judged by Intergroom.

Veterinary technician Patti C. has helped care for pets at Noah's Ark since 2007. She has worked in the animal care field for more than 25 years and has completed American Animal Hospital Association and American Veterinary Medical Association veterinary technician programs. Patti loves working at Noah's Ark because of the way the hospital combines modern technology with compassionate care.

At home, she enjoys the company of her two dogs, Chubby and Otto, and cat Joey. Gardening, going to museums and listening to music are among her many hobbies.

Belinda Mitchell has been a veterinary assistant at Noah's Ark since 2008. She loves animals and is proud of the strong relationship the veterinarians and staff have with the clients and pets that come into the hospital. Belinda's home is filled with pets. She enjoys the companionship of three dogs: Lola, a Pit Bull, and two Dachshunds, Lucy and Dexter, as well as a cat named Hansom and a pair of bearded dragons, Izzy and Spike. Spending time at the lake and hiking with Lola are just a few of her many pastimes.

Veterinary assistant Melody Nobles has been a member of the Noah's Ark Veterinary Hospital team since 1999. She loves the "personal" feel of the clinic and is proud of the quality care offered by the veterinarians and veterinary hospital staff.

When she's not at work, Melody enjoys being a stay-at-home mom to her 15-month-old twin boys and spending time with her husband and family. Gardening and going for walks with her children are just a few of her pastimes. Melody's four-legged family members include two dogs, Kadin and Ella, and two cats, Bobbie and Kenzie.