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Our Care Team

Your pet’s emotional and physical well-being is prioritized with every visit. We put the patients first!

Cristal

Cristal

Veterinary Assistant

Cristal’s journey into veterinary medicine started in 2022 when she stumbled across a job opening at Grove Center Veterinary Hospital. She had never owned pets growing up, but right around the time she started working in the field, her family welcomed their very first dog. That experience was a game-changer! Cristal quickly learned just how deep the bond between humans and animals could be, and it opened her eyes to the joy and responsibility of caring for pets. Being able to help others care for their furry family members felt incredibly fulfilling, and she knew she had found the right path.

As a veterinary assistant, Cristal loves being hands-on with animals every day, making sure they’re comfortable, cared for, and getting all the belly rubs they want. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her own pup, soaking up every moment of that special bond she once never knew she was missing. Whether she’s learning new skills in the clinic or just enjoying some quality time with her four-legged friend, Cristal is all about making life better for animals and the people who love them!

Javier

Javier

Veterinary Assistant

Javi’s journey into the veterinary world is a tale of passion, determination, and a little bit of luck. Growing up in El Salvador, surrounded by pets and livestock, Javi spent countless hours watching and learning as his grandfather cared for the animals on his farm with compassion and expertise. Those early experiences shaped Javi’s belief that a happy animal leads to an even happier human, and they ultimately planted the seed for his future career in veterinary medicine.

Back in his hometown, Javi had a special connection with the local street dogs. Though they were wary of humans, he patiently gained their trust, offering food and kindness until they felt safe enough to accept his affection. Over time, they went from cautious visitors to loyal companions, eventually finding forever homes with loving families. That experience deepened Javi’s commitment to animal welfare, and after moving to Maryland in February 2024, he knew it was time to leave behind a job he didn’t love and pursue his true calling. 

Javi officially joined the Grove Center team in September of 2024, taking a leap of faith to follow a lifelong dream. In his role as veterinary assistant, Javi thrives in the ever-changing environment of general practice, where no two days are ever the same. Outside of work, Javi keeps busy with his love of history, video games, and music. Learning to play the piano has been a big personal achievement – something he once thought was impossible. And then there’s Vicky (short for Victoria the Conqueror), a former stray cat with a reputation for being a fierce fighter before Javi’s family adopted her. Vicky’s name honors her resilient past, and she’s now happily ruling her kingdom (a.k.a. Javi’s home).

“One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home.”

 – Pam Brown