Claire has been an animal lover her whole life, having grown up with cats and a dog. Claire graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor’s in communication. After college, Claire found that she loved helping people and their pets, which led her to her role as a Client Care Specialist. She came to Just Cats Clinic with many years of office experience and two years of experience at an emergency vet practice.

When not at the clinic, she can be found spending time with her cats, Noona and Dimitri, baking, or playing video games.

Melanie has been working in the veterinary field since 2019. She has always loved and been around animals as long as she can remember. Melanie is currently in college studying for her degree in Business. Melanie shares her home with her four dogs Leo, Gabbana, Dolce, Chanel and her two cats Lulu and Kali.

In her free time you will find her visiting local restaurants, at the gym or at home lounging with her 6 furry babies

Alina has been a lifelong animal lover. Growing up with dogs and beta fish, she always had an interest in working with animals. Her first job was working in boarding and at the front desk of Montrose Pet Hotel and Animal Health Center, which she did for four years. In her personal time Alina has worked as a pet sitter for many years. After adopting her first cat, Kiwi, and soon after her second cat Clementine, Alina started to realize just how much she loved being around cats. She joined the Just Cats Clinic boarding team in 2021. One of Alina’s long term goals is to get involved in fostering cats and kittens in need of a home. When she isn’t working, Alina is hanging out with her cats, playing guitar, binge watching movies, and playing Minecraft.

Alyssa has been passionate about animal care since childhood. Growing up without pets only made her want them more. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech in spring of 2024. She joined the Just Cats Boarding team in fall of 2024 and has since fallen in love with cats and their intricacies. Working with the Feline Foundation of Greater Washington as part of the position has felt so fulfilling for her after she found a great love for shelter work through classes and clubs in college. She hopes to foster cats and adopt one in the future.

When not at work, her favorite pastimes are playing video games, watching YouTube, and drawing.

Hailing from just outside of Richmond, VA, Kalaina has had a lifelong passion for animals, having grown up surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, fish, and other various critters. From an early age, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in animal care. Her first professional experience came as a kennel assistant and receptionist at her county’s humane society.

In 2025, Kalaina joined the Just Cats Boarding team, where she continues to nurture her love for animal care in a professional setting. Her long-term goal is to become more actively involved in animal rescue work, helping animals of all kinds find safe and loving homes.

Outside of work, Kalaina enjoys reading, cooking, playing video games, and spending time with her cat, Juniper.

Aura has always been a cat person. She graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Biology 2018 and went on to work in the veterinary field the same year. At her previous hospital, Aura was the Fear Free Ambassador for the team and enacted new stress-reduction tactics to keep the vet experience as comfortable as possible for patients and owners alike. Aura is currently studying to get her technician’s license and is excited to be a part of a team of people who love cats as much as she does.

When she’s not working, Aura spends her time painting, gardening, reading, and hanging out with her cats Pitou and Drogon.

Charles has worked in animal care since he was 16 years old. He realized early in his career that his feline patients held a special place in his heart. A Pennsylvania native, Charles has moved to Virginia to work on his goal of becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

When not at work, Charles enjoys biking, bodybuilding, running, hiking, and tennis. In his quieter moments he can be found hanging out with his cat Mellow.

Emersyn is a dedicated assistant and aspiring veterinary technician currently pursuing her license. She holds two associate degrees—one in Communication Studies and another in Biology—which she combines to provide thoughtful, informed care for both clients and patients.

Her passion for feline medicine was inspired by her own three cats, who have navigated a wide range of medical diagnoses including anxiety, gastrointestinal lymphoma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), allergies, arthritis, dental disease, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These experiences as a pet parent, paired with her clinical training, have given Emersyn a unique and empathetic perspective in her work.

In June 2025, she became Fear Free Certified, with the goal of making every veterinary visit as low-stress and positive as possible for her patients.

When she’s not working or studying, Emersyn enjoys spending time with her cats, listening to audiobooks, and going on the occasional run—if she can find the time.

Zach’s lifelong adventure with animals began when he was young, growing up in a family rooted in agriculture and animal husbandry. He began his studies at NVCC with the goal to become a physical therapist but discovered along the way that his true passion is the care of animals. Zach loves all types of animals and hopes to grow his career further into the medical field. In his free time away from work if he isn’t caring for his small animal collection at home or chasing his toddler, then he is either roaming the aisles of Target, hiking a trail, or dyeing his hair again.

Ginger always knew she wanted a career involving animals. As a young girl, she would wish upon a star for “more animals, especially dogs and cats.” Years later, she convinced her parents to break their “Two Cats Only” rule with some stray kittens from the barn.

Starting her career in Veterinary Medicine at a primary care practice in Great Falls, Ginger eventually earned both a Bachelor’s in Biology and an AAS in Veterinary Technology. She has worked as a Licensed Vet Tech at specialty hospitals in this area and finally decided to return to her primary care roots at Just Cats Clinic. Ginger loves that even after three decades in this field she still continues to learn something new nearly every day.

In her off time, Ginger can be found at one of her three kid’s various activities. And when the demands of parenting ease she enjoys spending her time reading, gardening, sewing, baking, training her ridiculously happy Labrador (Minka), and tending to the demands of her two furry overlords (Bubbles and Chipper).

Genevieve grew up in Northern Virginia in a family where animals often outnumbered humans. She earned her master’s degree in cultural anthropology from The George Washington University, assisted by her handsome orange tabby Recon.

She worked at a Virginia State Park for over ten years teaching visitors about local history, the awesomeness of nature and the importance of conservation.

Genevieve joined the Just Cats Clinic team in 2014 as a Client Care Specialist and was promoted to Practice Manager in 2020. Outside of work, Genevieve is passionate in her mission to save the bees and butterflies by gardening with native plants. Her other interests include dancing, baking, reading, camping, and gaming. Joining her in her adventures are her husband Chris and two cats, Oliver and Lillian.