Meet the Team

Dan is originally from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada where his parents, both veterinarians, owned a small animal veterinary practice. Dan grew up walking dogs and helping in all capacities around the clinic and ended up following in his parents’ footsteps by attending veterinary school at Virginia Tech. It was at VT that he discovered a love for Hokie football as well as his future wife, Elaine (see below!). Dan is loving life in the Blue Ridge Mountains and spends most of his free time with their young daughter Charlotte, cheering for the Hokies or his hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers. When not watching sports, he also plays lacrosse and hockey whenever possible. His professional interests include all types of surgery but he really enjoys spending time with clients and getting to know their human and animal families.

Elaine is a Virginia local, having grown up on her family’s dairy farm in Dublin. She spent much of her childhood riding horses and also attended Virginia Tech for veterinary school, where she met Dan (see above!). Elaine spent several years furthering her veterinary training in New York and is a board-certified large animal surgeon. She helps out in the background at Radford Animal Hospital but devotes much of her time to chasing their daughter Charlotte around the farm. She continues to ride horses and loves hiking and everything about the outdoors. Coming home to this local community is a dream come true for the Claffeys and, they are looking forward to a lifetime of building relationships with clients and pets alike!

Dr. Carol Hansen (a.k.a. Carol Kern) has lived and worked in the New River Valley for the past 15 years. She obtained her B.A. degree from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA in 1990 and her D.V.M. from Virginia Tech in 1995. Her special interests include animal behavior consultations and nutrition programs for whole health including weight loss, preventative medicine, and disease management. She is interested in wellness for a pets whole life: pediatrics, adult, and geriatrics. She also has a special interest in dermatology and neurology. Her patients include canines, felines, and exotics. Dr. Hansen enjoys living and working in the Radford community and the NRV.

She uses her skills and compassion to keep your four legged friends happy and healthy. Fer favorite part of her job is taking part in improving the bond between her clients and their pets. She believes she has the greatest job in the world because she gets to work with animals and the people who love them every day.

Dr. Hansen has a husband named Jim and two children names Sarah and Jason. They share their house with four rescue animals: one hound dog named Shelby, and two cats named Annie and Autumn, and a bearded dragon named Commander. Her other interests include: spending time with her family hiking or camping, walking her dog, or curling up with her cats and a good book.
Favorite Quote: 'Happiness is Wanting What You Have.' Unknown

Dr. Bedore grew up in upstate New York near Syracuse. After earning a B.A. from Vassar College, they went on to complete their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Following graduation, Dr. Bedore lived in Ohio and Texas before returning to the New River Valley area.
Dr. Bedore has a particular passion for exotic animals, having honed their skills under the mentorship of two veterinarians board-certified in avian medicine. This experience provided a solid foundation in treating a variety of exotic species. After returning to Virginia, Dr. Bedore worked as a relief veterinarian at several clinics before finding their home at Radford Animal Hospital.

Professionally, Dr. Bedore enjoys working with dogs, cats, and exotic pets, with a special fondness for ferrets. Outside of work, they stay busy with a wide range of hobbies, including spending time with their dog and three cats, spinning wool from their sheep, beekeeping, fishing, and tinkering with an old boat motor. Most importantly, they cherish spending time with their wife and adopted son on their many family adventures.

Mandi has been with Radford Animal Hospital since 1999. She is married with a beautiful daughter and a handsome son. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, and VA Tech football. Mandi is a volunteer for DARE Doberman Rescue.

Favorite quote: 'You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get want they want.' -Zig Ziglar

Karen is our incredible Kennel Manager. She has been with Radford Animal Hospital since July of 2007 and has many prior years in patient care. Karen truly looks at the pets she cares for like they were her own.

Lylah was born in Richlands, Virginia, but spent most of her childhood in Ellett Valley. She currently resides in Christiansburg. Lylah has 20+ years of customer service experience and over a year of veterinary receptionist experience. Her hobbies include; camping, taking boat trips down the New River, reading, and collecting odds and ends. She enjoys working at Radford Animal Hospital because of the wonderful clientele and their pets. Her experience working in the veterinary field has helped her overcome animal associated fears and given her more confidence when working with animals. Although she loves all animals, she most adores her 1 1/2 year old german shepherd mix Miss Priss.

Favorite Quote: “I can't think about that right now, if I do I'll go crazy. I'll think about it tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.” -Margaret Mitchell

Emily is originally from Bristol, Tennessee, but currently lives in Blacksburg, VA. She graduated from Virginia High in 2016. Her customer service skills are from working as a restaurant server, but most of all, she has always wanted to work with animals. She feels that her job with Radford Animal Hospital helps her to fulfill her dream. In her spare time Emily enjoys watching Grey's Anatomy and relaxing with her siberian husky, Luna. Her favorite animal; other than Luna, is a sloth. Emily thinks that Radford Animal Hospital is the best environment to work in. Her co-workers always know how to put a smile on her face. She loves getting to know all the clients and their furbabies.

Favorite Quote: “I came, I saw, I conquered.” - Julius Caesar

Annabella is originally from Rochester, NY and currently resides in Radford, VA. They graduated from Radford High School. They have worked at summer camps and nursing homes in the past, but working at Radford Animal Hospital is the best job they have ever had. Annabella loves to draw and craft; being creative is their favorite outlet after a long day. Annabella has 2 dogs, 6 fish, and a hedgehog. They adore all animals and look forward to each exciting day. 🙂

Shannon is originally from New Jersey. Currently a vet assistant, she is going through school to become a Licensed Vet Technician. She's been on our team since 2021. Her hobbies include anything that involves her dogs; from hiking to training. Shannon’s household includes three dogs; Drama, Pig, and Moo. Shannon loves to learn new things. She also enjoys seeing all of our wonderful clients and their adorable pets.

Favorite Quote: 'The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.' - Konrad Lorenz

April has been part of our team since 2007. She's a very valuable member of our team. She does a wonderful job managing our Technicians and veterinary assistants.

Kimberly has been with us since March, 2021. She is currently studying to earn her License of Veterinary Technology. She's ALMOST there. We are proud to be part of this journey with us. She takes Great care of our surgical and hospital patients. She is also great with our clients and patients in the exam rooms when she is assisting the doctors in that area.