Meet the hearts of Radford Animal Hospital

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 since 2000. She obtained her B.A. from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, in 1990 and her D.V.M. from Virginia Tech in 1995. Her special interests include the human–animal bond, internal medicine, animal behavior, and nutrition programs for whole health, including weight loss, preventive medicine, and disease management.

She is passionate about wellness throughout a pet’s entire life — pediatrics, adulthood, and geriatrics. Her love for geriatric care led her to pursue canine and feline acupuncture. She uses her skills and compassion to keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy.

She is married to Jim, and they have two adult children, Sarah and Jason. They share their home with three rescue animals: a hound mix named Ruby, a brown lab named Spoons, and a blind cat named Paul Simon. Her hobbies include spending time with her family hiking or camping, walking her dogs, or curling up with her cat and a good book.

Dr. Hansen believes she has the greatest job in the world because she gets to work with animals and the people who love them every day.

Mandi has been part of the Radford Animal Hospital team since 1999. Over the years, she’s grown with the practice and now helps keep things running smoothly as Practice Manager. She’s passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment for both pets and people—clients and team members alike.

Outside of work, Mandi serves on the Board of Directors for Competitive Champions of the Carolinas (3C), a nonprofit that supports families with youth in competitive sports and arts. Most weekends, you’ll find her on the road supporting her son’s competitive dance journey. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, and catching Virginia Tech football games with her family.

Favorite Quote:
"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
— Zig Ziglar

Dr. Bedore grew up in upstate New York near Syracuse. After earning a B.A. from Vassar College, she went on to complete her 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 her 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 her 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, she stays busy with a wide range of hobbies, including spending time with her dog and three cats, spinning wool from her sheep, beekeeping, fishing, and tinkering with an old boat motor. Most importantly, she cherishes spending time with her wife and adopted son on their many family adventures.

Karen grew up in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and has been working in veterinary medicine since 2003. She joined our team in 2007 and has been a vital part of the family ever since. Karen has a deep love for Boxers and treats every animal that walks through our doors as if they were her own. Her gentle nature and calming presence make her a favorite among our furry patients, and their humans too! At home, she enjoys the companionship of her beloved Boxer, Brody.

Lylah was born in Richlands, Virginia, but spent most of her childhood in the peaceful Ellett Valley. She now lives in Christiansburg and brings over 20 years of customer service experience to our team. Since 2015, she’s been working in veterinary medicine, where she’s become a familiar and well-loved face to many of our clients. Her time in the field has helped her overcome her fears around animals and given her a deeper sense of confidence and connection when working with them. While she has a soft spot for all creatures, her heart belongs to her German Shepherd mix, Miss Priss. In her free time, Lylah enjoys taking boat rides down the New River, reading her favorite book, Gone With the Wind, and collecting unique odds and ends. She lives by her 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

April has been a valued member of the RAH team since 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University. April began her journey with us as a kennel attendant and has grown into her role as our Lead Veterinary Assistant, through years of dedication and hard work. She has a passion for baking and loves spending time with her beloved English Mastiff, Teddy. When not working, she enjoys working out and hiking in the beautiful Virginia outdoors.

Born in New York and raised in Radford, Annabella has been part of the RAH family since 2020. They are certified in Phlebotomy and EKG and serve as both a veterinary assistant and our hospital’s DEI coordinator and safety officer. At home, they enjoy spending time with their dog Snow and their two cats, Knoxville and Poopies. When they’re not at the hospital, you’ll often find them crocheting, playing video games (particularly The Sims), watching movies, or enjoying bike rides. Their favorite animal is the bumblebee, reflecting their resilient and sweet natured spirit.

Shannon grew up in New Jersey and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University. She discovered her passion for veterinary medicine shortly after and earned her Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) credentials in 2023. She’s been a valued member of our team since 2020. In her free time, she enjoys working out and training in protection sports with working dog breeds. She enjoys her time with three incredible dogs, two Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd who keep her active and inspired every day!

Jessie has been with RAH since 2022, starting as a receptionist and growing into her role as a dedicated veterinary assistant. She also contributes her talents as our Assistant Marketing Director and Social Media Manager, helping share our hospital’s story and connect with our community. Jessie grew up in Northern Virginia and moved to the New River Valley to attend Virginia Tech, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences. She dreams of attending veterinary school in the near future and finds her love for veterinary medicine only deepening with every day at RAH. At home, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Olive and Yorkshire Terrier, Hershey. Jessie loves exploring the outdoors, traveling, and relaxing at home with crafts or a good show.

Originally from New York, Kimberly moved to the New River Valley when she was young and began working in veterinary medicine in 2018. She joined RAH in 2021 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Virginia Tech. Kimberly has a special interest in assisting with surgeries and is currently working towards earning her LVT license. She loves exploring the outdoors through hiking and enjoys relaxing at home with her beagle, Rosie. Kimberly’s favorite animal is the bear, and she loves getting lost in a good book.

Hunter was born and raised in Riner, Virginia, and has been around animals his entire life, having worked with and raised horses. He joined RAH in early 2024 and brings extensive hands-on experience in veterinary medicine, which he’s pursued since the age of 15. Hunter has a strong passion and significant experience in emergency veterinary medicine and thrives in the fast-paced environment it brings. At home, he enjoys spending time with his seven dogs, seven cats, and chickens. Hunter is dedicated to his future in veterinary medicine and plans to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).

Born in Virginia Beach, Hope joined the RAH team in 2024. Before coming to RAH, she spent six and a half years working at an animal shelter, where she found her two cherished dogs, Coco and Oyster. Hope is passionate about mental health in veterinary medicine and serves as our hospitals’s Not One More Vet (NOMV) advocate, helping support the well-being of our team. She loves taking Coco and Oyster hiking and believes there’s nothing better than enjoying nature alongside her furry companions.

Hailee was born in Scottsville, Virginia, and graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She’s been part of the RAH team since 2022, beginning as a receptionist and growing into her role as a veterinary assistant. Hailee hopes to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). Hailee enjoys spending time with her dog Piper and loves snuggling up to watch a good TV show. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, socializing with friends, working out, and surrounding herself with all things pink and sparkly!

Maura has been part of our team since 2025. She grew up in both Chicago and Ohio before settling in the New River Valley in 1984, where she’s loved calling it home ever since. Outside of work, Maura enjoys hiking, dancing, and baking, especially when she can share her treats with friends and family. She enjoys spending time with her two beloved cats, Jingle and Sophie, and has a soft spot for her favorite animal, the red panda.

Joanne has been with us since August 2025 with over 15 years of grooming experience. She’s known for her calm demeanor, reliability, and meticulous grooming skills.

Tori grew up here in Pulaski County and joined our team in 2023. Outside of work, Tori is deeply involved in her Pentecostal church where she serves on the worship team, is the treasurer, and also helps lead the youth group. She loves spending time at the park with her two dogs, Petey and Paisley. Her favorite color is purple, and she’s a big fan of the show The Vampire Diaries.

Tammy joined the Radford Animal Hospital team in September 2025 and brings a wealth of experience along with a genuine love for animals. She is a Certified Veterinary Assistant through Penn Foster and has been working in veterinary medicine for over 10 years. Originally from Northern Virginia, Tammy shares her home with her three beloved cats. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys snuggling pets, getting lost in fantasy fiction books, and spending time outdoors. Tammy’s compassion and dedication help ensure every pet feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for.