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Meet our Veterinarians

Veterinarians

Kristin Myzie, CPDT-KA, DVM, Medical Director

Kristin Myzie, CPDT-KA, DVM
Medical Director

Bookmark or Dog Ear?
Always Bookmark, Never Dog Ear

Geometric or Organic?
Geometric

Happily Ever After or Cliff Hanger?
I Like Closure, But It Doesn’t Have To Be Happy

Hitting the Slopes or Cozy Fire?
Slopes First, Fire After

Outdoor or Indoor?
Outdoor

Pencil or Ink?
Ink

Raincoat or Umbrella?
Raincoat

Bail or Wipe Out?
Wipe Out

Know Where You’re Going or Just Walk Around?
Just Walk Around

Swim In a River or Swim In a Pool?
Swim in the Ocean

Dr. Kristin Myzie is a Northern Virginia native; she grew up in Chantilly and graduated from high school in Fairfax. She continued her education at the University of Virginia, earning her Bachelors in Computer Science. After having a career in computer science she decided to pursue her true passion. She moved to Kansas State University where she later graduated Cum Laude and obtained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Myzie is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA). She is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and treats exotics.

Dr. Myzie became tuned into the bond that people share with their pets from an early age. She worked at an animal hospital as a teenager and has continued to help nurture the human animal bond through client education and dog training.

Currently, Dr. Myzie shares her home with Alta, a feisty Australian Shepherd. In addition to caring for your pets, Dr. Myzie enjoys training dogs, running and training for triathlons, hiking, and spending quality time with her family. Her hardest competition to date is a Half Ironman!

Dr. Myzie is professional yet very easy going; our doctors and staff really enjoy working with her. She has a quiet, kind and calm approach that the animals truly appreciate. We are very thankful that Dr Myzie is on our team!

John Klimavicz, DVM, Associate Veterinarian

John Klimavicz, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Rocky Mountains or Smoky Mountains
Rocky Mountains

Garden or Wild?
Wild

Walk the Dog or Feed the Chickens?
Walk the Dog

Podcast or Music?
Podcast

Print or Digital?
Digital

This American Life or 99% Invisible?
99% Invisible

Eggs or Oatmeal
Oatmeal

Alone in a Field or Alone in a Crowd?
Field

Craft Fair or Art Museum?
Art Museum

Pencil or Ink?
Ink

Dr. Klimavicz chose veterinary medicine as a career because he enjoys the interpretive approach to the medical sciences and adores animals. He attended Virginia Tech both as an undergraduate and for veterinary school. Soon after he began practicing medicine, he also realized he entrepreneurial tendencies. His desire to run a business of his own became a reality when he purchased his first clinic in 1992. Along with his business partner, Dr. Hemmer, Dr. Klimavicz currently co-owns and operates four animal hospitals in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Dr. Klimavicz regularly attends the DC Academy of Veterinary Medicine and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

As a veterinarian and business owner, Dr. Klimavicz’s mission is to provide high quality medicine while educating clients to be responsible pet owners. In addition to providing routine preventative care and working up tough medical cases, Dr. Kilmavicz is also a skilled and confident surgeon. Dr. Klimavicz often comes in on his day off, just to help his associates with tough medical decisions and emergency surgeries.

Dr. Klimavicz shares his home with Mr. Pig, a french bulldog who was rescued from a foreclosing pet store and Barkley, a lovable hound.

In his spare time, Dr. Klimavicz enjoys spending time with his wife and children, crafting new business ideas into realities, practicing martial arts, going to the gym, and reading non-fiction.

Keith Taylor, DVM, Associate Veterinarian

Keith Taylor, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Butterfly or Lightning Bug?
Butterflies – A Sign of a Healthy Ecosystem

Brie or Cheddar?
Brie with a Nice Champagne

See It At Home or See It In the Theater?
Home with Loved Ones

Garden or Wild?
Vegetable Garden – A Favorite Family Focus

Know Where You’re Going or Just Walk Around?
Definitely Want to Know Where I’m Going

Drip Coffee or Americano?
Espresso – Don’t Ruin It By Adding Water

Geometric or Organic?
Organic – Go With the Flow

Tasting Menu or A La Carte?
Tasting Menu – Especially the Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

Outdoor or Indoor?
Outdoor

Save For a Rainy Day or Live In the Moment?
Live In the Moment – Life’s Too Short

Podcast or Music?
Music – Good for the Soul

Paddleboarding or Surfing?
Wakeboarding Please

Ramones or Sex Pistols?
Ramones – Punk with Musicality

Dr. Taylor joined our affiliate, Waldorf Animal Clinic, in June of 1996 and moved to our Brambleton location in September of 2009.

He received his Bachelors of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia and earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. He is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Taylor chose veterinary medicine as a career because he grew up with an understanding of the human-animal bond. Having pets from an early age, he always had the desire to nurture this unique connection. He currently shares his home with his cat, a Shiloh Shepherd, and several saltwater fish and marine creatures.

In his spare time, Dr. Taylor is busy enjoying anything related to the ocean. He is a true water lover, prophesying to be an avid marine aquarist and wake boarder. He is also is the “Performer” of Animal Medical Centers, having played the drums in a band for many years.

Dr. Taylor’s clients have only nice things to say. He has a gentle, yet professional, nature that enables client and patient connections that are meaningful and lasting. The many thank you notes and comments from our clients are constant reminders of why we are so lucky to have Dr. Taylor here to care for our patients.

Pamela Grasso, DVM, CVA, Associate Veterinarian

Pamela Grasso, DVM, CVA
Associate Veterinarian

Rocky Mountains or Smoky Mountains?
All Mountains!

Garden or Wild?
Garden and Wild!

Know Where You’re Going or Just Walk Around?
Just Walk Around

Swim in a River or Swim in a Pool?
Swim in a River

Butterfly or Lightning Bug?
Don’t Make Me Choose Between a Butterfly and Lightning Bug… Ok, Butterfly

Geometric or Organic?
Organic

Eagle or Owl?
Owl

Full Moon or Crescent Moon?
Full Moon

Walk the Dogs or Feed the Chickens?
Walk the Dogs(But the Chickens Must Be Fed)

Dinner Party or Watch TV?
Dinner Party

Leather or Cashmere?
Cashmere

Hitting the Slopes or Cozy Fire?
Cozy Fire

Flea or Farmers Market?
Farmers Market

By the Mountains or Sea? 
Mountains with Sea Vacations

Imagine a veterinarian that is a skilled medical practitioner that utilizes cutting-edge diagnostics and medical treatments, but also offers a more subtle, holistic treatment choice – someone who understands that your lifestyle choices carry over into the way you care for your pet. The ability to mesh Western and Eastern medical approaches is highly unusual, but certainly welcome in today’s veterinary community. If you are looking for a veterinarian that offers this unique ability, then we have the doctor for you. Dr. Pamela Grasso balances “the best of both medical worlds.”

Having earned a reputation as a kind-hearted spirit with a natural sense of compassion and a special touch for healing, Dr. Grasso’s clients offer a continuous stream of new patient referrals. It is interesting to see a trained Western medical practitioner embrace holistic medicine so easily. When asked how she progressed from modern medicine to the ancient Chinese practices, Dr Grasso explains, “I referred some of my arthritic patients to a veterinary acupuncturist because they either couldn’t tolerate pain medications or were not responding to treatment. The pet owners began raving about acupuncture and how great their dogs felt after just a few visits.”

Dr. Grasso attended Bucknell University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (and a minor in Chemistry) in 1983. She continued her education at Pennsylvania State University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science in 1987. She became a veterinarian in 1991, after obtaining her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the North Carolina State University. After practicing Western veterinary medicine for several years, she decided to learn a new approach. She received her Certification of Veterinary Acupuncture in 2000. In 2002, she attended a comprehensive course in Western Herbal Medicine. In 2004, she completed all modules the IVAS Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine training. In 2007, she completed the Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy with Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM. In 2008, she completed Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy training.

Dr. Grasso is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), Veterinary Botanical Medical Association (VBMA), American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), American Botanical Council (ABC), and American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA), The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH), and is USDA Accredited.

Dr. Grasso shares her home with her Irish Wolfhounds, cats, chickens, and horse. She is actively involved in Irish Wolfhound rescue. In her spare time, she enjoys the craft of stained and hot glass. When the weather permits, she loves to be outdoors hiking, gardening, camping, or kayaking.

Diane Panopoulos, DVM, Associate Veterinarian

Diane Panopoulos, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Halloween or New Years?
Halloween

Domestic or International Terminal?
International

Glacier or Yellowstone?
Glacier

Aspen or Oak?
Oak

Rollercoaster or Ferris Wheel?
Rollercoaster

Swim In A Pool or Swim In A River?
Swim in a River

Triumph or Ducati?
Harley

Cotton or Wool?
Cotton

New Glass or Old Brick?
Old Brick

River View or Mountain View?
River View with Mountains Behind or Beyond

Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart?
Jon Stewart

Get a Present or Give a Present?
Give a Present

Dr. Panopoulos was born and raised in Baltimore. She attended Western Maryland College and Towson University, earning her Bachelors in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 1986. After graduation she pursued a career in biomedical research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Panopoulos soon decided to switch career paths when she realized that she could use her knowledge to help animals rather than simply research them. She then ventured to Blacksburg, Virginia where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. Dr. Panopoulos passed the veterinary boards in 1996 and has been treating small animal patients in a clinical setting ever since.

​Dr. Panopoulos has always has an interest in science and animals. When she originally enrolled in vet school, she intended to focus her studies on zoo and wildlife research. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she had more interest and aptitude for the challenges and rewards of small animal medicine. She found that she preferred to handle her patients awake and interact with them; in zoo and wildlife medicine they were almost always sedated. She soon learned that the quality of medicine available to small animals equals or exceeds that of human medicine. Thus, her passion for small animal medicine was solidified for the long term. She is a seasoned veterinarian who treats dogs, cats, and most exotics. Her interests include infectious disease, geriatrics, and small mammals (ferrets, guinea pigs, bunnies, etc).

Currently, Dr. Panopoulos shares her home with three Norwegian Elkhounds and several chickens. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children. Outside of work you’ll find Dr. Panopoulos at the beach, biking, hiking, swimming, playing softball, traveling, or just relaxing with a good book. She loves to get her hands dirty through fossiling, wood refinishing, gardening, and baking.

Dr. Panopoulos is very active and easy going; our doctors, staff, and clients really enjoy her company. Our patients appreciate her kindness and thorough approach. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Panopoulos on our team!

Ellie Sokolow, DVM, Associate Veterinarian

Ellie Sokolow, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Rocky Mountains or Smoky Mountains?
Smoky Mountains

Drip Coffee or Americano?
Drip Coffee

Eagle or Owl?
Owl

Outdoor or Indoor?
Outdoor

Past or Future?
Future

Walk the Dog or Feed the Chickens?
Walk the Dog

Podcast or Music?
Music

Print or Digital?
Print

By the Sea or In the Mountains?
In the Mountains

Bookmark or Dog Ear?
Bookmark

Dr. Ellie Sokolow grew up Western New York. She received her undergraduate education at University at Buffalo, earning a Bachelors of Science in Biology and a Bachelors of Arts in Chemistry and Mathematics. She pursued her professional education at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sokolow is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). She has a special interest in preventative medicine.

Dr. Sokolow has loved animals all her life. Her parents have claimed that she has wanted to be a vet since she was three years old. She and her best friend diagnosed the neighbor’s Labrador Retriever with scabies when she was just twelve. Also when just a little girl she would carry a medical bag around and pretend to treat her dog Molly for various ailments. Dr. Sokolow was destined for this career. Her goal as a veterinarian is to connect with people and their pets to help foster the human-animal bond. In addition to caring for small animals, she also has experience in equine medicine.

Currently, Dr. Sokolow shares her home with her Australian Shepherd, Merlin, and her long-haired cat, Marco. In addition to caring for your pets, Dr. Sokolow enjoys hiking, biking, and reading.

Lauren Taylor, DVM, Associate Veterinarian

Lauren Taylor, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Garden or Wild?
Wild
 
Pencil or Ink?
Mechanical pencil
 
Halloween or New Years?
Halloween
 
Spring or Fall?
Fall
 
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
 
Eggs or Oatmeal?
No breakfast
 
Sea or Mountains?
Sea
 
Eagle or Owl?
Eagle
 
Podcast or Music?
Podcast
 
Get a present or Give a present?
Get one please
Madison Rawls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian

Madison Rawls, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Outdoor or Indoor? Opt-Outside

River View or Mountain View? River sounds on a mountain view 

Know Where You’re Going or Just Walk Around? I live to wander aimlessly 

Ghost hunting or Bigfoot hunting? There's no such thing as ghosts. 

Print or Digital? Print 

Be loved or be feared? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me. 

Drip Coffee or Americano? Chai Tea please 

Flea or Farmers Market? Farmers Market 

Glacier or Yellowstone? Yellowstone 

New Glass or Old Brick? Old Brick- Especially in Spokane and Bozeman

Dr. Madison Rawls earned her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of Arizona in 2020 and recently completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in 2024. 

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Dr. Rawls's journey into veterinary medicine began on farms and stables, where she developed a deep understanding and passion for animal care and animal health. As a new graduate, she’s eager to explore all aspects of veterinary care, particularly getting to know her patients and their owners. Dr. Rawls finds great joy in building relationships that enhance the lives of pets and their families, and she values the unique connections formed through her work.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Rawls enjoys hiking and running with her Catahoula Leopard Dog, Nadja—fondly nicknamed Nacho. She also loves reading, gardening, and trying out new hobbies.

Tibor Lazar, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, Guest Board Certified Surgeon

Tibor Lazar, DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Guest Board Certified Surgeon