GLEN ALLEN VET - Key Persons
Dr. Kilgore graduated in 2015 from The Royal Veterinary College of London, recently named one of the top three veterinary schools in the world. He grew up nearby in Ashland, Virginia and attended Virginia Tech for his undergraduate. There he pursued a double major in Biology and Animal and Poultry Sciences graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2010 and earning the title of Commonwealth Scholar. After graduating from Virginia Tech he decided to move to London, England to pursue his dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
Dr. Kilgore has been a part of the Springfield Veterinary Center team for many years working as an assistant when home from school, so his face may look familiar! However, he is excited to be finally joining us as a full-fledged veterinarian and we are happy to have him.
Dr. Kilgore has a particular interest in Ophthalmology and dreams of one day traveling in his free time with his partner Lucy performing charitable veterinary works in impoverished nations. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Kilgore is an avid rugby player and fan having played around the world during his travels. He is particularly a fan of the London Wasps Premiership Team having played for their amateur club while living in London. He is thrilled to be back at Springfield Veterinary Center bringing unique contributions after enjoying his experiences and education abroad. So, if you and your furry friend see Dr. Kilgore keep your ears open for a few odd British phrases!
Dr. Jake Shaw grew up in the Richmond, Virginia area where he developed an interest in helping animals at an early age. During his senior year of high school, Dr. Shaw began a mentorship program at Springfield Veterinary Medicine, which solidified his commitment to veterinary medicine.
Intent on becoming a family veterinarian like his mentors, Dr. Shaw made the long trek to "gorge-ous" Ithaca for his undergraduate studies at Cornell University. Returning from upstate New York, Dr. Shaw attended the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. During his time in veterinary school, he was inducted into the OTS service fraternity, which allowed him to participate in events supporting local needs in the Blacksburg community (Go Hokies!). He also received the Compassionate and Caring Award during his clinical year in veterinary school. Upon graduation, Dr. Shaw worked in private practice in Bethesda, Maryland, but he is now thrilled to be back in Richmond joining Springfield Veterinary Center!
Dr. Shaw's devotion to veterinary medicine includes a professional interest in dentistry and pathology. Outside of the veterinary clinic, he has spent years designing a board game as a
passion project. Other interests of his include spending time with family, viniculture, bowling, and doting unlimited affection on his Bichon Frisé, Frisbee. Dr. Shaw is ecstatic to join the crew at Springfield Veterinary Center, and he greets each day as an opportunity to give back to the community in which he was raised.
Springfield Veterinary Center is excited to welcome Dr. Mary Ontiveros to our team!
Dr Ontiveros is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists (specialists in reproduction). Dr. Ontiveros graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Spanish, obtained her DVM degree from Colorado State University, completed a private practice internship in Colorado, and completed her residency at Matamata Veterinary Services, GlenBred, in New Zealand. After earning her board certification in 2019, she stayed on the lead the reproductive service team at GlenBred.
During undergraduate and veterinary school, Dr. Ontiveros was also a researcher studying canine heartworm disease, Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) systems, and factors affecting canine dual-sired litters.
Dr. Ontiveros has worked in all capacities at a veterinary hospital, and with many animal species, during her training. She has published peer-reviewed articles and spoken at veterinary reproductive conferences in the United States and Europe, as well as lectured to veterinary students and breeder groups. She is most passionate about small animal reproduction and client education.
In her free time, Dr. Ontiveros enjoys playing soccer, traveling, volunteering, and hiking with her husband, Kiko, and their son.
Falon has been a veterinary professional for the past 15 years. She graduated from Northern Virginia Community College's veterinary technician program in 2019. She joined our staff in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
Gina Louise graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelors in Science and began her career with animals in 2001 as a volunteer for Operation Catnip. Gina Louise joined the Springfield Veterinary Center in the Fall of 2001.
Gina Louise attended the Blue Ridge Community College distance education program where she became a licensed veterinary technician in May of 2005. She became certified in the PennHip procedure in January of 2016.
Gina Louise spends her free time with her husband Mark and their children. As a family, they enjoy the outdoors; sports events, running, and cycling.
Dr. Kolster joined Springfield Veterinary Center in 2007, after completing her DVM and residency in Comparative Theriogenology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists (Specialists in Animal Reproduction) in 2007.
While at VMCVM, Dr. Kolster completed research on the effects of hypothyroidism on reproduction in the bitch, specifically investigating alterations in prolactin secretion during anestrus. She was responsible for managing the research breeding colony of dogs. Dr. Kolster also assisted in management of the university's broodmare herd.
Currently, Dr. Kolster is the Medical Director and provides reproductive, acupuncture, and general medicine services at Springfield Veterinary Center.
In her "spare" time, Dr. Kolster enjoys training in a multitude of dog sports with her Shetland sheepdogs.