Our Doctors

Dr. Wehle was born in Fairfax, VA. She received her B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA in 2008. After graduation, she attended Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and graduated with a B.S. in 2010. During college and nursing school, she worked at Dominion Animal Hospital and realized that her true passion was veterinary medicine. She attended veterinary school at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with a D.V.M in 2015. In her free time, Dr. Wehle enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  She has three dogs; an Italian greyhound named Lily, a whippet mix named Gracie, and a whippet named Nora.

Dr. Boone was born in Pendleton, North Carolina. He graduated from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. It was during Dr. Boone’s early childhood, growing up on a farm in North Carolina, that he developed a deep passion for the caring of animals. Dr. Boone says that same passion is still as fresh in his heart today as it was years ago. Dr. Boone’s special interests in veterinary medicine include internal medicine and dentistry. Today he splits his time between two practices, Dominion Animal Hospital in Herndon, Virginia and  Adams Morgan Animal Hospital in Washington D.C. He has provided the medical care for D.C. Metropolitan police dogs for over thirty-four years. Dr. Boone served three years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp., Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. After completing his active duty tour, he decided to continue his military career in the U. S. Army Veterinary Corp. Dr. Boone retired as a Lt. Colonel after twenty-seven years of military service. Dr. Boone is proud to have his son, Dr. Jerrold Boone, who is also a graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine working with him.  Dr. Boone enjoys cooking, carpentry and gardening.

Dr. Wallace was born and raised in New York City. She had a deep love for animals from childhood. She spent time as a volunteer at the ASPCA in Manhattan in the education department, helping visiting student groups understand the proper care of animals including dogs, cats and some exotics. She spent a summer working in the Children’s Zoo section of the Bronx Zoo, caring for the ponies, sheep, goats, ferrets and snakes, and exhibiting the animals to visiting children.

Dr. Wallace earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology at Cornell University and then proceeded on to The New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. During her training, she spent a summer volunteering at the veterinary clinic of the Humane Society in Manhattan, a month-long externship in dermatology at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, and a summer working at Storybook Farm Animal Hospital in Rochester, NY.

After earning her veterinary degree, she moved to Virginia to enter private practice. She worked for Dr. Kermit Cockrell for 12 years before buying the practice from him along with her partners, Dr. James Boone and Dr. Joseph Bourke.

Her professional special interests include dentistry and internal medicine. In her down time, she enjoys church, gardening, knitting and golf.

Dr. Bourke was born and raised in Washington, DC. He graduated from Bishop McNamara High School and earned a B.A. in biology at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.It was at Lincoln University where his advisor helped to cultivate his interest in veterinary medicine. After college, he volunteered at Temple Hill Animal Hospital and worked under Dr. Johnnie Cameron.  Dr. Cameron recommended him to Tuskegee Institute and Dr. Bourke graduated with his DVM in 1990.  Following an internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington DC, Dr. Bourke was asked to join Dominion by Dr. Cockrell in 1991 and has been on staff for over 20 years. Soft tissue surgery still remains his primary interest and he has taken a special interest in laser surgery as of late.  Dr. Bourke lives in Maryland with his wife and son and his wife’s dog Leo. He enjoys vegetable gardening, playing tennis and riding his Harley which he plans to ride across the country one day very soon.

Dr. Boone was born in Opelika, Alabama,while his father attended veterinary school. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, he followed in his father’s footsteps to Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine and received his degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2001. His special interests in veterinary medicine include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. He attended a post-doctoral extensive small animal orthopedic surgery course at The Virginia-Maryland College of Regional Veterinary Medicine on the campus of Virginia Tech University. Not surprising, Dr. Boone’s father has always been a great inspiration to him. Thirty years of veterinarian practice has instilled in him a deep love and compassion for animals Dr. Boone lives in Maryland with his wife, two children, his Rottweiler named Cleo and a Bull Mastiff named Diesel. In his free time, Dr. Boone enjoys golf, sports, motorcycling and anything that involves the outdoors.

“My time in service to our animal friends and the moments shared with you, have kept my life filled with the best of times.”

Fondly,

Doc

Colleen joined the Dominion team in August 2016. She is currently attending George Mason University and working on a Psychology/Creative Writing double major. She has a Border Terrier named Frankie, a Golden Retriever mix named Ellie, and a hedgehog named Blake. In her free time she enjoys practicing the violin and mandolin, playing video games, and reading.

Daniela joined Dominion Animal Hospital as a kennel technician in September 2017. She is currently studying at Northern Virginia Community College to obtain an associates degree in biology and hopes to transfer to Virginia Tech to get her bachelors. Daniela enjoys playing guitar, watching Marvel movies, and cuddling with her pitbull, Luna.

Dawn joined Dominion in August 2017 with over 17 years of experience in the veterinary field. She resides here in Northern Virginia. Prior to her time at Dominion she was a floor manager of a veterinary hospital where she fostered a positive team building atmosphere and encouraged a learning environment. She has taken several courses in business and veterinary technology which aid in her well-rounded approach to providing high-quality patient care. She lives with her husband and 5 furry family members, 4 cats: Daryl the feral, Popeye, Ivan, Lily and 1 dog,  Wallop.  Outside of work she enjoys taking in the outdoors with kayaking, camping and hiking with Wallop.  She and her husband have dreams of starting an outdoor hobby business one day.

Faye joined the Dominion Animal Hospital team in June 2016 and works seasonally while also attending the University of Virginia during the school year. She will graduate from UVA in 2019 with an expected double-major in Biology and Anthropology. She hopes to apply to either veterinary school or graduate school for marine biology once completing her undergraduate degree. In her free time, Faye loves cuddling her black lab, Cece. She also loves to dance, play the piano, and read crime novels.

Marissa joined the Dominion team after a high school internship experience in 2014. She is currently attending James Madison University working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing but works seasonally to help the staff out on her breaks. She has a Shih Tzu named Mickey at home but her favorite dog breeds include Boston Terriers, English Bull Dogs, and Cavalier Spaniels. She loves working in the kennel as well as being a Veterinary Technician because of the extra time she gets to spend with the dogs and cats.

Rebecca W. started at Dominion Animal Hospital in May 2017 after deciding to pursue her passion of working with animals. She previously worked in meteorological sales for seven years and is currently one of our beloved receptionists. With high hopes of becoming a veterinary technician, she’s thrilled to be working with the knowledgeable staff here at Dominion and is considering furthering her education in the profession.  She lives in Falls Church with her boxer mix Chloe, a tortoiseshell cat Ivy, and lionhead dwarf rabbit Maximus.

Tasha joined Dominion in June 2017 but she has been working in the veterinary field for over 10 years.  She graduated from UVA in 2007 with a B.S. in Biology.  She then pursued a Veterinary Technology degree from NVCC where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2013 and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  She has a passion for animals and the health sciences in general and has a sweet fun-loving Shih Tzu at home named Coady.  Her hobbies include baking, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her family.  She loves to learn and teach others and is currently pursuing a Nursing degree at NVCC.

Vanessa started in September 2017 as a kennel technician. She is very excited to be working here, and she is hoping to start school soon so she can become an LVT. She has a yorkie named Nikki who she loves very much. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her mom and watching Disney movies.

Rebecca Simokaitis is our Practice Manager.  Rebecca discovered her love for animals at an early age.  Rebecca spent most of her youth feeding stray cats and begging her parents to let her bring them home. After college Rebecca decided to get a job at a local Veterinary Hospital, where she discovered the position of a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  After a year of working at the hospital, she found herself applying for Veterinary Technician School.  She worked as an LVT, (Licensed Veterinary Technician) for about 15 years, before moving into a managerial position.  She is currently working hard to make Dominion the best hospital in NOVA.  She hopes to obtain her CVPM, (Certified Veterinary Practice Managers) certificate within the next couple years.  Outside of work, Rebecca likes to spend her free time hanging out with her husband and kids, listening to music, camping, and working out at the gym.

Brittany joined Dominion Animal Hospital in 2013, is currently a technician and the kennel and technician supervisor. She is a certified dog trainer and works with puppies and older dogs specifically training them in basic obedience, behavior modification and preparing them for CGC testing. Her dream is to one day run her own nonprofit, training and certifying rescue dogs for pet therapy in schools and hospitals. In her spare time, she coaches middle school cheer-leading and is co-commissioner of the cheer league for the past 4 years. She has three pets at home, a bunny, dog and cat whom she loves very much.

Nicole obtained her Associate’s Degree in Science from Northern Virginia Community College, then got her Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Mason University.  She has worked at Dominion Animal Hospital since 2006 and enjoys working with dogs and cats. She became assistant manager after she naturally progressed in training staff members to excel. She enjoys making her team members laugh and smile throughout the long working days. Outside of work, exercise and reading are passions of hers and loves learning/researching anything science related.

Maya has been with Dominion Animal Hospital since June 2015 and loves being able to work with animals. She has a strong passion for animals and has had many different types during her lifetime, including dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, and fish. She also is a car enthusiast, her favorite type being muscle cars. In Maya’s spare time, she enjoys taking her Great Dane to modified car meet-ups, taking care of her reptiles, and spending time with her family.

Barbara is one of our loyal receptionists that has worked at Dominion Animal Hospital for over 10 years. She was transplanted in Virginia after spending a decade in Germany. She was first a client of Dominion, fell in love with the place and then inquired about a job. She also volunteers at Friends of Homeless Animals in Aldie where she adopted Charlie, her husky mix. “My pets come to Dominion Animal Hospital because of the quality of care and the atmosphere of ‘home at the hospital’. My pets have always loved it. They told me so. Hah Hah.” Outside of work Barbara enjoys spending time with her 2 crazy dogs, her son Robert and his wife, Jessica, and her 4 grandchildren. She also enjoys selling Mary Kay and being active in her community.

Vera has been with DAH since April of 2015 and has loved every minute of it. She started as a receptionist and worked her way up to being a Veterinary Technician. Vera is now going to school to become a  Licensed Veterinary Technician. In her spare time, Vera enjoys dancing, hanging out with friends, cooking and playing with animals. At home, she has two cats named Luna and Nikita, and a cute little guinea pig named Caramel.