Growing up on a small family farm in rural Harvard, Massachusetts, Dr. Claire Thomas began her atypical journey toward a career in veterinary medicine.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, she embarked on a career in customer service, followed by sales and marketing work. Her business career began in Massachusetts and included an overseas position in Sydney, Australia.
Upon returning to Massachusetts, she chose to start a family and remain at home to care for her two boys, along with her husband Art. During this time, the pursuit of a new found hobby, recreational horseback riding, grew into a career of teaching. Therapeutic horseback riding instruction for the disabled, and recreational horseback riding for able-bodied riders, soon became a passion. Witnessing the medical and emotional benefits derived from this unique interaction, her life and career goals were forever changed. Ultimately, her respect and appreciation for the human-animal bond compelled her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Thomas decided to return to college to pursue her doctorate in veterinary medicine, which she received from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating from Tufts, Dr. Thomas has provided quality small animal care at a variety of local veterinary practices, most recently as a relief veterinarian for multiple clinics in Massachusetts. All of her experiences have helped to shape and solidify her approach and commitment to delivering compassionate, quality care to your pets, and clear, open communication with you, our clients. She is thrilled and honored to provide veterinary medical care to dogs, cats, and horses through the opening of Veterinary Health Care of Groton.
Dr. Thomas enjoyed time as a member of the Board of Directors for NEADS, National Education for Assistance Dog Services, also known as Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, a member of the Board of Directors for UMass Lowell’s IACUC (a board which oversees the protection of lab animals), and she remains a licensed therapeutic riding instructor. The Thomas family currently shares their home with a lovable rescue Cali, rescued through the Lowell Humane Society after sustaining severe damage to both of her hips. She joined the household one night when she needed overnight care after her surgery. She went home with Dr. Thomas and has run the household ever since!
Cali
Michelle Verville grew up in Dracut, MA, and has adored all animals since a young girl. She began working in this field in 2001, and has gained experience in several areas of veterinary hospitals. Over the years she has developed a passion for educating clients and assisting them in navigating the many options available in caring for their pet’s needs. She strives to provide a warm, positive experience with each visit to the office.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys baking, cooking, hiking and reading. She currently resides in Mason, NH with her cats Speedy & Francine, son Jaxson, and boyfriend Seth.
Santa brought Speedy to the Verville household one winter night, and he's ruled the roost ever since. He recently toured our clinic, along with Dr. Thomas' dog Sammy:
as well as checking out the plumbing in our treatment area:
Micayla was raised and resides in Tewksbury, MA. Growing up, there was always a dog and a cat in the home, building her love for animals. Micayla realized she wanted to work with animals while she was spending many weekends at dog shows and competitions with her dog niece and dog nephew. In 2009 she began her journey into the veterinary field as a receptionist in a large hospital for small animals, with the goal of becoming a veterinary technician. She worked her way to the back of the hospital as a technician's assistant in 2011. Through lots of learning, hard work, and dedication, Micayla met her goal of being a technician in 2013. She loves educating clients and has a passion for small animal dentistry.
When Micayla is not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her fiance Walter, their daughter Haylen, their son Zachary, and the two family hermit crabs - Lilo and Maui.
Charlotte grew up in Chelmsford and has always had a love for animals. She has been in the veterinary field for almost 15 years. She grew up riding horses and spending time helping out around the farm. Her family always had animals growing up as well. At age 12 she started volunteering at her local animal hospital cleaning cages and walking dogs. The hospital she started volunteering at became a larger hospital and once she turned 16 she started working in the hospital's kennel. She then worked her way up to technician assistant then on to being a technician. She has experience with managing staff as well. She attended Mount Ida College for Veterinary Technology in 2009. In 2020 she also worked briefly with a reproductive doctor who helps with breeding of dogs. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, step daughter, her two cats Lenny and Jasper and enjoys competing in bodybuilding competitions. She currently resides in Milford, NH and plans to start a little farm with goats and chickens.
Richelle is originally from Burlington, MA, where she grew up with many family pets over the years. While working her way towards her bachelor's degree at Curry College, she realized her real passion was for animals. After various positions bathing, grooming, dog walking, and pet sitting, Richelle made her way into the veterinary field in 2015. She began her career at a small clinic in Burlington before joining VHCG in 2019. She continues to learn new things every day, and continuously strives to help and care for animals. She now resides in Townsend, MA with her boyfriend, Devan, and their two dogs Tuukka (puggle mix) & Bodie (lab/shepherd mix). When she is not at work she enjoys camping, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends in her favorite place - Brandy Pond, in Naples, Maine.
Alex was raised in Westminster, MA and has always had a love for animals big and small. She has held a multi-tasking position at a kennel as an animal care attendant to even a managerial position for many years where her love of small animals and educating clients has only increased. She currently resides in Fitchburg, MA with her husband Nathan, and rescue dog, a Border Jack named Penny who has driven and inspired Alex to become a dog trainer and veterinary technician. When not working Alex enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and being outdoors.
Selena has grown up living with many different animals, from reptiles and birds to the typical domestic dogs and cats. When Selena was 9 years old, she got her first dog that she could call her very own. After many bonded years with her beloved dog, Niko, he was diagnosed with renal failure. In hopes of learning more about this disease and help other animals in critical condition, Selena began her career working at a local emergency animal hospital and medical boarding facility. She started in the kennel, walking and feeding the patients. After about a year, Selena decided that she wanted to be more involved with patient medical care and moved into a Veterinary Technician Assistant position. This was where she gained more knowledge of animal wellness and behavior. After a few years of learning and working in emergency and critical care, her love for her career working with animals had grown. After reaching her long term goal of becoming a Veterinary Technician, her passion for animal care prompted her to expand her time with animals by starting her own pet sitting business. In her free time, Selena enjoys hiking, photography, camping, spending time with her daughter, Pharrah and their dog, Tatum.
