Dr. Zimmerman is Ruxton Animal Hospital’s owner and full-time veterinarian. Born and raised in Anne Arundel County, she is happy to have established firm roots in Maryland! Her undergraduate studies were completed at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry in 2001. She then attended the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and became “Dr. Z” in 2005. After gaining experience in a variety of Baltimore area veterinary hospitals, Dr. Zimmerman settled in at Ruxton permanently in 2015! Her zeal for veterinary medicine shows, with a strong focus on client education and fear-free practice techniques. Special clinical interests include internal medicine, geriatric care, canine/feline behavior, and cardiology. Dr. Z lives with menagerie of animals which includes (but is not limited to): a Bulldog mix named Emilia (known to her friends as Emmy), an American Bulldog named Blue, a bird named Figgy, a pony named Flynn, and a handful of mini horses.

Lisa is one of our registered veterinary technicians and has been with Ruxton Animal Hospital since its opening in 1996. She grew up in Baltimore and received her RVT degree from CCBC. Lisa enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and remains dedicated to expanding her knowledge in new and imminent developments within her field. She resides in Bowley’s Quarters with her two daughters as well as her border collies, Jenny and Fergus.  When not tending to our patients, Lisa enjoys biking and walking/hiking.

Sandy’s long love affair with vet med began in 2001! A Parkville native, Sandy resides with her Pit Bull, Sir Reginald III. Ever since she was a toddler, she’s felt a special connection with the furry sort, and is happy to have ended up in her “dream job”! She enjoys all aspects of the veterinary field and her enthusiasm, vast knowledge, and energy brightens our exam rooms! Her personal hobbies include hiking, target shooting, riding horses (dressage specifically), and reading.

Sophie was born and raised in Marriottsville, MD before becoming a resident Baltimorean. While she has worked in animal care since 2016, her journey into the veterinary field began in 2020. Sophie is interested in Fear Free practices and is learning everyday. She lives with her happy Pitbull, Harper and two cats, Nova and Tortellini. Outside of work, Sophie enjoys being out in nature, photography, art and travel.

Born in Minneapolis, MN, Nicole moved to Baltimore in 2007 and has been a part of the veterinary field since 2015. Nicoles currently resides with her 20 year old cat, Shadow, and her bouncy black lab, Octavia. Her favorite part of Vet Med is learning about disease processes, how medications work, nutrition, and behavioral modification. Outside of work you can find Nicole outside gardening - be sure to let her know if you need any fresh green beans!

​Having been the proud owner of several yellow labs over the years, Ryan has a soft spot for friends of the furry variety. Ryan first dove into the world of veterinary medicine when he started here in 2022. His favorite part is being able to be a part of the care team for both the animals and their owners. When not at work he enjoys writing, reading, board games, and video games. He is always ready with a joke, but be warned... don't ask him to tell you a story about a green bouncy ball unless you have time to stay a while! ;)

​Brianna began her career in the veterinary field in 2021, and joined Ruxton Animal Hospital in 2025. Brianna resides in the Baltimore area with her 2 cats (Ming and Rip), 3 dogs (Buddy, Abby, and Holly), and lots of chickens! She is most interested in learning new skills and watching the advancement of veterinary medicine, as well as being able to share and educate others on these topics. Outside of work, you can find Brianna hiking, reading, weight lifting, or playing video games.

Ryan began his career in veterinary medicine in 2019, then joined Ruxton Animal Hospital in 2024. Ryan currently resides in Overlea with his adorable son, a sulcata tortoise named Zou, a giant gourami fish named Odin, and a ball python named Mandy. Ryan is very much a fan of our exotic pets and will happily discuss marine life and scaly friends with you! His favorite part of veterinary medicine is animal behavior.

Parker started her journey in the veterinary field in 2022, and joined Ruxton in 2025. She currently resides with her husband and two very sweet kitties, Marlowe and Rory. Parker is currently enrolled in school to work towards her RVT license. When she is not busy with school and work, you can find Parker hiking, weightlifting, painting, and/or playing video games.

Kristi grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania but moved to Maryland in 2008. Sha has been working in the veterinary field for 22 years and loves it! Her favorite thing about veterinary medicine is that every day is different! She loves all aspects of the field-- from surgery, dentals, and wellness care to management duties, HR, inventory, and other more administrative tasks. Outside of work, she loves attending sporting events (Go Commanders, Go Terps!). She also loves being one the water or at the beach, traveling, or watching movies. She loves every part of providing Ruxton Animal Hospital and our patients the best possible care!

As a graduate of Wilson College's Veterinary Medical Technology program, Jessica joined Ruxton Animal Hospital as a seasoned licensed technician. She has lived all over the country, being born and raised in Philadelphia, PA (fly Eagles, fly!), she has lived in Alabama, Texas and now, Maryland. Having moved here from the deep south, Jess is once again enjoying her cold and snowy winters. Her fur-babies are made up of all rescues, some with special needs, this includes 5 cats, a boxer, and several chickens (some of which with very big personalities). Jessica's hobbies include horseback riding, reading, camping and a long term crochet project that never seems to end. She is also a big supporter of her son's Boy Scout troop and advocates others to "Adopt, don't shop and support your local animal shelter!" 

Kelsy was born and raised in the Baltimore area (Go Orioles!) and joined the team at Ruxton Animal Hospital in 2018. Kelsy's home is also home to a goofy Puggle named Hercules, a Bloodhound named Ruby, 2 silly kittens named Sausage and Eggs, a crested gecko, a parakeet, and her two lovely children. She has a passion for dogs and is eager to learn all she can! You can find Kelsy attending Orioles games, visiting friends and family in the Frostburg area, and going to concerts in her spare time.

Having been in the veterinary field since 2015, Cayla eventually joined Ruxton Animal Hospital in 2021 as a Client Service Coordinator. Born and raised in Baltimore, Cayla has expressed a genuine interest in helping pets and their people. Her own fur family consists of 2 cats, Dwight and Louie, as well as her dog, Murphy. When she is not working or in school, Cayla spends time cooking, reading and traveling.

Natalie first started working in the veterinary field when she joined the Ruxton Animal Hospital team in 2022. She has been an avid animal lover her entire life and is thrilled to have a job that involves working with them every day! She is currently working towards her Bachelor's in Biology at Towson University and hopes to attend veterinary school after that. In her free time she loves spending time with friends, reading, and going on camping trips with her family and Australian Shepherd mix named Finn.

Matt is originally from Severna Park, Maryland, but now we are happy to have him here in our Ruxton family! He is a big animal lover and thoroughly enjoys working with the dogs and cats who come through the clinic.  He has one family dog named Charlie, who is a Cavichon, but loves any breed that is small and cuddly! When not at work, Matt enjoys "nerdy stuff" like video games.

Nikki joined the Ruxton team in 2025. She currently shares her home with 4 kitties (Luna, Angel, Chauncey, and Pantera), 2 mice, and 2 gerbils. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is seeing patients back for their recheck exams so that she can track improvement, feeding all of the yummy treats, and socializing with the fur babies. When not here, Nikki spends her time long boarding, playing guitar, and exploring new places. 

​Claudia was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Baltimore. She has been in the veterinary field for one year now and has always had a love for animals and a passion for wanting to help them. Claudia currently resides with her American Bully, Suki, and her mothers dog, Max. In her free time, you can find her hiking, traveling, and eating all of the delicious foods.