VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge

Bios

• David Tayman

  DVM

  Dr. Tayman started his career at Michigan State University, where he graduated with honors in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 1969. Dr. Tayman became owner and president of Columbia Animal Hospital in 1974 and sold the practice in 2005 to VCA, where he then became the medical director of both the Hickory Ridge and Centre Park locations. He has also been the owner of four other animal hospitals. The animal hospitals are certified by such distinguished associations as the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Tayman is a member of the Howard County Board of Health; is involved with the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County, was a board member of the Howard County Hospital Foundation, and a member of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he was also President of the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association in 1986. Dr. Tayman has received numerous awards during his career including Best Small Business Person of the Year Howard County 2001, Best Veterinarian of the Year Howard County, and the Most Charitable Business of the Year Howard County 2001. Dr. Tayman is also responsible for developing the PetSafe Program for Howard County and for starting the Mutt Mitt public health program (a system of stations around the county for pet waste disposal). In veterinary school Dr. Tayman learned his practice philosophy, from Dr. Wade Brinker, "Treat each pet as if it were your own".

• Nancy Kelso

  DVM

  The Kelso family was one of the first dozen families to move into Columbia in 1967. Dr. Kelso graduated from Wilde Lake High School, and then received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University. She then attended and earned her veterinary degree from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kelso practiced for ten years in Virginia before returning to Columbia, MD and joining the staff of VCA Columbia Animal Hospital @ Hickory Ridge. She enjoys practicing the top-quality medicine and surgery, while maintaining a special interest in reproduction and performance dogs. Away from the hospital, Dr. Kelso is active with her family on a small sheep and horse farm. She breeds Collies and successfully campaigns in dog shows, herding, agility, and obedience trials. Her dogs have won national awards in both show and working competitions. "I've been told that in pre-school I repeatedly said, 'I want to be a petinarian.' Whether it was through destiny or hard work, I am blessed to have the best job in the world. I deal with the excitement and growing field of veterinary medicine and surgery. I have the daily joy of seeing the world through the eyes of a young, playful puppy or kitten, experiencing the wisdom of a senior pet, and working with the pet parents who share the life of their pets. It's my daily goal to make a positive difference in every pet's life that I have the honor to care for.".

• Alison Strauss

  DVM

  Dr. Strauss joined our VCA family in 2004. She was born in Annapolis, MD and raised in the Midwest. Dr. Strauss earned her veterinary degree from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Her special interests include Wellness, Nutrition, Internal Medicine, and Ultrasound. Dr. Strauss resides in Frederick County with her husband and 3 children. "Growing up I always had a pet and felt a strong bond with all of them. I developed a love of science in school. Then a biology teacher showed a film on Veterinary Medicine. I was hooked. I got a job volunteering at a local practice and never looked back. Learning more about the profession and seeing what an impact it had in peoples lives drew me in. The day-to-day variety and learning experiences keep me here. I have always been a communicator (my family might say I talk too much!) and that has helped me as I strive to serve my clients and my patients.".

• Lynn Facemire

  DVM

  Dr. Lynn Facemire was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. She attended undergraduate school at the University of Cincinnati and received a bachelor degree in chemical engineering. She worked for pharmaceutical company in Indiana for several years before returning to vet school at Purdue University. She graduated in 2000 with an interest in large and small animals. After completing a 1 year surgical internship in equine surgery in Lexington Kentucky, Dr. Facemire spent the next several years in mixed animal practices in Kentucky, Indiana and North Cariolina. She is board certified in canine, feline and equine general practice (ABVP). Dr. Facemire's husband is a veterinarian in the ARMY, which brought them to Maryland. Her areas of interest are in small animal dermatology, ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. She is also board certified in equine general practice. She owns 4 dogs, 1 cat and 1 horse. Her hobbies include reading, running, horse-back riding, gardening and hiking. Dr. Facemire's favorite breed is the beagle.

• Tiffany Englander

  DVM

  Dr. Englander joined our VCA family in July 2013. She was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado and earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from The Colorado College in 2007. Dr. Englander earned her veterinary degree The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012. She then completed a small animal medical and surgical internship in Bowie, MD before joining VCA Columbia Animal Hospital @ Hickory Ridge. In her spare time, Dr. Englander enjoys reading, running, biking, swimming, painting, hiking, and playing with Curtis and Simon, her two chinchillas. "The best part of being a veterinarian is the ability to strengthen and enhance the special relationship that owners have with their pets. I draw my motivation from the joy of using my scientific knowledge to directly help owners and their pets every single day.".

• Melchus Davis Jr.

  DVM

  Dr. Davis joined our VCA family in October of 2012. He has 18 years of experience in the field of veterinary medicine as a small animal practitioner, working predominantly with canine and feline patients. Dr. Davis is a native of Washington, D.C. and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. He then earned is Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Davis enjoys practicing small animal medicine with a key interest in preventative medicine, ultrasound, and dentistry. He is dedicated to staying current in the development of veterinary medicine on a local and national level. . Dr. Davis incorporates a compassionate team oriented approach with our clients and their furry family members. He believes that providing in depth education to our clients leads to long life and wellness for their pets. . When not practicing medicine, Dr. Davis places strong value in spending time with his wife and two young children. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys golfing, fishing, video gaming and supporting his favorite sports teams. .