Dr. Mahlum is originally from the Pacific Northwest where she received her veterinary degree from Oregon State and Washington State University, graduating in 2006. Following graduation, Dr. Mahlum completed a rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, and Residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. She was awarded Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) in 2010.
Following the completion of her residency, Dr. Mahlum has worked as a Staff Criticalist in New Jersey, New York City, Southern California, and Oregon. Outside of work, Dr. Mahlum enjoys the great outdoors, exploring the culinary delights of the local area and spending time with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and her forever 8-year-old pug, Charlie.
Dr. Mahlum is co-owner and medical director of BVER and will also be managing cases through the emergency and critical care department.
Dr. Megan Steele grew up in central Pennsylvania, did her undergraduate degree at the Pennsylvania State University before receiving her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Steele completed a small animal rotating internship at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, MA, and then a specialty neurology internship at the Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles, CA. In 2015 she completed her neurology residency at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and became a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She has worked in Los Angeles, California, and the Pacific Northwest. Her special areas of interest include neurosurgery and Chiari-like malformation. In her spare time, Dr. Steele enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs, goats, and riding horses.
Dr. Steele is a Co-owner and co-medical director at BVER and will also be working in the neurology department.
Dr. Olivia Nathanson is originally from Massachusetts. She completed her undergraduate training at Bard College in New York, and went on to earn her veterinary degree (VMD) at the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, she completed a rotating small animal medicine & surgery internship at the ASPCA Animal Hospital in New York City before returning to the University of Pennsylvania for a 3-year residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She became a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM) in 2019.
Following residency training, Dr. Nathanson worked in specialty practices in the New York City region. As an internist, Dr. Nathanson enjoys working closely with clients to establish long-term treatment plans for chronic disease management. She also enjoys the diagnostic investigation and puzzle solving that comes with the diverse Internal Medicine caseload, and has a special interest in endocrinology, gastroenterology, and feline medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Nathanson enjoys yoga, running, live music, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to relocate to the Pacific Northwest and make Portland, Oregon her new home.
Dr. Dahlberg is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with over 15 years of veterinary surgery experience taking her from Alaska to Vietnam.
While completing her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, Dr. Dahlberg earned a concurrent Master’s of Science focusing on biomechanics and osteoarthritis therapy in animals. She then completed a surgical internship and residency in large animal surgery at University of Pennsylvania. As she switched focus to small animals, Dr. Dahlberg practiced general small animal medicine for 4 years before pursuing a 2-year small animal surgical fellowship at a California referral hospital. She served as Chair of the ACVS Dual-Certification Committee which endorses supplemental surgical proficiency in diplomats working with multiple species.
As a certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, Dr. Dahlberg enjoys diagnosing and treating challenging lameness cases.
Before joining BVER, Dr. Dahlberg practiced for 3 years at a referral center in Alaska. She is awestruck by the level of knowledge and skill of her Bridgetown colleagues and is honored to share the floor with them.
When the work is done, you will find Dr. Dahlberg outside with her rescue dog, “Guy”. She enjoys trail running, mountain/gravel biking, camping, and snowboarding.
Dr. Veronica Verdoliva, known as “Dr. V” by her clients, grew up in Italy, where she graduated from the University of Bologna Veterinary School in 2002. During a two year externship with a boarded European Cardiologist in Milan, Italy, she became interested in diagnostic imaging, specifically in abdominal ultrasound.
In 2004 she moved to Oregon with her husband, where she completed ECFVG program for foreign veterinarians in 2010 and then attended Oregon State University for her Veterinary Degree. Since this time she has worked as a general practitioner and sonographer. She is passionate about abdominal ultrasound, honing her skills through many years of training, continuing education and practice. She is pursuing her dream to become a boarded radiologist in the future.
At home, Veronica enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and two cats. She loves traveling, running and gardening, and of course cooking delicious Italian food.
Dr. Lamkin graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. After working with the National Park Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and US Geological Survey, she returned to school to earn a DVM degree from University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Cornell University. Afterward she stayed to complete her residency in comparative ophthalmology at Cornell before becoming a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Dr. Lamkin thoroughly enjoys all aspects of veterinary ophthalmology, and her primary interests include corneal surface disease and emergency ocular surgery. In her free time, Dr. Lamkin enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, biking, skate skiing, cooking, and watching the Great British Bake Off with her partner and her two cats and Beagle.
Dr. Sophia Sullivan grew up in a small town in northern Connecticut, where her passion and love for animals first started. She decided to turn her passion for helping animals into a career. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and then completed veterinary school at St. George’s University. Dr. Sullivan started her veterinary career in general practice , but decided to transition to ER medicine help provide critical and life saving care to pets within our community. Dr. Sullivan adopted her dog, Daisy, while living in Vermont and her cat, Kepler, while completing her clinical year at Oregon State University. In her free time, you can find Dr. Sullivan skiing at Mt. Hood with her partner, Kai. She also enjoys hiking, surfing, watching jeopardy, and puzzling. Whenever she has extra free time, Dr. Sullivan enjoys visiting her parents, who now live in Maine.
Dr. Kendal Besecker grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and received a bachelor of science from The Ohio State University in 2018 followed by completing her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. As a new graduate, Dr. Besecker is passionate about small animal emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery and behavior cases. Dr. Besecker has 8 years of experience working in veterinary medicine and is excited to continue her path of lifelong learning with Bridgetown ER and Referral. Dr. Besecker recently relocated to Portland with her husband and two dogs, Rufus and Marlo. Outside of work, they love to run, hike, rock climb and explore the local food scene.
Dr. Ricky Wagner grew up in Spring Hill, KS and received a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in 2019 followed by completing his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. As a new graduate, Dr. Wagner is passionate about small animal emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and ultrasonography. Dr. Wagner is excited to begin his career as an emergency veterinarian at Bridgetown ER and Referral caring for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Outside of the hospital, you’ll catch him exploring nature’s beauty on hikes, trotting the globe, sweating it out at the gym, or simply basking in good company. Speaking of company, he brought two feline adventurers, Ellie and Cleo, along on his move to Portland.
Dr. Ilona Edens was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She moved to Portland after she graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. Prior to joining the Bridgetown team, she worked in both small animal and mixed animal general practices. She also continues to work several days a month at the Pixie Project, and is grateful for the opportunity to help shelter animals and the low income community.
When she’s not working, Dr. Edens loves to garden in her certified backyard habitat, bike, hike, and see a concert or play at one of the local theaters. She shares her home with Pretzel, a Chihuahua mix, and her cats Arlo and Owen.
Dr. Schuster Barber is originally from Germany but grew up in Florida. She obtained a B.S. degree in zoology from the University of Florida and a M.S. degree in ecology/environmental biology from the University of North Florida before deciding to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She attended St. George’s University where she graduated with highest honors in 2017. Dr. Schuster Barber worked in small animal and exotic general practice and home euthanasia before joining the Bridgetown team.
In her spare time, Dr. Schuster Barber can be found reading (especially science fiction), crafting, and spending time with her husband. They are often at a new restaurant, seeing a movie, enjoying a concert, or exploring the beauty and wildlife of the PNW! They share their home with rescue Greyhound Dennis, chonky orange tabby Oliver, and Japanese Bobtail cat Arthur.
Dr. Ben Harrison is from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. He received his Bachelor of science in Biology from West Virginia University, and his Master of science in Animal Physiology the following year. He attended veterinary school at the University of Melbourne in Australia, graduating with his DVM degree in December of 2023. His special interests include soft tissue surgery, imaging, and aquatic medicine. When not at work he spends his time with his partner, his three legged dog Pippin, and a sassy cat named Waffles. Having recently moved to the PNW, he hopes to enjoy the rock climbing culture and spend more time playing the banjo. All while exploring all of the fun weirdness Portland has to offer.
Dr. Hunter grew up in Portland (go Generals!) and is thrilled to provide care and compassion to her community during their scariest moments. She ventured to upstate NY for her undergraduate degree before returning home to attend veterinary school at Oregon State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating in 2017, she jumped right into ER medicine and has spent her time in both ER and urgent care medicine since then.
Dr. Hunter’s veterinary passions vary between wound management, soft tissue surgery and managing puzzling endocrinopathies. She strives to make sure her patient’s family are part of the medical decision making and that they have a good understanding of everything that is happening with their furry family member.
Outside of work, she stays busy entertaining two young kiddos with the help of her husband. She has a crazy blue heeler named Oscar and a feisty feline named Marvin. She enjoys knitting, hiking, and reading books to unwind.
Dr. Luciani is originally from St. Louis and attended the University of Missouri – Columbia for both her undergraduate and veterinary studies. Following graduation, she completed a rotating small animal medicine & surgery internship at Auburn University before heading to the University of Wisconsin – Madison for a 3-year residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
Dr. Luciani enjoys the wide variety of complex cases that come through the Internal Medicine service, but especially values her role as a member of the care team for valued family members. Within internal medicine, her special interests include endocrinology and immune-mediated disease. Outside of work, Dr. Luciani enjoys hiking, biking, cooking and gardening. She is excited to move to the PNW with her partner and their pets.
A Northwest local, Dr. Shelby Smyly was born and raised in Washington. She pursued her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, before obtaining her veterinary degree (VMD) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Smyly’s journey then brought her back to her PNW roots. Settling in Portland, she has since practiced in small animal emergency, general practice, and urgent care settings. Additionally, she spent time as a clinical professor in PCC’s Veterinary Technology program.
Dr. Smyly is dedicated to providing compassionate critical care and comfort to her patients in their time of need. She believes in using the most current stress-free practices and has achieved additional veterinary certification as a Fear Free Certified Professional.
Beyond her veterinary endeavors Dr. Smyly enjoys seeking outdoor adventures with her husband and their young daughter, exploring the many natural wonders of the area. She cherishes quiet moments at home cuddled up with her beloved cat, Trinity, reading or practicing her crochet skills.
Dr. Olivia Roth-Carter grew up in Southern California. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Portland. She attended Oregon State University for veterinary school and recently graduated in June 2024. She is excited to start her career in emergency medicine at Bridgetown ER and Referral.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and family. Olivia can often be found hiking, reading, knitting, and gardening. She has a shepherd mix named Rory and two cats, Stache and Jacks. She has been involved with the Pixie Project since 2018, and enjoys being able to help shelter and community pets in need.
Dr. Jacob Franklin is originally from a small mountain town in Colorado. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Colorado and went on to earn his DVM from Colorado State University. Having experience working at an emergency animal hospital for a few years before veterinary school, he quickly realized that this was the path he wanted to follow for his career. Dr. Franklin’s veterinary passions include all things emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and providing care to pets in rural communities.
Being new to the Portland area, he’s excited to explore all the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, he also plans to search for the #1 best local coffee shop with his partner and their very sweet (and extremely needy) brindle pittie, Josie.
Dr. Davis grew up on a rural Wisconsin farm surrounded by cows, chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits, cats, and dogs. It was this early exposure to animals that solidified her dream to become a veterinarian. She received her BS in Biology with honors from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, where she graduated summa cum laude, and went on to pursue her DVM degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked as an emergency veterinarian in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Her special interests include emergency medicine, ultrasound, feline medicine, and animal behavior.
Having recently moved to OR with her husband, she is excited to explore all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. She enjoys everything outdoors – hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, and backpacking. She also loves traveling, reading, trying local cuisine, home renovation projects (to a certain extent), and spending time with her spoiled fur babies – a Rottweiler, Syrah, and cats Muenster and Stilton.
Dr. Mary Mitchell grew up in 7 different states, but spent most of that time living in central Washington and Aloha, Oregon. She originally graduated from University of Idaho with a degree in English Education with a History minor, and spent a short time as a middle school English and Social Studies teacher before finding her passion in veterinary medicine. She worked as a veterinary assistant in humane societies and general practice for several years before returning to school, graduating from Oregon State’s College of Veterinary medicine in 2021. She initially worked in general practice before transitioning to ER medicine in 2023. Her special interests include emergency medicine and surgery, as well as diagnosing and treating complex medical cases.
In her free time, Dr. Mitchell enjoys hiking, camping, video and board games, reading, writing, and spending time with her chosen family and pets. She spent 12 years living in the central Willamette Valley and is excited to return to the Portland area and to explore all it has to offer.
Dr. Mick was raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, Seattle. Following graduation, he spent a year working as a veterinary assistant before attending Washington State University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After veterinary school, he moved to the Finger Lakes region of New York for a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Cornell University. Dr. Mick remained at Cornell and completed a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine where he became a diplomate of the ACVIM. Since residency, Dr. Mick has practiced in Los Angeles and Denver and is excited to finally be back in the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Mick enjoys all aspects of Internal Medicine, but his primary interests include endoscopy, hepatology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. Outside of work, you can find Dr. Mick cycling, hiking, and spending time with his partner, Renee, their beagle, and two cats.
Dr. Brooks grew up in a small town in southern coastal Oregon, where she grew her passion for the outdoors and caring for animals. She attended Oregon State University for her Bachelor of Science degree and developed a passion for emergency care after working in another emergency referral center in Washington before being admitted to veterinary school. She later went on to complete veterinary school at Oregon State University, graduating in 2025.
As a new graduate Dr. Brooks has a passion for soft tissue surgery and is excited to grow her emergency and surgical skills at Bridgetown ER and Referral.
Outside of work she takes her dogs Taz and Sam on hiking adventures regularly to enjoy the outdoors, enjoys reading and finding mom and pop restaurants to try with her partner
Dr. Stephanie Weisbart grew up in southern Oregon and received a Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University in 2010, followed by a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2014. She then completed a 1-year rotating internship at Michigan Veterinary Specialists, followed by a 1-year emergency and critical mentorship. She has exclusively practiced emergency medicine since finishing her training which was primarily in southern Oregon.
Her interests include trauma and critically ill patients, but she enjoys many facets of emergency medicine. Dr. Weisbart has two French bulldogs, Stanley and Walter. Additionally, she enjoys life in the pacific northwest including hiking, kayaking, and wine tasting. She is eager to join the Bridgetown team and continue providing compassionate care to animals in the Portland area.
Dr. VanDerslice is delighted to be returning to her home turf of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She grew up in Olympia, WA and attended vet school at Washington State University where she graduated in 2020. Following graduation, she completed a rotating internship at The Ohio State University and a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. After passing board exams in 2024, she completed an additional year of training as a fellow in extracorporeal therapies at North Carolina State University. Her clinical interests include use of dialysis, plasma exchange and hemoperfusion in the management of kidney injuries, immune mediated diseases and toxicities as well as an interest in sepsis and multiorgan failure, traumas and neonatal kitten management.
Outside of work, Dr. VanDerslice enjoys traveling the world – both in cities and the wild – and seeks to be a lifelong learner. She shares her home and heart with three cats and numerous houseplants. She is excited to be joining the Bridgetown community!
Dr. Katherine Russel grew up in a quiet beach community in Southern California. She completed her undergraduate degree at UC Davis before traveling to Ireland to pursue her veterinary education at University College Dublin. After earning her degree, Dr. Russell returned to California to undertake a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital. She then completed two neurology specialty internships at MissionVet Specialty Hospital in Texas and VCA Animal Specialty Group in California. Dr. Russell further advanced her skills by completing a Neurology research internship at North Carolina State University, where she studied the aging process and explored ways to promote healthy aging in companion dogs. She later moved to Florida to complete her neurology residency at Southeast Veterinary Neurology.
In her spare time, Dr. Russell enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and relaxing with a good book.
Dr. Day grew up in the Pacific Northwest in western Washington and graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences. She then attended Oregon State University for her veterinary education and completed surgical residency training at Mississippi State University following a small animal rotating internship. She enjoys both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.
Outside of work Dr. Day loves spending time with her wife, cat, and three dogs, maintaining her tank of axolotls, hiking, and discovering new restaurants to enjoy.
Dr. Thomas Monto is a native of northwest Ohio and attended The Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 2009 and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Following veterinary school, Dr. Monto worked as a general practitioner in southern Indiana and northwest Ohio for seven years before completing a small animal rotating internship at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) in 2021. Dr. Monto then completed a four-year radiology residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2025 and achieved board certification in 2024. He enjoys all aspects of diagnostic imaging but has a particular interest in ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging.
Dr. Monto relocated to Portland with his partner and their three pets; a miniature Schnauzer named Raven, a Dalmatian named Quinton, and a Siamese mix named Emmitt. He is excited to explore Portland and the Pacific Northwest.
Originally from Rhode Island, Dr. Marissa Turner developed a passion for animal care at a young age, inspired by her grandmother, who ran an animal shelter, and her mother, who encouraged her love for family pets. She earned her undergraduate degree from Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, and completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. Her clinical training was completed at Oregon State University. Following graduation, Dr. Turner completed an Emergency and Critical Care internship at DoveLewis Animal Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and later a residency at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island. Her professional interests include trauma management, toxin exposures, and respiratory emergencies. She is excited to be back in Oregon.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her adopted island dog, Oscar (pictured), and spending time with her cat, Odin, whom she adopted during her residency. She also enjoys traveling to national parks, playing volleyball, and horseback riding.
Monday – Sunday: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Monday – Sunday: 7:00am – Midnight
Sunday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm