Meet The Veterinarians

Dr. Mike Cromer, DVM

Dr. Mike Cromer joined our staff in 1990, and in February 2016 became the sole owner of Westwood. He grew up in Churchville, Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1986, and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. His family includes his wife Susan, who he met at Westwood working summers in the early 80's, and their four sons, daughters-in-law, and two grandsons. Dr. Cromer's veterinary special interests include practice management, soft tissue surgery, large animal ambulatory medicine, and bovine herd health. His time away from work revolves around family activities, church, and assisting Susan with their beef cattle farm and assortment of other animals, including a pony, two sheep, chickens, two dogs and two cats. The highlight of his career is being part of a three-generation veterinary team, including his father Don, and son Tom. 

Dr. Don Cromer, DVM

Dr. Don Cromer opened Westwood Animal Hospital along with Dr. William Hunter and Dr. John Wise in 1975. He grew up near Durbin, West Virginia and graduated from Ohio State University in 1968. Dr. Cromer owns several horses and 2 barn cats. His special interests in veterinary medicine involve most all areas of the Equine profession; racing, breeding, pleasure, and showing. Dr. Cromer's interests outside of work include family, church, farming, and horses. Dr. Cromer's family includes wife-Judy, 2 sons Michael and Jon, their wives Susan and Amy, 8 grandchildren, and daughter- Leslie.

Dr. Tom Cromer, DVM

After working at Westwood on and off over the past 8 years, Dr. Cromer graduated from VMRCVM in 2020 and joined the practice as a veterinarian working beside his father (Dr. Mike Cromer) and grandfather (Dr. Don Cromer)! He enjoys beef cow/calf and equine medicine. Dr. Cromer lives with his wife Madeleine and son Owen. They share their home with 2 three-legged cats, “Chester” an orange tabby, and a gray tabby “Lenny”. Outside of veterinary work, Dr. Cromer enjoys caring for their cows and chickens, hiking & camping with his wife and son, and is active at St. Francis church in Staunton.

Dr. Ora Ford, DVM

Bio Coming Soon...

Dr. Ashley Nelson, DVM

Dr. Ashley (Kyle) Nelson returned home to Augusta County to join the Westwood team in February of 2020. She is a 2011 graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. in animal and poultry sciences. She received her DVM from the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Dr. Nelson’s practice interests include bovine herd health and reproduction, small ruminant medicine and small animal surgery. She is currently serving as the 2020 President of the Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Nelson enjoys hiking, kayaking, is an avid Hokie football fan and enjoys spending time with her husband – Isaac, and three dogs – Iris (basset hound), Violet (basset hound) and Tilly (mountain cur).

Dr. Jen Ratigan, DVM

Dr. Jen Ratigan joined our staff in 2016. She grew up in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State and completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Dr. Ratigan was awarded the Health Professions Scholarship by the U.S. Army for her last 3 years of veterinary school. Upon graduation, she served full-time in the U.S. Army for three years as a Captain. Dr. Ratigan has professional interests in internal medicine, nutrition, wellness/geriatric care, and Osteoarthritis management. Her family includes her husband, Chris, daughter, Autumn, and sons, Chase and John. They share their home with “Aspen”, a husky, and “Ares", a JRT mix also known as "Tiny Nut Job"! Outside of work, Dr. Ratigan enjoys cheering at her children's soccer games, reading, and volunteering at church and school.

Dr. Alyson Flint, DVM

Dr. Alyson Flint graduated from VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine AND joined our practice in 2021. She enjoys all aspects of food animal reproduction. Working with clients to reach their goals, helping her patients, and growing relationships with her clients are all important to her. Dr. Flint is very close with her family and they are the reason why she is where she is today! (her brother and sister are also Hokies!)

Dr. Flint has a seven year old black lab named Church. He's named after Eric Church and a character from her favorite book series. He loves tennis balls, but he won't play with them unless they squeak! 

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Flint loves outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. She also enjoys crafts. She knits, crochets, and quilts! 

Dr. Kate Herndon, DVM

Dr. Kate Herndon is a “Double Dawg” graduating from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Animal Science in 2018 and the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. She enjoys all aspects of being a mixed animal veterinarian, but especially enjoys soft tissue surgery, preventative care, and working closely with clients/owners.

Dr. Carrie Kay, DVM

Dr. Kay graduated from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 and was previously from Kansas State in 2019.

With a focus on food animal production medicine, reproduction, and surgery, Dr. Kay ensures comprehensive care for animals of all sizes. Her journey began here at Westwood in 2013, starting from the kennel and working her way up.

Originally from Churchville, Dr. Kay grew up immersed in animal care, accompanying her granddad on farm calls and raising production sheep and commercial cattle. Now, she shares her home with husband Quade, a German Shorthaired Pointer named Rio, and a trio of barn cats.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, baking, and cheering on K-State sports. Dr. Kay is committed to promoting animal well-being in the community.

Dr. Sharon Gaines

With over 40 years of experience in the equestrian world, Dr. Sharon Gaines brings her passion for sport horse and large animal medicine to every farm and clinic visit. A graduate of Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, she’s worked with farmers across North America, from the plains of Alberta to the ranches of Wyoming. Before vet school, Dr. Gaines spent time as a humanitarian aid worker in Tajikistan, focusing on zoonotic disease prevention and livestock education. Outside the clinic, she enjoys foxhunting, quilting, and exploring history. At home, she shares life with Ranger, her goofy German Shepherd, and Molly, a contortionist Whippet who keeps things lively.