Our Team of Pet Health Heros
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Owner / Founder / Veterinarian
File Name: Dr. Masako Mori
Code Name: The Squirrel
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Fearless Leader
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Organized Chaos, Feeding the Masses, Corrections Consultant, Sun Soaker, Eating
EDUCATION: Washington State University-BS in Zoology / Iowa State University Veterinary College
ACCREDITATIONS: USDA Accredited Veterinarian / Speaker at the Illinois State Veterinarian Medical Association / Respected Trainer / Authored a Chapter in the Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice
RESIDENCE: By Apps & Taps
Masako has always had big dreams. She even drives a 12-passenger van with only one child! But who knows, she may see a giraffe or a herd of deer that need a ride somewhere. Masako realized the biggest dream of her life in 2020, by creating a community-focused, family owned veterinary hospital. This is the icing on the cake (remember, she likes food) to a career spent in service and animal care. For these reasons and so many more, Dr. Masako “The Squirrel” Mori is a Pet Health Hero and always answers the call!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Veterinarian
File Name: Dr. Katherine Crocco
Code Name: The “Jill” of All Trades
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Animal Whispering
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Master of the creepy crawlies, globetrotting, spreading sunshine and loving fiercely, neighborhood snake relocator, kiwi snacker, fresh air extraordinaire
EDUCATION: Texas Tech University / Veterinary School at Midwestern University
ACCREDITATIONS: BS in Zoology / Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
RESIDENCE: Classified in North Carolina (lived in three other states previously!)
Katherine “Jill of All Trades” ain’t scared of nothing! Scaly, squirmy, furry, feathery, slimy — she’s never met an animal stranger. This is a mighty good thing, as her life goal is to one day appear on the show, Survivor. The tribe has spoken, she’d win the whole thing. Dr. Katherine, ahem “Jill,” is the new vet on the block here at Aloha and her passion for her craft is unmatched, as is her love for growing fam (her baby son is named after a Star Wars character, didn’t ya know?). She’s the resident hug giver, the bright spot in everyone’s day, and always has that pep in her step. When not caring for exotics, she’s rubbing the sand between her toes on the ocean or volunteering at some wildlife center. She’s a force to be reckoned with. When Aloha vet called, this Florida native answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Veterinarian
File Name: Dr. Melissa Keck
Code Name: The Perpetual Student
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Veterinary Acupuncture Guru
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Potluck Pro, Church Songstress, Nature Tour Captain, Knowledge Hoarder
EDUCATION: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine / Seminary Studies / Acupuncture Enthusiast / Future Ultrasound Whisperer
RESIDENCE: Somewhere Between a Study Guide and a Kayak
FUN FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:
Dr. Melissa Keck never met a new skill she didn’t want to master. From acupuncture to endoscopy, this vet is always adding new tricks to her trade. When she’s not balancing her career and continuous learning, she’s leading the church in worship or cooking up a feast to bring her people together (large serving dishes only!). Married to a pastor and raising four kiddos who keep her on her toes, Melissa has found the perfect balance between career, family, and a dash of outdoor adventure. Fun fact: She was once a naturalist at Kiawah Island, guiding nature tours, but now her biggest adventures might just be keeping up with her dogs, kids, and all that studying.
FAVORITE FOODS: Pad see ew and Fat Guy and a Pie pizza—because why pick just one?
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: The Publick House in Brookline, MA (though Savannah Oyster Co is hard to beat!)
PLACES TO VISIT/WHERE I WANT TO VISIT: China, Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland… passport, please!
DO I EXERCISE?: Yes, but I’d prefer if swimming also counted as napping. Hiking happens when I remember to leave the house!
FAVORITE PET: It’s a close contest between my Doberman Augustin, my Frenchie Pascal, and the queen of the house, my cat Beauty. Let’s just say I serve at their pleasure.
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Veterinarian
File Name: Dr. Faith Rouco
Code Name: Katniss
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Unconditional Love
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Travel Advisor, Lover of Exotic Foods, Veggie Connoisseur, and Former Soccer Champ
EDUCATION: East Carolina University-BS in Biology (Go Pirates!!) / NC State University Veterinary College
It is not unusual to see Dr. Faith “Katniss” Rouco walking around the office with a gallon of water and eating veggies all day. But don’t let her healthy side fool you, she loves sweets, and coffee and yummy international foods. Don’t mess with her Tupperware container or you may see her villainous side. “Katniss” is a Cat lover by nature. She married her college sweetheart and has a beautiful family. Faith loves veterinary medicine. She has a special interest in ophthalmology, which makes her our Pet Health Hero. When Aloha called, “Katniss” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Veterinarian
File Name: Dr. Jennie Osborne
Code Name: Spring Roll??
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Internal medicine puzzles and diabetes tweaking
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Mushroom connoisseur, yard art decorator, farmers market and farm-to-table enthusiast, Muir Jr. of the Vermont mountains and twizzler eater
EDUCATION: University of Georgia College of Agriculture/University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (GO Dawgs!! Sic ‘em!)
ACCREDITATIONS: BSA in Biological Sciences; Minor in Poultry Science/Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine/NCVMA District Representative 24-27/USDA Accredited Vet/Licensed to practice in GA, NC, SC, and VT
RESIDENCE: Down a long driveway in Huntersville
FAVORITE FOODS: MUSHROOMS
DO I EXERCISE?: Running up Crowders Mountain
Jennie “Spring Roll” loves nothing more than helping owners understand how to care for pets and help them live their best lives. She enjoys nerding out on the latest research journals and won’t miss the chance to attend CE about the newest trends in vet med. When she’s not eating mushrooms or running up Crowders Mountain, she drags her four children to u-pick blueberries, apples, and peaches. You might also find her with her husband of 19 years exploring the beautiful countryside and waterholes of Vermont, stopping to sample local cuisine and rank maple creamees. One day, her family would like to own a farm and indulge guests in the delight of a farm hospitality experience. Until then, she will keep growing her suburban clan of Gordon and English setters, bunnies, cats, and tending to the Thai veggies in their box gardens. When Aloha flocked her yard, this southern native answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Practice Manager and Registered Veterinary Technician
File Name: Jenaleigh Ohlin
Code Name: Trail Mix
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Watering Chickens
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Drinking White Claw, Eating Big Daddy Salads, Eating Harris Teeter “Cajun” Trail Mix
EDUCATION: Gaston College Veterinary Technician Program (Honors Graduate)
RESIDENCE: By Publix , but on a farm, where you may see an Australian Shepard running cattle backwards
Known affectionately as “Trail Mix”, because only Cajun trail mix will do, Jenaleigh Ohlin is considered the kindest soul that has ever graced the doors of Aloha Veterinary Hospital. Jenaleigh has devoted her life to taking care of animals and people for that matter! Whether she is raising “all natural” chickens, “all natural” children, or providing a couch for the laziest pit-bull you’ve ever seen; Jenaleigh and husband Chris, keep Sherrills Ford, NC supplied with the best Angus cattle this side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In Jenaleigh’s downtime (if there is any), she likes to ride around on a golf cart with neighbors. She enjoys her leisure, but is never off duty as a Pet Health Hero. When Aloha called, “Trail Mix” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Registered Veterinary Technician, CCRP
File Name: Tricia Dole
Code Name: Tinker Bell
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Canine Rehab and Opossum Feeder
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Graphic & Photographic Artist, Lover of Music, Bottle Feeding Animals, and Automobile Tinkerer
ACCREDITATIONS: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP)
RESIDENCE: A Zoo West of the Clinic
This ‘small town’ girl found her way to the big city of Mooresville to join our Aloha family. Practically raised in a barn, her love of all God’s animals began at a very young age. Tricia “Tinker Bell’ Dole loves fast cars and to tinker with them if she blows the engine. She is a sucker for any stray cat that walks past her. Oops, watch out clients, she may walk off with your family pet! Her experience with Canine Rehab and love of bottle-feeding animals, makes her our Pet Health Hero. Who knows, if your pet needs to be calm, she may serenade them with her guitar. When Aloha called, “Tinker Bell” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Registered Veterinary Technician
File Name: Kaitlyn Driscoll
Code Name: The Gardener
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Loving Bully Breeds
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Making legendary Zucchini Bread and Salsa
EDUCATION: NC State & Cedar Valley College
RESIDENCE: Classified
Kaitlyn “The Gardner” Driscoll is a registered veterinary technician by day, and at night enjoys a coveted life of leisure on a 15-acre hobby farm with her longtime beau, Jesse. When Kaitlyn is not gardening, traveling, or fishing on the high seas; she immerses herself in a strict fitness regimen. Outside of Aloha Veterinary Hospital, the ones that depend upon her heroic qualities the most are two pit-bull rescues, two English Bulldog Terriers, and a plethora of ducks and chickens.
Since the age of 13, Kaitlyn, now with only 2% body fat mind you, has been preparing for a hero’s role like this. When Aloha called, “The Gardener” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Director of Reproductive Services and Registered Veterinary Technician
File Name: Carla Griffith
Code Name: The Judge
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Schutzhund Judge and Dog Trainer
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Artificial Insemination of Dogs, Breeding & Importing German Shepherds, Ear Hair Plucking
EDUCATION: Tarleton State University
RESIDENCE: In an RV
Growing up on a cattle ranch in Texas gave Carla “The Judge” Griffith, the moxie and determination to lead a life of service and true grit. Armed with a certification in anesthesia, pain management, and reproduction; she patrols the streets of Mooresville in her orange Chevy Tahoe and on occasion the hills and hollows in her Polaris four-wheeler. One day, you may even see her in an Orange Chevy Camaro....stay tuned.
Whether Carla is at home training, tracking, or teaching obedience and protection work, she is always a hero. When Aloha called, “The Judge” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Inventory Coordinator and Registered Vet Tech
File Name: Linda McCloskey
Code Name: The Inspector
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Cytology Sensei and Counting Out Loud
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Wining and dining, Honing her Green Thumb, Splish splashing in her kayak on days off, all-around outdoorsy gal
RESIDENCE: By a Pool
Linda may be married to her college sweetheart but at Aloha Vet, she’s everyone’s “work wife.” A breeze to talk to, a constant support of two-legged peeps and four-legged friends, and dependable as all get out, this about 39 year old is a registered vet tech wise beyond her years. She digs the exotic animals—if you hadn’t heard of them, she probably has–and gives her goodest boys Tanner and Gunner a run for their money when they go out hiking in the Great Outdoors. They are quite the trio, if you were to ever see them out and about. Speaking of threes, Linda has 3 kids and is the oldest of 3 siblings. She’s always at the ready, always on her manicured toes, and is here to make your vet visit feel like a hotel stay, complete with a chocolate on the pillow (for the humans only, of course). Aloha came knocking at Linda’s door and this “Inspector” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Vet Assistant and Director of Community Outreach
File Name: Jessica Ellis
Code Name: The Mayor
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Loving and Knowing Everyone in Mooresville
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Emerging IT Expert, Hair and Makeup, Essential Oils, Wine and Steak Connoisseur
ACCREDITATIONS: Animal CPR Comprehensive Training
RESIDENCE: Classified
Being an unofficial Mayor of a small-town isn’t easy, but Jess “The Mayor” Ellis sure makes it look that way. Equipped with a determination for perfection, a gift for gab, and hair and makeup right out of Cosmopolitan, if there is a problem, “The Mayor” has all the local constabulary on speed dial. She even has a personal motto: Work hard and don’t ever give up, to achieve the things you want in life.
Away from work and her unofficial mayoral duties, Jess is caregiver to a multitude of rescued animals. These include, dogs, cats, horses, a donkey, and a chameleon; but being mom to her children Rory and Kenji. Jr. , makes her the biggest hero! With a full plate, when Aloha called, “The Mayor” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Vet Assistant
File Name: Brieanna (Cheese) Hence
Code Name: Miss Congeniality
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Snoot booping
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Ending Awkward Silences, Elephant Enthusiast, Vintage Ford Broncos, Great Danes, Tattoo lover
RESIDENCE: Classified but her daughter will be running around somewhere
Every Southern veterinary practice needs a little Northern flavor and Brie “Miss Congeniality” Hence brings it in spades. A self-described “Masshole,” she hails from Massachusetts and prefers family time and puppy dog time more than anything else in the whole wide world. You can often find her having heart to hearts with her soul dog Opie or driving down the freeway, windows down, black hair a blowin’ in the wind (Opie riding shotty). She treats everyone like she’s known them for ages and if you’re ever looking for her in the Aloha office, she’ll be the one making high-pitched noises over there in the corner. Her bold personality and go-getter attitude makes her one of Aloha’s Pet Health Heros. When Aloha called, “Miss Congeniality” answered.
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Vet Assistant
File Name: Catherine Simila
Code Name: pipsqueak
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Making Weird noises and Working out
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Perfecting her pasta twirl, being Aloha’s personal pep squad, switching lanes incessantly on the interstate, burping, striking a pose, dirt road race junkie, all-around animal lover
EDUCATION: Online
RESIDENCE: Living somewhere they can't have a dog
Small but mighty Catherine is the spring chicken on the Aloha Vet team, being the youngest and the resident member of Gen Z. Need to learn a TikTok dance in a jiffy? She’s your girl. She’s little Miss “Minnie Mouse” because not only is she demure but she’s a tiny thing, a whopping 75 lbs. Don’t let that fool you because this cute-as-button North Carolina native likes to get her swole on at the gym and cheer her little heart out for those she loves—like her high-school sweetheart of a fiance and her Rotties back home. When she’s not treating the creatures of Aloha like her babies, whispering sweet nothings to them, she’s playing with her pet bunny. She’s quick on her toes and can’t go a week without getting a fresh pedi on her toesies which makes total sense. We love this lil pipsqueak and thank our lucky stars she found us. Aloha Vet came a callin’ and “Minnie Mouse” picked up right away!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Vet Assistant
File Name: Ashleigh Wilson
Code Name: The Trailblazer
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Caring for Critters of All Sizes
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: State Park Explorer, Lake Norman Aficionado, First-Time Homeowner Extraordinaire
EDUCATION: School of Life with Four Pets
RESIDENCE: Nestled Between a State Park and a Mini Zoo
FUN FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:
Ashleigh is all about animals. Having four of her own, she stays busy! Ashleigh recently moved to the Mooresville area from Georgia. As a first-time homeowner, she is laying down roots here in North Carolina. Ashleigh loves spending time outdoors; it’s likely you will find her frequenting the state parks or spending time out on Lake Norman. When not out on the trails or at home with her mini zoo, Ashleigh loves interacting with and caring for the wonderful patients of Aloha Vet!
PLACES TO VISIT/WHERE I WANT TO VISIT: Any state park or a sunny spot on Lake Norman
DO I EXERCISE?: Yes, if hiking and chasing pets around the house count!
FAVORITE PET: With four to choose from, let’s just say my mini zoo keeps me on my toes!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Client Care Manager
File Name: Jayme Johnson
Code Name: Mama Bear
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Juggling Tasks
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Pure heart, Expressive Writer, Mother to All, and #1 Supporter
RESIDENCE: Classified, but somewhere with her grand-babies and grand-animals
“Save the drama for your Llama”, because Jayme “Mama Bear” Johnson is all about the theory of positivity. She is Mooresville favorite Grandma providing unconditional love to both animals and humans. You may find Mama Bear hugging on your animals and sneaking them treats. Giving to those in need and spending quality family time is the icing on her cake! Here are Aloha, she has a get’er done attitude. Her sincere heart and genuine love of our clients, which makes her our Pet Health Hero. When Aloha called, “Mama Bear” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Client Care Representative
File Name: Tiffany Jones
Code Name: Flower (wild) child
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Taming the wild
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Cat Tamer, Speaker of “sweet nothings” to plants, Embracing Mother Nature, Ink enthusiast, Good with Directions
RESIDENCE: Classified
Tiffany Jones “Flower Wildchild” is incomparable. Let’s start with that. We can’t think of anyone else like her. She keeps our whole practice headed in the right direction, day after day, and she chooses to do the same for herself. She has an (L) for left tattooed on one hand and an (R) for right tattooed on the other, for goodness sake. If you are looking for this dedicated animal lover when she’s not at the clinic, she’s often hitting the trail or taking in feral cats (the more averse to humans, the better). She loves soaking up the sunshine in warmer months or summing sprouts of new plants back to life, and when she’s not, she’s kicking it with her one-and-only son. A doting mama, through and through. Plus, She’s got loads of experience in the animal world, 14 years in fact, and her patience and persistence with every creature that walks through our front doors takes the cake. Say hi to our girl Tiffany. She makes our world go ‘round.
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Client Care Representative
File Name: April Waruingi
Code Name: Dora the Explorer
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Cooking
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Can bark like a dog (but don't ask me to prove it unless you're ready for the real deal)
EDUCATION: Classified (I learn through books, real ones—no e-readers unless it's an email!)
ACCREDITATIONS: Classified
RESIDENCE: By Publix near Jena
FUN FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:
I’ll always argue that Emerald Isle is better than your beach, but my heart belongs to the mountains. Also, Halloween and Hello Kitty are life.
Motto: “It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” – Queen Elizabeth II
FAVORITE FOODS: Foods I’ve never tried before, especially African dishes (though I usually just stick to what my kids will eat)
PLACES TO VISIT/WHERE I WANT TO VISIT: My dream ride—a 1996 AM General Hummer (the one that got away, thanks to my dad selling it when I was little, but we’re still on the hunt for it!).
DO I EXERCISE?: Kayaking or being the "backpack" on my husband’s motorcycle (road rage prevents me from getting my own license 😂)
FAVORITE PET: Bulldogs are my furry BFFs.
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Executive Administrator and Client Care Representative
File Name: Rachel Schaub
Code Name: The Shepherd
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: G.S.D.I. (Getting Stuff Done Immediately)
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Traveling the World, Painting, Coffee & Wine Connoisseur, Payroll, Shepherd’s Pie Genius
Rachel “The Shepherd” Schaub, NEVER rests on her laurels. The Shepherd is the outside resource that all teams need. Earning her codename for taking care of the team’s functional needs, this means sometimes stepping away from her jet setting lifestyle as a flight attendant with American Airlines, to be Aloha’s undercover supply clerk.
Of all the trips Rachel could go on, going back to New Zealand would be the best mission yet. If Aloha asked, she would gladly throw off her headset (only one that wears one, by the way) and hop in a plane for another adventure. Being a dependable go-getter, and genuinely amazing person, she earns the reputation easily as a Pet Health Hero! When Aloha called, “The Shepherd” answered!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
IT Specialist
File Name: Jim Bellissimo
Code Name: Captain America
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Electronic Debacles
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Constructor, Creator, Fixer-Upper, Pizza Buff
RESIDENCE: Classified; with the best dog in the world Charlie, his pizza oven, oh…and his family
im retired from the Air Force and we are grateful for his service. Jim ‘Captain America’ Bellissimo lives by the motto “Technology is like a slice of pizza, the longer it sits on the counter, the less desirable it becomes”. When technology fails us, it’s Captain America to the rescue! Jim is Aloha’s resident fixer of all things and has a passion for building as well. Don’t all superheros have a weakness? Our IT guru has does have a weakness - PIZZA! His most prized possession is his pizza oven. Our animals are super grateful Captain America keeps our clinic up to date, which makes him the Pet Hero we were looking for! When Aloha called, “Captain America” answered.
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Environmental Decontamination Biohazard Specialist
File Name: Dan Johnson
Code Name: Big Papa
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: N/A
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: N/A
ACCREDITATIONS: Firefighter
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
Vet Tech Student / Apprentice
File Name: Morgan Seymour
Code Name: The Southern Scout
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Navigating Mooresville's Back Roads
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Gardening Guru, Netflix Show Seeker, Adventure Enthusiast
RESIDENCE: Somewhere Between a Garden and a Netflix Binge
FAVORITE FOODS: Pizza and Mexican food (but only the good kind!)
PLACES TO VISIT/WHERE I WANT TO VISIT: Walking trails, beaches, and anywhere her animals can join the fun
DO I EXERCISE?: Exploring new places with my pets totally counts!
FAVORITE PET: Basset hounds and floppy-eared bunnies—can’t pick just one!
Aloha veterinary hospital critical role:
File Name: Tracy Little
Code Name: The Christmas Commander
PRIMARY SPECIALTY: Bringing the Holiday Spirit (And Keeping It All Year)
SECONDARY SPECIALTIES: Wrestling Team Road Warrior, Dough-Kneading Extraordinaire, Shopping Cardio Enthusiast
EDUCATION: Honorary PhD in Grandbaby Spoiling
RESIDENCE: Wherever Christmas Decorations are Within Reach
FUN FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:
Tracy Little lives life like it’s Christmas morning—every day! Between family, faith, and baking up a storm, Tracy keeps things festive no matter the season. She’s a proud grandma to four (almost!) grandbabies, and yes, her husband might think she’s a little obsessed with their pets, but hey, someone’s got to spoil them too! From cheering on the Eastern Michigan wrestling team to dreaming of her next adventure (Iceland? Disney cruise?), Tracy’s life is full of joy and excitement. And when she’s not spreading Christmas cheer or baking sourdough, you’ll find her getting her daily exercise—shopping, of course!
FAVORITE FOODS: Mexican food, pizza, and anything you can eat while watching hummingbirds.
PLACES TO VISIT/WHERE I WANT TO VISIT: Iceland is on the radar, but a Disney cruise sounds pretty magical too!
DO I EXERCISE?: Shopping totally counts as exercise. Walking is the fallback plan if the stores are closed.
FAVORITE PET: I’ve got dogs that drive my husband crazy and critters that make me smile—it’s a full house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!