Meet Our Team

We’re one big family working together to care for your pet.

APPOINTMENT

Professional. Capable. Caring.

Our veterinarians are committed to making sure your pets receive the best care possible. As pet owners themselves, they understand that your pets are a part of your family. It is their mission to help your pets live as well as possible for as long as possible. They communicate closely with each client regarding his or her pet’s care, whether to treat an illness; oversee broader health issues and dietary maintenance; or for general health and wellness.

Our vets are assisted by an able team of veterinary technicians and administrative support staff. These staff members have many years of education, training, and animal experience and are equally dedicated to the Riverside Veterinary Care philosophy.

Carol Gifford, DVM, DABVP

Veterinarian / Owner

Dr. Gifford's Bio
Carol Gifford, DVM, has been practicing veterinary medicine in Vermont since 1987. In 1991, she founded her own practice, which grew to become Riverside Pet Hospital. In 2005, the practice name was changed to Riverside Veterinary Care to better reflect our scope of services. As Riverside’s portfolio of services grew, the name changed yet again in 2014 to Riverside Veterinary Care and Dental Services.

Dr. Gifford holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dr. Gifford has also attained advanced credentials in the form of board certification in canine and feline medicine from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. This certification involves a rigorous examination process, as well as multiple case reports, professional experience, and references. Her family’s pets include a dog named Monte, two cats, and a horse. Her special professional interests include internal medicine and cardiology.

Read Dr. Gifford’s publication in the Journal of Feline Medicine about the Diagnosis of insulinoma in a Maine Coon cat.

Emily Sullivan, DVM

Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Sullivan's Bio

Emily Sullivan, DVM obtained her veterinary medical degree from the University of Prince Edward Island. She previously worked in western Massachusetts before coming to Riverside. She enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, and many other outdoor activities. Dr. Sullivan has two Australian Shepherds⁠—one named Kiah and the other named Keirin⁠—and a cat named Yeti.

Kristin Esterbrook, DVM

Veterinarian
Dr. Esterbrook's Bio

Kristin Esterbrook, DVM is a Rutland native who relocated back to Vermont from Massachusetts. Dr. Esterbrook has been practicing veterinary medicine for 14 years. She received her veterinary medical degree from Ross University. Her special interests include dentistry and preventative medicine. Dr. Esterbrook’s objective is to provide excellent, compassionate veterinary care catering to the needs of each client and patient. She has a Bassett Hound named Flash!

Dr.Heidi

Heidi Crane, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Crane's Bio
Dr. Heidi Crane grew up in the Southern Tier/Finger Lakes area of New York but has called Vermont home for the last 14 years. After earning her undergraduate degree at Tufts University, she graduated from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She initially practiced in Colorado for a few years before making her way back to the east coast and happily settled in the Rutland area.

As a veterinarian, she loves working with owners to keep their pets healthy and enjoys the variety of day-to-day veterinary practice – you never know what you’re going to see, diagnose and treat on any given day! While she thrives on the challenges of veterinary medicine, Dr. Crane also cherishes the relationships she makes with owners and their pets through their care.

Outside of work, two children keep Dr. Crane and her husband busy, and they enjoy skiing, swimming, and exercising their Australian Shepherd, Masha. They also have a cat named Weezie, and thanks to the kids, a hamster, 1 beta fish, and 3 guppies!

Dr. Pat Erickson, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Pat Erickson's Bio

Coming soon!

Laura

Practice Manager
Laura's Bio
Laura, the Practice Manager, has been working at Riverside since 2010. She moved to Vermont in 2006 from New Jersey, where she was born and raised. She began working in the kennel department and quickly became a technician. After being a technician for many years she became the Practice Manager. She enjoys gardening, kayaking, and hiking. She and her husband have many dogs, cats, chickens, and a turtle.
Dr.Heidi

Dr. Sandi Jex, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Sandi Jex's Bio

Coming soon!

Patient Care Coordinators

Sandy
Beighly
Megan
Brianna

Veterinary Technicians

Alex
Lynn

Technician Assistants

Josh
Garrett
Cara

Ludlow Staff

Renee
Alex
Leeann

Kennel Attendants

Michelle
Stephanie
Shauntel

Veterinary Assistants

Alycia
Sandy
Liz
Beighly
Megan