Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Fairland Animal Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Our Veterinary Team
It is our commitment to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet. We treat your pet as we would our own.
Dr. Katie Margulies
Dr. Margulies joined the Fairland team in December of 2021. A born and raised ‘Jersey girl,’ she received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Rutgers University. She then went on to graduate from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 and found her way to Maryland when she married a Montgomery County native. A self-proclaimed dog lover, Dr. Margulies has a special interest in animal behavior/training and ultrasound. In her free time (when she isn’t wrangling her two young children and three dogs), she enjoys going for hikes, baking, and painting. She looks forward to meeting you and your furry loved ones!
Dr. Adam Cannon
Veterinarian
Dr. Adam Cannon joined the team at Fairland Animal Hospital in July of 2023. He is originally from Virginia Beach, VA, and attended Virginia Tech for his Bachelor of Science in Biology, then continued on to receive his veterinary degree from the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a Fear-Free Certified veterinarian and is interested in preventative care and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Cannon lives with his partner, and while they do not have any pets yet, they are looking forward to adopting a dog in the near future. In his free time, he enjoys reading, board, and video games.
Dr. Maylin Akella
Veterinarian
Dr. Akella’s journey to veterinary medicine is as inspiring as it is unique. Originally from Taiwan, she began her career as an oceanographer and data scientist at NOAA Silver Spring and NASA Goddard. However, her passion for animals led her to volunteer at local shelters, animal hospitals, and zoos, where she discovered her true calling—working hands-on with animals.
Dr. Akella pursued her dream by earning a veterinary degree from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and completing a small animal emergency and specialty internship in Annapolis. She has since served as a general practitioner in Rockville and Columbia, specializing in soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, internal medicine, and clinical pathology.
Beyond her role at Fairland, Dr. Akella is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She dedicates part of her time to performing soft tissue surgeries at a local shelter and assisting with spay/neuter programs in underserved areas of western Maryland.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Akella enjoys spending time with her family, participating in her son’s school activities, and crocheting small toys for her son and their three beloved cats—Jack, Jill, and Mystic. She also treasures the memory of her beloved Chihuahua, Liang.
Dr. Mark Peterson
Veterinarian
Originally from Michigan, Dr. Peterson discovered his calling to become a veterinarian early in life. Driven by a deep passion for animal care, he is dedicated to helping pets live their healthiest, happiest lives. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saginaw Valley State University and went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time outdoors—biking, hiking, and fishing are some of his favorite pastimes. While he doesn’t currently have any pets, he looks forward to the day a furry companion joins his life.
Bri
Practice Manager
Bri has been in veterinary medicine since 2013, after a visit with her heart dog, Mitzie, led to a job offer that became a lifelong career. She is passionate about combining strong medicine with clear, compassionate client communication. Her professional interests include nutrition, emergency and critical care, and ultrasonography.
Bri is dedicated to building strong teams, supporting high-quality patient care, and ensuring clients feel confident in their pet’s care decisions.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crocheting, running, and sampling iced coffee. She shares her home with Herschel, a 10-year-old pug, and Ginger, a beloved retired Fairland resident.
Fun fact: Before veterinary medicine, Bri played bassoon and worked as a plumber.
Gretchen
Veterinary Assistant
Gretchen began her veterinary career in 2017, driven by her love of animals and passion for patient care. She has a special interest in anesthesia monitoring and enjoys continuously learning and applying new skills in the clinic.
She especially values working closely with patients during procedures and helping ensure their safety and comfort under anesthesia.
Outside of work, Gretchen shares life with Pixel, her 6-year-old Australian Shepherd who loves “snifaris” and outdoor adventures. She also enjoys relaxing at the beach listening to the waves and staying active through workouts and weightlifting.
Fun fact: Gretchen has been part of the Fairland Animal Hospital team since she entered veterinary medicine in 2017.
Jennifer
Veterinary Assistant
Jen began her veterinary career in 2018, inspired by her childhood cat, Daisy, who was by her side from ages 3 to 20 and helped teach her how to love and care for animals. Growing up in a home where her mom fostered pets, she knew early on she wanted to help them.
Jen loves educating clients, helping them understand their pet’s care, and building connections with families (and their adorable pets).
Outside of work, Jen shares her home with six pets – three cats and three dogs – many named after Pokémon. She enjoys hiking, working out, and reading, especially fantasy.
Fun fact: Jen is fluent in Spanish and spent summers growing up in El Salvador.
Morganne
Lead CSR
Morganne began her veterinary career in 2021, inspired by her love for pets and the people who love them. She values being part of a field where she can support both patients and families through every stage of care.
Her favorite part of the job is working alongside an incredible team while building lasting relationships with clients and their pets.
Outside of work, Morganne enjoys graphic design and marketing – fields she studied in college – as well as hiking with her dog, August, spending time with loved ones, and pet sitting for clients.
Fun fact: Growing up, her neighbor had a pet monkey – and during one memorable playdate, she was bitten by an orangutan!
Raymond
Raymond has been a veterinary technician since 2019 and has practiced in several states. He received his education from Prince Georges Community College. Raymond is passionate about workplace safety and radiology and is always looking for ways to improve our client and patient’s experiences. If asked, he will tell you his goal is “ensuring each patient gets to go home better than how they came in.” In his free time, he enjoys writing, reading, studying and naval history.
Ajani
Veterinary Assistant
Ajani has been a veterinary technician with FAH since 2022. She is enrolled at Bowie State University earning her Criminal Justice degree with a minor in Forensic Science. At work Ajani goes out of her way to make sure all our clients and pets have a positive experience and strives to do everything she can to ensure we keep our patients healthy and happy. In her free time, you can find her working on her pickup truck, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new local bars and restaurants. Make sure to
say hello if you see her out and about!
Keila
Veterinary Assistant
Keila began her veterinary career in 2015, driven by her passion for advocating for animal health and wellbeing. She is dedicated to helping patients feel safe, comfortable, and cared for during their visits.
One of Keila’s favorite parts of her job is comforting patients – reducing stress and helping them feel better during treatments and hospital stays.
Outside of work, Keila enjoys baking and spending time with family. She shares her life with her beloved senior Shih Tzu, who has epilepsy and has been by her side throughout her veterinary career, shaping her compassion for senior and special-needs pets.
Fun fact: In the summer, Keila loves fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
Hailey
Veterinary Assistant
Hailey began her veterinary career in 2017, driven by her passion for being a voice for pets who can’t speak for themselves. She is dedicated to helping determine the best treatment plan for each patient and supporting them through recovery.
One of her favorite moments is seeing patients return for rechecks feeling better and seeing the relief that brings their families.
Outside of work, Hailey enjoys drawing, painting, fishing, crabbing, and boating. She shares her life with Piper (“BoomBoom”), her sweet Chocolate Lab who loves attention and treats.
Fun fact: Hailey volunteers with the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad and Ladies Auxiliary and is passionate about senior dog rescue and sanctuary work.
Cherise
Veterinary Assistant
Cherise began her veterinary career in 2015, inspired by a lifelong love of animals and a desire to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. She loves ensuring every pet receives the care they deserve.
She especially enjoys working with a wide variety of breeds and species and sneaking in extra snuggles with patients during treatments.
Outside of work, Cherise shares life with Moofasa (“Moo”), her 7-year-old Australian Cattle Dog and adventure buddy. Together they enjoy water trips, long walks, and playtime. She also enjoys reading and video games.
Fun fact: Cherise first worked with marine mammals, including dolphins and sea lions, before entering veterinary medicine.
Tiara
Veterinary Assistant
Tiara began her veterinary career in 2019 after starting in veterinary ophthalmology as a receptionist in Fairfax, VA. She quickly fell in love with veterinary medicine and began cross-training within her first month, later transitioning into general practice to expand her knowledge beyond specialty care.
Tiara loves every part of her job – from client education to hands-on patient treatments -and enjoys the constant learning and variety each day brings.
Outside of work, Tiara loves reading, car concerts with friends, hiking and swimming with dogs, and enjoying classic horror movies and true crime. She shares her life with Rose, Adonis, Sultan Medici, and Smitty Smittens.
Fun fact: Tiara auditioned for Disney Channel at age seven—and nailed it!
Cyrah
Receptionist
Cyrah has had a passion for animals and the veterinary field ever since she was young. Fairland Animal Hospital is her first veterinary clinic and has been here since Spring of 2024. She plans on furthering her education in veterinary medicine or nursing. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, friends, and her pets! She has 2 dogs and 1 cat at home. She loves going out on adventures, traveling, the beach, and trying new things.
Dorian
Receptionist
Dorian has been with Fairland Animal Hospital since Spring of 2024, but he also is a part time student at Montgomery College studying public communication and business administration. Dorian is passionate about client communication and connecting with people to establish new relationships. In his free time, he loves to play the drums, go to lunch with his grandmother, swim, and watch football with his daughter. Dorian has been a native of this community since 2005, so he might be a familiar face greeting you when you visit Fairland Animal Hospital!
Albert
Albert is our resident ‘teenager’. He was found as a stray when he was only two months old by a client. He was very small and had ulcers all over his mouth. With a lot of care by our team, he was healed and began eating again! He is now our official greeter and has run the hospital. He can often be found at the front desk waiting to greet you and your pets!
Ginger
Ginger was willed to Dr. Whall by her previous owner, and has resided at Fairland ever since! When she isn’t curled up in a warm spot to snooze, she’s trotting around the treatment area to make sure everything is up to her standards. Ginger has become very loving in her older age and loves head rubs.