Meet Our Veterinary Team

Melinda Wood, Managing Veterinarian

I’m originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, and earned my B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M Galveston before graduating from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. I began my veterinary journey as a kennel and veterinary assistant before becoming a doctor.

I’ve always been drawn to medicine and animals, but the spark truly ignited when I shadowed a veterinarian performing an ultrasound on a pregnant dolphin at a SeaWorld careers camp. I realized then how powerful veterinary care can be—and while I first imagined myself working with marine animals, I soon discovered that helping pets and their families every day in small animal practice was where I could make the biggest impact.

What I love most about our hospital is the culture of compassion. Our doctors are knowledgeable and caring, and our staff is dependable and hardworking. We all share the same goal: providing excellent patient care and a great client experience.
I have a real passion for soft tissue surgery and dermatology, and I’m excited to continue expanding my skills—orthopedic surgery is next on my list. At home, my husband Will and I have one very spoiled Chihuahua mix named Dingo.

Outside of work, I enjoy camping, fishing, drawing, knitting, reading, and relaxing with my husband. Fun fact: my favorite color is purple—and it’s also my birthstone!

As a veterinarian and Managing DVM, my priority is advocating for your pet and working with you to make the best decisions for their care. I’m always open to feedback and here to make your experience the best it can be.

Jamie Charlie, Associate Veterinarian

I’m originally from Ville Platte, Louisiana, and I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in health care, and during my junior year of high school, I attended a job fair at LSU and spoke with a representative from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. From that moment, I set my sights on veterinary school and haven’t looked back.

I started working as a veterinary assistant in 2002 and became a veterinarian in 2008. What I enjoy most about working at our hospital is the relationships I build with clients, patients, and coworkers. Whether we’re providing routine wellness care or managing complex medical conditions, we’re all united in the goal of caring for the pets who share our lives and homes.

I have a special interest in senior pet care, helping pets enjoy a full, comfortable life in their golden years.

At home, I share my life with a lively bunch: Minion, a senior Chihuahua/Terrier mix who loves food and naps; Albus, a young adult miniature poodle who loves walks and snuggles; and three cats—Abita, a 10-year-old chatterbox; Clementine, a 7-year-old toy-chasing beauty; and Matilda, a 5-year-old explorer of our fenced-in backyard.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading as many books as possible, playing video games, and hitting the disc golf course. Fun fact: my favorite food is duck and sausage gumbo!

I feel incredibly grateful to witness and care for the special bond between people and their pets every day.

Becky Graf, Associate Veterinarian

I’m originally from Nebraska and have been working in veterinary medicine for over 25 years, including two years as a veterinary assistant before earning my DVM from Kansas State Veterinary College. My passion for veterinary medicine comes from a lifelong love of animals and a desire to strengthen the bond between pets and their people.

What I enjoy most about working at our hospital is that everyone here is focused on helping—helping our clients, helping their pets, and finding joy in what can be a challenging profession. I especially enjoy working with pets with dental disease. There’s nothing better than seeing how much brighter and more energetic a pet feels after having diseased teeth removed.

At home, I share my life with a goofy three-year-old Irish Setter named Tipsy. Outside of work, I love spinning yarn, weaving, crocheting, gardening, and taking good walks with my dog. I’m also a fan of video games—always up for a little friendly competition!

I’m excited to bring my experience, compassion, and dedication to our patients and clients, and I look forward to helping pets live their happiest, healthiest lives.

Sara Logan, Registered Veterinary Technician, Practice Manager

Hi, I’m Sara, RVT and Practice Manager here at South Platte. I’m originally from Central Illinois and moved to Colorado in 1996 to study dance and music. I didn’t find my way into veterinary medicine until 2010, when I started volunteering at the Dumb Friends League and the Wild Animal Sanctuary while in school. I graduated from Bel-Rea in 2012 and quickly discovered my passion for caring for dogs and cats.

What I love most about South Platte is our team—we’re like a family, and it’s amazing to work with people who genuinely support each other and the pets we serve. I’m Fear Free Certified and have a special knack for helping nervous dogs feel comfortable and safe during their visits.

I’m a greyhound lover at heart, and when I’m not at work, you can usually find me dancing, reading, kayaking, or traveling—I’ve even studied dance in Brazil and backpacked through Alaska.

I’m truly grateful for every client and patient who trusts us to care for them—it’s a privilege I never take for granted.

Jackie, Registered Veterinary Technician

I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY, and I’ve loved working with animals for as long as I can remember. Growing up, watching my father rescue people and animals from burning buildings inspired me to help those in need—especially when most wouldn’t.

I started working in the veterinary field in 2006, which eventually led me to move to Colorado to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. What I love most about our hospital is that everyone here has a passion for learning and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of every animal and human that comes through our doors. It truly feels like family.

I have a special interest in dentistry and love seeing the results after treating diseased teeth. I’ve also enjoyed working in orthopedics and making sure pets under anesthesia are cared for as if they were my own.

At home, I share my life with my pets: Vivian, my 3-year-old mutt; Joon, our 4-month-old Lab mix; Meow Meow, my 13-year-old bottle-fed cat; and Lana and Billie, two 3-year-old NY kittens who are sisters.

Outside of work, I enjoy going to concerts, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with family and friends. Fun fact: I come from a very large family—I’m one of six kids, and both of my parents also come from big families. I also played two years of college basketball and softball.

I’m grateful for every client and patient who trusts me and our team to provide compassionate, high-quality care.

Ashley, Registered Veterinary Technician

I’m a Colorado native and started in veterinary medicine in 2015. I’ve always loved animals—and the people who come with them.

Over the years, I’ve worked in many areas of veterinary medicine, including emergency, surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, and internal medicine. I’ve found my passion in internal medicine, where I enjoy helping clients understand complex disease processes and supporting them through their pets’ care.

What I love most about working here is our amazing team—we truly are a work family and always show up for each other.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my baby girl. We love staying active with hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, and sometimes just relaxing at home.

Fun fact: our first international trip as a family was to Italy—and our little one came along for the adventure!

Anya, Certified Veterinary Assistant

I grew up moving around as a military kid, but I’ve been in Colorado since 2018. My favorite place I’ve lived is Germany—I even learned a little German and did Hula dancing while I was there!

I originally planned to go into human medicine, but quickly realized I preferred animals. After working as a kennel technician at Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, I fell in love with veterinary care and went to school to become a Certified Veterinary Assistant. I’ve been in the field ever since.

My favorite part of working here is the people—having a supportive, fun team means everything. I also love how much we all advocate for our patients. My interests started in behavior and working with anxious pets, and now I’m especially passionate about surgery, anesthesia, and lab work.

I share my home with four cats who each have big personalities: Jonah (handsome and dramatic about food), Kitty (a face-washing snuggler), Kuzon (my brother’s shoulder-riding tuxedo), and Ribbit (a shy bunny-soft sweetheart).

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, gaming, and trying new foods. A fun fact about me—I still love learning languages!

I’m a big fan of Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos, and if you like to laugh during appointments, we’ll get along great.

Drake, Veterinary Assistant

I’m originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and I’ve been in the veterinary field for about three years. I’ve always loved animals and can’t imagine a better job than helping them every day.

What I love most about working here—besides my amazing teammates—is the pride we all take in making sure every patient gets the care they need. I really enjoy drawing blood, placing IV catheters, assisting in surgery, and helping both pets and their owners feel comfortable during visits.

At home, I have two dogs: Beluga, a playful pit mix from New Mexico who loves fetch, and Cooper, a Husky/Shepherd mix we rescued in Aurora who’s happiest at the dog park.

Outside of work, I enjoy football, hiking, camping, concerts, anime, and spending time with my fiancée and our dogs. Fun fact: despite the long hair, I served in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Rifleman.

It’s a true honor to help care for your pets, and I’ll always do my best to provide them with compassion and excellent care.

Maria, Client Service Representative

Hi, I’m a Client Service Representative here at South Platte and a proud Denver native. I’ve been working in the veterinary field for about four years, driven by a lifelong love and compassion for animals and a strong desire to help pets.

What I love most about South Platte is the warm, family-like atmosphere—we’re a close-knit team that genuinely supports each other and cares deeply about the animals we serve.

One of my main areas of interest is animal behavior. I’m especially passionate about working with pets who need a little extra time, understanding, and patience. It’s incredibly rewarding to help those animals feel safe and cared for during their visits.

At home, I have a fun little crew of my own: two cats named Persian and Majin, and my sweet “tripawd” dog, Millie. Millie is especially close to my heart—she’s a survivor, and Dr. Wood here at South Platte actually helped save her life!

Outside of work, I’m all about music and adventure. Whether it’s discovering new artists, going to concerts, or exploring new places, I love finding ways to stay inspired and connected.

I’m always here to help make your experience as welcoming and smooth as possible—and to make sure your pets feel like family.