Our Veterinary Team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of South Windsor Veterinary Clinic! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get To Know Our Team!
Jessica Graham, DVM
Medical Director
Dr. Jessica Graham grew up in the mountains of West Virginia where she developed a love for nature and a passion for animals. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marshall University, while assisting in a veterinary ER and helping rehabilitate wildlife. Then, she immersed herself in Southern culture while earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in Athens. Following graduation, Dr. Graham and her husband lived in Las Vegas, NV where she practiced small animal general medicine and surgery, also gaining experience in high-volume spay and neuter procedures both in an animal shelter and its community outreach clinic. After relocating to Connecticut in 2013, Dr. Graham continued to build upon her experience caring for dogs and cats, through general practice work and with helping a local recue group begin their ASPCA Spay /Neuter Alliance affiliated clinic as the Medical Director.
When she’s not caring for animals, Dr. Graham enjoys spending time with her family, including her two children, who keep her busy when she’s not at work! They share their home with two beloved dogs, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Minnow and a Border Collie named Rooster, freshwater fish, and a flock of chickens. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with the family, such as camping, beach trips, and exploring the New England coast. Each year, Dr. Graham’s family returns to West Virginia to visit her parents’ cabin in the Appalachian Mountains.
She is also an active member of her community, volunteering with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop as a leader and mentor.
Krystle Schultz, Associate DVM
Veterinarian
Growing up in Western Massachusetts, Krystle has always loved animals of every species. She obtained bachelor’s degrees in both Marine Biology and Animal Science from the University of Rhode Island. While she was there, she performed genetic research on beluga whales both in the wild and at Mystic aquarium. One day, while observing surgery on a harp seal, she realized her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Krystle obtained her veterinary degree from Tufts University. During her time there, she participated in research evaluating post-operative pain in dogs following orthopedic surgery. Her favorite parts of veterinary school included spending two weeks in North Carolina to participate in the ASPCA’s Spay/Neuter Alliance and spending several weeks at the community outreach clinic. Although she enjoys all areas of veterinary medicine, she has special interests in both surgery and ophthalmology.
While she is not practicing veterinary medicine, Krystle enjoys cooking, watercolor painting, and visiting the ocean every chance she gets. Krystle and her husband, Jake, have a Boston terrier named Gamora, a Pittie mix named Drax, and two very spoiled cats named Blake and Valak. They also share their home with an axolotl named Jelly.
Heather
Practice Manager
Heather’s love for animals and helping pets is what pursued her to want to get into veterinary medicine. Heather graduated from Mount Ida College in 2014 with her bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology. Heather throughout college worked at a local shelter which made her love for helping and saving animals blossomed. Heather started at SWVC in 2016 where she started working in surgery but also helping the doctors in appointments. Heather’s experience, knowledge, and leadership skills moved her into a leadership position in 2020 where she was our lead technician and now in 2025 has changed roles to be our practice manager. When Heather is not working, she is spending time with her family and her Sussex Spaniel named Stewart.
Kristen
Lead Veterinary Technician
Kristen has always had a passion for animals and animal care and started in veterinary medicine 8 years ago when she moved from Vermont to Connecticut. After starting at a mixed animal veterinary practice as a large animal/equine technician, she worked her way into learning more about small animal medicine as well as office management. After wanting to work closer to home in the South Windsor/Vernon area, she settled into the SWVC family as a lead technician. At the clinic, she can be found running appointments, assisting in surgery, and supporting her fellow technicians. She has also been involved in helping care for local stray cats including sterilization and rehoming. Outside of the veterinary world, she is an IFBB Professional competitor and coaches nutrition clients. She also has ample experience in equine training and management and won two World Championship with her family’s stallion. At home, she loves spending time with her three quarter horses, four cats, and dog.
Shealah
Certified Veterinary Technician
Raquel
Veterinary Assistant
Raquel joined South Windsor Veterinary Clinic in 2014. Growing up, Raquels favorite TV shows were always on Animal Planet. During her teen years, her school passion project was on conservation efforts for primates in East Africa, and her dream career was working in animal rescue. When she was offered a part time kennel assistant job at another small clinic, she worked diligently to move up to the title of veterinary assistant and completed an online Vet Assistant course in 2012. Raquel quickly realized that she really enjoyed the clinical and patient care side of small animal medicine and after two years she started looking for jobs closer to home. Dr. Rose hired Raquel in 2014 and she has been with SWVC ever since.
As an experienced veterinary assistant, you will see Raquel working in almost all positions in the clinic but where she finds the most joy is assisting with anesthetic procedures. She loves watching her furry patients feel better due to the diligent efforts of her fellow colleagues and veterinarians. Raquel is passionate about educating pet owners on preventative medicine and the importance of vaccinations. She also became “Fear Free” certified during the pandemic to help break the stigma surrounding oral and injectable sedation for fear aggressive pets at the vet. When not working closely with our busy veterinarians, Raquel is busy taking care of her family at home. She enjoys spending time with her friends and especially loves being an auntie. She also enjoys a wide variety of music and books, road trips, New England autumns and her family calico cat, Olivia (who, you guessed it – hates coming to the vet!)
Jess
Veterinary Assistant
Jess has been working in veterinary medicine since 2007. After being born and raised in Ohio, she came to Connecticut and started her career at SWVC in June of 2021. Ohio’s loss was our gain, since Jess has now brought her love and compassion toward animals, as well as her infectious laugh and personality up north. She has always loved animals and wanted to take care of them since she was very young, and feels lucky to be able to do what she loves every day. Outside of work, she resides with her husband, Craig, and 4 awesome kids. Her fur family consists of 2 adorable chihuahuas – Halo and Beebee, 3 crazy loveable cats – Cloud, Letty, and Link and a cute mischievous ferret – Clementine. When she is not taking care of animals, she loves video games and horror movies, going to concerts and painting pictures with acrylic.
Arleen
Veterinary Assistant
Started in vet med about 4 years ago. Arleen’s favorite thing about working in vet med is handling our patients and giving them the care they need. Arleen started at SWVC in 2025 where you can find her assisting the doctor in room or even surgery. Arleen also spends her time at a local shelter which just supports her passion for animals. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her fiancé and 3 cats, Bella the boy, Binks, and Jax.
Jessica
Veterinary Assistant
First stepped into veterinary medicine in 2001, returning to it time and time again with renewed passion. She especially enjoys working hands-on with animals and helping educate their owners to feel confident and informed. Jessica found her way to SWVC in 2025 where you can find her assisting the doctors in appointments and always showing our patients some love! When she is not at work, Jessica is soaking up cuddle time with her two beloved pups, Hercules and George.
Sam
Veterinary Assistant
Sam has been in veterinary medicine throughout the East coast, from Florida to Ohio and now CT! Sam started at SWVC in 2025. You can find Sam assisting the doctors in appointments. Sam has a huge passion for animals and you can see that when you come in and she is always loving on the patients she is caring for. When she is not at work Sam is out hunting for collectable coins or playing with her sweet Frenchie Ivy Lynn.
Patty
Client Service Representative
Patty graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and then spent the next seven years working as a technician at a local veterinary clinic. In 2002, when the South Windsor Veterinary Clinic opened, Patty was one of our very first employees. Dr. Rose referred to her as the “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer!” Patty stayed home with her children while they were young, then rejoined our team as a receptionist. She loves helping pet owners care for their very special four-legged family members! When Patty is not at work, she is busy with her three teenagers, their sweet orange kitty, Pumpkin, and their super silly rescue dog, Bodie!
Stacie
Client Service Representative
Stacie became part of the team at South Windsor Veterinary Clinic in February 2020 as a receptionist. Around the hospital she is known for her dedication to exceptional client care, and is affectionately referred to as the “clinic mom” since she is always helping out her coworkers. Outside of the hospital, she has two daughters who are 12 and 10, and they love animals just as much as she does. Her family likes to take their dog, Inka, to the park and go on fun trips such as the beach, zoo, or amusement parks.