Richard Cohen, MBA, CVPM
Certified Practice Manager
Richard has been working in veterinary medicine for over 12 years. Originally from Long Island, NY, Richard moved to Washington, DC in 1997 to attend American University. After graduation, Richard worked at Friendship Hospital for Animals from 2001-2005 in various positions including Front Desk and Inventory Manager. In 2005 he took a management position with the Boy Scouts of America, in their Bethesda office. Over the past 8 years he has managed and consulted with various veterinary hospitals in the DC area including Union and Palisades Veterinary Clinics. Richard lives with his wife Nicki, a veterinarian, daughter Alexis, son Russell and their 15 year old cat BB.
Melina
Assistant Hospital Manager
Melina joined our Client Care team in July, 2016. She was born and raised in the Chicagoland area, and spent several years in central Pennsylvania before moving to DC with her partner in 2016. She attended DePaul University and earned a B.A. in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Science. Melina’s deep love of animals brought her to Dupont Vet Clinic, where she has a front row seat at the pet parade that marches through our lobby daily. In her free time, she enjoys reading, learning about local history, sewing, and making up songs about her cat and Miniature Schnauzer.
Tanika
Social Media Coordinator
Tanika joined the Client Care team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic in 2015 after working two years in the customer service field. A native of DC, she attended Norfolk State University as a Biology Major and now resides in DC with her growing family, her boyfriend Devon and their ADORABLE son Kahn. Tanika brightens any room with her upbeat personality, smile, and sense of humor. Her incredibile work ethic, medical knowledge, organizational skills, and flawless customer service make her one of our most valued Customer Care team members. In her spare time Tanika loves to read, binge watch Criminal Minds and shower her son with kisses. She has always loved animals, her favorites being snakes, Guinea pigs and French Bulldogs.
Kaija
Kaija was born in DC and raised in Texas and Florida, and Dupont Veterinary Clinic was lucky to add her to the Client Care team in 2016. After first starting college at Savannah State University, she transferred her education and Volleyball skills over to the University of Miami. At “the U”, she studied and graduated with a degree in Biology . Prior to working on the Customer Care side of the veterinary field, Kaija spent three years working as a vet assistant in Burke, VA, where she fell in love with veterinary medicine. Not long after that, she decided to take an opportunity living overseas to help coach an under 18 volleyball team in England. Her veterinary knowledge, professionalism, and customer care abilities along with her vibrant personality made her an instant fit and asset to our team. Kaija has always loved animals and often fosters pets for a few rescues in VA and MD. She spends most of her time outside of work traveling with her boyfriend, sailing, playing/watching sports and Netflix binging.
James
James joined the Dupont Veterinary crew in 2015. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas then moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he spent most of his childhood. After graduating from Indiana University he moved to Northern Virginia to work on an 18th century living history farm. His love of caring for livestock is what led him to work at Dupont Veterinary Clinic. Outside of work he enjoys researching the American Civil War, playing music, hiking and camping, and supporting his favorite fútbol clubs.
Paris
Paris joined the client care team in 2017. Born in Alexandria, VA and raised in PG County MD. She attended Virginia State University, where she earned her B.A. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Print and Online Media. While attending Virginia State University she was on the cheer-leading team (GO TROJANS!) and she also joined an illustrious organization of sisterhood, scholarship and service, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Her amazing personality, awesome customer service skills, her love for animals, and her dedication made Paris a great fit for our team. On her days off Paris enjoys hanging with friends, blogging, and eating seafood!
Verna
Administrative Assistant
Verna was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Ocean City, Maryland. She was added to the team in October, 2002 and has become a fixture at Dupont Veterinary Clinic with clients asking for her by name on a regular basis. She moved to DC from the Richmond, VA area after gaining 14 years of experience in the veterinary community. Over the years Verna has turned the Client Care team into a well oiled machine. She is in charge of helping clients with insurance questions and claims, travel certificate preparation, front desk inventory, and most importantly training new members of the Client Care team. Dupont Veterinary Clinic is extremely proud to have someone with Verna’s experience and skills leading our team as we strive to provide the best customer service in the DC area. In 2015 Verna was a semi-finalist for Petplan Receptionist of the Year! In her spare time Verna enjoys reading mystery novels, cooking, and socializing with friends. She owned large dogs most of her adult life but is currently just enjoying the company of her two amazing cats, Chelsea and Rosabella, who she considers her family and children.