Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Oxford Veterinary Hospital in Oxford. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets.
Please call us at (248) 628-3092 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Dr. Steep is a 1977 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has extensive experience in companion animal general medicine and surgery. He has practiced in Northern Virginia and was well known in East Detroit, before coming to Oxford in 2005.
Steve and his wife, Anne – a public health nurse, have three pets – all rescue animals. . Mollie came from the streets of Detroit and was rescued by Detroit Animal Care and Control. She met her new family at the Miracle of Life Healthy Pet Surgical Suite at the Michigan State Fair in 2008. Timmy and June Bug were adopted from our friends at K-9 Stray Rescue.
Dr. Steep is a former instructor in the Veterinary Technician program at Macomb Community College. His classes included Small Animal Diseases, Pharmacology, and Clinical Pathology II Lecture.
He is a member of numerous professional associations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Southeast Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. Active in the Michigan Veterinary Association, Dr. Steep is the past president of the MVMA, the former chair person of the MVMA Veterinary Informatics Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee, and the Legislative Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Michigan State Animal Response Team and volunteered at the Kalamazoo River Oil Spill Wildlife Rehab Center.
Dr. Andrews was born and raised in Metamora, MI. She attended Michigan State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in animal science and then went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, although has a special interest in dental care and surgical procedures. Most of all, she likes developing personal relationships with clients and their pets to facilitate a true bond between caregiver and their beloved pets.
Dr. Andrews is married to her high school sweetheart where they currently reside in Goodrich, Michigan. They welcomed their new baby boy in February of 2022. Their furry family members include a yellow Labrador named Luna, a Golden Retriever, Nova, and a cat named Stella. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, watching the Detroit Lions and Michigan State football games and partaking in outdoor activities including camping, golfing, skiing and gardening.
Dr. TJ Vernaci received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oakland University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Vernaci grew up around small animal medicine as he is the 3rd veterinarian in his family. His love for the profession and compassion for clients started at a young age as he started working with his grandfather (a veterinarian) at a young age.
Dr. Vernaci currently resides in Clarkston, Michigan with his wife, Amanda, and their son, AJ. They have 3 dogs and 1 cat who they love dearly. Sammy (cattle dog mix) and Diesel (sharpai/akita mix) are both rescues. Riley is a sheltie and Duncan (the cat) was adopted from the humane society. Dr. Vernaci loves boating, golfing, Michigan State football and basketball and spending time with his family.
Shawna began working at Oxford Veterinary Hospital in 2007 as a kennel aid and now works full-time as our main receptionist. She has lived in Oxford her whole life and when she isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with her husband of 33 years and her twin sons. She loves to garden, working in her yard, spending time up North at their cabin and watching her sons play in their heavy metal band! Shawna has a one-eyed cat named Putter that was rescued from a golf course when he was small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. Autumn, her other cat, was supposed to be a catch, neuter and release but decided she enjoyed life indoors instead! Poppy is Shawna’s 12 year old dog and she loves ice cream and to give great hugs. Shawna says, “I love working at Oxford Veterinary Hospital because not only can I help care for animals but, I meet new people almost daily and get to form long lasting friendships with many of the clients”.
Katherine graduated from LOHS in 2019. She started at OVH in February of 2021. Lawton, a senior Chihuahua mix, was being boarded here from K-9 Stray Rescue for medical issues with his eyes. He was quite fearful while he was here and could be a bit sassy. Lawton sat at the front desk during his stay and helped Katherine answer the phones. Lawton bonded with her and decided that she was going to be his new owner. Katherine is an equestrian and has been doing dressage/eventing since she was 9. In her free time she is at the barn, reading, or playing video games with her friends.
Debbie is a licensed Veterinary Technician who studied at Macomb Community College where Dr. Steep was one of her teachers. She graduated in 2001 and started working at Oxford Veterinary Hospital in 2006. Her favorite part of her job as a technician is helping people understand how to care for their pets and being a part of making ill pets feel better. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Debbie shares her home with one dog named Emmie and cat named Frankie.
Jaime graduated from Macomb Community College’s Veterinary Technician program in 2015. Her “dream” animals to work with would be elephants and penguins! In her spare time she loves reading and being outside when the weather is warm! Jaime also loves going up north every summer with her family, they have a cabin in Kalkaska Michigan. She also loves spending time with my Doberman pinscher Lucy.
Kim has been with Oxford Veterinary Hospital as a licensed Veterinary Technician since 2014. She graduated from Michigan State University’s Veterinary Technician program in 1993. She enjoys spending time outdoors and also at sporting events with her husband and kids. Kim has 4 dogs, including Gabby who is a rescue from K-9 stray in Oxford whom we do a lot of work with at the hospital. “At Oxford Veterinary Hospital, I enjoy making the hospitalized patients feel comfortable and secure, almost as if they are at home”, says Kim.
Melissa is a licensed veterinary technician who joined Oxford Veterinary Hospital in September 2019. Melissa graduated from Macomb Community College in 1998 where she received her associates degree in veterinary technology. Outside of work Melissa enjoys watching medical/crime documentaries, reading, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and many fur babies. Melissa is an active equestrian mom who enjoys watching her daughter participate in competitive show jumping events. If Mel is not at work, she is hanging out at the barn with her daughter.
Rachael has been a part of Oxford Veterinary Hospital’s team since 2006. She came to us directly after graduation from Macomb Community College as a licensed Veterinary Technician and we haven’t let go of her since! When not at work, Rachael loves spending time with her husband and young son, who keeps both of them on their toes. They share their home with 2 dogs, Manfred and Edith, and a cat named Scrubs. Rachael is part of a large, close knit family that all live in the area so there tends to always be a family event to keep her busy and having fun. When asked what she likes most about working at Oxford Veterinary Hospital she says, “I really enjoy how it feels like working with family here and, of course, I love the puppies and kittens!”
Abigail started with OVH in 2019 and is a valued member of our staff. She is responsible for patient care, OSHA compliance, and innumerable other tasks. She has a special place in her heart for Golden Retrievers and the Ohio State Buckeyes
Sarah has been with us since 2015. She left for a few months after she moved away, but ultimately decided OVH is the place to be! We were so happy to welcome her back. Sarah has a love for all animals, but senior dogs hold a special place in her heart.
Carmen joined Oxford Veterinary Hospital in May of 2021. She will be attending Oakland University’s Honors College and has plans to pursue neurology in the future. Carmen has a passion for science and medicine since she was a kid, so she is very excited to be apart of the team! Outside of work and school Carmen is very passionate about many mediums of art especially painting and photography.
Courtney Joined Oxford Veterinary Hospital in May of 2022. She graduated from Michigan State University, Lyman Briggs College, with a bachelors degree in animal science. Go Green!! Courtney plans to attend Veterinary School in the future to obtain her DVM. Outside of work she loves spending time with her pup Ace, spending quality time with her family, and enjoying the outdoors such as camping, hammocking and traveling.
