Staff
Dr. Lori Pasternak
Elaina came to work at Helping Hands at first as a volunteer. Her own dog needed veterinary care and in exchange for care she offered to volunteer to answer the phones when Helping Hands first opened. It wasn't long before she was a full time member of the team. Elaina fit right in with the enthusiasm, spirit and ethics of what Helping Hands is all about. You will feel her kindness and warmth not only when you meet her, but even through the phone when you call. Elaina was born and raised on the South side of Richmond. She is Mom to "M.J." and "Cat".
Veronica started at Helping Hands as a volunteer. She recently moved to Richmond from New York to help care for a family member. An avid cat lover and owner, she wanted to help make a difference. She was such a kind spirit and hard worker that when we needed more help to answer phones and other office duties, we knew she was the one we wanted. Her warmth and compassion for both people and animals is infectious. She works part time with Elaina up front in the mornings for check in and is happy to assist wherever she may be needed. She and Sean are parents to "Ella" and "Trillius".
Thor is a founding member of the Helping Hands team. He was hired as our Office Manager and exceeded all our expectations. He was adopted from the S.P.C.A a little over 3 years ago with a broken front leg. Jackie quickly adopted him and had him all fixed up and healed so he could spend his days 'barking us around'. He starts his days greeting pets and their people, then moves to the back to be sure we are doing our jobs properly. His afternoon is spent back and forth between napping and watching over us and the patients as they wake up from sedation. He goes home at night with Jackie to play with his three Golden Retriever sisters and report to them his day. It's exhausting, but he wouldn't trade his life for anything.
Chilly joined the Helping Hands team in July 2011. He came to Helping Hands through B.A.R.K. as a rescue in need of veterinary care. Lori and Chilly had an instant attraction for one another and it was decided that they could not live without each other. In October, with the help of Jackie and Lori's daughter Lexi, Chilly became rainbow colored so he could be cotton candy for Halloween. The transformation was un-expectantly turned into a PR machine for Helping Hands as people have become so enamored with him. You can now see Chilly prancing around Richmond, especially Carytown, handing out Chilly Cards to help promote the work we do at Helping Hands. He loves the extra attention his new colors have brought to him and is enjoying making new friends everywhere he goes. Keep your eyes out for him. He's hard to miss. Be sure to come introduce yourself when you see him around town.
Veronica started at Helping Hands as a volunteer. She recently moved to Richmond from New York to help care for a family member. An avid cat lover and owner, she wanted to help make a difference. She was such a kind spirit and hard worker that when we needed more help to answer phones and other office duties, we knew she was the one we wanted. Her warmth and compassion for both people and animals is infectious. She works part time with Elaina up front in the mornings for check in and is happy to assist wherever she may be needed. She and Sean are parents to "Ella" and "Trillius".
Thor is a founding member of the Helping Hands team. He was hired as our Office Manager and exceeded all our expectations. He was adopted from the S.P.C.A a little over 3 years ago with a broken front leg. Jackie quickly adopted him and had him all fixed up and healed so he could spend his days 'barking us around'. He starts his days greeting pets and their people, then moves to the back to be sure we are doing our jobs properly. His afternoon is spent back and forth between napping and watching over us and the patients as they wake up from sedation. He goes home at night with Jackie to play with his three Golden Retriever sisters and report to them his day. It's exhausting, but he wouldn't trade his life for anything.
Chilly joined the Helping Hands team in July 2011. He came to Helping Hands through B.A.R.K. as a rescue in need of veterinary care. Lori and Chilly had an instant attraction for one another and it was decided that they could not live without each other. In October, with the help of Jackie and Lori's daughter Lexi, Chilly became rainbow colored so he could be cotton candy for Halloween. The transformation was un-expectantly turned into a PR machine for Helping Hands as people have become so enamored with him. You can now see Chilly prancing around Richmond, especially Carytown, handing out Chilly Cards to help promote the work we do at Helping Hands. He loves the extra attention his new colors have brought to him and is enjoying making new friends everywhere he goes. Keep your eyes out for him. He's hard to miss. Be sure to come introduce yourself when you see him around town.
Read below about our valued employees both two and four legged!
Jacqueline Morasco
Coming from a family of doctors, I always felt I would find myself as a medical professional but it was my love of animals that drew me to the veterinary field. While still in school I always found myself being pulled towards the operating room as my primary interest and many of my electives were surgical.
I was inspired to go out on my own, not only because of my desire to limit my scope to surgical procedures, but also to provide quality yet affordable surgical procedures beyond what many of the low cost clinics offer which are often limited to simple spays and neuters.
I received my D.V.M. at Virginia Tech in 1998 after completing my undergrad work at The University of Florida, James Madison University and Old Dominion University. I have since worked at Locke Taylor D.V.M, Cat Nip and P.A.L. The experience I have gained has both sharpened my skills and led me to fulfill my personal need for more advanced surgeries. Dentistry also runs deep in my 'genes' with many family members working in that field so, in combination with surgeries, I am also excited to provide the pets in the Richmond area with affordable dental care.
Though it is with a heavy heart that I leave my colleagues, close friends and wonderful clients of 10 years at Dr. Taylor's office, I am excited to devote my time to what I love best, veterinary surgery.
Special thanks to my wonderful husband, Jake, and colleague and friend, Jackie. Without my own personal cheerleaders, Helping Hands might still be only a dream.
I was inspired to go out on my own, not only because of my desire to limit my scope to surgical procedures, but also to provide quality yet affordable surgical procedures beyond what many of the low cost clinics offer which are often limited to simple spays and neuters.
I received my D.V.M. at Virginia Tech in 1998 after completing my undergrad work at The University of Florida, James Madison University and Old Dominion University. I have since worked at Locke Taylor D.V.M, Cat Nip and P.A.L. The experience I have gained has both sharpened my skills and led me to fulfill my personal need for more advanced surgeries. Dentistry also runs deep in my 'genes' with many family members working in that field so, in combination with surgeries, I am also excited to provide the pets in the Richmond area with affordable dental care.
Though it is with a heavy heart that I leave my colleagues, close friends and wonderful clients of 10 years at Dr. Taylor's office, I am excited to devote my time to what I love best, veterinary surgery.
Special thanks to my wonderful husband, Jake, and colleague and friend, Jackie. Without my own personal cheerleaders, Helping Hands might still be only a dream.
Dr. Lori Pasternak
Like many people, I have always has a passion for animals and fortunately have always found a way to surround myself with them. With this passion comes a desire to help those in need, which brought me to Locke A. Taylor's office many years ago. After much on the job training I found myself in the hands on position working along side Dr. Lori Pasternak in surgery. When Dr. Lori decided to venture off on her own to pursue her dream it was only natural for me to follow.
So it is with great pride that I am able to continue in this direction with Helping Hands. The idea of offering affordable surgical and dental care for pets in and around the Richmond area is very exciting. Dr. Lori has often said I am her biggest cheerleader, but in truth it is the owners of the animals whose lives she has saved or bettered, who are her greatest supporters.
A native of Montreal, Canada I moved to the United States in 1991. Richmond has been home to us since 1998 where my husband Wade, myself and 3 wonderful children have put down roots.
Along with Dr. Lori we are excited to be able to provide the same love and attention to the animals we will treat as we do for our own.
So it is with great pride that I am able to continue in this direction with Helping Hands. The idea of offering affordable surgical and dental care for pets in and around the Richmond area is very exciting. Dr. Lori has often said I am her biggest cheerleader, but in truth it is the owners of the animals whose lives she has saved or bettered, who are her greatest supporters.
A native of Montreal, Canada I moved to the United States in 1991. Richmond has been home to us since 1998 where my husband Wade, myself and 3 wonderful children have put down roots.
Along with Dr. Lori we are excited to be able to provide the same love and attention to the animals we will treat as we do for our own.
Jacqueline Morasco
Our Volunteers make up a large part of our team and help account for our success. With out them, our fees could not be as low as they are. The staff may be the brain and spirit of Helping Hands, but the volunteers are the heart. We welcome you to come volunteer for us. Our volunteers main objective is to comfort and watch the animals as they wake up from sedation. Second is helping us keep the hospital clean as we move through our day. We promise you, if you are a hard worker and have a warm sprit and big heart, it will be an experience you will never forget. Our volunteers get a front row seat to the world of surgery and dental care. We prefer an entire day commitment, but will make every effort to work with your schedule if this is not possible. Many of our volunteers come on a regular basis but this is not a requirement. Contact Jackie if you are interested in learning more about volunteering.
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