Meet the Team at East Lincoln Animal Hospital
At East Lincoln Animal Hospital, we’re proud to have a compassionate, skilled, and experienced team that’s committed to providing the best care for your pets.
Our Veterinarians in Denver and Lincolnton
Click on each doctor’s name to learn more about them.
Dr. Cloninger
Dr. McLean
Dr. Crawford
Dr. Gayle
Dr. Redden
Dr. Vasquez
Dr. Dunkle
Dr. Queeney
Our Veterinary Team
From our veterinary assistants to our customer service representatives, each member of our team plays an important role in ensuring that your pet receives the attention, care, and love they deserve. Get to know the friendly faces behind the care your pets rely on.
April RVT / Office Manager
Registered Veterinary Technician and Office Manager
April has proudly served the animals of East Lincoln Animal Hospital since 2001. She graduated from Gaston College in 2002 as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She is proficient in all areas of the hospital but especially enjoys chatting with clients during routine visits.
April is married to her husband, Eric, and they have two children, Dylan and Olivia. They enjoy taking trips to the mountains for hiking and traveling to Folly Beach with friends.
While she enjoys working with all animals, she has a soft spot for bulldogs. She has an adopted bulldog named Crunch from Bullies 2 the Rescue. She also has three adopted cats named Melvin, Cheeto Frito, and Whiskey.
Logan
Veterinary Assistant
Logan has been working in veterinary medicine for almost 5 years and has always enjoyed working with all kinds of animals. She shares that she is extremely honored to meet and care for you and your furry baby.
Deborah
Deborah has been working with animals for over 18 years. She cares deeply about the people and their pets and goes out of her way to help. She rescues Chihuahuas and can’t imagine going to a home without pets. They bring laughter and intuition to everyday life. They help us heal and bring back so much unconditional love.
Wyatt
Wyatt has over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. He is passionate about client education to help them best care for their pets between visits. He has 3 pets of his own: a cattle dog mix named Josey, and 2 orange and white cats, Scamper and Pumpkin. He is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University and lives in Hickory, NC. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, kayaking, and tailgating at football games.
Ashley
Bio Coming Soon
Maria
Customer Service Representative
Even from a young age, Maria always had a love for animals. Her passion extends to everything from her papaw’s farm animals to her son’s love of snakes. It has led to her 36-year career working with pets and their people. Maria currently lives in Denver with her 2 dogs, Butter and Josephine, her guinea pig, Judy, and fish, Patrick. When not at work, Maria enjoys spending time with her grandbabies and going to the beach.
Robin
Robin has been in the veterinary field for almost 9 years at ELAH as both a customer service representative and an assistant. Before she was a legal assistant for almost 20 years. She has had a love of animals her entire life. As a little girl she would climb under the neighbors house to get all the feral kittens. Outside of work Robin is a mother of two amazing young adults, 2 dogs (Leo and Dallas) and 3 cats (Paisley, Willow and DJ). She enjoys anything outdoors like hiking, swimming and sightseeing.
Kayla
Kayla has known she was going to work with animals since the age of 5. She has now been a veterinary technician for several years. She owns a cat, Sebastian, and a dog, Chloe. She loves reading, hiking, music, quiet time, and going to the gym in her spare time.
Cara
Caring for animals has always been a calling for Cara. Originally from Long Island, New York, she moved here at 14 and now shares her home with her two dogs, Mason and Baxter. When she’s not working with pets, Cara enjoys reading, trying new foods, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Landyn
Landyn has been in the veterinary field for over 10 years with 4 years working in the intensive care units at the emergency clinics in Charlotte. She is able to bring this valuable skill set to our hospital to help with our critical patients and emergency/urgent cases. In her free time Landyn enjoys trail riding, barrel racing and hanging out at the barn with her 6 horses. She also has an Australian Shephard, Maci Grey and a golden retriever named Jester.
Leah
Leah has always had a huge heart and passion for animals. She was raised on a farm in Iron Station. Leah has 3 children Thomas, Ford and Lariah. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and being outdoors. In her down time she loves cuddling with her dog NaLa and her Cat Skunk aka Potato. She has a past career as vet assistance, Leah has recently came back into the field excited to learn more and to provide the best care for patients.
Brandi
Groomer
Hi! My name is Brandi and all my life I have always been an animal lover. I knew I wanted to work with animals back in 2019. My passion grew into dog bathing and eventually grooming. I officially started grooming in 2022 after being certified through Paragon Distance Learning. I have managed to grow my confidence with a variety of breeds, haircuts and creative grooming. I am active in continuing education to ensure I am ahead in current dog grooming standards. I am working towards my CPR and fear free certification. A dream of mines is to enter into the AKC show ring and compete in competitive grooming. I strive to surround myself with individuals who care to preserve the breeds we adore.
When I’m not at the hospital, you can find me hiking with my Labrador retriever anywhere in NC. I am happy to be a part of East Lincoln Animal Hospital’s team to make your pup look and feel fresh!
Kaylee
Kaylee is a Lincolnton local and has a passion for dogs and making them feel beautiful and comfortable with her grooming talents. In her free time she loves to hang out with her friends, enjoy the sun at the lake or go to the movies and spend time with family. She is lucky to live on a farm in the area along with her 4 dogs.
Dr. Vasquez
Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Dr. Vasquez majored in Veterinary and Biomedical Science from Penn State in 2017 and graduated vet school in 2021 from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, TN.
Since then, Dr. Vasquez has moved to the area and has worked in both Mooresville and Cornelius, NC at Banfield Pet Hospital before coming to East Lincoln Animal Hospital.
Dr. Vasquez is an avid dog lover with 2 German Shepherds, Mowgli and Shiloh, a pit bull named Zoey, and a yellow lab named Remy.
When she is isn’t working, she loves to spend quality time with her fiance and son traveling to new places including all the waterfalls that North Carolina has to offer. She also is a big college football fan and loves watching the games each Saturday. WE ARE!
Dr. Queeney
Veterinarian
Dr. Queeney grew up in Massachusetts where his passion for veterinary medicine began. He shadowed a veterinary surgeon for a day as part of a second grade, career exploration project. There was no looking back. Dr. Queeney completed undergraduate studies at the University of Miami and continued on to vet school at the University of Florida. Since graduation in 2014, Dr. Queeney has been providing care to pets in North Carolina. He recently moved to Huntersville where he enjoys walking the nature trails with his wife Michelle, and their two dogs. Dr. Queeney has a special interest in dentistry and soft tissue surgery. Outside of work, Dr. Queeney enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the local food scene. Dr. Queeney is with us on Wednesdays only so be sure to book and plan ahead!
Dr. Dunkle
With a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to veterinary medicine, Dr. Dylan Dunkle is dedicated to helping dogs and cats live longer, healthier, and happier lives. He believes that exceptional veterinary care begins with understanding each patient as an individual and taking the time to provide thorough, personalized medical attention.
Dr. Dunkle earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he focused on small animal medicine.
He has a particular passion for comprehensive preventive care, emphasizing detailed wellness evaluations, early disease detection, and proactive health management. Dr. Dunkle also enjoys the challenges of internal medicine, approaching medical cases with careful attention to detail, thorough diagnostic evaluations, and thoughtful treatment planning. His dedication to identifying potential health concerns early and helping families make informed decisions reflects his commitment to providing high-quality care throughout every stage of a pet’s life.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Dunkle enjoys reading, playing chess, hiking, and exploring the imaginative worlds of science fiction. At home, he shares his life with two dogs and three cats, who provide plenty of companionship and continually remind him why he loves caring for animals.
Dr. Cloninger
Veterinarian
Dr. Cloninger’s passion for veterinary medicine began at just seven years old, when she could often be found playing veterinarian to her family cats. Growing up in Salisbury, North Carolina, surrounded by animals of all kinds, she knew from an early age that caring for animals would become her lifelong calling.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from North Carolina State University before attending Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated with honors in 2013.
Dr. Cloninger loves the variety and challenges of general practice, but what she finds most rewarding is building lasting relationships with her patients and the families who love them. She has a particular interest in emergency medicine and complex medical cases, where she enjoys combining thoughtful problem-solving with compassionate, individualized care.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Cloninger enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking, kayaking, or horseback riding. Most importantly, she treasures time with her two children and their lively household of five cats, two dogs, and a horse!
Dr. McLean
Veterinarian
A familiar face in the Denver community, Dr. John McLean brings decades of veterinary experience, exceptional surgical skills, and a wonderful sense of humor to East Lincoln Animal Hospital.
A native of Lincolnton, North Carolina, Dr. McLean graduated from Lincolnton High School before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988.
Throughout his career, Dr. McLean has been a trusted veterinarian in the Denver area, building lasting relationships with generations of pets and their families. After spending three years practicing at East Catawba Animal Clinic, he returned to East Lincoln Animal Hospital, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a genuine dedication to his community.
An accomplished surgeon, Dr. McLean is known not only for his surgical expertise but also for his approachable personality and quick wit. His ability to put clients at ease while providing thoughtful, experienced care makes him a valued member of our veterinary team.
Outside the hospital, Dr. McLean enjoys spending time with his family, including his daughter, Cameron; sons, Jaden and Julian; and grandson, Trennon. He is also the proud owner of two Chihuahuas, Flash and Fife, who undoubtedly keep life entertaining!
Dr. Crawford
Veterinarian
With decades of veterinary experience and a passion for providing thoughtful, individualized care, Dr. Crawford brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team at East Lincoln Animal Hospital.
Originally from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Dr. Crawford earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She began her career practicing in the Pocono Mountains before moving to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where she owned and operated her own small animal hospital. In 1999, she relocated to Denver, North Carolina, and joined East Lincoln Animal Hospital, where she has been a valued member of the veterinary community ever since.
Dr. Crawford enjoys the many facets of veterinary medicine and has developed particular interests in feline medicine, soft tissue surgery, and oncology. She is also skilled in veterinary acupuncture, allowing her to offer an additional approach to managing pain and supporting her patients’ comfort and quality of life. Her broad clinical experience and dedication to personalized care help her thoughtfully address the unique needs of each patient.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Crawford enjoys life with her partner, Scott, and their four-legged family, which includes two German Shepherds, four cats, and four horses.
Dr. Alston
Veterinarian
Dr. Alston was born and raised in High Point, North Carolina. She has always had a deep love for animals and a passion for their well-being. That passion inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Animal Science from North Carolina A&T State University — Aggie Pride! Driven by her commitment to compassionate care and scientific discovery, she went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the historic Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2025.
She is a proud dachshund mom to her 14-year-old sidekick, Bumpy, who’s been by her side every step of the way. Her professional interests include preventative care, client education, and creating positive, stress-free experiences for pets and their people. She is passionate about building strong relationships with both animals and the families who love them. She looks forward to taking care of your pets like they’re her own.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys staying active, spending quality time with her wonderful family and friends, and discovering new coffee shops and dog-friendly spots around town — always with Bumpy in tow.
Dr. Gayle
Veterinarian
With a passion for compassionate patient care and a special appreciation for our feline companions, Dr. Gayle brings a thoughtful, experienced approach to veterinary medicine at East Lincoln Animal Hospital.
Dr. Gayle earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Her professional background also includes training in public health veterinary medicine through the Food Safety and Inspection Service, providing her with a broader perspective on animal health, disease prevention, and the important connection between animal and human well-being.
Dr. Gayle enjoys the variety of general practice and has particular interests in feline medicine, soft tissue surgery, and veterinary dentistry. She especially appreciates the unique personalities and medical needs of cats and understands the importance of a gentle, patient approach to helping feline patients feel comfortable and secure. Her commitment to attentive, individualized care helps ensure that every patient receives the consideration and compassion they deserve.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Gayle shares her home with two beloved cats, Stache and Lucifurr, whose mischievous personality apparently lives up to his name! Her love for cats extends well beyond the exam room, making feline medicine both a professional interest and a personal passion.
Dr. Redden
Veterinarian
With a dedication to lifelong learning and a passion for tackling complex medical challenges, Dr. Redden brings an exceptional level of knowledge, experience, and clinical expertise to East Lincoln Animal Hospital.
Originally from Briarcliff Manor, New York, Dr. Redden earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Mississippi State University in 1992. Committed to advancing her knowledge and providing the highest standards of veterinary care, she achieved board certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline Practice in 2006 and successfully renewed her certification in 2016. She is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Redden has a particular passion for complex internal medicine cases, including the diagnosis and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s disease. She also enjoys soft tissue and dental surgery. Her advanced training, attention to detail, and thoughtful approach to challenging cases make her a valuable resource for patients requiring more involved medical care.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Redden enjoys reading, spending time on the water with her husband, and pursuing her passion for horses. An accomplished barrel racer, she is a member of the National Barrel Horse Association and has qualified for and competed in the NBHA World Barrel Finals multiple times. At home, she shares her life with two beloved cats, Pumpkin and Willow, and two Quarter Horses, Taylor and Harvey.
Ready to Visit?
Whether you’re a longtime client or visiting us for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you and your pet!
