Meet our veterinary team

Amber, LVT, (AL)

Veterinary Technician

Amber, a proud native of Alabama, has dedicated over 10 years to the field of veterinary medicine. With a long-standing passion for dentistry, she found her perfect fit at CROWN Veterinary Dental Specialists, where she combines her skills and enthusiasm to provide exceptional care.

Outside of work, Amber enjoys spending quality time with her beloved fur baby, Paco, and cozying up during the winter with her cat, Smokey. She also has a love for cooking and enjoys taking Paco on relaxing walks at the park. Amber’s warm personality and dedication make her a valued member of the CROWN team.

Christian, RVT, VTS (Dentistry)

Veterinary Technician

With over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Christian is a highly skilled Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) specializing in veterinary dentistry. After honing her expertise in various areas of veterinary care, she pursued advanced training and certification in dentistry, becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in this field in 2018.

Throughout her career, Christian has worked in a range of veterinary settings, including private practice, education, and specialty clinics, allowing her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the many facets of veterinary medicine. She is passionate about improving the oral health and well-being of animals, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques in dental procedures, and educating pet owners on the importance of preventive care.

In addition to her technical skills, Christian is a dedicated mentor and leader, sharing her knowledge and fostering a collaborative approach among her colleagues. She continues to expand her expertise by staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary dentistry and the broader field of animal care.

CHRISTA, CSR

Client Service Representative

Christa established a robust career in the hotel industry in Virginia, where she honed her skills in customer service, operations, and management. In the early 2000s, she returned to the Carolinas and discovered a profound passion for animals, prompting her transition into veterinary medicine. This shift allowed her to gain extensive experience at some of the most esteemed emergency veterinary clinics in the region.

In 2024, Christa became a valued member of the team at CROWN Veterinary Dental Specialists, where she combines her dedication, expertise, and compassionate care to serve both pets and their owners. Her unique ability to integrate hospitality principles into veterinary practice fosters a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Christa enjoys quality time with her wife and daughter, relishing nature walks, park outings, and the beauty of the outdoors. Recently, she enriched her family by adopting two charming kittens, Waffles and Beans, who have quickly captured her heart and become cherished companions.

Madison, CSR

Client Service Representative / Veterinary Assistant

Madison, originally from Southern California, relocated to North Carolina in 2024. With an extensive background in equine care and nonprofit animal rescue, she has worked closely with animal control and various shelters to support the welfare of dogs and cats in need. Her passion for animals and dedication to their well-being have been at the core of her career.

In her spare time, Madison enjoys hiking with her four-year-old daughter and savoring a cup of coffee while spending quality time with family.

Victor

Director of Marketing and Communications

Victor is a seasoned professional in veterinary dentistry, boasting over 21 years of experience that reflects his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the field. Recently, he enhanced his skill set by earning a degree in Marketing and Design from the University of Phoenix, allowing him to merge creativity with his extensive industry background.

Outside of work, Victor loves to explore the beautiful trails of North Carolina’s mountains and treasures moments spent with his two Shih Tzus, who bring him immense joy.

Deanna, RVT, LVT (NY)

Veterinary Technician

Originally from upstate New York, Deanna brings over 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. In 2023, she made the move to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she continues her passion for animal care with a special focus on veterinary dentistry. Currently, Deanna is working towards her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Dentistry, driven by her commitment to educating pet owners about the importance of oral health for their furry companions.

Deanna is dedicated to treating dental disease and the positive impact it can have on the well-being of both pets and their owners. In her personal life, she is a proud cat mom to four adorable felines: Mullet, Gandolf, Ember, and Gouda. When she’s not busy caring for animals, Deanna enjoys reading, hiking, and soaking up the sun at the beach. We’re thrilled to have her on our team!

Daniel Almeida, MV, MS, Dip.ACVAA

Board Certified Veterinary Anesthesiologist™

Dr. Daniel Almeida was born and raised in Brazil, where he earned his veterinary degree. After a few years of practicing in different capacities, Dr. Almeida decided to pursue specialty training, which led him to the University of Minnesota. There, he completed his residency in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, a Master of Science degree, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. The University of Minnesota continued to be his home for several years, where he achieved the rank of Associate Professor of Veterinary Anesthesia. Since leaving, he has completed training in veterinary medical acupuncture and has worked in specialty hospitals in Western North Carolina and in Tennessee.

Outside of work, Dr. Almeida dedicates his time to his wife and dog, they enjoy nature, hiking, traveling, or sometimes just lounging outside.

Abbie Janisch, DVM

Resident, Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Wisconsin native Dr. Janisch, despite not having any pets of her own during childhood, was captivated by the animal kingdom. From constantly watching Animal Planet to volunteering at the humane society, and pretending she was a horse herself, Dr.
Janisch always wanted to be surrounded by animals. What better way to do this, than to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
After completing veterinary school at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020, she practiced at several small animal veterinary practices, with a focus in dentistry, her passion. Dr. Janisch is thrilled to embark on a path of specialization, honing her skills and knowledge at crown Veterinary Dental Specialists under the guidance of Veterinary Dentists Drs. Scott and Duncan.

Beyond her love for veterinary dentistry, Dr. Janisch is deeply passionate about cooperative care. She is both a Certified Fear Free and Certified Cat-Friendly Veterinarian, understanding that caring for her patients goes beyond the physical aspect
and is also committed to addressing each patient’s emotional well-being.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Janisch shares her home with her wonderful husband, adorable son, and new baby. Her household is also enlightened by the presence of two naughty mixed breed dogs, Mandy Mae and Mogley Sebastian, and two purrfect cats, Minnie Fred, and Maximus McDreamy.

In her brief moments of leisure, Dr. Janisch indulges in quirky hobbies. One of her favorites is starting and never finishing DIY home projects, finding joy in the creative process. She also immerses herself in the world of literature through audiobooks and enjoys time spent with friends and family.

Kristin Scott DVM, DAVDC

Board Certified Dentist™

A native of New York, Dr. Kristin Scott received her Biology degree from Cornell University and her Veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota. After three years at a small animal and exotics practice in NYC, Dr. Scott spent the next thirteen years at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, a premier, multi-specialty referral hospital in New Jersey. She completed her residency in Veterinary Dentistry through the University of Pennsylvania while directing the Dentistry department at Red Bank. In 2015, she became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC).

As a Diplomate, Dr. Scott has earned the designation of Veterinary Dental Specialist, of which there are less than 280 worldwide. Since achieving this degree, she has donated much of her free time supporting the American Veterinary Dental College through committee chairmanship, membership, and resident support. In 2021 she received the AVDC Presidential Medal for Stewardship in recognition of her dedication to the specialty of veterinary dentistry.

As an experienced lecturer and wet lab instructor, Dr. Scott loves that teaching enables her to positively impact the health of any patients her students/attendees care for. She has served as a locum Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota Veterinary College, co-authored multiple papers and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry and a guest reviewer for the Journal of Small Animal Practice. Clinically, Dr. Scott has a special interest in advanced periodontal surgery and bone grafting.

Dr. Scott lives with her husband, Matthew, sons Hunter and Hayden, and naughty cats Spots and Freckle. When not in the hospital or volunteering, she loves spending time with her family, watching movies, and baking new recipes for her very rapidly growing sons.

Heather Duncan DVM, DAVDC

Board Certified Dentist™

Growing up in North Carolina, at a young age, Dr. Heather Duncan decided that she wanted to become a veterinarian to help her pets that she loved so much as well as other people’s furry family members. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina State University and then received her DVM from Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.

After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Duncan practiced at a progressive 24-hour small animal hospital in Saint Petersburg, FL. Realizing her passion for Veterinary Dentistry, she began a three-year Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery Residency program in 2008 at the Animal Dental Center of Baltimore and Annapolis, MD.

Dr. Duncan developed the Dentistry & Oral Surgery Service at Upstate Vet Emergency & Specialty Care in Greenville, SC in 2013, then went on to become a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the first Board Certified Dentist in South Carolina in 2014. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary dentistry (Endodontics, Fracture repairs, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, and Restorative dentistry).

Dr. Duncan is active in the American Veterinary Dental College, volunteering on many committees. She thoroughly enjoys teaching throughout the United States and is passionate about sharing her knowledge of Veterinary Dentistry.

Knowing how special the human-animal bond can be and how difficult it can be when our pets are not feeling well, Dr. Duncan aspires to treat every pet like her own. She shares her home with her dog, Oliver, and her 2 cats, Kennedy & Daisy, who she considers her children. In her spare time, Dr. Duncan enjoys traveling and exploring new cities, spending time with family and friends, and listening to live music.

Honorable mentions: Dr. Duncan will always attribute much of her success to her first 3 furry children, Manchester, Madison, and Winston. These 3 babies were with her every step of the way through vet school, dental residency, and starting her career. Dr. Duncan knows how important your family members are and this is why she will always treat your fur-baby as her own while they are in her care.