Meet Our Team!

Managing Veterinarian & Partner

Interest: General Medicine

Biography: Dr. Appelbaum, a West Laurel native, truly grew up at Rocky Gorge. Her family has come here for veterinary care her whole life, and she’s worked with us both before and after obtaining her veterinary degree. Dr. Appelbaum’s areas of interest are internal medicine, dermatology, and ultrasound. She has one dog named Hobbes.

Partner

Interest: Emergency, Exotic Care

Biography: Dr. Bricker, a Litchfield, Connecticut native, joined the Rocky Gorge family in 2012. He specializes in emergency medicine and is our go-to for exotic animal care. Dr. Bricker enjoys hikes, photography, gardening, and working with conservationists and rescuers. His family has a cat – Izzy, two frogs – Bill and Ted, a gecko – Spike, two skinks – Juan and Andy, and a dog – Ivy.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Ashley Houser, an Ellicott City native, earned her Bachelor of Animal Sciences degree from the University of Maryland and then went on to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Driven by a deep respect for the human-animal bond, she brings a collaborative, compassionate approach to every patient she sees.

Dr. Houser is certified in both Fear Free handling and compassionate end-of-life care, underscoring her commitment to reducing stress and promoting dignity throughout a pet’s life. Her main clinical interests include ophthalmology, endocrinology, soft tissue surgery, and emergency medicine. She continuously strives to expand her expertise in all areas of medicine to provide comprehensive, thoughtful care to every patient that walks through the door. 

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Houser enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with her fur babies, Maggie the foxhound and Edamame the cat. 

Associate Veterinarian

Interest: Emergency Medicine

Biography: Dr Johnson is a Washington DC native who graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys both general medicine and emergency medicine. In her downtime, she is the mother of twins who keep her busy and a fur mom to a scrappy little rescue named Shuri.

Associate Veterinarian

Biography: Bio coming soon!

Partner

Interest: General Medicine

Biography: Dr. Lane is a Laurel native and has been a member of the Rocky Gorge family since she started as a technician in 1998. She grew up in the area, too, attending Pallotti High School and getting her Bachelors in Animal Science from the University of Maryland. She jumped at the chance to come back and join as a Veterinarian after graduating with her DVM from St. Matthew’s University (Cayman Islands) and the University of Minnesota in 2013. Dr. Lane, who has always wanted to be a veterinarian, loves her clients, patients, and especially the fantastic team she gets to work with every single day. Her fun personality and passion for veterinary medicine help to make her a valuable team member at Rocky Gorge. She wants nothing but the best for her patients! Dr. Lane has 2 dogs, Linus and Ricky (both were adopted through RGAH), a cat, Peanut, her old horse, Toby, a very patient and understanding hubby, Kevin, and the most amazing, fun little girl, Josephine.

Associate Veterinarian

Biography: Bio Coming Soon

Interest: Emergency Medicine

Biography: Dr. Smith is a Virginia native who graduated from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She developed a passion for emergency medicine while in vet school. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys snuggling with her German Shepherd and 2 cats.

Interest: General Medicine

Biography: Dr. Weinstock, a Baltimore native, joined the Rocky Gorge team in early 2016. Her medical interests are focused on canine and feline general medicine. Dr. Weistock’s daily goal is to provide the highest quality of care to her patients. In her spare time, she enjoys taking pictures, traveling, and spending time with her German Shepherds.

Associate Veterinarian

Interest: Internal medicine, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and many other exceptional advances.

Biography: Dr. Steven Wolchinsky, a Brooklyn, New York native, migrated to Maryland in 1987 and purchased Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital. The hospital has grown to seventeen doctors and approximately one hundred employees. He is the Laurel City Veterinarian, on the board of trustees at the McDonogh School, and on the Board of directors at Vista Del Mar. He is an Advisory Board Member for the Grey Muzzle Organization and VitusVet. He enjoys all aspects of canine and feline medicine, but he has special interests in internal medicine, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and many other cutting-edge advances. He serves as an advisor to a number of veterinary startups as well as established veterinary companies. His passions outside of Veterinary medicine are coaching baseball, teaching financial literacy to young adults, and helping veterinary practices implement the latest technological advances. Dr. Wolchinsky and his wife have three children: a black Labrador, two cats, and a snake.

Interest: Emergency Medicine & Critical Care

Biography: Emily joined the Rocky Gorge team in 2016 as a technician. That same year she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Maryland. She found her place in the Emergency department and quickly discovered her passion for ICU patient care. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two senior pups; a dachshund mix named Chloe and a min-pin named Truman.

General Manager

Biography: Rayner has been proudly leading the Rocky Gorge team since 2020. She began her career in Operational Leadership shortly after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Towson University. Prior to joining Rocky Gorge, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of a Long-Term Care and Senior Living Corporation. Transitioning into the veterinary industry was a natural step, as her in-laws have been loyal clients of Rocky Gorge for over 25 years. Inspired by the legacy of exceptional care and service established by Dr. Morley, Rayner is committed to upholding those same values every day.

Inventory & Operations Manager

Interest: General Medicine

Biography:Sarah has been part of the Rocky Gorge family since the fall of 2005. She joined us as a technician and worked her way up to Inventory & Operations Manager. She plays a critical role to ensure that we have the necessary tools and supplies on hand that help us operate on a daily basis and provide the best patient care. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family; her husband, two sons, their dog, Duncan, as well as her sister and her family and friends.

Interest: Emergency Medicine & Critical Care

Biography: Karin grew up in West Laurel, MD, and has been bringing her family pets to Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital since she was young. She joined the Rocky Gorge family as an employee in the Resort and then returned as a Veterinary technician after graduating from Mars Hill College with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. She loves traveling and spending time with her family and her dog, a golden retriever named Sadie.

Biography: I began my career in the specialty veterinary field in 2016 and have since advanced through several leadership roles, including serving as an office manager for two specialty departments and as an interim technician manager. To further strengthen my professional expertise, I earned a Human Resources certification from Prince George’s Community College. In October 2025, I joined Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital as the Client Relations and Pharmacy Manager.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with my dog, Deuce.

Interest: General Medicine

Biography: Nikki grew up in Rockville, but migrated her way to the Annapolis area, and has been with Rocky Gorge since 2013. She has worked in nearly every department but found her home in Surgery, which she considers her passion. When she’s not watching over her furry patients, she likes to spend time at home with her family and friends. She particularly loves her time with her husband, and young daughter (with hopes for a sibling down the road). She particularly enjoys traveling whenever she can with them, hoping to explore as much of the world as she can.