Staff

My name is LeAnna Chupp. I have been the Practice Manager at Eastridge Animal Hospital since it opened in September 1998. I started working in the veterinary field in 1989 as a kennel assistant when I was fifteen years old because of my love for animals. I live with my husband Jess and our two children Kendall and Rylan. We have several pets which include two dogs Carley and Piper, a guinea pig named Cookie, and 3 goats Lucky Girl, Smith and Wesson. In my spare time I like to read and spend time with my family.

My name is Cindy Freiberger. I have worked as a veterinarian technician at Eastridge Animal Hospital since 1998. My areas of interest include surgery, lab and critical care. I live in Clover, SC with my husband Lewis. We have two dogs, Pearl and Rose, and a horse named Kruise. In my spare time I enjoy reading and trips to the mountains.

My name is Shannon Branham. I have been working at Eastridge since 2004. I am cross-trained to work in all areas of the hospital. My love for animal rescue and fostering medical/special needs pets led to my job here. I live in Gastonia with my husband, Shawn. We have 2 children Colton and Marah. We have 4 dogs Annie, Maggie, Dottie and Ellie . Also cats named Annabelle, Boo Mac and Munchkin. In my free time aside from my pets, I enjoy attending my daughters travel softball games, RV camping anywhere there is water or mountains, and recently have started learning how to garden.

My name is Samantha Starcher. I graduated from Gaston College in the spring of 2015 from the Veterinarian Technology Program. I have worked in the veterinarian field for several years. I have a horse Freckles, 3 cats Batman, Nala and Kali, along with a guinea pig named Cocoa Chanel. My hobbies include reading, hiking, traveling, and horseback riding.

My name is Mickie Nelson. I have worked at Eastridge Animal Hospital as a veterinarian assistant for several years. When not caring for my pets, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my grandchildren, and having an active role in my church. 

My name is Kirah Gupta.  I have worked at Eastridge Animal Hospital as a  veterinarian assistant for 2 years.  I live in Belmont with my husband Raja and a son named Nolan.  I have 3 dogs Zena, Daisy and Blue.  My hobbies are spending time with my family, reading and I enjoying being outdoors.

My name is Courtney Williamson.  I recently started working at Eastridge Animal Hospital as a kennel assistant. I have a german shepard named Cooper and a cat named Nala.

My name is Wanda Zahnow.  I have also recently started working at Eastridge Animal Hospital as a receptionist.  I live in Gastonia with my husband Rene' and my son Joshua.  I have six cats named Tootsie, Possum, Holly, Sammie, Fluffy and Sugar.  My hobbies include reading, swimming and enjoying time with my family.