OUR DOCTORS

BONNIE BROWN, DVM

Dr. Bonnie Brown attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate education and graduated from the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. She started her career in emergency medicine at the Peninsula Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Yorktown. Although she loved the pace and challenges of emergency medicine, she left in 1992 to join Dr. Richard Chance at James River Veterinary Hospital. In 2003, Dr. Chance and Dr. Brown built and opened Jolly Pond Veterinary Hospital. She became the owner in 2009.

Dr. Brown raised and showed French Lop rabbits for almost 40 years. Aside from her special interest in rabbit medicine and surgery, she also enjoys soft tissue surgery, behavioral medicine, and dermatology. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, museums, theater, flying, and attending her children’s numerous musical performances. Dr. Brown shares her home with her daughter Rachael, son John, four cats, and two infamously naughty beagles.

ASHLEY CROSSMAN, DVM

Dr. Crossman is originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Bridgewater College where she also played soccer. She then received her DVM from the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. She joined the team at Jolly Pond in June 2020.

Dr. Crossman currently resides in Toano with her husband, Ethan, their three-legged cat, Lieutenant Dan and rescue dog, Jasmine. When not at work, she enjoys being on the water kayaking, or mountain hiking.

LAUREN CLARK, DVM

Dr. Clark received her DVM from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2023. She also graduated with her B.S. in biochemistry from Virginia Tech in 2019 (Go Hokies x2!). After interning as a student and working at Jolly Pond as a technician, she is excited to be a permanent member of our doctor team.

Dr. Clark lives in Williamsburg with her husband, Jake, and their 2 spunky pittie mixes Indy and Ridge. Her veterinary interests include working with rescue dogs, emergency medicine, and cardiology. In her free time, she enjoys doing CrossFit, watching Disney movies, reading, and hiking the Blue Ridge.

ASHLEY FIDLER, DVM

Dr. Fidler received a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech in 2007. After completing her undergraduate degree, she attended the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received her DVM. She came to Jolly Pond in the summer of 2011, and has enjoyed being part of the team ever since.

Dr. Fidler currently resides in Toano with her husband and two young sons. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and any opportunity to relax on the river or read a good book. Her veterinary interests include wellness education, internal medicine, and surgery. She enjoys forming lasting relationships with both new and long-time Jolly Pond clients and their pets.

FRED HILL, DVM
(Retired)

Dr. Hill has been a staple of Jolly Pond since early 2015. He brought with him knowledge and experience in emergency medicine and a knack for teaching new team members and students pursuing a career in the field. For the last nine years, we have enjoyed his light-hearted humor (often at his own expense), witty remarks, and all-around likeable character.

A note from Dr. Hill

It is with a mix of excitement and apprehension that I share the news of my retirement from the field of veterinary medicine. Reflecting on the remarkable journey that began 37 years ago at an extraordinaire clinic, I find myself bidding farewell to what I can only describe as the most extraordinary clinic I've had the privilege of being associated with throughout my entire career.

Working with the team at Jolly Pond has been an exceptional experience. Their unwavering care and dedication to the well-being of pets and owners has been a source of inspiration for me as a practitioner and has enriched me as a person. Saying goodbye to the friends, both human and furry, that I have made here over the past nine years is undoubtedly difficult. However, I look forward to spending more time with my lovely wife, Debbie, who has stuck with me over the years through the challenges and demands of my profession.

As I retire, I plan to remain in Williamsburg, and I look forward to crossing paths with each of you. Please keep me updated on the latest happenings in your lives and with your families. The memories and experiences shared at Jolly Pond will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the privilege of working alongside such outstanding individuals.

Wishing you all continued success and fulfillment in your endeavors.

RUTH GUSSMAN, DVM
(Retired)

Dr. Ruth Gussman is a native of Philadelphia. She graduated from Columbia University and worked originally as a registered nurse. Realizing that Veterinary Medicine was her passion she returned to school and graduated from Colorado State University in 1994, cum laude. Dr. Gussman worked as a veterinarian in Colorado until 2007 when she joined Jolly Pond Veterinary Hospital. She moved to Virginia to be closer to her family.

A note from Dr. G:

It has been my joy and privilege to practice veterinary medicine here at Jolly Pond for the past 13 years. It is with a lot of excitement and some sadness that I have officially retired from regular practice. While I am on the verge of a new time in my life and look forward to rescue work, hobbies, and more family time, I will miss seeing all of the wonderful clients and their beloved pets.

I have worked alongside the most talented and dedicated group of people anyone could hope to work with. Each person on the Jolly Pond team - from my veterinary colleagues, technicians, office, to the Inn staff - are simply magnificent and I know you will be in the best of hands. I am especially grateful to Dr. Brown, both for the opportunity to practice here for so long and for her commitment to the community.

I have greatly valued my relationships and will miss you all dearly. Please send all the pets good health wishes on my behalf, and I look forward to seeing all of you on the sidewalks and streets of Williamsburg.

Sincerely,

Ruth Gussman, DVM