Staff

  • Dr.
    Amanda Forgeng
    Veterinarian, Owner

    Dr. Amanda Forgeng, D.V.M, is the owner of Smithfield Animal Hospital. She attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia to earn a Bachelor degree in Animal Science. Following her graduation at Virginia Tech, Dr. Forgeng earned her doctorate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She then moved back to Newport News, VA to begin practicing, and began her career as a veterinarian at Boulevard Animal Hospital. She practiced at Boulevard for 14 years and was the Medical Director for 8 years.  In 2020 she began practicing at Smithfield Animal Hospital and purchased the practice in 2021. She enjoys soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, and working with her amazing staff.  

    She currently owns two French Bulldogs named Ava and Ella and inherited a hospital cat named Bodega. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, two kids, and friends as well as traveling for fun and for soccer.  Her love for the water keeps her busy with fishing, jet skiing, boating, and enjoying life.

  • Dr.
    Robert May Jr.
    Veterinarian

    Dr. Robert M. May Jr. knew that he wanted to be a veterinarian in second grade. He traveled all over the world as a child as his father was in the military. Dr. May Graduated from Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. After his graduation he worked at Naval Station Guam and Anderson AFB, Guam for the Army Veterinary Corps from 1981-1984. During this time he was responsible for 72 military working dogs. He practiced at Tolley Veterinary Hospital in Newport News from 1984-1989, and at Animal Care Center in Norfolk from 1989-1995. Dr. May and his wife Yvonne opened Smithfield Animal Hospital in 1995.

    Dr. May has a brood of Jack Russels who love to run and chase anything and everything. When he isn't dedicating his time to the hospital he enjoys cooking, brewing beer, bee keeping, Falconry, and making his wife Yvonne happy. During the college football season he never lets anyone forget the importance of Auburn football.

    Education:

    Auburn University

  • Dr.
    Betty Payne
    Veterinarian

    Dr. Betty Payne is from Franklin County, Virginia. Her family owned a small farm where she participating in the 4-H club. Her enthusiasm for science and experience with animals made it an effortless decision to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Dr. Betty Payne received her undergraduate education at Virginia Tech, and then proceeded to the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. After graduating with her DVM in 1985 she practiced at James River Veterinary Hospital in Newport News from 1985-2000. She Joined Dr. May at Smithfield Animal Hospital in 2001. Dr. Payne enjoys internal medicine and specializes in geriatric patients. In her free time Dr. Payne is a wild life rehabber for song birds and small mammals. She is an active member of Simonsdale Presbyterian Church and Volunteers at the Portsmouth Homeless Shelter. She is a member of the Smithfield Lions Club where she screens the children eyes in our community. Dr. Payne lives in Portsmouth Virginia with her husband(Martin), cats, and dogs. Her dogs are Carson a Black Lab Mix who loves to give hugs, Wilson a Bichon Frise, the ringleader of crime, and Lilly, her newest member. Dr. Betty also owns two horses and enjoys trail riding in her spare time.

    Education:

    Virginia Tech, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Dr.
    Kelsey Traylor
    Veterinarian

    Bio Coming Soon...

  • Dr
    Chelsea Mueller
    Veterinarian

    Bio coming soon...

  • Jessica Pfahl
    Hospital Manager

    Jessica joined our team in 2011. If you've ever needed a special item ordered for your fur friend, you know Jessica, our inventory manager. Jessica was raised in Carrollton and Hampton, Va. Jessica is an asset to our hospital as she takes great pride in helping animals and in turn helping clients understand pet care. Jessica enjoys living in Isle of Wight because her horse, Brandy, two dogs (Jazzy and Lieu), two cats (Pierre and Chanceux) and 40 chickens can be free to do as they please!

  • Richard Salnoske
    Veterinary Technician

    Richard is our Licensed Veterinary Technician. He came to work with us in March of 2012. Richard worked at the Newport News Shipyard for several years. A mentor suggested that he attended Blue Ridge Community College. He followed the advice and earned his Associate of Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology in 1996. He began his career with animals in 1993 at Todds Lane Veterinary in Hampton as a kennel worker. Richard's keen attention to detail in surgery and meticulous nature motivate everyone to strive for perfection. He currently lives in Hampton with his beautiful wife Julie, and limousine Pitbull, Benjamin. Richard enjoys working in Smithfield because he gets to be involved in part of a small community and get out of city living.

  • Emily Barnette
    Veterinary Technician

    Emily joined our team in August 2017.  She grew up in an animal-loving family and has been working with animals since age 13. She attended BRCC and graduated with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 2018. She is passionate about all animals but has a special love for horses. Emily now lives in Windsor on her very own 'Farmette' with her husband, daughters Blair and Olive, three cattle dogs (Rooster, Flex and Drama), two cats (Ollie and Loki), and her many, many chickens and guineas. 

  • Amber Griffey
    Veterinary Technician

    Amber is our most recent addition. She has been working in the veterinary field for 10 years and graduated with her degree in Veterinary Technology in 2019. She loves all aspects of medicine, but surgery and anesthesia is her favorite. Amber and her fiancé Zach have a large fur family including three dogs (Josie, Scooter and Toto), four cats (Emma, O'Malley, Momma and Bruce) and a sassy rabbit named Daphne. When not working, you can usually find her in the barn with the horses or with her family. 

  • Amy White
    Veterinary Assistant

    Amy has been working in the veterinary field since out of high school. She recently moved to Smithfield to be closer to family. She has a son, Ziven, and a daughter, Phoenix, that keep her entertained every day. She enjoys baking, Netflix, music, and anything batman. She currently does not have animals but has future plans to have some dogs, a horse, and a chameleon.

  • Lisa Thatcher
    Veterinary Assistant

    Lisa joined our team in Summer 2021 after working at Emergency clinics since 2016. She now lives in Hampton with her Husband, Graham and son, Elliot. Together they own a hound dog named Napoleon. If she isn't working, she is enjoying the outdoors with her family. 

  • Cheyenne Williams
    Veterinary Assistant

    Cheyenne has been with us for many years. She enjoys working with the many boarding pets from Smithfield. She loves spending time with her cat Sammie and drawing/costume making. 

  • Annah Cartagena
    Veterinary Assistant

    Bio coming soon...

  • Hayley Tharpe
    Veterinary Assistant

    Bio coming soon...

  • Kirsten Robertson
    Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist

    Kirsten has lived in Smithfield since 2013. She enjoys spending time with her boys, Parker and Levi and loves her Australian shepherds Keeley and Rip, and cats, Axle and Blue.  Her bubbly personality and constant smile are a great asset to our office. She loves all animals and is sure to give your pets extra love and attention.

  • Abigail Myers
    Receptionist

    Abigail joined our team in August of last year. She is not only our receptionist; she is a kennel attendant and an assistant as well. Her bubbly personality always has everyone smiling. She loves hiking with her husband, Chris, and her dog, Eva.  Abigail is an amazing artist and on most days, you can find her creating portraits of pets.

  • Holly Reyes
    Receptionist

    Holly Reyes, originally from Maryland, has lived in Smithfield for four years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from High Point University in Recreation Training and Fitness. She is passionate about helping others, staying active as a fitness instructor, and being outdoors. With her extreme love of animals, she enjoys seeing and greeting all the critters at the hospital. Her current fur family includes two cats, Snickers and Hazel, and dog, Grayson. Her newest additions to the family is her baby girl, Zoey and baby boy, Dawson!

  • Juanita Venable
    Receptionist

    Juanita joined Smithfield Animal Hospital in July 2021 as a receptionist. Nita, as her family, friends, and clients know her, has been working in animal care for 36 years. She has a passion for providing quality care for animals and their owners. in her free time, she enjoys crafting and gardening. She has two older children, but goes home to her fur family including a cat (Kiki), a dog (Lilah), and a bunny (Mia)!

  • Joanne Chambers (Grandma)
    Kennel Attendant

    Joanne has been a part of our staff since 2004. She enjoys having play time with our borders. Joanne provides a clean and healthy environment for our boarders while they are at 'Camp'. She Keeps our Hospital immaculate. Joanne has a strong attachment to animals; she knows their likes and dislikes. She should know because in her free time she has a herd of Australian Shepherds: Bear and Tiger and a special mixed boy, Marley. Joanne enjoys gardening and farming with her husband in her free time, and we like that because we usually get a few tomatoes from her in the summer.

  • Bodega .
    Office Cat

    Bodega had a few minor health issues when he came to us in 2011. He is now healthy and happy. His job around here is to soak up the sun, beg for food and shed all over employees while they are eating lunch.

    Interests:

    snoozing, back scratches

  • Lexie .
    In Loving Memory

    Lexie has been part of our office family since January of 2011. She naps on top of HER fax machine and comes out to greet patients once in a while.

    Interests:

    Greeting dogs, sleeping, purring very loudly

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Location