Meet Our Team

Dr. Jay Hreiz

Owner, Veterinarian
Fear Free Certified Professional – Elite Level

Dr. Hreiz is an owner of Queen City Animal Hospital and could not be happier to bring quality veterinary care to the Belmont neighborhood and surrounding communities in Charlotte! He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and received his BS in Animal Bioscience from Penn State University in 2004. He bleeds blue and white and enjoys traveling back to his alma mater in Happy Valley! Jay is a native of Pennsylvania and moved to North Carolina in 2008 after veterinary school.

Dr. Hreiz became interested in veterinary medicine when he was a young boy and had a large number of exotic pets including reptiles, amphibians, birds, rodents, and rabbits. As a kid, he recognized that few veterinarians were interested in seeing these unique pets. His interests as a veterinarian include exotic animal medicine (rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and birds), soft tissue surgery, and pet wellness and prevention. He became a licensed judge under the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 2002 and has judged shows across the United States and several foreign countries including Japan.

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling the world, running, exploring the world of wine, and spending time with friends and family. He and his husband Mike are residents of the Plaza Midwood neighborhood since 2013. They have four fur babies: Two retired racing Greyhounds (aka couch potato)- Ollie and Forest- and two rambunctious kitties, Kili and Meru.

Dr. Lauren Cline

(she/her/hers)
Owner, Veterinarian
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

Dr. Cline moved to Charlotte, NC following her graduation from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. War Eagle! She and her husband, Charlie, are originally from South Carolina and Dr. Cline graduated from Clemson University in 2011 with a BS degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Go Tigers!
Dr. Cline has enjoyed putting down roots in Charlotte and is excited to be a part of the Queen City Animal Hospital team. Her professional interests include ophthalmology, dermatology, and dentistry.

Veterinary medicine has been a life-long childhood dream for Dr. Cline. With an ever changing and growing field, she looks forward to each day as an opportunity to be challenged, learn something new, and continue to grow in her career. As a matter of fact, Dr. Cline joined the ownership team of Queen City Animal Hospital in 2023, and we are so lucky to have her!

When she’s not in the office, Dr. Cline enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and photography. She and her husband share their home with two rescued mutts named Remy and Wally, and 2 rescued kitties, Bella and Gizmo.

Fun fact: During her undergraduate career at Clemson University, Dr. Cline worked as the marketing director for a major production company bringing entertainment to Clemson, SC. She’s had the privilege of meeting and working with several different musicians, comedians, and other artists! Learning and working the ins and outs of the concert industry was an amazing experience and something she will never forget!

“I’m excited to be a part of the wonderful team here at QCAH and look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and their beloved pets.”

Dr. Alexa Diaz

Associate Veterinarian
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

Dr. Diaz moved to Charlotte after completing veterinary school at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine. She is from Miami, FL, where she graduated with her BS degree in Biology from Florida International University while playing collegiate beach volleyball. Dr. Diaz has loved science and animals her whole life, making veterinary medicine the perfect career for her! She enjoys all the variety that veterinary medicine offers and especially enjoys exotic animal medicine (birds, reptiles, small mammals, fish), anesthesia, radiology and cardiology. Dr. Diaz also speaks Spanish and is happy to see any Spanish-speaking clients. She is so excited to be a part of the team at Queen City Animal Hospital!

In her free time, Dr. Diaz enjoys many outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, playing sports and exercising. She also enjoys baking, going to the beach and exploring new cities with her partner, Gilberto. Their furry son is a spunky senior pup named Larry.

Dr. Claire Black

Associate Veterinarian
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

We are so happy to welcome Dr. Black to Queen City AH in the fall of 2022. She is excited to return to her hometown of Charlotte for the “best job in the world, working with animals and the people who love them” at QCAH (her words, not ours ;). Dr. Black studied Biology at the University of South Carolina (GO COCKS!) where she also enjoyed working with wildlife rehab and attending Gamecock football games. She then went on to Vet school at the University of Tennessee where her passion for dogs, cats, and all things exotic continue to grow. But somehow along the way, she learned how much she loves cows! Aside from the great creatures in Knoxville, the budding Dr. Black enjoyed hiking, river and quarry adventures, and even more SEC football.
On a professional level, Dr. Black most enjoys exotics medicine, radiology, and dermatology.

When she’s not working hard to take care of our patients, Dr. Black enjoys exploring Charlotte by bike, cooking gourmet meals at home, and traveling. Otherwise, she can usually be found at a brewery with her partner Michael and their rescued pittie, Doobie.

Dr. Joshua Schuljak

Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 1
Associate Veterinarian

We are excited to welcome Dr. Josh Schuljak as our newest associate veterinarian in the Summer of 2024!  Dr. Schuljak is originally from Indiana and earned his bachelors degree at Indiana University. His love for veterinary medicine led him to to Florida where he attended University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. And now Dr. Schuljak can call himself a Charlottean, as he chose Charlotte to be his new home.

Dr. Schuljak is looking forward to joining Team QCAH. His professional interests include exotic pet care, focusing on reptile husbandry and care, as well as dentistry and surgery of small animals.

Dr. Schuljak comes to Charlotte with his partner, Ben, who is also a veterinarian, and they have 2 dogs –  a shepherd mix named Rhea and a Goldendoodle named Hank.  They also have a reptile collection including a black and white Argentine tegu, a gargoyle gecko, a banana ball python, 2 sulcatas and a Russian tortoise.

When he has down time from his busy life as a veterinarian, Dr. Schuljak enjoys science fiction and fantasy, taking his dogs on hikes, going to the movies, and woodworking.

April Splawn, JD

(she/her/hers)
Managing Director
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

April is a 2001 graduate from Winthrop University (BA) and received her Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2004. Professional affiliations include the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. She is an avid animal rescuer and works with several local rescue groups. At home she enjoys the company of the her wife, QCAH Team member Brooke, their four rescued pit bulls Pickles, Josephine, Dublin, and Weller; and their cat Maggie. In her downtime, April enjoys hiking, biking, reading, traveling, spending time with friends, and pretty much anything else that leads her outdoors.

“I started working in veterinary medicine while attending law school and found my true passion in the veterinary world. It’s so rewarding to come to work everyday with the goal of providing a happier, healthier life for our patients and the families that love them.”

Dr. Marian Benitez

Visiting Veterinarian, Surgeon (DACVS)

Dr. Benitez is a traveling boarded veterinary surgeon who performs specialized surgeries on site at QCAH. She performs procedures for our patients such as Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies, Perineal Urethrostomies, fracture repairs, and more!

Dr. Benitez graduated top of her class at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Her desire to pursue surgery led her to advanced surgical training where she completed a medical and surgical internship at the University of Georgia and a three year small animal surgical residency at Kansas State University.
She then completed her required credentials and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in February 2015. She spent three years advancing her surgical skills and training veterinary students, interns and residents as a clinical faculty member at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and surgery, but she has special interest in orthopedic procedures for cranial cruciate ligament rupture and gastrointestinal diseases. Her Masters of Science thesis focused on pain management considerations of small animals and she is invested in bringing about excellent pain management for her patients.
Dr. Benitez founded DVSC to provide a high quality, personal one-on-one surgery experience for you and your pet. She is excited to bring her skillset, enthusiasm, and compassion to you for surgical consultations and procedures.

Tangerine Jacqueline

QCAH Lounge Lizard and Ambassador for Reptile Care
Fear Free Lizard – Level 10 million

Tangerine (known to her besties as “Tangie”) is a hypotranslucent citrus bearded dragon who joined Team QCAH in February 2022 as our staff pet when she was about 8 months old.
Tangie lives the life of luxury at the hospital, with our team and clients alike oohing, aahhing, and snuggling with her daily.
When she’s not being fawned over and carried around the hospital, she enjoys soaking up the heat and UVB her six foot long enclosure has to offer. She loves watching life go by out our front windows, lounging in her hammocks, and chomping on the basil and parsley from her house plants. Her favorite foods are dubia roaches, mealworms, tomatoes, collard greens, and kale.
Next time you are at QCAH, please stop by and say hi to Tangie!

Brooke, RVT

(she/her/hers)
Registered Veterinary Technician, Patient Concierge
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

Brooke’s an OG QCAH Team member, helping to grow the hospital from day one! She grew up in Spartanburg, SC surrounded by pets as an avid animal lover. Brooke found her way to Rock Hill in 1997 and graduated in 2000 from Winthrop University with a BS in Integrated Marketing Communications. After a short stint in the advertising field, she followed her passion for animals and returned to Winthrop to obtain her BS in Biology/Chemistry in 2004 with the goal to work in veterinary medicine. Brooke worked as a veterinary assistant for 13 years, and then elected to earn her associates degree in Veterinary Technology in 2015 to become a licensed veterinary technician.
She has had the privilege of working in amazing specialty and general practice animal hospitals in the Charlotte area since 2002, and loves being a part of Team QCAH. Because of her background in marketing, Brooke is excited to also be able to help QCAH grow in our community.
The hospital is close to home for Brooke and her wife, April (also a QCAH Team Member) – as they live nearby in the Villa Heights Neighborhood. They are joined by their three rescued pit bulls (Josephine, Dublin, and Weller), and their rescued kitty (Maggie).

Stacey, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician, Team Lead
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

Stacey is part of the OG Team of QCAH and we are so lucky to have her! She loves to provide compassionate care for the pets in and around Charlotte! Stacey graduated from Gaston College with a degree in Veterinary Technology in May 2012 and previously earned her BA in biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in May 2010. Stacey mainly has a background in specialty medicine (anesthesia, oncology, and ophthalmology) before coming to Queen City, but loves the chance to get to know our patients and watch them grow!

Stacey shares her love and her life with her husband, Matt, and their two beautiful boys. They have a wonderful pack of pooches (Eva, Dixie, and Tripp) who keep their house full of fun and nose kisses. 🙂 When she’s not busy being a vet tech, a mom, a wife, and a dog mom, Stacey loves to cook (the more challenging recipe the better!) and do anything outside that involves water (bring on the lake/river/creek/pool, etc!)

Mel

Client Care Associate, Team Lead
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 3

Mel is a Team QCAH OG! She graduated in 2015 from University of North Carolina Charlotte (Go Niners) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology! She started her career in 2015 in Emergency as an overnight emergency vet assistant. She decided she wanted a slower pace and to focus on client relationships and the administrative side of Veterinary Medicine and is thrilled to be a part of starting our new practice.
At home she shares her life and love with her partner, Paul, and their two pups Dune and Captain. Dune is busy working on his Instagram fame so be sure to follow him @dunedood. 🙂 In her free time enjoys being outdoors, traveling, listening to live music, and exploring all the new things to do in and around Charlotte.”

Macey, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 3

Another shoutout to an OG Team QCAH team member! Macey is originally from Kings Creek, SC. She ran off to join the Navy straight out of high school in 2009 and served as a hospital corpsman, providing medical coverage in Virginia, Florida, and Okinawa, Japan. Macey moved to Colorado in 2014 after being honorably discharged from her 5 year Navy tour, where she attended college to obtain her degree in Environmental Studies. There she found a part-job as a veterinary technician assistant in the emergency department for Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists. Life happened, and she moved back home to the Carolinas and is happy to be back in vet med.

Macey graduated in 2023 from San Juan College’s Veterinary Technology degree and, after passing national and state boards, is a Registered Veterinary Technician! We are so proud of her!

Macey spends her life and love with her little boy, Montgomery, and her three rambunctious German Shepherds Malcolm, Mila, and Mosely!

Jordyn

Veterinary Assistant
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

Jordyn represents the midwest at QCAH. 🙂 Jordyn joined our team in 2020 during the height of COVID!  Originally from Missouri, she attended Missouri Southern State University before relocating to Charlotte. Once here, she started working at an animal hospital and found her passion in working with animals. Years later, she still loves the field, especially when the opportunities arise to work with exotic patients such as reptiles, rabbits, birds, and other small mammals.
Jordyn shares her love and her home with her partner, Johnny and is fur mom to her long haired chihuahua Mia, and her kitties Phoebe, and Killua. When QCAH and her pets aren’t keeping her busy enough, Jordyn also has a thriving petsitting business.

Adriana

Client Care Associate
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

We were thrilled to welcome Adriana to Team QCAH in the spring of 2021 as a full time receptionist!
At the young age of seven, Adriana helped care for a wild bird with a broken wing. She nursed the bird back to health, and that experience sparked a passion for animals in her that ultimately led her to a career in veterinary medicine.
Adriana graduated in 2012 with a degree in office administration, and decided to formally enter the field as a veterinary receptionist at a local 24 hour emergency animal hospital. But she soon discovered that she was missing out on being able to build relationships with clients and their furbabies, and so she made the move into small animal general practice where she’s been ever since.
Adriana shares her home and her life with her adorable baby girl, Kairo, and a yellow belly slider (an aquatic turtle) named Sheldon who enjoys spending his days cannon balling off of his basking dock. 😊 Adriana also is a huge advocate and lover of bullies and pit bulls, whom she affectionately refers to as land hippos.

Olivia

Veterinary Assistant
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2 + Avian

Olivia joined Team QCAH in the spring of 2022, and we are so glad to have her!
Olivia was born in Lexington, NC, but moved to snowy Minnesota when she was little. After graduating from Winona State University with a BS in Science, she moved back to NC in the spring of 2021. She has experience at a local emergency hospital in surgery and dentistry, but decided to join QCAH to gain more experience in the rest of general practice, client communication, and grow into the Fear-Free philosophy of medicine. Olivia is also starting a program in the spring of 2024 to become a Credentialed Veterinary Technician – we are so excited for and proud of her!!!
In her spare time, Oliva enjoys hanging out with her partner Brandon and their furry family members (Remy Moo the shih-poo, Paisley Mae and Pepper Magellan the buns). She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, playing the trumpet, gaming, and buying too many toys for her pooch. 🙂

Brianna, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2

Brianna joined Team QCAH in the summer of 2023, and we are so lucky to have her! Before she came to work with us, she worked as a toxicology technician for one of the pet poison hotlines. She’s got so much good knowledge in that area!

What Bri’s got to say about herself:

“Hi! I’m Brianna. I was raised in Clearwater, Florida, and moved to the Queen City in 2020 with my boyfriend. We have a house full that includes a German Shepherd named Lincoln, my pittie (Josie), and two kitties – Muriel and Clarice.
I’ve been in the vet field since 2016. I spent two years in specialty practice (neurology) and prior to joining Team QCAH, I worked with the pet poison helpline. I love providing patient care and making them feel comfortable as they can be during what could be an intimidating vet visit.
I enjoy being outdoors – especially running! And I’m huge foodie. My favorite thing about living in Charlotte are the constant markets and bountiful local coffee shops.”

Kayden

Veterinary Assistant
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 1

Kayden joined Team QCAH in 2023, and we are thrilled he did!

Kayden is a Charlotte native (a unicorn!). He went to Coker College before starting his career in vet med. He initially worked in emergency medicine, and while that taught him a lot, quickly, the experience wasn’t what he had hoped it to be. He enjoys being a part of Team QCAH because of how supportive and friendly everyone is, and he loves being able to give the best care possible to our patients.

Kayden is a dotting fur dad to Brody (a big silly mutt) and Frijolita (a tiny, delicate little chihuahua). When he’s not spending time with his pups, Kayden loves doing anything outdoors, and hopes to have more traveling and working with large animals is in his future.

Gaby

Veterinary Assistant
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 1

Gaby joined Team QCAH in October of 2023!

She started her veterinary medicine journey as a receptionist before moving into the more hands-on veterinary assistant role. At QCAH, she plays both roles! 🙂 Gaby is  striving to continue her journey in the field, and is currently in school with Penn Foster, studying to be a Registered Veterinary Technician. She loves exotic patients and wants to further her career working with them.

When she’s not working, Gaby enjoys art, markets, and trying new foods. She shares her home and love with her boyfriend Chris, their four cats (Cheelai, Onyx, Calcifer, and Celeste), two dogs (Athena and Stinky), and a bearded dragon (Griffith).

Hannah

Veterinary Assistant
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 1

Hannah joined our team in October of 2024 after moving from Lexington, NC.

She has worked in veterinary medicine for several years, and has hopes to go back to school to become a registered veterinary technician in the future! There are lots of different areas of veterinary medicine, and Hannah is here to learn and explore as much as she can!

Her favorite part of vet med? She says “I love being able advocate for the patients and help give them a voice whether it’s wellness care, a sick visit, or even end of life care.” <3

When she’s not at QCAH taking care of our patients, she enjoys exploring Charlotte and trying new restaurants with her boyfriend, Matthew, spending time with friends and family, cross stitching, and being in the company of her adorable kitty, Roux.

Courtney, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 1

Courtney began working as a veterinary technician in her hometown of Erie, PA, in 1997. She instantly knew she had found her niche, so she strived to find a way to gain knowledge and advance in the field. She attended Medaille College in Buffalo, NY, and became a licensed veterinary technician in 2001. Over her many years in the field, Courtney has worked in general practice, intensive care, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. She returned to general practice in 2018, and plans to stay. She prefers the long term relationships which are formed with clients and their pets, and enjoys the variety and learning opportunities which arise each day.

Until recently, Courtney was the proud Dog Mom of 2 rescue cocker spaniels, Kinsey & Farran, who have since passed. Now more than ever, she has a special place in her heart, for aging/geriatric pets, and is passionate about pain management and ways to improve their quality of life.

When she’s not working at QCAH, Courtney enjoys going to the gym, and spending time with her boyfriend, Matt, which usually involves live music, trying new restaurants and breweries, and enjoying the outdoors.

Estefania, MVZ, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Originally from Cuenca, Ecuador, Estefania has made Charlotte, North Carolina, her permanent home since 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Behavior with a concentration in Wildlife Ecology from Unity College in Maine, as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Universidad de Cuenca.

With a decade of experience in the veterinary field, Estefania has dedicated her career to her lifelong passion for birds of prey, focusing on raptor medicine, rehabilitation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. Currently, she is working to certify her veterinary degree with the AVMA (ECFVG) to continue her practice in the U.S. and is presently a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at QCAH

Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys life with her husband, Juan Pablo, and their two cats, Mike Wazowski and Celia Mae. Together, they share a love for motorcycle rides, swimming, and the joy of continuous learning.

Quinn, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Help us welcome Quinn to QCAH in August of 2024!

Quinn is a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician, licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and now North Carolina. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Quinn spent the past six years in Portsmouth, VA before making the move to North Carolina. A graduate of the Vet Tech Institute of Hickey College in 2017, Quinn has worked in the veterinary field for over seven years, gaining experience across Primary Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Shelter Medicine, Neurology, and Cardiology.

Passionate about cardiology and nutrition, Quinn loves staying at the forefront of veterinary medicine by researching and implementing new technological advancements. Continuing to learn, and then sharing her knowledge with her teammates and clients, is a key part of Quinn’s commitment to improving animal care.

In her free time, Quinn enjoys writing poetry, attending open mic nights, binge watching Netflix, reading, and exploring local festivals.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at Queen City Animal Hospital. The warm welcome I’ve received has been amazing, and I can’t wait to continue exploring Charlotte. Working with animals has been my passion since I was five, and I look forward to growing alongside my new team.”

Jules

(they/them)
Client Service Representative

Jules joined us in September of 2024, adding to our growing team! We are so glad to have them with us!

Jules is from Washington, DC, but has roots in NC, as they graduated from Elon University in 2019 with a Bachelors in Art with a concentration in Photography. But prior to that, they started off in the animal field the summer after my first year of high school, and a love for animal medicine took hold. Jules pursued internships and any educational opportunities learning about and getting hands-on field experience with marine exotic species which took them all over the world including places like Puerto Rico, over 5 countries in Africa, Barbados, Australia.

Since graduating Jules has moved around the country working at different animal hospitals as a client service representative, combining customer service experience with a passion for animals. They recently moved to Charlotte and want to put down roots and stay in NC for a good time and a long time!

When not busy at work, Jules’ personal interests and hobbies include: Live music, anime, celebrating Halloween all year long, axe throwing, gaming, hiking, herbalism, practicing mindfulness, traveling the world and taking tons of pictures. Jules shares their life and love with a new kitten addition, Midnight!

And last but not least – Jules favorite parts of vet med?  “Being the first and last impression clients have of the hospital, seeing tons of cat breeds, and knowing that I’ll be exposed to new information and being educated daily.”

Alyssa

Veterinary Assistant
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 1

We are so happy Alyssa has joined our team!

Alyssa has been working in veterinary medicine for 14 years, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working with animals. Originally from California, she has spent most of her life in North Carolina and recently returned after a short stint in Minnesota. Now back “home,” Alyssa enjoys exploring the outdoors with her Labrador, Sprout, especially hiking and anything related to the mountains. She’s also a fan of visiting local breweries.

One of Alyssa’s favorite aspects of veterinary medicine is how dynamic and ever-changing it is—there’s always something new to learn, and no two days are the same. She loves building strong relationships with clients and educating them to ensure the best possible care for their pets.

Neidy

Client Service Representative
Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 3

Neidy joined our team in September of 2024 after years of working in vet med. We are so excited to have her with us, and also so excited to have another spanish speaking member of our team!! Here’s what Neidy has to share with our clients:

“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, My family decided to make a change in scenery and moved to Connecticut where I attended & graduated from High School. Im looking forward to starting college in the upcoming year. Up until 4 years ago I relocated to Charlotte with my husband, we have a handsome son (Adonis) and our pet Schnauzer/Terrier mix Phoenix (Nyx). 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, taking trips and exploring different cuisines.

Being in veterinary medicine for 7 years, my favorite part about this profession would be meeting & interacting with clients and their pets, while helping educate, support and care for them.”