Allison Fox, DVM

Veterinarian and Practice Owner

North Carolina State University, 1994, B.S. Animal Science

North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2000, DVM

Society of Phi Zeta, Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine

American Veterinary Medical Association, Member

North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, Member

Dr. Fox was born and raised in Reidsville, North Carolina, where she began pursuing a career in veterinary medicine at an early age. While in college, she worked as a veterinary assistant in a small animal practice. During her professional training, Dr. Fox served as a clinical research assistant at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, studying osteoporosis preventative medications in the primate facility. She also worked in the Orthopedic Surgery Department at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, researching total hip replacement implants for dogs. After graduating with honors from veterinary school, Dr. Fox returned to Winston-Salem, where she became an associate veterinarian at a small animal practice. She also worked as a relief veterinarian in Forsyth and Stokes Counties while her practice, River Ridge Veterinary Hospital, was being constructed.

Dr. Fox has a special interest in canine and feline endocrinology as well as complicated internal medicine cases.

She lives with her husband, Matt, a Winston-Salem native, and their two Ragdoll cats.

Candace M.

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Central Carolina Community College, 2005, Associates degree Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology 

North American Veterinary Technician Association, Member

North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians, Member

Candace developed an interest in veterinary medicine while working part-time on weekends and after school in patient services at a small animal hospital. Initially pursuing a career in human healthcare, she earned her certification as a nurse's assistant during high school. Although she enjoyed her work as a CNA, she realized her true calling lay in veterinary medicine. By working closely with a registered veterinary technician in her part-time job, Candace discovered a way to combine her medical knowledge with her passion for animals.

She chose to further her education by pursuing a degree in veterinary medical technology at Central Carolina Community College to become a credentialed veterinary technician. Candace has been a registered veterinary technician (RVT) at River Ridge Veterinary Hospital since 2005, making her the most experienced and our only registered veterinary technician. In addition to her veterinary work, Candace obtained her real estate license in 2017.

Candace and her husband Brannon have several pets including a Boxer mix and three domestic short-hair cats.

Rusty R.

Veterinary Assistant

Rusty was completing his junior year at Appalachian State University in pursuit of a degree in history when he decided to change his focus to the veterinary field. He began his experience working in a small animal practice first in veterinary patient care and services and then as a veterinary assistant where he now has over 24 years of experience. He has been on staff at River Ridge Veterinary Hospital since its inception in 2004. Rusty is our longest tenured veterinary assistant and when not directly caring for patients, he manages the inventory of our hospital pharmacy, our prescription food inventory and in-hospital supplies. 

As many of you may know, Rusty is an avid Wake Forest University & Oakland Raiders sports enthusiast – now that’s a combination! He enjoys spending his time off with his family as well as watching and attending sports events. 

Diana S.

Receptionist

As receptionist, Diana’s smiling face is the first person you are likely to see when you come through the doors at River Ridge Veterinary Hospital.  After years of working in Asheboro as a sheriff’s department correctional officer, Diana began to search for a way to apply her interpersonal communications skills with her lifelong love of animals and the desire to work in a medical field.  She found the perfect position for that combination - a veterinary hospital receptionist.  Diana got her start at this job in 1997 at a busy small animal hospital.  After 27 years of experience as a veterinary receptionist, she has literally seen it all!  In addition to sharing her friendly smile and compassion for the clients and patients she serves, she has acquired expert office management skills and can perform veterinary assistant duties when the need arises.

Diana lives with her son and enjoys being near her daughter's family (including her grandchildren!). Diana, a self-proclaimed cat person, loves spending time with her domestic short-hair cat. Diana is also a passionate UNC Tarheel fan. 

Carla P.

Veterinary Assistant

Though Carla became a new addition to our River Ridge Veterinary Hospital team in March of 2024, she is certainly not new to veterinary medicine.  Carla has worked as a skilled veterinary assistant for over 35 years and even worked with Dr Fox and Rusty in the early 2000’s.  Over the years, Carla has been a major team player for several veterinary hospitals in both Forsyth and Yadkin County.   We are thrilled to have her join us.  She provides a wealth of veterinary medical information to our clients and high-quality care to our patients.

Carla resides in Yadkinville with her partner Andrew, alongside a bevy of pet rabbits, cats, 2 Chihuahuas, and 2 Shepherds.

Jessica D.

Receptionist

When you call our front desk or are greeted at our hospital, Jessica’s friendly voice or familiar face may be what you recognize. Jessica was originally part of our team as a veterinary assistant from 2007 to 2010. After taking time away to focus on life and raise her two children, Jessica has rejoined us as a receptionist and occasionally serves as a veterinary assistant. Before returning to our team, she gained valuable experience as a Customer Service Representative in the podiatry field and also worked in textile manufacturing while her children were growing up. We are thrilled to have her back, bringing her smiling face and bubbly personality to our team.

Jessica lives in Winston-Salem with her partner, Jacob, their domestic long-haired cat, and their mixed-breed dog.

Darrell H.

Veterinary Assistant **RETIRED SPRING 2024** (We will miss Darrell, but we are happy that he is enjoying his well-earned retirement!)

US Army Sergeant, Fort Bragg, NC 1976 - 1979, 1983-1986

Darrell began working as a Veterinary Assistant in 2011 due to his love of animals. He joined the River Ridge Veterinary Hospital team in August 2015.

Darrell has twenty-three years of service in law enforcement retiring in 2007 as the Lieutenant-in-Charge of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory. He also has nine year of service with the US Army as paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division with overseas tours of duty in Grenada, Panama and the Middle East.

Matt Fox

Chief Operating, Financial Officer

North Carolina State University, 1993, B.S. Zoology

Wake Forest University, 1999, MBA

Matt is a seasoned executive and co-founder of River Ridge Veterinary Hospital, where he currently serves as COO and CFO. He holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and has a significant background in chemistry, biochemistry and animal sciences from his undergraduate studies as well as work experience in the analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical industries.

His distinguished career in the finance & insurance industries includes roles as a Senior Product Manager and Strategic Initiatives executive, ultimately rising to Chief Technology Officer before retiring in 2023. Matt now brings his diverse expertise in strategic management, IT, financial oversight, and scientific knowledge to co-manage River Ridge Veterinary Hospital alongside Dr. Fox.