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, a Reidsville, North Carolina native, developed an early passion for veterinary medicine. During college, she gained experience as a veterinary assistant in a small animal practice. Her professional training included roles as a clinical research assistant at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, studying osteoporosis prevention in primates, and at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Orthopedic Surgery Department, researching canine hip replacement implants. After graduating with honors from veterinary school, Dr. Fox returned to Winston-Salem, working as an associate veterinarian and relief veterinarian in Forsyth and Stokes Counties while establishing River Ridge Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Fox specializes in canine and feline endocrinology and complex internal medicine cases.

She resides 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 & Las Vegas 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

Carla joined our River Ridge Veterinary Hospital team in March 2024 and brings over 35 years of experience as a skilled veterinary assistant. She previously worked with Dr. Fox and Rusty in the early 2000s and has been a valued team member at several veterinary hospitals in Forsyth and Yadkin Counties. We are thrilled to have her with us. Carla shares a wealth of veterinary knowledge with our clients and delivers high-quality care to our patients.

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

Angel M.

Veterinary Assistant

Angel graduated from Forbush High School in East Bend, North Carolina, in 2025 and is currently attending Surry Community College to complete prerequisite courses. She plans to continue her education at Central Carolina Community College to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

In her free time, Angel enjoys drawing and reading, and she shares her home with two lovable kitties.

Matt Fox

Chief Operating 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. He holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and a bachelor's degree with a strong foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and animal sciences. He brings extensive experience from the analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical sectors.

His distinguished career in finance and insurance included executive leadership roles, culminating in his position as Chief Technology Officer at National Truck Protection/Premium 2000 before retiring in 2023. Matt now applies his expertise in strategic management, IT, financial oversight, and scientific knowledge to co-manage River Ridge Veterinary Hospital alongside Dr. Fox.