Meet the Team at Altavista Animal Clinic
At Altavista Animal Clinic, our team is more than staff—we’re a family dedicated to yours. Get to know the veterinarians, technicians, and support team who bring passion and purpose to every patient visit.
Meet Our Veterinary Team
Dr. Patricia Haskins, DVM, MS
Owner / Veterinarian
Dr. Patricia Haskins is originally from Franklin County, VA. She completed her undergraduate studies at Ferrum College and went on to earn both a Master’s degree in Infectious Disease and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Haskins met her husband at the Lynchburg Livestock Market—he was selling cows, and she was working with the state veterinarian’s office. Together, they manage a multi-generational farm and are raising two energetic boys.
She is passionate about providing a “spectrum of care” to meet each pet’s unique needs and enjoys partnering with pet owners to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Over the past 15 years, she has worked full-time at local clinics, offered relief services, and even ran her own house-call practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When not in the clinic, Dr. Haskins enjoys reading, hiking, working puzzles, and volunteering in her church and community. Known for her love of dad jokes and silly antics, she brings a joyful spirit to everything she does.
Dr. Sandra Bullins, DVM
Founder
Dr. Sandra Bullins grew up in Henry County, VA, where she spent her early years caring for stray animals and dreaming of becoming a veterinarian. She earned her B.S. from Radford University in 1977, then worked as a veterinary assistant before pursuing her DVM at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with the class of 1985.
Dr. Bullins has a passion for small animal medicine and surgery. In 1988, she purchased Altavista Animal Hospital and spent five years building it as a solo veterinarian before expanding the team. Outside the clinic, she enjoys riding horses, camping, reading, and gardening.
Dr. Lilla Howle, DVM
Veterinarian
Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dr. Lilla Howle holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina and later earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Howle lives on a small farm in Amherst, where she raises beef cattle and shares her life with two dogs, five cats, and a donkey. She enjoys traveling and scuba diving whenever the opportunity arises.
Meet Our Support Staff
Kim Rickman
Practice Manager
Christy Harmon
Office Manager
Dionna Jones
Licensed Veterinary Technician in Training
Ella Hall
Emily Nifong
Veterinary Assistant
Te'von Patrick
Client Service Representative
Amanda Dennis
Client Service Representative
Gwen Williamson
Client Service Representative
Emily Nifong
Veterinary Assistant
Te'von Patrick
Client Service Representative
Amanda Dennis
Client Service Representative
Gwen Williamson
Client Service Representative
Emma Worsham
Kennel Attendant
Tabatha Meis
Groomer
Heather Nailler
Housekeeping Team
Cindy Younger
Housekeeping Team
Petunia
Clinic Mascot
Pebbles
Clinic Mascot
Wheezer
Clinic Mascot
Honoring a Legacy of Compassion
Remembering Dr. Stephanie Chmiel
At Altavista Animal Clinic, we believe in celebrating the lives that have touched our hearts—both human and animal. We begin this page by honoring a cherished member of our veterinary family, Dr. Stephanie Chmiel, who dedicated over 30 years to the care and comfort of the pets and families in our community.
Dr. Stephanie “Steph” Chmiel was a beloved veterinarian, cherished friend, and dedicated member of the Altavista Animal Clinic family for over 30 years. We honor her years of friendship, compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the care and comfort of pets and the families in our community.
She passed away in November 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dr. Chmiel’s love for animals was evident both in her professional life and at home, where she cared for a diverse array of pets, including snakes, lizards, dogs, cats, birds, horses, and donkeys.
Her gentle presence, kindness, and the trust she built with pet parents left a lasting impression on our clinic and the countless lives she helped heal. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in everyone who knew her. She was a true blessing, deeply missed, and will never be forgotten.
