Emily Worthy, DVM/Owner

Small Animal Veterinarian

Dr. Worthy grew up in the Catskill Mountains in NY where she fell in love with all creatures from the cats at home to the cows at her friend’s dairy farms. Dr. Worthy earned her B.S. in Biology from Siena University in 2000 and her Master’s Degree in Forensics Science from National University in 2005. In 2012, Dr. Worthy earned her Doctorate of Veterinary medicine from Michigan State University.

After Living in 6 different states and visiting 6 different continents, Dr. Worthy knew she wanted to return to Northeastern NC to live and work near her family. She spent 5 years in small animal general practice in Chesapeake, VA before fulfilling her goal of practice ownership. In 2017, she partnered with The Vets Pets to purchase Eastern Shore Animal Hospital.

Dr. Worthy’s professional interests include dentistry, surgery, geriatric care, client education and leadership. When she is not wearing her scrubs, Dr. Worthy enjoys her time at home with her husband Jason, her children Olivia and Jack, her stepchildren Caroline and Jude, and all of their local cousins, Billy, Adlai, Stella, Lulu, Lily, Noah, Henry and Elise. The Worthy family pets currently include the cats: Geraldine, Sweet Dee, Charlie, Chompers, Fat Mac and Nelson and their two dogs: a crazy Beagle/Jack Russel mix named Indiana, and the sweetest little Chihuahua, Layla. Looking down on us from heaven and forever in our hearts, is the best dog ever, Coletrane, the yellow Lab/Golden Retriever mix who crossed the Rainbow bridge at 15 years old in February of 2019.

Leigh Rigler, DVM

Dr. Rigler graduated from NC State in 2009 with a B.S in Science with pre-vet focus. She graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She worked in Elizabeth City, NC for 7 years before coming to Eastern Shore Animal Hospital. She also serves as the Veterinarian for the VA FEMA search and rescue canines. She particularly enjoys working with special needs pets, 3 of her own pets are special needs. Her family consists of her husband Jason, son Owen, 5 dogs; Addison, Callie, Aemon, Kanga, and Roo. She also has 4 cats; Boots, Tormund, Katniss, and Frodo. Outside of the hospital she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, to the movies, and horseback riding.

Karina Kakareka, DVM

Dr. Karina Kakareka was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She
relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in
2013 from the University of North Florida. She continued her education to earn
her Master of Science in Molecular Biology in 2017. Her lifelong passion for
helping animals led her to pursue her doctorate in veterinary medicine at the
University of Florida in Gainesville. She graduated with her DVM and a
certificate in Veterinary Business Management in 2021. Dr. Kakareka’s
professional interests include surgery, emergency medicine, dentistry,
rehabilitation medicine, fear free practice, and public health.

Prior to working at Eastern Shore, Dr. Kakareka spent several years in
Greenville, NC, working in both general practice and emergency medicine. She sat
as the veterinarian on the Pitt County Board of Health as well as on the Animal
Advisory Services committee for Pitt County.

Outside of work she and her husband enjoy spending time with their fur babies,
including her four dogs (Walle, Lucy, Hera, and Elouise Mae), six cats (Roo,
Phoenix, Skittles, Oscar, Harland, and Artemis), hedgehog (Penelope) and ball
python (Athena). Her favorite activities include hunting for shark teeth,
hiking, kayaking, reading, gardening, photography, and traveling.

Brittany, RVT, Practice Manager

Brittany started working in Veterinary medicine in 2011 in Suffolk, VA. It was there when she decided to become a veterinary technician. Brittany graduated from Blue Ridge Community College with her Technician’s License in 2018 and became registered in NC that same year. Her passions are wildlife, exotic medicine, and client education. She lives in the Outer Banks with her husband Thomas and their rescued Great Pyrenees Jackson. In her spare time she enjoys reading Jane Austen, hiking and riding her beach cruiser bicycle.

Samantha, Urgent Care Lead

Samantha is a Certified Veterinary Assistant who has been in the field for over 10 years. She joined the ESAH team in 2020 and currently manages our social media pages. Originally from East Tennessee, Samantha first came to the area when she was stationed here by the U.S. Navy. While serving her country, she earned her assistant certification and began her veterinary medicine career in Virginia. Her passion for animals came while working for a non-profit zoo and rescue throughout high school, and she has continued to volunteer her time to other rescues since then. Samantha is currently attending school and working towards becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She and her husband share their home with their pup Leonidas.

Alycia, Veterinary Assistant & Kennel Attendant

Alycia is one of our kennel technicians/ veterinary assistants who loves working with animals and is passionate about making sure all pets feel at home here. In her free time she enjoys taking her dog Hunter to the park, and cuddling with her 5 cats; Paul, Tigger, Bob, Luna, and Cosmo.

Brandy, Veterinary Receptionist

Brandy grew up in Currituck County. She graduated from Bryant and Stratton, with an Associate’s degree. She then went on to ECSU for a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary education. Brandy has been married for 11 years and has 4 children, 3 grandchildren and one fur baby, named Leo. In her spare time Brandy enjoys going to the beach, scrapbooking, and hanging out with her family.

Jessica, Veterinary Assistant

Jessica is a lifelong resident of Eastern NC and has been one of our assistants since 2003. She is passionate about client education and loves “absolutely everything” about being an assistant! In her time away from the hospital she enjoys lounging at the beach and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their pets; Taco the orange tabby, and Angel the yellow lab.

Jessica, Veterinary Assistant

Jessica grew up in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, VA and now lives in Elizabeth City with her 2 daughters. She previously worked as a veterinary assistant with animal dermatology and general practice before moving to San Diego where she worked in animal rehabilitation. She then changed gears and went into child education where she worked as a pre-k teacher until recently when she decided to get back to her true passion in veterinary medicine. Jessica enjoys spending time with her two girls, their Dachshund named Dottie, and their cat Blu. In her spare time she enjoys watching college football (go Bucks!), long distance running, exploring local eatery and OBX in the summer. Jessica is excited to be a part of our community and getting to know all of our wonderful clients and their fur-babies!

Stacie, Groomer

Stacie attended Nash Academy of Animal Arts in 1999 and has been grooming dogs and cats for the last 18 years. Grooming is her passion and she could not imagine doing anything else. Stacie owned a mobile grooming business in NJ called “Bubbles to Bows” before moving to NC in 2016 to be closer to her family.

She enjoys spending her free time with her cousin and her children, as well as the rest of her family. Stacie also enjoys reading, knitting, nature, and playing with her dog, Plexie, and cat, Niomia. During the summer, Stacie can be found enjoying her days off on the beach with family and friends.

She is so excited and looking forward to this new adventure with ESAH!

Taylor, Veterinary Assistant

Taylor graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Biology. Following graduation, she started her career as a wildlife biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. After 6 years, Taylor and her husband, Jordan, were moved to North Carolina where she decided to start a new endeavor in veterinary medicine!

At home, Taylor enjoys managing their small ranch and riding her horses. On the ranch they have a flock of sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, a turkey, three horses, four dogs and two barn cats. She has big plans for the ranch and looks forward to continuing her education with Eastern Shore Animal Hospital!

Kaitlyn, Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Attendant

Kaitlyn is also a resident of Currituck County, and soon to be graduate of Currituck County High School. She loves all animals large and small and plans to continue her education in the veterinary field, aspiring to become a Veterinary Technician. During her time off she enjoys being in the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, and hanging out with her dogs Bandit and Hazel.