Meet the Staff
Dr. Kathryn Christy
The owner of Oakland Hills Veterinary Hospital, Kathryn Christy, DVM, is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and is a licensed veterinarian in the state of Michigan. Dr. Christy has been a veterinarian for 20 years and has worked at three small animal practices during that time. She grew up in Troy, Michigan, and worked for Gasow Veterinary Hospital as a kennel assistant while in high school. After 7 years spent at Michigan State University in East Lansing obtaining both her bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine as well as her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, she worked as an associate veterinarian for 7 years in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Dr. Christy moved home to the Detroit area in 1998 and had worked at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, prior to opening Oakland Hills Veterinary Hospital in 2012.
Dr. Christy’s interests include Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Dermatology, and Dentistry. She attends at least 50 hours of Continuing Education yearly. She has attended professional seminars in Florida, Colorado, Washington, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Michigan. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), the Southeast Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (SEMVMA), and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Dr. Christy is also a council member for and Past President of SEMVMA and is working toward fundraising for the SEMVMA Canine Hero Fund, raising money to provide police and fire/arson dogs in the southeastern region of Michigan with medical kits, harnesses, and oxygen masks.
Dr. Christy lives in Troy with her husband John, three children, Danny, Nick, and Katelyn, dogs Hector and Mamie, cats Bella and Boots, gecko (Rango), a newt (Chub Chub), a guinea pig (Luna), two snakes (Angelo and Vivian), and many fish. Besides spending time with her family and friends, Dr. Christy’s interests include cooking, gardening, biking, and being outdoors.
Dr. Emily Socks
Dr. Emily Socks joined Oakland Hills Veterinary Hospital as an associate veterinarian in 2016. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2015 and is a USDA accredited and licensed veterinarian in Michigan and Georgia. She has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Michigan State University. Following veterinary school, Dr. Socks completed a one-year, small animal, rotating internship at a large specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. She returned to Michigan to be closer to her family and continue her career as a general practitioner.
Dr. Socks’s professional interests include internal medicine, radiology, and ophthalmology. She also enjoys discussing animal behavior and training. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), and the Southeast Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (SEMVMA). Dr. Socks is also a council member and newsletter editor for SEMVMA. She is a member of the SEMVMA Academy for which yearly recognition is given for exemplary achievement in continued education for professional development.
When Dr. Socks isn’t at the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors – hiking, biking, kayaking, or playing tennis with her husband, Mark, sons, Owen and Austin, and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Hazel. Dr. Socks loves to travel and spent 6 weeks working in India and 4 weeks doing a study abroad program in South Africa. She has explored Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland and most of mainland Europe. She has two cats, Violet and Winston, who love to snuggle and know a variety of tricks.
Dr. Laura Van de Grift
Dr. Laura Van de Grift graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. She is a USDA-accredited and licensed veterinarian in Michigan. She has special interests in diagnostic imaging, surgery, and internal medicine, and a passion for client education. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), and the Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (SEMVMA).
During her free time, Dr. Van de Grift enjoys reading mystery and science fiction novels, biking, and playing video and board games. Her family includes her husband Drew, her son Harold, her twins Edith & Sylvia, and a feisty Calico cat named Wilhelmina.
Magda Jablecki, LVT
Magda started her veterinary career in 2003 as a kennel assistant and quickly progressed to become a receptionist. Magda worked as a receptionist while going to school, and graduated from Macomb Community College as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2008. She has worked at Oakland Hills Veterinary Hospital since its opening in January 2012. Magda has a strong interest in dentistry and anesthesia.
When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending concerts (especially country ones), and heads to Downtown Detroit every chance she gets! After she purchased her first home in 2017, Magda has been enjoying lounging with her Boxer, Roo, cat, Flea, and kitten, Sprout.
Pam Stema, LVT
Pam joined Oakland Hills Veterinary Hospital in April 2018 as one of our Licensed Veterinary Technicians. She is a 1995 graduate of Macomb Community College. Before coming to us, she was a technician at a local referral hospital for over 10 years working in emergency, critical care, oncology, and dermatology. Pam has also worked in a feline practice and as a keeper at the Detroit Zoo. Pam currently has a dog named Ratchet, a cat named Gibson, and a crested gecko. In her spare time, Pam loves being at the Lake, hiking with her family, and making soap.
Quynn Petty, LVT
Quynn joined our team in late April of 2021. She graduated from Baker College Veterinary Technician Program in 2017. She enjoys every aspect of veterinary medicine but her passions include anesthesia/pain management, laboratory procedures, and canine/feline/equine nutrition. Quynn has 2 cats (Felix and Oliver), 1 Australian Shepherd named JJ, and a horse named Mya. Her girlfriend Kaitlyn has been a great support through life and all of its challenges. Outside of the clinic she enjoys teaching indoor cycling classes at Cyclebar in Bloomfield Hills.
Emma, Kennel Assistant
Emma joined our staff in 2019 as a receptionist 
and kennel assistant. She is currently in the Veterinary Technician program at Macomb Community College. She used to run an animal foster out of her house for all animals. Emma has had rats, hamsters, birds, bunnies, cats, dogs, and reptiles throughout her life. She currently has two cats, Lucy and Crouton. When she is not working, she enjoys camping, listening to music, and walking through nature trails.
Katie, Kennel Assistant
Coming soon…
Hunter, Kennel Assistant
Hunter started his journey with our team in 2022 as a Kennel Assistant. When it comes to animals, Hunter has always had a passion and a warm heart for them all. Whether it be giving some scratches and snuggles to any of his 4 indoor cats or the 2 outdoor cats at his home, teaching his Rouen duck (Franklin) new tricks like sitting on his shoulder or sharing amazing stories of the work “pets” he now has with his family, Hunter is nothing but compassionate and caring towards all furry friends. 
Hunter hopes to advance his career by becoming a vet tech in the near future! Outside of work, Hunter enjoys spending time with his family and friends, riding dirt bikes, and spending time at his family cabin up north!
Maddy, Kennel Assistant
Cheyenne, Front Desk Supervisor & Social Media Manager
Cheyenne joined us as a receptionist in September 2019. She now works as the Front Desk Supervisor and Social Media Manager. She started her veterinary career as a Veterinary Assistant after graduating from Animal Behavior College in 2016. Before that, she worked with animals at Kitsap Humane Society in Washington, fostered kittens and puppies, and volunteered at rescues throughout her childhood.
After taking some time off, following the birth of her daughter Paisley, she decided she wanted to step into an administrative role while still being close to animals. In her free time, Cheyenne enjoys sporting events with her husband Luke, and daughter, Paisley. She also loves running and hiking with her two dogs, Oakley and Wrangler.
Erin, Receptionist
Coming Soon…
Kaylie, Receptionist
Kaylie joined us as a receptionist in September 2023. She started her veterinary career as a receptionist for an exotic vet and is currently going to school for her BA in animal health and behavior at Unity Environmental University.
Her plans for the future are to open an animal rescue or sanctuary and to continue helping animals. She currently has two cats, Leo and Loki, one dog, Charlee, and a leopard gecko, Poe. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, camping, and hanging out with her family.
Foxy
Foxy joined us at Oakland Hills Veterinary Hospital in 2014. She was brought to us by a staff member as a kitten. Possibly the sassiest of our clinic cats, Foxy enjoys eating, comforting patients who are under anesthesia, and nesting in various drawers and cupboards throughout the hospital.
Peanut (Butters)
Peanut (sometimes called Butters) joined our staff in 2015. She was brought to us by a client who found her as a stray kitten. She is possibly the sweetest of our kitties. She enjoys sleeping in the window, sleeping in her sombrero, and watching the television.
Gladys
Gladys joined our staff in 2021. One of our clients found her seeking shelter under a car during a storm. She is the bossiest of our kitties. She has no fear and will walk up to any patient. Gladys enjoys coming up to the front desk to greet clients, napping, and eating. She is deaf, but that does not slow her down!