About Us

Executive Director – Cary Bernstein

Cary Bernstein founded Spay Neuter Charlotte — the predecessor of Stand for Animals Veterinary Clinic — out of a profound personal concern about homeless dogs and cats being needlessly euthanized in our region and her belief that spay neuter was an important tool for addressing the problem.  

She dove into the field of animal welfare after an over twenty year career as a development professional focusing specifically on fundraising in the non-profit sector.

Since Spay Neuter Charlotte opened in 2011 and continuing with Stand for Animals Veterinary Clinic today, Cary has channeled all of her attention and passion into fulfilling the mission to provide services to pet owners in the community who are in most need. The organization has had a profound impact in the community, having “fixed” over 87,000 dogs and cats, preventing an estimated 1 million litters, and providing basic medical care to more than 40,000 patients and their owners. She is proud to work every day with a team of extraordinary people who are deeply committed to the pet owners who entrusted Spay Neuter Charlotte, and now Stand for Animals Veterinary Clinic, with caring for their beloved family members that happen to be dogs and cats. 

Reflective of Cary’s passion and dedication, the entire team remains committed, enthusiastic, patient, loving and devoted to the cause, every day and for every patient.  

Cary is married to Alan, mom to two two-legged children, Eli and Zoë and Boxer Great Dane mix Hazel, Terrier Dalmatian mix Tillie, and two rescue cats named Delilah and Mel. 

Medical Director – Dr. Elizabeth Welch, DVM

Dr. Elizabeth Welch earned her bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) at Auburn University in 2007. During veterinary school, Elizabeth took a keen interest in emergency and critical care medicine as well as surgery. She also was an active member in the shelter medicine rotation at the school.

While completing her undergraduate studies, Elizabeth was a diver on the Auburn Women’s Swimming and Diving Team and earned a spot on Auburn’s first Women’s NCAA National Championship Swimming and Diving Team. After graduation, she moved to the Charlotte area and began practicing general veterinary medicine and surgery. During this time she was integral in the development and management of a local animal shelter where she adopted out many animals to loving homes. She feels strongly that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the love of a pet.

Elizabeth and her husband J are the proud parents of Aidan, Connor, and Anna Cait.

Administrative Team Leader – Nora Allendale

Nora is a Charlotte native, who has always been passionate about animals. Growing up as an only child, her dogs were her friends and siblings. She began her animal career working and supervising at a doggie daycare and boarding facility. Nora joined Spay Neuter Charlotte, now Stand For Animals Veterinary Clinic, in January of 2013 to pursue her interest in animal welfare. She served as a Patient Services Representative, became the Pineville Clinic Manager, then Rescue Coordinator and is now the Administrative Team Leader. She is excited to be part of an organization that offers low cost full service veterinary care, meeting the tremendous need in our community.

Nora and her husband Chase enjoy hiking and riding roller coasters with their daughter, Ever. Margot, their rescue Pit Bull mix likes to hike too.

Operations Team Leader – Nicole Hash

Nicole has been in the animal welfare field since 2001, starting as a kennel assistant at a local animal shelter. After two years in a shelter setting, she moved to a job at the shelter’s spay and neuter clinic where she found her calling. Nicole came to Spay Neuter Charlotte, now Stand For Animals Veterinary Clinic, in 2013. Her passion for helping decrease the overpopulation problem in shelters and educating the public about this issue is consistent with our mission to provide affordable spay neuter services.

Nicole is married with two children and has four fur babies at home; Butters, Lou, Joe, and Mac with their own Instagram account. Outside of work, you can find her baking or cheering on her favorite hockey team.

Finance Team Leader – Kelly McVay

Kelly graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2012. After graduation, she moved to Charlotte and began working for a doggie daycare as a supervisor, while obtaining her Dog Training Certification through Animal Behavior College. When Spay Neuter Charlotte, now Stand For Animals Veterinary Clinic, opened our Pineville clinic in November 2013, Kelly joined the team as a Patient Services Coordinator. She helped get the clinic up and running. Since then, she has become a part of our leadership team, and helps to manage our data and analysis.

Kelly’s passion for canine behavior and animal welfare keeps her motivated in working towards our mission of ending unnecessary euthanasia in the region and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to feel the love of a pet. In her time away from work, she enjoys reading, trips to visit friends and family in Pennsylvania, and spending time with her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Gryffindor!

Strategic Initiatives Leader – Tammy Seigel

Tammy has 25 years experience in the non-profit arena. These include work in human healthcare, education, advocacy and social change. Her previous work helping people has translated well to the world of dogs and cats. As a former social worker and educator she believes in the mission and understands the value Stand For Animals Veterinary Clinic brings to the community by providing an opportunity for quality affordable access to everyone who owns a pet. Her interests include time with family and friends, yoga and the outdoors.

Tammy lives with her husband Adam. Her grown children, granddaughter and granddog bring her much joy!