Meet Our Team
F. Garrett Edwards, DVM
Dr. Edwards earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in crop, soil, and environmental sciences from Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University and achieved his DVM from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He has a strong interest in equine and cattle reproduction. Dr. Edwards was born, raised and currently resides in Smithfield. When he is not assisting our clients with their large animal needs, you can find him on the family farm tending to his own cattle and horses. He spends a majority of his free time with his two children Rett and Hannah and also enjoys fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and canoeing.
Cathleen Lombardi DVM, CVA (IVAS), Certified in Animal Chiropractic (IVCA)
Dr. Lombardi received her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Cornell University and earned her DVM from Kansas State University. She completed a post DVM internship in large animal surgery at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lombardi has been an associate veterinarian at The Oaks Equine and Farm Services since 2004.
She received training in animal chiropractic through Options for Animals and is certified in small animal and equine chiropractic through the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA). Her acupuncture training was completed through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and she received the title of Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist for both small animal and equine.
Although she enjoys all aspects of general practice, she has special interest in equine dentistry, lameness, and internal medicine. She is also passionate about providing integrative care (acupuncture, chiropractic) to both large and small animal patients.
Dr. Lombardi loves teaching others and recently has started assisting with the new veterinary technology degree program at Tidewater Community College. She is also an instructor for The Alliance for Integrative Care, which provides continuing education for animal chiropractic professionals. She is also a teaching associate for the IVAS acupuncture course.
Dr. Lombardi is originally from New York where she grew up riding hunters and was a typical horse crazy little girl. Currently she resides in Carrollton with her husband Jay Hollingsworth. They have two rescue dogs named Sawyer and Rosie. She has a retired off the track thoroughbred named Missy.
Shanna Edwards, DVM
Dr. Shanna obtained her Bachelor of Science degree and DVM from Auburn University in Alabama. She has strong interest in equine reproduction and cattle work. Dr. Shanna was raised in Lenoir City, Tennessee and resides in Smithfield.
Dr. Shanna’s loyal daily assistant and long time employee of The Oaks Equine Josie Edwards.
Office Staff & Veterinary Assistants
Kelly Forney
Kelly is a long time resident of Smithfield with her husband, Steve, and their cats and chickens. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her Chickens, gardening, reading, boating, camping and drag boat racing with her husband.
Joan Cook
Joan, a Smithfield native, is happily married with two grown children. She and her husband, Billy, live in Smithfield with their horses, Cookie and Porky, and 2 cats, Piggy and Simon. Joan enjoys spending time outdoors and swimming, but most of all riding her horse. She has been with the Oaks Veterinary Clinic for over 20 years.
Caroline Needham
Caroline Needham is a native of Virginia Beach and has been a part of The Oaks team since 2017. As a truck assistant, she is the “right hand woman” of Dr. Garrett Edwards. Caroline enjoys rehabilitating OTTBs and currently competes on her gelding, Sky’s The Limit.