Growing up on a small family farm in rural Harvard, Massachusetts, Dr. Claire Thomas began her atypical journey toward a career in veterinary medicine.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, she embarked on a career in customer service, followed by sales and marketing work. Her business career began in Massachusetts and included an overseas position in Sydney, Australia.
Upon returning to Massachusetts, she chose to start a family and remain at home to care for her two boys, along with her husband Art. During this time, the pursuit of a new found hobby, recreational horseback riding, grew into a career of teaching. Therapeutic horseback riding instruction for the disabled, and recreational horseback riding for able-bodied riders, soon became a passion. Witnessing the medical and emotional benefits derived from this unique interaction, her life and career goals were forever changed. Ultimately, her respect and appreciation for the human-animal bond compelled her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Thomas decided to return to college to pursue her doctorate in veterinary medicine, which she received from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating from Tufts, Dr. Thomas has provided quality small animal care at a variety of local veterinary practices, most recently as a relief veterinarian for multiple clinics in Massachusetts. All of her experiences have helped to shape and solidify her approach and commitment to delivering compassionate, quality care to your pets, and clear, open communication with you, our clients. She is thrilled and honored to provide veterinary medical care to dogs, cats, and horses through the opening of Veterinary Health Care of Groton.
Dr. Thomas enjoyed time as a member of the Board of Directors for NEADS, National Education for Assistance Dog Services, also known as Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, a member of the Board of Directors for UMass Lowell’s IACUC (a board which oversees the protection of lab animals), and she remains a licensed therapeutic riding instructor. The Thomas family currently shares their home with a lovable rescue Cali, rescued through the Lowell Humane Society after sustaining severe damage to both of her hips. She joined the household one night when she needed overnight care after her surgery. She went home with Dr. Thomas and has run the household ever since!
Cali
With 16 years of dedicated veterinary experience, Dr. Cormier brings exceptional surgical expertise and a passion for preventive wellness care to our practice. A Massachusetts native, she has recently joined our community and looks forward to building lasting relationships with both pets and their owners.
Dr. Cormier received her Bachelor's in Animal Science from UMass Amherst before earning her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. During her clinical rotations at Tufts University, she pursued specialized training in reproduction at Ohio's prestigious Animal Clinic Northview, studying alongside renowned specialist Dr. Robert Hutchison.
Throughout her career, Dr. Cormier has safely performed over 20,000 spay and neuter surgeries. While surgical excellence remains one of her core strengths, Dr. Cormier is now focusing on comprehensive wellness care, blending her surgical knowledge with innovative preventive approaches to provide truly customized healthcare plans for each patient.
When not caring for patients, Dr. Cormier breeds, shows, and photographs award-winning British Shorthair cats alongside her 10-year-old daughter. This hands-on experience with breeding and showing provides her with unique insights that benefit her clinical practice.
Dr. Cormier is excited to bring her blend of surgical expertise and wellness-focused veterinary medicine to our community, helping pets live their healthiest, happiest lives!
Michelle Verville grew up in Dracut, MA, and has adored all animals since a young girl. She began working in this field in 2001, and has gained experience in several areas of veterinary hospitals. Over the years she has developed a passion for educating clients and assisting them in navigating the many options available in caring for their pet’s needs. She strives to provide a warm, positive experience with each visit to the office.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys baking, cooking, hiking and reading. She currently resides in Mason, NH with her cats Speedy & Francine, son Jaxson, and boyfriend Seth.
Santa brought Speedy to the Verville household one winter night, and he's ruled the roost ever since. He recently toured our clinic, along with Dr. Thomas' dog Sammy:
as well as checking out the plumbing in our treatment area:
Micayla was raised and resides in Tewksbury, MA. Growing up, there was always a dog and a cat in the home, building her love for animals. Micayla realized she wanted to work with animals while she was spending many weekends at dog shows and competitions with her dog niece and dog nephew. In 2009 she began her journey into the veterinary field as a receptionist in a large hospital for small animals, with the goal of becoming a veterinary technician. She worked her way to the back of the hospital as a technician's assistant in 2011. Through lots of learning, hard work, and dedication, Micayla met her goal of being a technician in 2013. She loves educating clients and has a passion for small animal dentistry.
When Micayla is not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her fiance Walter, their daughter Haylen, their son Zachary, and the two family hermit crabs - Lilo and Maui.
Alex was raised in Westminster, MA and has always had a love for animals big and small. She has held a multi-tasking position at a kennel as an animal care attendant to even a managerial position for many years where her love of small animals and educating clients has only increased. She currently resides in Fitchburg, MA with her husband Nathan, and rescue dog, a Border Jack named Penny who has driven and inspired Alex to become a dog trainer and veterinary technician. When not working Alex enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and being outdoors.
Ashley grew up residing in Littleton, MA and always had a love for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Beginning in 2017, she attended an accelerated post grad program for Veterinary Assisting where she developed a passion for small animal care. In 2018, Ashley began working in emergency veterinary medicine and continued her work in emergency care until she joined the VHCG team during the summer of 2024. When not at work, you will find Ashley relaxing at home with her cats or spending time with her family. Ashley strives to provide both clients and patients with compassion and top-notch care.
Ashli grew up in Leominster and Lunenburg MA, and returned to her hometown of Leominster as an adult. Since she was little, Ashli always had an unconditional love for all animals. She grew up in an animal loving family, and there was always a wide range of pets around, from guinea pigs and rabbits to bearded dragons and chickens, and of course dogs! Growing up her dad was allergic to cats, since moving from home she now has 5 cats to make up for lost time. She has a special place in her heart for orange cats and their unique personalities. Ashli graduated from Becker College in 2015 with a Veterinary Technician degree and has worked as a veterinary technician for over 13 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, tending to her plants, and relaxing with her cats and a good book.
Check out Ashli's crew!
