Dr. Horia Popa

Dr. Popa graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine in Romania. Even though he was running a successful private practice in Romania, Dr. Popa decided to move Washington, D.C. with his two dogs -- a Doberman named Paco (pictured left) and a Miniature Pinscher named Kiddy.

After his move, Dr. Popa underwent further rigorous training and examination in order to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S. He passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and was accepted into a one-year clinical evaluation at Purdue University, one of the top veterinary schools in the country.

Dr. Popa completed the Purdue clinical evaluation program in 2003, and moved back to practicing general veterinary medicine in Northern Virginia. Then, to gain expertise in critical emergency care, he enrolled in a one-year internship at an emergency clinic in Annapolis. After this internship, Dr. Popa returned to practicing in Northern Virginia, while continuing to do emergency relief work in Annapolis.

After extensive searching and preparation, Dr. Popa became the proud owner and primary veterinarian of Seven Locks Animal Hospital in October 2009.

Dr. Popa has a special interest in surgery, internal medicine, imaging diagnostics, and emergency & critical care. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society. He is proud to volunteer his time and hospital resources to support programs that train guide dogs for the blind.

Outside of the clinic Dr. Popa is a surf fishing addict! He also enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, and especially playing tennis several times a week. He now shares his life with Smokey, a spoiled but sweet senior mixed breed dog.

Emma

Started 2010 - Business Consultant

Emma worked as an important pillar during Seven Locks Animal Hospital's development, starting as a Veterinary Assistant and working up to the managerial and technician teams. Emma simultaneously completed an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Maryland, and most recently finished a grueling program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law to achieve her Juris Doctor. 

Emma has been interested in animals all her life, and today her family includes two rescue dogs, three rescue cats, and a very special horse, Flash. Though Emma is no longer around on a day-to-day basis, she continues to provide support to the Seven Locks Animal Hospital team. 

Helen

Started 2018 - Senior Veterinary Technician

Helen is our resident cat-lover, and has always loved all things with fluff and whiskers. Starting first as a Veterinary Assistant, Helen is now an important part of our supervisory team while also taking on administrative tasks and working as an internship coordinator. Helen plans a career in veterinary medicine and is studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician through Penn Foster.

Outside of work, Helen enjoys traveling, gaming, and finding crazy hair dye colors. She shares her home with two rescue cats Pickles and Maeve. The late Sir. Charles the rescue cat, and Jelly the South American horned frog, remain in her heart.

Kaitlin

Started 2017 - Office Administrator

Originally hired as a Receptionist, Kaitlin now keeps things running by primarily working on administrative responsibilities. She also works as part of the supervisory team and technician team when needed. In addition to her work, Kaitlin is interested in Health Economics - working towards an Economics undergraduate degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Kaitlin especially enjoys analyzing the similarities and differences between veterinary medicine and human medicine.

Kaitlin has had animals her whole life, including cats, dogs, reptiles, rodents, and birds. She most recently shared her life with the late sweet Newfoundland, Admiral, who trained in Obedience and Water Rescue. In her free time Kaitlin enjoys biking, kayaking, hiking, playing clarinet, and watching murder mystery shows.

Taylor

Started 2017 - Senior Veterinary Technician

Taylor originally started as a Veterinary Assistant, working her way up to her current roles in our supervisory team and administrative teams, and as an internship coordinator. She recently graduated with an undergraduate Biology degree from Towson University and is going through the vet school application process. Outside of work, Taylor interns with a marine research organization and with equine specialists.

Taylor is a Labrador fanatic, living with Chocolate Labs, Storm and Miles, and also sharing a home with Roxy the Chihuahua, and Rusty the Sheltie. In addition to devouring books, you can often find Taylor going for a hike, run, or beach adventure with her four-legged companions.

Grace

Started 2025 - Veterinary Technician

Grace joined SLAH recently, bringing years of experience working in veterinary medicine. Ever since she was one year old, Grace has had an intense love and respect for animals. She is most passionate about being their voice, spreading awareness to humans, and striving to better understand their amazing psychology and physiology. Grace graduated with a Bachelor's degree in history from Towson University in 2020, and now is working towards the Veterinary Technology program with CCBC with the aim to one day specialize. 

Outside of work Grace is always on the go--taking trips, enjoying the outdoors, and having dance parties with her three girls: Hazel, Juniper, and Ivy (two Labradoodles and a Pittie mix!).

Maddie

Started 2020 - Veterinary Technician

Maddie started with Seven Locks Animal Hospital growing up as a client, before joining our team as first a Veterinary Assistant and becoming part of our technician team. After earning an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at Johns Hopkins, and a degree in Biology from Towson University, Maddie is now a student at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and is pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

A forever pet lover, Maddie especially enjoys trick training, obedience, and agility with her 3 dogs: Beagle-mix Winnie, Belgian Malinois Otter, and Border Collie Kuiper.  Maddie's interests include traveling and backpacking, really anything outdoors.

Madelyn

Started 2023 - Veterinary Technician

Madelyn was originally hired as a Veterinary Assistant, and now works as part of our technician team. She has loved animals her whole life, and always takes every opportunity to learn more about them. Madelyn has worked with horses for over 20 years, including over a decade with her late beloved gelding, Wonderstruck. Madelyn recently returned to Maryland from Colorado, where she worked as the lead Animal Caretaker at Mission: Wolf, a remote wolf and horse sanctuary.

Outside of work Madelyn enjoys reading, knitting, and baking. She recently adopted sweet and gentle Pittie Mix, George.

Sophia

Started 2023 - Receptionist

Sophia provides crucial support to the team as one of our receptionists. When not working, Sophia is studying veterinary medicine and business. She is currently double-majoring in Biology and Business at University of Maryland, College Park. Sophia has many years of experience with animals, growing up working seasonally at her family's ranch.

At home Sophia has 4 dogs: Bobbi the Pitbull, Pippa the mini-Goldendoodle, and Riley and George the Dogo Argentinos. Outside of work Sophia enjoys volleyball, cooking, and hanging out with her pups at the beach.