Our Story
Our hospital’s story began in 1973, when our founder, Dr. Ronald L. Schueler, opened the practice from his Eldersburg home. Through his hard work, dedication, and deep care for the community, the hospital grew into the thriving, full-service facility it is today.
In 1999, Dr. Ron’s daughter, Dr. Karen Schueler-Dennis, joined the practice and carried on the family’s tradition of personalized, compassionate veterinary care. In 2024, Dr. Karen was accepted into a residency to pursue her passion for veterinary dentistry, marking a new chapter in her career.
Dr. Stephens’ journey in veterinary medicine began right here—as a high school intern in 2004. After earning her degrees and gaining over a decade of clinical experience, she returned to where it all started. Alongside her most trusted colleague and best friend, Dr. Carroll, they stepped into ownership to carry the hospital’s legacy forward.
Today, as a women-owned practice, Dr. Stephens and Dr. Carroll are proud to continue offering high-quality, personalized care while treating every client and pet like part of the family.
Our Team
We couldn’t provide the excellent level of care that our patients know and expect without the work of our incredible staff.
Dr. Stella CarrollDVM
Dr. Carroll is passionate about caring for her patients and building lasting relationships with their families. She completed her undergraduate studies in viticulture, enology, and plant science at Cornell University in 2012 and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Dr. Carroll and her husband, along with their four sons, raise beef cattle on their farm in Boring, MD. They also have a few chickens and a 160-pound Newfoundland named Elvis. Dr. Carroll has a special interest in surgery and when not practicing veterinary medicine, enjoys fishing with her boys, gardening, and preserving her garden harvest.
Dr. April StephensDVM
Dr. Stephens is excited to care for you and your pets! A native of Eldersburg, she began her veterinary journey here at South Carroll Veterinary Hospital in 2004 as an assistant. She graduated from Towson University in 2008 and went on to earn her veterinary degree from the Maryland-Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech) in 2012. Dr. Stephens is particularly passionate about internal medicine and hospice/end-of-life care. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter, a flock of laying hens, two goats, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (Johann Sebastian Pup and Pistachio Cornbread). When not caring for animals, you can find her gardening, cooking, or painting.
AudraOffice Manager
Audra has been working in veterinary medicine since 2012 and is the face and voice of our hospital. With a warm smile and a gift for multitasking, she keeps our front office running smoothly while making every client feel welcome and cared for. At home, Audra is a proud wife, mom, and pet parent to four dogs and four cats—her love for animals shines through in everything she does.
AngieVeterinary Assistant
Since 2015, Angie has been a compassionate and skilled veterinary assistant who loves helping animals of all shapes and sizes. Whether she’s comforting a nervous patient or assisting in treatment, Angie brings kindness, patience, and dedication to every task. At home, she shares her life with her family including two dogs, two cats, a flock of chickens, fish, and a ball python—proof of her love for all creatures, great and small.
KatieVeterinary Assistant
Katie has been a dedicated veterinary assistant since 2017. She has a heart for animals and a true farm girl spirit. She brings a calm, confident energy to every patient interaction and is always ready to lend a hand wherever she’s needed. Outside of work, Katie cares for a farm with her family - making her a natural when it comes to understanding and connecting with pets of all kinds.
HannahLicensed Veterinary Technician
Hannah has been working in the veterinary field since 2016, earning her license in 2020. Hannah is a skilled and compassionate licensed veterinary technician with a lifelong love for animals. She has experience raising dogs for The Seeing Eye, reflecting her deep commitment to animal care and service. Currently, Hannah shares her home with her husband, children, and three beloved dogs. Her calm presence, clinical expertise, and genuine care make her an invaluable part of our team.
TiffanyVeterinary Assistant
Tiffany joined our team in 2025 and is currently pursuing her degree to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She has a strong passion for animal care and brings great enthusiasm and energy to the hospital every day. Tiffany is eager to learn and grow in the veterinary field. She likes to spend time with her cat named Bob.
AmyLicensed Veterinary Technician
Amy has been working in the veterinary field since 2016, the same year she earned her license. She is passionate about building a relationship with pets and their owners, giving them comfort and support in all life stages, but especially senior care. She has a beloved cat named Crush.