Meet Our Veterinarians

Dr. Steven A. Wolchinsky

Dr. Wolchinsky is a native of Brooklyn, New York, and has worked at Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital since 1987. He is the owner of the hospital and has been running the day-to-day veterinary operations since 1996. His goal is to continue to run the hospital with the old-fashioned values with which Dr. C. Bruce Morley began Rocky Gorge, and still offer all the conveniences of a modern hospital. Dr. Wolchinsky attended Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He enjoys all aspects of canine and feline medicine. Dr. Wolchinsky has special interests in internal medicine, cardiology, diagnostic imaging (digital radiology, ultrasound and CT Scan), and any new advances in veterinary medicine. Please note that Dr. Wolchinsky is not an avian, small mammal, or pocket-pet specialist. He is, however, happy to examine them. Simply ask for him when scheduling an appointment. Dr. Wolchinsky is married and has two sons, a daughter, two dogs, two cats and a bird.

Dr. Sallie E. Morris

Dr. Morris holds a D.V.M. degree from Texas A & M (1975). Her hobbies include anything animal-related with a special interest in horses, Dobermans, surgery, animal chiropractic care and homeopathy. Dr. Morris has been dedicated to Rocky Gorge since 1979. We are lucky to have someone with her surgical expertise on our team. Dr. Morris is married with two daughters, more than 20 horses, three Dobermans, three cats, six geese, and two white doves.

Dr. Karen Farnan

Dr. Farnan is from Annapolis, Maryland. She received her DVM degree from the Virginia, Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia in 1988. Dr. Farnan has worked at Rocky Gorge since 1994. Throughout her life, Dr. Farnan has had many beloved canine and feline companions. Dr. Farnan chose to become a veterinarian so she could work with animals and people in a challenging and interesting career. Dr. Farnan's medical interests are focused on all aspects of canine and feline medicine and surgery. She is married and has a son, twin daughters, and three cats. Dr. Farnan enjoys reading novels, mysteries, and of course veterinary medical journals. In her free time, Dr. Farnan can be found spending time with her family, reading, skiing, and appreciating nature.

Dr. Marisa Pasekoff

Dr. Pasekoff is from Miami, Florida. She received her bachelor's in 1996 from the University of Maryland College Park and graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Dr. Pasekoff joined the Rocky Gorge team in 2002. Her medical interests are focused on all aspects of canine and feline primary care, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Pasekoff enjoys reading, music and spending time with her husband, daughters, and two dogs.

Dr. Tracy Appelbaum

Dr. Appelbaum truly grew up at Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital. Her family has come to Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital for veterinary care her whole life. Dr. Appelbaum has worked at Rocky Gorge as a patient care technician and as a surgical technician. Dr. Appelbaum received her veterinary degree from the Iowa State University in 2006.

She completed an internship in small animal medicine at Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral in Bowie, Maryland in June 2007. Dr. Appelbaum returned to Rocky Gorge as a staff veterinarian in July of 2007. Dr. Appelbaum's areas of interest are internal medicine, cytology and pathology, and surgery. Dr. Appelbuam spends her free time with her husband, Juan, and their Weimaraner, Hobbes.

Dr. Casey Beck

Being raised around many family pets as well as starting an equestrian career at a young age, Casey Beck knew that her life would always be centered around the love and compassion she felt for her furry companions. After entering college and finding a true passion for science, Dr. Beck eventually realized that she could enjoy the combination of the two and therefore set out to achieve a degree in veterinary medicine. Dr. Beck earned her veterinary degree from St George's University in 2006. Her primary interest is general medicine though she also enjoys soft tissue surgery, ultrasonography and critical care management.

Currently Dr. Beck resides with her husband-Eric, her daughter-Ava, Carib- a mixed breed island dog from Grenada, Oscar-a black Persian with "cat"itude, and Tia- a domestic shorthaired cats that just loves everyone. Dr. Beck spends most of her free time with her family and friends. Together they enjoy quality time, whether it is taking a scenic drive on the weekend or tickling Ava until she is exhausted by laughter. She also enjoys relaxing, drinking coffee, and reading National Geographic or Parenting magazine. 

Dr. Beck has experienced first-hand that no matter what person or which pet, the veterinary profession exemplifies the importance and true spirit of the human and animal bond. Dr. Beck is thankful for the care she can provide for owners and their pets in repayment for the loyalty, affection and unconditional love our pets give us each day.

Dr. Anne Ray

Dr. Anne Ray received her DVM degree from Auburn University in 1978. Her post-graduate work was at Kansas State University where she completed a residency in Internal Medicine while earning a Master of Science degree. In private practice since 1981, she established Laurel Park Animal Hospital in 1990 and worked there until December 2008. In January 2009, Dr. Ray joined the healthcare team at Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital.

Dr. Ray is accredited by the US Department of Agriculture and therefore has been jointly approved to perform State-Federal animal health activities including the issuance of interstate and international health certificates and official testing of livestock in the response to possible bio-terrorism.

Professional organizational memberships include: Phi Zeta — honor society of veterinary medicine, Omega Tau Sigma — professional veterinary fraternity, American Veterinary Medical Association, Maryland Veterinary Medical Association, and the Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association.

"Veterinary medicine will always be a challenge in that it is constantly evolving while building on past information. That is why it is important to stay abreast of the newest medicines and diagnostics by attending continuing education meetings, reading the latest periodicals, and consulting with colleagues. Our clients deserve nothing less."

Her outside interests include flying, art films, cooking, and travel.

Dr. Meegan Weiler

Picture and bio coming soon.