Doctors & Staff
Nia M. Perkins, DVM.
Dr. Nia M. Perkins is a native of Chicago, Illinois where most of her family still resides. She received her undergraduate degree from Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana (her second home) and her DVM degree from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in May 2002.
Dr. Perkins came to Alexandria,Virginia right out of veterinary school and has practiced at various clinics in the area. She mainly takes care of dogs, cats, and the occasional pocket pet, but Dr. Vyfhuis is determined to make her more exotics savvy. Although she is not a specialist, Dr. Perkins does have a special interest in skin issues.
In addition to spending time with her son Jourdan and their Japanese Chin, Miles Davis, she loves going to the movies, scanning entertainment blogs (her favorites are theybf.com and mylifestylezen.com!), and just enjoying friends and family.
Elton Vyfhuis, DVM.
Dr. Vyfhuis’ veterinary career began with a promise from his parents, that he would get a puppy from a family friend. He begged and pleaded for this puppy, and even though his parents never gave in, his favorite aunt did. She asked him to dog-sit her Chow puppy for a few days, and he never let go! She surrendered the pup, but retained visiting rights.
Dr. Vyfhuis started accumulating pets, including an mischievous kitty, an unpredictable dog, a hamster, budgerigar (type of bird), 5 chickens, 2 rabbits, 2 more cats, 9 more dogs and 2 snakes.
Of course, it takes more than a love of animals to become a veterinarian. When faced with the decision of what degree to pursue as a senior at Banneker High School in Washington, D.C., his love of medicine, nature, and the art of science made it a “no-brainer”.
As an undergraduate at University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, in the honors program for animal science, it was the core pre-vet coursework in which he excelled. “Things come a lot easier when you enjoy doing them”. He graduated from from his college a “super senior” in 1997.
Dr. Vyfhuis went to vet school at Tuskegee University in Alabama in 1998. He is grateful that Tuskegee stressed hands-on experience as much as learning medical scientific advances in the veterinary field.
Tierney White, Head Veterinary Assistant
Tierney is originally from Detroit Michigan. Since working at PPEAH she has gained alot of experience especially with exotics. She has volunteered at the Washington Humane Society’s spay/neuter clinic with Dr. Vyfhuis and also accompanies the Vets on trips to schools and other children’s organizations to educate them about owning pets. Tierney has a sweet playful kitten, Emily Matters.
