Marcella Bonner had earned a master’s degree in technology management at the University of Maryland and reached the rank of senior manager for the Department of Defense at The Pentagon when her deep love of animals inspired her to change the course of her career and study veterinary medicine.

After completing her doctorate degree at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, Dr. Bonner worked as an associate for several Maryland small-animal practices, spending a number of years as an emergency and critical care clinician.

She joined Diamond Veterinary Hospital in Gathersburg in August 2010.

Dr. Bonner is an avid supporter of the Humane Society of the United States and has volunteered many hours spaying and neutering homeless dogs and cats in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted pets. She encourages clients to adopt pets from local animal shelters.

With her husband Todd and daughters Bianca and Giovanna, Dr. Bonner shares a farm outside Annapolis with 5 dogs, 5 cats and 6 horses.