Amelie McAndrews, DVM, DAVDC – EQ
Board Certified Equine Dentist™
Dr. Amelie McAndrews is a Board Certified Equine Dentist™ and Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), a distinction held by only a select few equine dental specialists worldwide. She is the sole practicing equine dental specialist serving Eastern Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to leading Garden State Equine Veterinary Dentistry, Dr. McAndrews is a Clinical Associate at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, where she manages a busy referral dentistry caseload.
Dr. McAndrews’ passion for horses began early in life, growing up as an eventer and later managing and training horses for a Thoroughbred racehorse rescue organization. A proud graduate of the United States Pony Club, she combined her love of horses and her drive to make a difference by pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she graduated from Michigan State University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009.
She began her career with an equine internship in Arizona before returning to New Jersey as a general practitioner. During this time, Dr. McAndrews’ growing focus on equine dentistry revealed its transformative impact on horses’ health and well-being. Motivated to specialize in this area, she founded Garden State Equine Veterinary Dentistry in 2015 to bring advanced dental care to more horses across the region.
From 2016 to 2020, Dr. McAndrews completed an intensive equine dentistry residency, traveling across the country to train under pioneering veterinary dentists and master the latest techniques. Her professional interests include minimally invasive approaches to equine oral surgery, which deliver better outcomes for her patients. She is also passionate about advancing the field of equine dentistry and regularly lectures to equine veterinarians and teaches veterinary students.
When she’s not caring for her equine patients, Dr. McAndrews enjoys spending time with her husband, their three young children, a cat, a dog, and a lively flock of chickens.
Alexa
Veterinary Assistant
Alexa has been an integral part of the Garden State Equine team since 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for equine care. After a brief hiatus working in Texas, where she focused on equine critical care and reproduction at mixed animal and equine practices, Alexa returned to her roots in New Jersey in 2021.
A New Jersey native, Alexa’s love for horses began early as an active 4-H member, a competitor on the NJ horse judging team, and a hunter/jumper rider. Her journey continued at West Texas A&M University, where she earned a B.S. in Agriculture Media and Communications and discovered a love for riding cowhorses. She is currently pursuing an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology to further her contributions to equine health.
In addition to her role at Garden State Equine, Alexa foals out Standardbred mares at Fair Winds Farm. When she’s not working, Alexa enjoys spending time with her horses and hiking with her dog, blending her passion for animals and the outdoors.
Halle
Veterinary Assistant
Halle joined the Garden State Equine team in September 2023, bringing a fresh perspective and a lifelong dedication to horses. With a master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University, Halle made the courageous decision to pivot careers and pursue her passion for equine care—a dream she has held since childhood.
Growing up in South Jersey, Halle spent every possible moment at the barn, deepening her bond with horses and fueling her enthusiasm for equine health. Now, she channels that passion into helping horses every day through her work at Garden State Equine.
In her free time, Halle enjoys outdoor adventures with her two chihuahuas, hiking, and kayaking wherever the trails and waters take them.
Holly
Remote Administrator
Holly joined Garden State Equine in July 2024, bringing a unique and diverse background to the team. Her journey spans from culinary arts to emergency medical services, but in 2021, she followed her heart and made the leap into veterinary medicine—a career she had always dreamed of. Holly has experience working with a wide variety of animals, including camels, exotic birds and reptiles, llamas, goats, cows, and of course, horses. She’s thrilled to be part of the Garden State Equine team, where she’s eager to deepen her expertise in equine medicine.
Originally from a farming family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Holly grew up surrounded by animals and always found opportunities to spend time with her cousins’ horses. Her love for horses has been a lifelong passion, starting from when she was a toddler. Now, Holly lives in a small town in Southeastern North Carolina, where she has built a farm and enjoys sharing her love of animals with her family. In the evenings, you can find her teaching her 4-year-old daughter to ride and care for their horses. When she’s not at work, Holly cherishes time with her family and dogs, riding her horses, and traveling.