Dr. Mark Epstein is a co-owner and Medical Director at TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Forestbrook. Originally from Atlanta, GA, he graduated with honors in microbiology from North Carolina State University in 1981 and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 1985. He came to Gastonia to work at Forestbrook that same year and has called it home ever since. Continuing his training, Dr. Epstein became board-certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in Canine and Feline Practice in 1993, and continues to be the only veterinarian with those credentials in Gaston County. He was re-certified in both 2003 and 2013.
He enjoys working with pets, their owners, and his team each day, and has a special interest in the field of pain management in animals. Pain management has been a focus of continued learning, so much so that he has been additionally certified by the American Academy of Pain Management as well as the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management as a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP). Having developed a high level of expertise in this area, he has been called upon to author book chapters and peer-reviewed veterinary journal articles, and is a widely sought-after national and international speaker on the recognition, prevention, and treatment of pain in dogs in cats. Additionally, he has participated in national and international veterinary professional leadership rolls, including serving as the president of ABVP and IVAPM, and served as a Chairman of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Senior Care Guidelines and Pain Management Guidelines Task Force.
Dr. Epstein's local professional accomplishments include assisting in the development of the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Gaston County, and of the Gaston College Veterinary Technology Program, for which he received the honors of NC Veterinary Medical Association Presidential Award and the University of Georgia Young Achiever Award in 1995, and the Gaston Chamber Small Business Man of the Year award in 1996. He has contributed to pet-related articles appearing in local publications such as the Gaston Gazette, Gaston Lifestyle Magazine, and others. Other community leadership experience includes being the past president of the Gastonia Jaycees, United Arts Council, Temple Emanuel, and Gaston Dance Theatre. Additionally, he has served in leadership capacities with the local Chamber of Commerce, Gaston Festivals, United Way FEMA Board, the City of Gastonia Planning Commission, and the Gaston Interfaith Trialogue. Currently, he is a proud member of the Gastonia East Rotary.
His biggest blessing of all is to be married to his wife, Janet. They have four children, Chris, Jamie, Hannah, and Torrie, and a stable of animals including dogs, cats, a horse, two turtles, and some fish. His hobbies include soccer, hiking, and making this corner of the world a little better through interfaith dialogue. He has an interest in genealogy and has even co-authored a book about his family history called The Epsteins: Our Illustrated 300-year Journey from Lithuania to Pennsylvania and Beyond.
Dr. Toner is the newest Associate Veterinarian at TotalBond Veterinary Hospital Forestbrook! Dr. Toner received her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences from the University of Delaware in 2017 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2021. Her clinical training included rotations in oncology, neurology, behavior, shelter medicine, and surgery from the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Columbus Humane Society. Dr. Toner always had pets when she was growing up and they were an integral part of her family. Inspired by the strength of human/animal connection, Dr. Toner shadowed a local veterinarian in high school and continued to shadow throughout her undergraduate career until she became a veterinary assistant in 2016. Dr. Toner’s favorite part about working in the veterinary field is advocating for her patients who cannot speak for themselves and forming lasting bonds with patients, pet owners, and coworkers.
Dr. Toner grew up in Swedesboro, New Jersey with her parents and three older brothers, but recently relocated to Mount Holly, North Carolina with her boyfriend and their 10-year-old pit bull terrier mix named Sydney. In her free time, Dr. Toner enjoys baking, reading, kayaking, hiking, and travel. Some of her favorite places she has visited include Mexico, Italy, and New Zealand. Other than veterinary work, Dr. Toner’s passions include spending time with her family, especially her two nieces and her nephew. Dr. Toner loves Italian food and would love to hear your local recommendations!
Dr. Emily Salmon received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2009. She continued her education at the University of Tennessee and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. After graduation, she moved to the Charlotte area to start her career and has been in general mixed animal practice for the last five years. Her professional interests include preventative care, ophthalmology, and internal medicine.
Dr. Salmon hails from Nashville, Tennessee where her family still resides. She loves the Charlotte area and has made it "home". She and her husband Stuart live in Rock Hill, SC with their two dogs (Remus, and Ginny) and three cats (Marge, Neville, and Mia). In her free time, Dr. Salmon enjoys camping, kayaking, crafting, and reading. She also loves Broadway theatre and attends regular events in Charlotte.
Megan joined the Totalbond team in March 2000 and has held every position within the clinic from kennel attendant to now Area Practice Manager for two locations. She shares her time and love for her teams between the Forestbrook and Bethel locations. In addition to keeping both teams up and running, she loves when she's able to use her skills to help on the floor, especially with emergency and critical care patients. Megan is proud Marine Mom (Semper Fidelis!) and has two more fantastic teenagers!
Allie joined the TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Forestbrook team in May 1997 and enjoys creating memories with our clients and their pets. She is a Health Care Advisor and her professional interests include surgery and critical care. Additionally, she is Fear Free Certified. Allie is happily married with two children and a yellow Lab named River. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching the Atlanta Braves, and partaking in activities with her church.
Kendra is a Lead Veterinary Assistant at Forestbrook and has been working in the veterinary field since 2017. She has always wanted to work with animals and truly enjoys seeing and caring for animals on a daily basis. Born and raised in Gastonia, NC, Kendra shares her home with a Jack Russell Terrier mix named Cielo. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, playing games, sleeping, and eating. She particularly enjoys pizza and pasta.
Bio Coming Soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio Coming Soon!
Bio coming soon!
Our animal hospital is located just 26 minutes from downtown Charlotte via I-85 N. We are by Gaston Country Club, easily accessible to the pets of Gaston County and the surrounding areas.
Phone: 704-867-8318
