Dr. Ashley Balzano joined the medical team at Sangaree Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian in September 2018.
Dr. Balzano decided she wanted to be a veterinarian at five years old. Her natural, lifelong connection with animals drives her to provide the outstanding clinical care they need to be happy and healthy, as well as support the people who love them.
Born on the beautiful island of Maui, Dr. Balzano moved to Summerville, SC when she was eleven years old. Dr. Balzano obtained a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the College of Charleston in 2011. Motivated to bring her dream career as a veterinarian to life, Dr. Balzano gained valuable hands-on experience during her undergraduate studies by working as a veterinary assistant for five years.
In 2016, Dr. Balzano graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. While working towards her degree, Dr. Balzano was a student technician in the ICU at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. She also participated in VeTouch and SIRVS, two separate student organizations aimed at providing free basic health care to pets owned by low-income residents in underserved areas of the twin cities.
After graduation, Dr. Balzano started her career as a veterinarian in Minnesota where she practiced for one year before returning to Summerville. Most of all, Dr. Balzano finds fulfillment in developing lasting relationships with clients and their special pets and diagnosing and treating challenging cases. She has professional interests in internal medicine and surgery.
Her first pet was a grey domestic short hair cat named Mr. Blue. Currently, she has three rescued felines: Starbuck, Jinx, and Scarlet. All of whom are great at begging for food! Outside of her work in the veterinary field, Dr. Balzano likes to spend time on the water, exercise, horseback ride, and travel.
Dr. D'ara Klein grew up in Michigan near the Lake Saint Clair shoreline, spending her summers swimming, sailing, and frolicking with her family's many pets. She always knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian, and was often found "doctoring" stuffed animals, as well as her patient and furry family members. She went on to study Biology at the University of Michigan for undergraduate studies and then continued to Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine. As fate would have it, she started practicing at Sangaree Animal Hospital right out of veterinary school. However, she ended up moving to Florida for several years, but always missed the Charleston area, which has led her to return to her first place of practice.
Her professional interests include caring for senior pets, wellness for patients of all ages, dermatology, preventative healthcare, and hospice care. She feels the best part about working as a veterinarian is getting to know her four-legged patients along with their people.
In her free time, Dr. Klein enjoys spending time with her husband and three human children, along with her dogs, cats, rats, and chinchilla.
Dr. Daniel Walton is originally from just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Georgia Southern University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and just graduating from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. GO DAWGS! His professional interest includes soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, and preventative care.
Dr. Walton veterinary interest began a little later than most. He always had a love for animals growing up even though he never had any pets. It was not until the summer of his senior year of high school, after going to UGA’s Vet Camp, that he realized how much he truly enjoyed all that the veterinary field had to offer. From working with all species of animals and watching them grow to building connections with each client.
Dr. Walton looks forward to getting to know you and all your furry family at Sangaree. Dr. Walton is a huge sports fan and can be found playing or watching his favorite teams in his free time. He also enjoys spending time with his yellow lab, Athena and being outside hiking, rafting or just sitting at the beach.
Located off of I-26 on N Main St between Sangaree Pkwy and Beauregard Rd.
Phone: 843-871-0543
