Meet our Team

Dr. Adele Mays graduated first in her class at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She received the Sterling Radiology Award for Outstanding Achievement in Veterinary Radiology and was also awarded the Chancellor's Citation for Extraordinary Professional Promise. Dr. Mays is a 1989 graduate of Vanderbilt University, with a double major in English and Philosophy. Dr. Mays' areas of special professional interest include radiology, ultrasonography, and endoscopy.

Dr. Catherine Daker is a 2008 graduate from The University of Tennessee with a BS in Animal Science. Catherine originally joined our team in 2008 as a veterinary assistant. She then went on to attend UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2013 in the top tier of her class; trading in her title here of veterinary assistant to that of a DVM. Dr. Daker is a member of Phi Zeta honor society and received several scholarships throughout her time as a veterinary student. Her professional interests include preventative healthcare, internal medicine, and pain management. Dr. Daker lives in Knoxville with her dog, Callie, and her cat, Lyla. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, horseback riding, and watching football.

Dr. Laura Sharbel grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Colby College in Waterville, ME in 2004 with a BA in Environmental Studies. Laura worked for Village as a veterinary assistant for 4 years before attending the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated in 2015 and was co-president of her class. Dr. Sharbel has a special interest in internal medicine, surgery and ophthalmology. She lives in Maryville with her husband John and their three young boys, Atticus, Wyatt and Logan. They also have a sweet border collie mix, Huckleberry. Laura enjoys hiking, camping and spending time with her family.

Dr. Amanda Niethammer was born and raised in South Carolina, graduating from Francis Marion University with a BS in biology. She moved to Knoxville for veterinary school and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Dr. Niethammer then completed a year long medical and surgical internship in Nashville, TN before returning to Knoxville to settle down. Her professional interests include internal and emergency medicine, neurology, and small mammal medicine. Amanda especially loves guinea pigs! She resides in Knoxville with her husband Matt, daughter Nora, and 2 dogs, Macey and Panda. In her free time she enjoys traveling, going to the movies, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Allison Smith graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1999 with a BA in Integrative Physiology and a minor in Biology. Before committing to a career in veterinary medicine, she worked for several years in San Francisco, CA for Walt Disney and Arthur Andersen. Dr. Smith graduated in the top of her class from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. She is a member of Phi Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. She was one of four recipients of the Merck Award for demonstrating outstanding qualities of citizenship and leadership in 2005, and received the Myron Taylor Myers Scholarship based upon potential for success in 2006 and 2007. Dr. Smith joins VVMC from a high volume small animal practice and has a special interest in internal medicine, clinical pathology, and oncology. She lives in Knoxville with her husband Fred, their daughter Penelope, and son Freddy.

Samantha graduated salutatorian of her Veterinary class of 2019 at the University of Tennessee where she was recognized for her achievements in various specialties from radiology to community practice, and is a member of Phi Zeta.

Originally from Kennett Square, PA, Dr. Carter earned her BA in Biology from Bryn Mawr College in 2006. She later relocated to Tennessee to attend UTCVM and graduated with her DVM in 2013. She has been practicing in the Knoxville area ever since. Her passion for science and animals certainly shows as she aims to provide caring, compassionate care to pets and clients alike while continuing to learn as much as possible in the process. Dr. Carter is available to see dogs and cats of course, but also any pocket pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Dr. Carter also keeps a full house with 3 dogs - Gus, Hank, and Reni; 2 cats – Cutes and Luna; plus 1 toddler – generously named Henry!  Outside of her fulfilling career here she can be found gardening, knitting, or practicing yoga and her hidden talent is finding 4-leafed clovers.

Hailing from Johnson City, Dr. Dugan obtained her BS from ETSU and her DVM from UTCVM. Ever the overachiever, she also successfully undertook a free spay and neuter clinic in Ecuador with a few fellow veterinary classmates. Her compassion and empathy for animals and their humans landed her firmly to the veterinary field as she desires to positively impact the human-animal bond and use medicine to help and heal both people and their pets. Upon completion of her degree, she practiced in New York but we have been fortunate that she has returned to her TN roots thanks to her parents, 2 sisters, 3 nephews, and one niece who remain close by in Johnson City and Charleston. She also has two purrrrfect Siamse mix fur babies named Kosho and Kovu who keep her company at home. Ever ambitious, Dr. Dugan dabbles in playing the piano and guitar, she has plans to run a marathon, and she might do a headstand for you if you ask nicely. Dr. Dugan is available to see dogs, cats, pocket pets, and even most reptiles.

While born and raised in Avondale, AZ, Alex ventured out into the world and was most recently living in Washington state when she packed up her fiancé and 3 cats to move to Tennessee on a hunch they might just want to live here forever. After admiring the work of her veterinarian aunt, Alex decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and plans to complete her veterinary technology degree to obtain her license. A fan of Tim McGraw, the AZ Cardinals, and Clash of Clans. Alex feels she’s fairly resourceful and wagers she’d last at least a decade in a zombie apocalypse. She will also be famous for writing one day but for now she spends her free time reading Stephen King novels, playing soccer, and working on arts and crafts.

Burgundy joined us from Virginia, whole tribe in haul. Burgundy is recently engaged with wedding plans coming together for 2023 (her dog picked her wedding date). Burgundy is completing her Veterinary Technology degree after 5 years in the veterinary medicine field. She shares 3 dogs with her fiancé Adam; Taz – her heart dog, Groot – the well-behaved baby, and Rocky – the textbook middle child who enjoys testing his parents' nerves. Burgundy can also quote almost every line of the Harry Potter films. When she’s not going above and beyond here, she can be found hiking, crafting, and on family trips to Disney. Burgundy confidently believes she would last 2 years in a zombie apocalypse but also hopes to find out one day. We prefer the hypothetical.

Kaitlyn comes from roots in Palm Bay, FL and North Shore, MA. She possesses an Associate's degree in Health Science and worked in retail management for a whole decade before taking a leap of faith into the veterinary field where she as always had a desire to be. Recently married in 2021, Kaitlyn shares two doggos; Bailey Butt and Benny with her new husband. Kaitlyn plans to become a certified veterinary assistant to continue her growth in the veterinary field too. She enjoys iced coffee, Grey’s Anatomy, Disney World (where she honeymooned after her wedding), all kinds of music, and any Boston sports team. When she’s not picking up the phone before it can ring here, she can be found crafting, sewing, and watching YouTube videos to teach herself new skills. Kaitlyn’s happy place is the beach with fresh salty air and the soothing sound of the waves. Take us with!

All the way from Arizona, Molly always wanted to work with animals. She hails from a large family of pet lovers and is fur mom to her cat Martha. Molly plans to pursue her veterinary technology degree and obtain her license one day. She’s a fan of mashed potatoes, crocheting, Bruno Mars, the color purple, harry potter, and the stealers. Molly can consistently be found making her team laugh with her outgoing personality and increasingly odd outlook on life. Molly estimates she would last precisely 4 months in a zombie apocalypse. And if she were famous, it would be for acting (ask her about her accents) and her pop star pseudonym would be The Jester.

From Florida, but deeply rooted in Tennessee, Renee has worked in veterinary medicine for over 2 decades. Renee married her teenage crush decades ago and now has an almost grown son with a passion for history. Of course, they count their dogs as their children too and especially appreciate the fact that those kiddos don’t talk back.  Renee uses her passion for animals to advocate for their proper care and treatment. She would love to open a sanctuary for senior animals that are in shelters in the future. Renee is a fan of jalapeno margaritas, the office, podcasts, reading, baking, and the New Orlean Saints. If she were tasked with taking over the world, she says she would start by copying Dr. Evil and her criminal alias would be Lynn Hickory. Look out world!

A Murfreesboro native, Emily has a Bachelor’s in Animal Science with a concentration in veterinary health technology from UT Martin. Emily plans to continue her education and wants to specialize in physical rehabilitation. Emily is the oldest of a twin sister and a younger sister. Her family is spread out over the US, but thankfully she has her cat, Newt, for company here with her. Emily is a fan of harry potter, Percy Jackson book series, Zac brown band, and UT Vols. Emily hopes to one day own a nice chunk of land complete with goats, chickens, donkeys, beehives, greenhouses and of course as many dogs and cats as would be reasonable (wink). When she’s not putting everyone at ease with her calm demeanor, she can be found reading, traveling, and playing soccer. If she could solve one world problem, she would find a loving home for every stray.

An Anderson, SC transplant, Samantha graduated with her Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Tri County Technical College in 2020. Sam has a passion for learning and mentoring alike and plans to continue her education by branching out into specialties. Sam is the oldest of three with a younger brother and sister back home in SC who she adores and visits often. She's laid down her roots in Knoxville though with her partner Tyler and their full house which includes pups - Buster and Maevis, as well as kitties – Ellie and Toulouse. She is a fan of Disney (especially the little mermaid), Clemson and the Atlanta Braves, NCIS, and greek mythology. If tasked with taking over the world, Sam states she’d do it with a team of trained honey badgers.

Lisbon, CT transplant Lisa joined us in early 2020 with 4 years of experience already under her belt. Lisa is also enrolled in a Veterinary Technology degree program with plans to obtain her license in 2023. Lisa quickly became a jack of all trades here at Village and is never afraid to jump in wherever needed. She enjoys spending time at her family farm where they have chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, and cows. She is very outdoorsy and a true social butterfly with dreams of starting a canine water park (which she continues to insist is a legitimate business idea). Lisa states that if she were the last person on earth, she would eat nonstop. Fair enough.

All the way from Fort Lauderdale, Lexi has been working in the veterinary field since she was 17. Now pursuing her Veterinary Tech degree and license, Lexi continues to take on growth in stride. She’s a mama’s girl and the oldest of three in her family. She is a fur mom to 5 rescues: pups Hazel, Kat, Spud, and Angel as well as Chloe the cat. Lexi’s greatest accomplishment comes from her time working with an extremely emaciated and fearful horse at Horse Haven where she serves as a team lead. After 9 weeks the horse was able to be adopted thanks to her passionate resilience. Fun fact, Lexi also trained in MMA fighting for 12 years, lucky for us she’s a softy at heart.

Hailing from Ohio, Emilee possesses a bachelor's degree in animal science and plans to become a veterinarian herself one day. Emilee shares 4 pups, 2 cats, and fish with her devoted fiancé. Her hidden talent just happens to be cat veins. She also enjoys the color purple, the movie avatar, country music, and of course UTK. When she is not hard at work here at VVMC she can be found hiking, kayaking, boating, gardening, or watching TV.

A Tennessee native, Sydney has a Bachelor's degree in neuroscience with a minor in psychology. Sydney is now pursuing veterinary school with plans to stay rooted in the south. Sydney is the middle child of three girls and the proud fur mama to a handsome golden named Tucker. She is a fan of sour candy, the Seattle Seahawks, Taylor Swift, and the TV show Dexter. Her hidden talent is Olympic weightlifting and if she could have one superpower it would be invisibility... likely so she could study us as the true neuro nerd she is. Her happy place is any beach with crystal blue waves, a good book in one hand, and a mojito in the other. We’re still waiting on our invite.

Hope is a traveling spirit whose adventures have taken her through Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Kansas, and finally Tennessee. She possesses a Bachelors in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Spanish and environmental issues. Hope comes with a variety of experience ranging from 3 years as a zookeeper and 4 years as a wildlife animal rehabilitator at a primate sanctuary. Hope keeps only the best company at home between her foster fail pitbull called Jade and her Red Foot Tortoise named Wriggly. Hope aspires to obtain her masters in biological conservation so she can continue helping to save endangered species around the globe. When she’s not at work she can be found gardening, watching football, listening to podcasts, and playing guitar.

A local from Maryville, Selena is currently pursuing her veterinary technology degree to obtain her license. She shares two sweet doggos, Pumpkin Doodle and Chipper with her partner of many years. She’s a fan of sweet tea, grey anatomy, country music, and UTK. Her hidden talents include dancing and hibernation naps. If there were a zombie apocalypse, Selena has said that she falls easy and tumbles fast, so on a good day she might last an hour if that. Outside of work she can be found spending time with her family and friends, snuggling her pups, teaching cheer, watching football, and going to all kinds of events... especially the dog-related kind.

Knoxville local Bailey came to us with a Bachelor’s of Science in Media and Communications with a minor in Sociology. She is now working on her veterinary technology degree. Her fur family consists of 2 dogs and 7 cats, a mini zoo! After working in the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney, Bailey realized her passion for animals and hopes to work with large exotics again after achieving her license. Bailey is a fan of Reece’s, Adele, and anything spooky. And when she’s not here, she would prefer to be at a theme park.

A Louisville native, Tori, joined us after completing her Bachelor’s of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Tennessee Wesleyan University. She is currently pursuing her Veterinary Technician degree to obtain her license. Tori keeps great company with two doggos of her own – both old men. When not at work she can be found abstract painting, crocheting, and coloring. She is a huge Harry Potter fan, a mean kickboxer, and can fold her tongue into a clover. If she were the last person on Earth, she would find a luxury tree house and live her best life in the forest abyss.

Born and raised in Lenoir City, Claudia’s passion for animals began as a hobby. Now she is pursuing her veterinary technology degree and plans to also obtain her bachelors. Claudia is proud to be making a difference in animals’ lives through her work here at VVMC. Her fur babies include two cats, Essie and Simba, as well as a boxer beagle mix named Little Bit.  Claudia enjoys riding horses, going the lake or the dog park, and watching UT or the Philadelphia Eagles when she’s not hard at work here. If she could have a superpower, it would be to read the minds of people and animals. Clever.

A Murfreesboro native, Madison achieved her Bachelor’s at UTK in animal science. She also possesses a Master’s from Liberty University. Madison comes from a family of pilots with both parents and her brother all licensed to fly... and she is no exception! Celebrating her wedding in April of 2022, Madison now shares her adoptee dog, Duke, with her new husband. Madison is a fan of the Office, coffee, and the Vols of course. When she is not here at VVMC or flying a plane, Madison can be found horseback riding, hiking, biking, running, and watching the sunsets. Madison’s happy place is the Mt. Leconte hike, she says right before the summit there is a tree tunnel of cedars and it smells like Christmas.

Originally from Ohio, Jordan lived in Florida and Utah before taking the leap and moving to Tennessee. She has been working in the Veterinary field since 2016 and is currently finishing her veterinary technology degree to obtain her license and plans to become a veterinarian herself one day. Jordan even went to Costa Rica and Panama for a sea turtle internship. She is the youngest of 6 in her family and already has 11 nieces and nephews. Luckily, Jordan found her other half in her boxer mix adoptee, Bane. She enjoys country music, criminal minds, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. When she’s not running her tail off here, she can be found hiking, swimming, boating, and napping with her pup.

Abby joined us at the beginning of 2022, already enrolled in a Veterinary Tech program and ready to dive right into the veterinary field. Abby plans to achieve her Vet Tech license and has a special interest in anesthesia. Recently engaged in 2021, she has a 4-year-old daughter as well as two stepchildren, plus her furry friend, Riley, a German Short-hair Pointer, and a robust collection of plants. Her happy place is somewhere in the mountains off grid and unplugged from society but if she were famous, it’d be for quoting The Office.

Gracie has wanted to become a veterinarian since she could walk and has embarked on her journey through enrolling in a Veterinary Tech program. She is engaged with 4 sweet ferrets and 1 german shephadoodle. Gracie is a fan of Chick-fil-a, the show Kitchen Nightmares, and the Dallas Cowboys. She also enjoys working on her car, sleeping, and playing Xbox. While she cares deeply for all creatures, big cats hold a special place in her heart and if she could solve any issue in the world, she would end poaching.

A Lyles native, Jeremiah joined our team upon starting at the University of Tennessee. Jeremiah participated in UTK’s veterinary summer experience program and decided he was going to become a veterinarian. Jeremiah is currently studying Biological Sciences in pursuit of that goal. Jeremiah comes from a full house with 3 brothers and 2 sisters plus a pet dog, Frisky, and cat, Akira. He enjoys weightlifting, reading, and playing video games in his free time. He is also a fan of tardigrades (yes, we had to google it too). If he were the last person on earth, he would find himself a Tesla and then drive to Area 51 in Nevada to see if there was anything worth seeing there.

Emma is a Nashville native and recent high school graduate who plans to become a veterinarian herself one day. Emma comes from a large family with 7 younger siblings and 5 pets altogether. She also fosters rabbits in her spare time and enjoys being able to give them a second chance. Emma is a fan of nerds, Kpop, the UT Vols, and plants of all kinds. If Emma were the only person left on Earth, she would spend her time cleaning it up as much as she could for whatever comes next. When Emma is not studying or working, she can be found dabbling in art, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family.

Dr. Lively is a 1994 graduate of Vanderbilt University, having majored in Molecular Biology. She was in the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1999 where she graduated with honors in the top tier of her class. After vet school, she completed a competitive internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Virgina Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She was elected as Tennessee’s New Graduate Representative for the AVMA’s achieved status as a Diplomat for the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, specializing in Canine and Feline practice. In 2006, she was recognized as the TVMA’s Young Veterinarian of the Year. Most recently, she was awarded the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s First Decade of Achievement award. Dr. Lively also served as a Board Member to the Young-Williams Animal Center for numerous years and is a past board member for the Companion Animal Initiative in Tennessee. She is also an active member of the Society of Theriogenology, the Knoxville Veterinary Medical Association, the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association Peer Review Committee. Dr. Lively has served as president of the Knoxville Veterinary Medical Association. Her primary professional interests include senior pet care, critical care, pain management, reproductive medicine and endocrinology.

New Jersey native, Ash joined Village in 2021, bringing nearly 2 decades of experience in veterinary medicine with her. Ash is a true advocate for the quality of care provided to both patients and their people. Ever dedicated to continuous quality improvement, she ensures the team is constantly learning, growing, and evolving. Party of 6, Ash’s little family includes her partner Shane, two sons; Luke and Sebastian, and two doggos; Eleanor and Voulkos (affectionately called kitty despite being a great dane). When she is not over-affectionately cuddling patients here at Village, she can be found hiking, biking, and hammocking. She is also a big fan of boba tea, G.O.T., Billie Holiday, monopoly (team cat piece), and church. She even makes her own natural beauty products.

A transplant from Brockton, MA, Theresa has wanted to work with animals since she was 5 years old and trying to cuddle every stray cat or dog she made contact with. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 2013 and has been on the Village team since 2014. Theresa started out as a caretaker but quickly moved her way up, taking on new roles as a veterinary assistant, customer service representative, and finally floor manager. Theresa married her best friend, Eric in 2014 and adopted fur-baby Roux the rambunctious Weimaraner/Chocolate lab mix that same year. In 2019 they welcomed their adorable son, Manon Drew. They’ve recently completed their family with a handsome stray kitty named Pierre. Ever the host, every Sunday night, Theresa hosts her family of 21 for dinner. Theresa is a Saints fan (Tom Brady girl at heart), enjoys Grey’s Anatomy, and her happy place is Lake Norris with her family. She would also take over the world with hypnosis... clever.

Des Moines, IA native, Kalyn moved to TN in 2019 and put down roots in Knoxville soon after. With a professional background and license in human healthcare, Kalyn possesses a Bachelor’s in Biology with an Honors minor from Grand View University. She also achieved her Master's degree in Healthcare Administration from Des Moines University and continues to pursue education in her field. Kalyn is married to loving husband, Jackson, and together they share a small zoo consisting of adoptee dogs; Hazel and King, as well as cats; Nero, Arlo, and Valentine. Outside of her fulfilling career here she can be found woodworking with her husband, re-watching Ted Lasso, exploring new hiking trails and restaurants in that order, attending any form of baseball, and tending to plants that she will ultimately kill.