Veterinary Assistant

"Rob" and his wife, Wanda, have one son, Kobei, and one daughter, Imani. Rob also has two daughters, Britley and Destiny.  Rob is a US Navy veteran, earning multiple commendations during his seven years in service.  He is now enrolled at Shorter College in Atlanta, while working at The Village Vets.  His interests include all sports.  With his vast experience working in the animal care field, Rob also worked with Dr. Draper at his former employer in Tucker, GA back in the mid '90s.

Why he does this:   "I have loved animals my whole life and The Village Vets is the perfect place to show it.  Pets have always provided us with a lot of joy and comfort and by doing this I am able to give back to them".

After HoursTechnician Supervisor

Born in Long Island, NY, Lauren now resides in the Atlanta area with her parents and older sister.  Living with them are Lauren's 3 horses, 2 cats, 1 dog and 2 birds.  Lauren said she enjoys horseback riding, scuba diving, ballroom dancing and watching old movies.  Lauren is currently majoring in Biology at Agnes Scott College in Decatur.

Why she does this:   "I like working at The Village Vets because the team of people I work with makes an already great job even more amazing".

After Hours Technician Supervisor

Since 2007

Tomika has been an animal lover as long as she can remember.   Originally from Columbus, Ohio, it was there she began working in veterinary medicine after attending Kent State University as a pre-veterinarian Biology major.  Tomika’s immediate family is still in Ohio which includes her mother, father, an older brother, a younger sister, 1 niece, and 3 nephews.  After moving to Atlanta in 1996 she began working at various animal emergency practices.   For the past 10 years Tomika has also worked at Emory University as a Pathology Lead Research Specialist where she has had several articles published relating to cardiomyopathy and toxicity, and its association with HIV/AIDS.  Tomika has 2 Cocker Spaniels - Haynes  and  Rudy.  

Why she does this:  “I LOVE working in emergency medicine and tending to the sick and injured furry creatures.  My hope is to help heal the patients and ease their owners’ minds during what can be a traumatic situation.”

Veterinary Assistant*

Since 2009

 Melanie was born in Wisconsin and moved to the Atlanta area in 1974.  She now lives in Clarkston with her dog, Cha Cha, a pit bull terrier and cat, Tit Tit.  Melanie said she enjoys cooking, baking, reading and especially spending time with her daughter, Destiny and Cha Cha (pictured). 

* Melanie is on the The Village Vets-Decatur after hours emergency team.

Why she does this:   "I love working in emergency pet care and have been doing so for 15+ years.  This experience has afforded me the opportunity to see many interesting cases".

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Since 2010

Dianna grew up in Warren, MI - where her parents and one sister- along with her niece- still reside. After first living in North Carolina for two years. she moved to Decatur, GA in March 2010.  She lives with her boyfriend, Adrian and their three cats, "Thomas", "Doc", and "Girl". Dianna enjoys camping, hiking, going to the zoo, watching movies and exploring Atlanta. She attended community college in Clinton Township, MI and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. The Village Vets is the third AAHA veterinary hospital she has worked.

Why she does this: "I've always loved animals, but didn't have pets growing up. I chose a career working with and helping animals because we are their voice and they love us unconditionally".

Veterinary Assistant

Since 2011

Rochelle was born in Washington, D.C. and has two brothers and one sister.  In 2007, Rochelle moved to the Atlanta area where she and her husband and their 5 children  now live in Lithonia.  The family has two cats – Skittles and Wally, one dog – Caesar, and a rabbit named Casey.  Rochelle’s hobbies include skiing, horseback riding, needlework, cooking and traveling.  Because of her love of cooking, Rochelle attended the Art Institute of Washington and graduated with an associate’s degree In Culinary Arts.  Rochelle has spent time in Italy studying wines. 

Why she does this:  “I love working with animals because they seem to appreciate when we as humans are doing all that we can to help them without really being able to talk to them and have them speak back.

Veterinary Assistant

Since 2011

Amber, a native-Atlantan, grew up in College Park and has been living in Fayetteville since - which she loves.  Amber enjoys reading, listening to music and, her favorite of all, horseback riding - and when she has the time, it is her favorite of all.  She has a strong passion for bully breeds and large dogs.  Amber started working in large animal vet care when she was only twelve years old - working mostly with horses, cows and goats and she later became involved in horse-breeding.  After graduating from high school she became more involved in small animal care.  Before beginning her career working with animals, Amber worked with in hospice care.

Why she does this:  "Since I was little I've always wanted to work in the veterinary field - it is the one thing I have learned in my life that has brought me true happiness - and at The Village Vets - Decatur I have the chance to show it". 

Veterinary Assistant

Since 2011

Heather was born in New Jersey and while still a young child she moved with her family to  Atlanta.  She now lives in the Grant Park area.  Heather enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking, and she also loves spending evenings out with friends.  She has an orange tabby cat named Millhouse that she adopted from Atlanta Area Rescue Friends.  Heather graduated from the Uiversity of Georgia in 2007 with a bachelor of science degree in Ecology.

Why she does this:  "I enjoy working with and helping animals -  they give love unconditionally".