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• Management

• Reception Staff

• Technicians

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Management

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Donald Langley

Hospital Manager, Decatur Office

Partner, Village Veterinary Centers, Inc.

donnie.langley@thevillagevets.com

• "Donnie," is the Hospital Manager at The Village Vets of Decatur. He is also a partner in Village Veterinary Centers, Inc.  He received his B.S. in Biology from Georgia State University in 1992 and worked with Dr. Draper for years before taking on the role of running the Decatur office. He and his wife Jennifer, a local radio broadcaster, live in Jefferson, GA and have a combination of 10 dogs, 4 cats and 1 pot-bellied pig named Kudzu.  Donnie enjoys reading and cycling, but his passion is running; he usually gets in about 8 miles daily before most people even wake up. He enjoys discovering new running routes wherever he goes, and ran his first marathon in 2007.

• Why he does this: "I have loved animals since I was a kid."

Michele Lester

Team Manager

michele.lester@thevillagevets.com

• Michele is a Decatur native, and has been instrumental in the birth and creation of Decatur Village.  She is a graduate of both Shamrock High School and Kennesaw State University.  She and her husband Bart now have their first baby, Owen, who was born April, 2008.  They still enjoy the companionship of their two four-legged children, Shepard mixes Leonard (Leon) and Georgia.  In their spare time, Michele and Bart love spending time in the mountains, hanging out with friends and now, most especially, watching and playing with little Owen.

• Why she does this: "I have always loved animals. Being able to work with them is a wonderful way to spend my time.  The Village Vets staff loves what they do. 

Jeanna Shiver

Asst. Manager/Hospital Coordinator

jeanna.shiver@thevillagevets.com

• Jeanna is from Atlanta and a founding member of The Village Vets, serving as both Assistant Manager for Decatur Village as well as Hospital Coordinator for all of the Village Vet Hospitals.  Prior to The Village Vets she worked in brand marketing at Kodak, as well as in the investment banking industry, before turning her career direction toward animal care. 

• In 2002, Jeanna miraculously survived a head-on collision in which she endured multiple compound fractures on all four limbs, a fractured neck and head trauma that has left her partially blind.  Jeanna is now physically impaired, but continues to be an integral part of The Village Vets.  She is an inspiration to us all.

• Why she does this:  "All my life I had loved nurturing and caring for animals, not realizing until later in my life that it was them nurturing me all along.  Their presence, as well as my Village Vets family and friends, have been vital to my recovery."

Patricia Baxter

Asst. Manager / Reception Coordinator

trish.baxter@thevillagevets.com

• "Trish" a native of Atlanta, is best described as someone that will always make you smile and seems to never be in a bad mood.  She loves dancing, spending time with friends, and "laughing at nothing in particular".  An athlete at heart, she also enjoys soccer and gymnastics and being with friends.  Prior to joining our team, she had been in the banking industry for a number of years.
• Why she does this: "My enjoyment comes from helping others, [especially] those who cannot help themselves."

Kimberly Perdue

 Technician Supervisor

kim.perdue@thevillagevets.com

•  Kim was born in Montgomery, AL and enjoys reading as well as cooking.  She moved here recently from Birmingham, AL and enjoys "exploring Atlanta".  She has 3 dogs: Little, Lakota and Shadow, as well as 2 cats: Wink and Herbie.  Her co-workers call her "The Dog Whisperer". 

• Why she does this: "I love taking care of animals, and I think we have a great team.  I have really enjoyed meeting all of our great clients."

Cameron Keiser Edge, RVT

Asst. Technician Supervisor

cami.keiser@thevillagevets.com

• "Cami" grew up in Stockbridge, GA and now lives in the Little Five Points area with her husband, Aaron. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets.  She also enjoys deep sea fishing, and eating sushi. She has a 6 year old Australian Shepherd, Batman (aka MC Hammer), a Boxer, Buckley, and a "rambunctious" ferret, Nikko (seen above).

• Cami received her vet tech degree from Gwinnett Tech, where she earned the highly coveted externship with Zoo Atlanta. She worked with gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and venomous snakes, to name a few. She hopes to one day become a zoo vet tech, or attend veterinary school.  In addition, she has a business as a faux-finish artist.

• Why she does this: "I have always dreamed of working with animals since I was very young. I am so glad to finally have a career doing what I love, helping pets and their owners, and working with such a great group of people who share the same passion!"

Leona Tryon

Asst. Technician Supervisor

leona.tryon@thevillagevets.com

•  Leona was born in Dallas, TX and shortly afterwards moved to the Atlanta area, where (other than 2 yrs in Corpus Cristi) she has lived since.   Leona claims her most notable achievement to date, is her son, Julian.  They have two cats, Adrian and Queso.  Favorite hobbies are painting, crafts, music, going to concerts and spending time with her son. 

• Leona is a certified Veterinary Assistant (Level One) and has been working with animals for the past 7 years – 3 of which she worked at PAWS Atlanta. 

• Why she does this: Leona says that working with animals makes her feel like she is helping take care of people’s family members.

Reception Staff

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Chamblee Abernethy

Receptionist

Before coming to work at The Village Vets, Chamblee had been bringing in dogs and cats for several years, that she had rescued and were in need of veterinary care.   Today she continues to rescue homeless and/or abused animals, ensuring they receive the medical attention needed and then afterwards finding them permanent and loving homes.  Chamblee is a true animal activist.  She is also an avid cyclist and has competed in quite a few races over the years.  Along with the dogs she fosters off and on,  Chamblee has four dogs of her own; Boo, (pictured above), Sam, Murphy and Toby; all of which were rescues.

Why she does what she does:   "Animals are my greatest passion in life".

Devidyal Khalsa

Receptionist

Devidyal  (davie-dee-ya’ll) was born in Chattanooga, TN.    Having lived in New Mexico most of her life, she moved to Atlanta in 2005.  While living in New Mexico, Devidyal owned and operated her own restaurant, that she opened herself, for 5 years.  Also an opera singer, she has performed professionally with the Houston and Santa Fe Operas.  Devidyal said her other interests include objectivism, photography, music, funerals, gardening, reading, and most especially her two rottweilers, Bonnie and Clyde.  

Why she does this:    Devidyal said she volunteered at an animal shelter when she was in high school and remembers it as one of the most wonderful experiences of her life.                                                      

Katie Brown

Receptionist

When not working at The Village Vets, Katie also works at a popular Decatur restaurant.  She has been in the food service industry for a number of years - at times as server, other times bartending. Wherever she is, everyone she meets is sure to be greeted with her bright, infectious smile.  Katie was born in Michigan and lived there up until moving to Atlanta in 2003.  Her family still lives in Michigan, including her sister, Stephanie and her niece, Emily, whom she says she is quite fond of.  As far as hobbies and entertainment, Katie says she  likes to keep it simple, enjoying shopping, sleeping, movies and her cat, Gabby, whom [she says] talks all the time. 

Why she does this:  Katie enjoys being able to see puppies and kittens on a regular basis and she also enjoys "the friendly people that bring them in".

Maura Buchman

Receptionist

Born, in Memphis, TN, Maura moved to the Atlanta area in 1988.  Her interests are gardening, reading, movies, art, camping, throwing pottery - and beekeeping.    Maura lost one of her greatest pals, "Andy", a three-legged Doberman (pictured), in December 2008 - whom she claimed "was her greatest inspiration during very difficult and sad times".  She still has one dog, a MinPin, "Shady", two cats, "Winry" and "Mojo", 3 Siamese fighting fish and 30,000 bees.  Maura is currently working on a degree in Natural Health, and plans to earn a certification in Companion Animal Health.

Why she does this:  "Animals have a lot to teach us about love and life.  I appreciate how they live in the moment.  I love working at The Village Vets because we are like family".

Tanqon Clink

Receptionist

Tanqon ("Tan") was born in Athens, GA and eventually moved to the Atlanta area in 1996.  She attended college in Grambling, Louisiana at Grambling State University.  Tan has two brothers whom are both younger than her.  Tan enjoys writing, painting, singing and cooking, as she is a "ServSafe" certified chef.  Tan has worked in the animal  care industry for the past 4 years.

Why she does this:  "I love helping strengthen the bond between clients and their pets by providing them with the tools to keep their pets healthy - thus ensuring that they can enjoy a long and healthy relationship together.  I love being a part of The Village Vets team because I believe that each and every one of us share that same philosophy."

Technicians

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Stephanie Payne

Technician

Stephanie is a native of Decatur.  Her parents live in the Atlanta area, as well as her younger brother, Tal.  After graduating from culinary school, Stephanie worked as a chef in Atlanta for several years.  Stephanie enjoys cooking for her friends and family and is The Village Vets resident chef.  Other interests and hobbies include reading, running with her dog Steele Marie and playing Frisbee. She also has a muted calico, La La and a Blue Russian Grey named Doby, who came in as a rescue at our clinic, with a broken leg that required surgery.

Why she does this: It gives us the chance to do for them what they do for us- make them feel better.  I love to work for The Village Vets because we have a wonderful staff and a family-like atmosphere.

Melita Pinkston

Technician

Melita was born in Atlanta, and enjoys "reading a good book". She lives in nearby Lithonia, and enjoys Saturdays with her four beautiful children.

Why she does this: "I remember telling my parents, "When I grow up I am going to take care of animals." I enjoy working here because the atmosphere is always pleasant. My co-workers are family away from my own family."

Robert McAdams

Technician

Rob and his wife, Wanda, have one son, Kobei, who is 6 and one daughter, Imani, who is 13. Rob also has two daughters, Britley(20) and Destiny(15).  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. 

Why he does this:  Rob said he has loved animals all his life and says that The Village Vets is the perfect place for him to show it and give back.

Sarah Ludwig, CVT

Technician

Sarah was born in New Jersey but has moved with her family many times throughout her life - to such places as Germany, NM and CA, to name a few.  She now lives in the Decatur area, with her cat, "Didi".  Sarah graduated from the Veterinary Tech. Program in Dallas, NC in  May, 2008 and passed her boards in July 2008.  Sarah said she enjoys socializing with friends - eating out and dancing, and also enjoys spending time with her nephew, Charlie, who also lives in Decatur.

Why she does this:  "Ever since I was a child, I brought home animals and took care of them - so it seemed natural to make it my career".

                                                      Leslie Mitchell

Technician Assistant

A native of Birmingham, AL, Leslie moved to the Atlanta area in 2000 and attended Emory University, in which she  graduated from in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.  She lives in Oakhurst with her husband, Lamar, and their three dogs, “Tate” – a Manchester Terrier, “Bella” – a Cirneco dell’ ‘Etna and "Sam", a pit bull mix.  Leslie also has a horse named “Remi”.   Leslie enjoys horseback riding, gardening, painting, reading and rescuing stray dogs. 

Why she does this:  Leslie says she enjoys working with animals because  “they are amusing and I enjoy their companionship”.

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Kennel Staff

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Ben Gaylord

Ben loves music.  He collects, writes, arranges and produces "just about any type of music". He is also a bit of an artist, and a self-admitted "terrible poet". He has 3 pets: 2 cats Mavis and Cookie, and dog Jesse.  He also fosters dogs from time to time, as he has been known to pick-up stray and "severely underweight" dogs.  Ben has a big heart and is always eager and willing to help out his favorite rescue organization, Animal Action Rescue.

Why he does this: "In general, I like animals more than people.  However, since working in the animal care field, I have found that there are a lot more people than I realized who love, and care, and are responsible animal-loving people".

Elaina Jackson

Elaina, along with her parents and a brother and sister, live in the Decatur area. They have 2 dogs, Chico, who is a  Chihuahua and Hercules, a Doberman. They also have a cat, Miranda. Elaina graduated high school in Decatur and hopes to one day attend vet school.  Her  hobbies include movies, animals and sports – basketball, softball and judo – of which Elaina is a GA game judo light-weight women’s gold medalist. 

Why she does this:   "All Animals deserve to be loved and cared for."

Kenyon Holston

Kenyon, a native of Atlanta, lives with his mom and younger sister, while attending 12^th grade at Decatur High School.  He enjoys working with animals, listening to music and hanging out with friends.  Kenyon said most of all he enjoys writing – poetry and free verse and has a goal of publishing a book one day.  

Why he does this:   Kenyon said he likes working at The Village Vets because he loves being around and taking care of the animals here.  "I always feel more comfortable and at ease when I'm around them".

McKenzie Crist

McKenzie  has lived in and around the Atlanta area for most of his life and currently lives with his mom, while attending 10^th grade at Decatur High School.  McKenzie’s interests include music, shopping, concerts, photography and "urban chic" fashion.  Though he does not currently have any pets of his own, his favorites are dogs and marine life. 

Why he does this:  McKenzie said he enjoys working at The Village Vets because “animals are cool and fun, and the people that work here, and bring their pets here, are nice”.

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Grooming

Michelle Delk

Michelle was born in Atlanta and has a daughter, Mikayla. She received her groomer's certification in 2001, and groomed with The Village Vets of Decatur before coming over to Lilburn-Stone Mountain. She has a Bulldog mix, Marijayne, and a cat, JoJo. She enjoys swimming and bowling.

Why she does this: "The people at The Village Vets are loving and caring people.  Not only do they care for the pets; they care for the pet owners as well."

Administration

Dianna McAuley

Partner/Practice Administrator

dianna@thevillagevets.com

• Dianna is from Louisville, Kentucky, but has been in the metro Atlanta area for some time. She attended Bellarmine University.  She handles accounting and administrative matters for the Village Veterinary Centers, and is also a partner. She and Dr. Draper worked together for years prior to her joining The Village Vets. Her hobbies include movies, decorating, biking, watching hockey, antiquing and traveling. She and her husband, Mark, live in Villa Rica and have 3 dogs - a Chow named Samantha and 2 Chow-mixes, Butter and Doodle - both  adopted from rescue organizations.

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