Jamie
Practice Manager, Registered Veterinary Technician, Certified Veterinary Business Leader
Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Jamie has been fascinated by the world of medicine ever since she was a little girl. Even back then, she knew she would one day work in the medical field. When she realized that she could combine her scientific and medical passions with her lifelong love of animals, the choice was obvious! Jamie decided to dive headfirst into veterinary medicine, and she hasn’t regretted a single moment since.
Jamie graduated from Medaille College in 1998 with her associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Shortly thereafter she relocated to North Carolina where she started her first job as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Six months later, Jamie passed the North Carolina state board exams to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
After working her way up the ranks to serve in a number of management positions—including time as an Office Manager, Technician Supervisor, and Hospital Manager—Jamie was thrilled to join the Fullwood Animal Hospital family in May of 2018 as the Practice Manager. She particularly likes working with numbers and spreadsheets, and she’s also fond of problem-solving and implementing various techniques to help the clinic run as smoothly as possible. Jamie is also passionate about working with a variety of personalities and helping others grow in their careers; she believes wholeheartedly that a great team learns from one another, helps one another, and succeeds together!
In her time away from the office, Jamie likes completing DIY projects and spending quality time with her family, friends, and pets. She has two wonderful daughters, Briana and Brooklyn, and shares her life with two dogs, five cats, and two White’s tree frogs.
Mary
Client Care Coordinator Supervisor
Although Mary never dreamed she would work at an animal hospital, she took a chance one day and applied. After taking some time off to spend with her first child, Mary decided to get back into the field and started at Fullwood Animal Hospital in 1997. She’s now spent over 25 years total working in the veterinary industry!
Mary is from Union County, North Carolina and currently lives in Unionville with her husband of 25 years, Chuck. They have four children: Brooke, Dylan, Kyle and Kayla. She also has a new grand- daughter that she loves so much! The family has a Rat Terrier named Apple and a Toy Fox Terrier named
Esme.
Outside of work, Mary likes to go to the beach and on camping trips with her family and dogs. She also loves to check out yard sales with her husband, make crafts, and volunteer at special functions for their church. One day, she hopes to go on a Missions trip to help those less fortunate than her.
Sarah
Technician Supervisor, Kennel Supervisor and Chief Happiness Officer
Sarah has always had a certain way with animals, and feels a sense of duty to give them the best lives that she possibly can. For her, a career spent helping pets simply makes sense! Sarah is a Technician Supervisor and Kennel Supervisor with the Fullwood Animal Hospital family.
Sarah is originally from Poughkeepsie, New York, but began her veterinary care journey at a clinic in Florida in 2009. (Her mother even operates her own dog boarding business in the state!) After a few years, she became the Practice Manager at another animal hospital before moving to North Carolina in early 2018 to continue her career in pet care. That April, Sarah was thrilled to join the compassionate care team here at Fullwood Animal Hospital—she’s been caring for the area’s pets ever since!
When she isn’t helping pets live happier, healthier lives here at the hospital, Sarah can be found painting and drawing, reading, or spending time with her own mischievous pet.
Shannon
Registered Veterinary Technician/Lead Surgical Technician
Shannon is a Registered Veterinary Technician serving as the Lead Surgical Technician in her current position. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she pursued her education at Morehead State University, where she obtained a degree in veterinary technology. Shannon’s career has taken her on a journey from zoo medicine in Florida to working with marine mammals in coastal Georgia. In September 2021, she relocated to the Charlotte area to focus on anesthesia, transitioning from her previous work with zoo and marine animals.
Shannon’s love for animals began at a young age, leading her to aspire to become a veterinarian. However, after working at her first veterinary practice, she discovered her true calling as a veterinary technician. She is deeply passionate about wildlife conservation and providing exceptional patient care. Shannon finds fulfillment in comforting and caring for animals in the hospital environment.
From the outset of her career, Shannon knew she was in the right profession, never wavering in her dedication to animal care. Outside of work, Shannon is a busy parent to two children and cares for numerous pets. She enjoys outdoor activities such as backpacking and hiking, embracing nature whenever possible.
Joy
Registered Veterinary Technician
Joy decided to become a veterinary professional for one simple reason: because the field allows her to combine her passion for helping other people and her commitment to bettering the lives of pets. She gets to do just that on a daily basis! Joy is a proud member of the Fullwood Animal Hospital Veterinary Technician team.
Joy is a native of Raleigh and attended Veterinary Technician school to receive her licensure. She first joined the Fullwood Animal Hospital family in 2017 on a part-time basis, and was happy to accept a full-time role in 2020. Around the clinic, she enjoys challenging medical cases and also likes to learn something new almost every day—Joy finds that her career constantly keeps her on her toes!
Joy’s interests away from work include reading, horseback riding, watching documentaries, and doting on her own menagerie of pets at home. She lives with three dogs—Happy, who is more like a human; Elle, the world’s best ball-chaser; and sleep-loving Gus—as well as four cats who go by Tibby, Badger, Tick, and Colby. Joy also owns three lizards, a hedgehog, and a horse.
Jennifer
Registered Veterinary Technician
Jennifer is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at Fullwood Animal Hospital. She was born in Decatur, Georgia but has been a resident of the Charlotte area since she was about two years old. Jennifer graduated from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a major in Business Management and a minor in Media Arts. Initially aspiring to be a film editor, her career path shifted after several years of working at the humane society, inspiring her to return to school. She graduated from Gaston College in 2021 and became a registered veterinary technician the following year.
Jennifer’s passion for veterinary medicine was fueled by her experience with her childhood dog, Lexie, who developed cancer. Caring for Lexie during her illness left a lasting impact on Jennifer. After Lexie’s passing, she began volunteering at the humane society to stay connected with animals. Her commitment grew, leading to a full-time role in the kennels and eventually in the spay/neuter clinic. It was through these experiences that Jennifer discovered her true calling, finding immense joy and fulfillment in her work with animals and the variety of cases she encountered daily.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys a variety of hobbies including reading, watching movies, attending plays, crocheting, assembling Legos, and going for walks. Although she currently does not have any pets, she hopes to adopt a dog in the future. Jennifer’s dedication to animal care and her diverse interests make her a valued member of the Fullwood Animal Hospital team.
Taylor
Veterinary Assistant
Taylor graduated from Porter Ridge Highschool in the summer of 2020 and lives with her parents and younger sister in her childhood home. This is Taylors first job in the actual vet industry, but she previously worked as a pet sitter and a day care boarding attendant.
Her favorite thing about working with animals is taking care of them and making sure to meet all their needs. Taylor knew she was in the right profession when she worked at a doggy daycare and fell in love with caring for animals! She enjoyed working with them so much it didn’t even feel like work!
Her personal interests include, listening to music of all kinds & spending time with rescue animals. She is very passionate about working with animals and is also interested in the rescue side of the job!
Susan
Veterinary Assistant
Susan grew up in the mountains of West Virginia with a father who was a naturalist and a state champion free-style bow hunter. He taught Susan so much about wildlife and nature. Over the years, Susan’s family owned countless pets and would often rehabilitate sick or injured wildlife. While she didn’t initially pursue a career working with animals, Susan would eventually return to her roots and find her way to the veterinary field.
Before making a career change, Susan spent 30+ years working as Certified Corporate Paralegal and Paralegal Special with the US Government. When it came time to retire, she instead decided to take a leap of faith and make the switch to vet med. She spent three years training and working her way up the ranks at a clinic in Colorado before relocating to North Carolina to be closer to her daughter.
Susan joined the Fullwood team in January of 2024. Professionally, she loves talking to clients about their pets’ nutritional needs and dental health. She has attended several educational seminars on these topics and feels both are extremely important for the overall long-term health of our patients. Despite how emotional vet med can sometimes be, Susan comes to work every day with a positive attitude.
At home, Susan has two dogs of her own—both retired racing greyhounds. Cali was adopted from Australia and Hayden is from Colorado. She also serves as a cast member of the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Cali and Hayden join her and are cast members as well.
Kirstin
Veterinary Assistant
Kirstin’s journey in veterinary medicine has been anything but ordinary, much like the variety of animals she’s cared for throughout her life. Originally from the rural stretches of Weirsdale, Florida, she grew up on 25 acres surrounded by horses, cattle, goats, pigs, donkeys, rabbits, dogs, cats, and even a few slithery friends. Thanks to her grandparents, who instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility for animal care from a young age, Kirstin knew early on that helping animals would be her calling. That passion eventually led her to South Carolina, where she stumbled upon an opening at Fullwood Animal Hospital, and the rest is history!
Kirstin’s career officially began seven years ago as a kennel tech in Leesburg, FL, but it didn’t take long for her skills and determination to push her up the ranks. From surgery to dentals, she soaked up every bit of knowledge she could, eventually landing a vet tech position in a private practice in Inverness. There, under the guidance of an incredibly supportive team, Kirstin sharpened her expertise even further. Now at Fullwood Animal Hospital, she’s eager to continue growing, always finding new ways to help pets and their owners feel understood and cared for.
One of Kirstin’s most rewarding experiences was working with a four-pound Yorkie diagnosed with renal failure. With only months to live, the tiny fighter proved everyone wrong, thriving for two additional years thanks to her devoted owners and Kirstin’s compassionate care. Moments like these remind her why she loves this field—the unbreakable bond between pets and their humans is something truly special. Whether she’s placing IV catheters, drawing blood, or running labs (which she secretly finds super satisfying), Kirstin is always ready to tackle the challenge.
At home, Kirstin’s heart belongs to a very special companion: Ekans, her beloved snake, who’s been with her since she was 14. A total sweetheart, Ekans prefers to cuddle and explore rather than strike fear into anyone’s heart. She even has a soft spot for dogs! With her lifelong love of animals, a thirst for knowledge, and a knack for making even the toughest procedures rewarding, Kirstin is right where she belongs—helping pets live their best lives, one wagging tail or happy purr at a time.
Kimberly
Groomer
Kimberly is a Professional Pet Groomer with a deep passion for animals. Originally from Dallas, TX, Kimberly’s journey in the animal care industry began with managing a horse stable for three years. Her love for working with animals led her to PetSmart, where she started as a bather and quickly advanced through their grooming training program. Over the course of six years, she rose to the position of manager, and last year, she took on the role of District Services Trainer, which brought her to Charlotte. Kimberly has found great joy in her new home, appreciating both the weather and the community.
Kimberly has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of both people and pets. This passion led her to join Fullwood, where she is committed to ensuring that pets are not only healthy but also happy. Known for her large heart and gentle touch, Kimberly believes in building strong, trusting relationships with the pets she cares for.
Her dedication to her profession became evident when she discovered her unique patience with animals, especially those that are scared or need extra love. Kimberly takes great satisfaction in being able to provide comfort and care to pets in need.
Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband and six children. She is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking and camping, and she shares her home with three dogs, two cats, and two conures.
Jamison
Animal Care Attendant
Jamison grew up with a love for pets that hasn’t quit to this day. She’s always treated the earth’s creatures with the same love and respect that she has for her own friends and family. For Jamison, putting that passion to good use by working in the veterinary field simply made sense! She’s a member of the Fullwood Animal Hospital kennel team, and couldn’t be happier to help the pets and animal parents of this area on a daily basis.
Jamison is a Mint Hill native and joined the Fullwood Animal Hospital family in the summer of 2020 after hearing about an opening from the Practice Manager, Jamie. It wasn’t long before she had signed on as an official member of the team! As an Animal Care Attendant, Jamison particularly likes spending time with the clinic’s boarding dogs, and she loves to bathe them and take them on walks outside. She also enjoys cleaning the kennel area to keep it spotless for the clinic’s furry visitors.
Away from the hospital, Jamison enjoys spending time with her family’s pets at home. She has a bird and three dogs: Samson, a loving and loyal German Shepherd; Jake the Chihuahua/Miniature Pinscher mix who licks Jamison’s face every morning to wake her up; and a Chihuahua named Krull who is obsessed with food.
Heidi
Animal Care Attendant
Growing up in Gold Hill, NC, Heidi developed a passion for animals at a young age. It was her experience with Penny, a standard poodle she adopted when she first moved out on her own, however, who officially inspired Heidi to pursue a career in the veterinary field. Penny was a tough cookie to crack, but with time and patience, Heidi was able to help her flourish into a happy, healthy, and confident dog. Seeing that beautiful transformation made Heidi want to help even more animals.
Heidi joined the Fullwood team with the goal of expanding her knowledge and learning more about animal anatomy. As one of our animal care attendants, Heidi relishes seeing new faces every day and helping to make our facility feel welcoming—like a home away from home.
At home, Heidi lives with her boyfriend, and her ever faithful, albeit goofy companion, Penny. Their home is filled with love, laughter, and lots of squeaks from Penny’s favorite toys. In addition to animals, Heidi’s other passion is tattooing, which she does on the side.
Amber
Client Care Coordinator
Amber grew up surrounded by animals and there has never been a time without some sort of pet in her life. She has a passion for learning all that she can about all different types of animals whether it be a dog, cat, bunny, or reptile etc. She loves that each animal has their own funny or sassy personality!
Amber has always known she would eventually work with animals as it has always been a dream of hers since she was a little girl. She is a mother to three handsome boys who keep her very busy and a fur mom to a boxer (Roxy) and a quaker parrot (Minnie).
Nabil
Client Care Coordinator
Nabil Elhajjaji, a dedicated Client Care Coordinator at Fullwood Animal Hospital, hails from Monroe, North Carolina. Graduating with an Associate in Arts from Central Piedmont Community College, with a focus on Business, he brings a blend of academic rigor and practical skills to his role.
His journey into the veterinary industry was sparked by a lifelong love for animals, cultivated through high school Animal Sciences classes and attendance at a Veterinary Assisting Academy. Four years spent intimately working with dogs deepened his understanding of their behaviors and solidified his passion for animal care.
For Nabil, the veterinary profession isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. He realized he was in the right profession when his work ceased feeling like a chore and transformed into something he genuinely enjoyed.
Outside of work, Nabil cherishes time with his family of four, where he holds the role of the oldest sibling. Continuing his education to earn his Bachelor’s degree, he remains dedicated to personal and professional growth.
Emily
Receptionist
Emily began her career in childhood education teaching pre-k but found it did not bring her as much joy as taking care of the classroom pet. So, she moved to teaching at Camp Thunderbird, where she could be surrounded by nature and animals. When the opportunity arose to move to Charlotte, Emily started to look for job opportunities that would allow her to help animals every day. Fullwood answered that call!
Prior to joining the Fullwood family, Emily served as an eco-science teacher and manager of the animal studies room at Camp Thunderbird. While there, she assisted in nursing an injured box turtle back to health, and the experience confirmed that she had made the right choice career-wise. As a veterinary receptionist, Emily loves talking to pet owners, hearing their stories, and sharing her knowledge.
Outside of the clinic, Emily has two dogs (Tilly and Astro) and two cats (Kibbles and Tigger). Tigger is a very sweet boy who loves to cuddle. Kibbles fits his name and loves to eat. (Sometimes a bit too much!) Astro is a rescue who loves attention, and Tilly is the baby. She’s smart as a whip but also very stubborn. In addition to animals, Emily’s other personal interests include crafting, music, and riding horses.
Oliver
Client Greeter/Employee Therapist
It’s important that pet owners and their pets feel welcomed and comfortable the very moment they enter Fullwood Animal Hospital. As the hospital’s resident client greeter and employee therapist, Oliver the cat ensures that every person and animal that walks into the clinic is acknowledged. People can’t help but to pet adorable Oliver on the head as they walk by, and who can blame them?
Oliver initially arrived at Fullwood Animal Hospital as a stray kitten with head trauma that was fighting for his life. Dr. Medrano took him home, allowed him to heal, rest and recover and before you knew it, he was fully healed and ready to join the hospital staff as an official member!
From laying on keyboards, to causing chaos on work computers, to stealing chairs, Oliver keeps everyone on their toes with his mischievous antics. When he’s feeling neglected, he will demand that someone pick him up and give him a head rub, which causes him to drool uncontrollably. He also has a pretty big appetite; he’s particularly fond of snacks!
Ashley
Lead Room Technician
Growing up in Baltimore, surrounded by lawyers, Ashley proudly embraced her role as the “black sheep” of the family. Her love for veterinary medicine began in high school, when she interned at a mixed animal practice that also treated exotics. During her very first week, she helped repair the broken beak of a wild snapping turtle—and that was it. She knew she’d found her calling.
Ashley has spent the last decade immersed in the fast-paced world of emergency and specialty veterinary medicine, thriving in high-pressure situations where quick thinking and steady hands make all the difference. From assisting in critical care cases to working with primates and wild birds, her experience is as diverse as it is impressive.
After moving to Charlotte in 2021 for her boyfriend’s PhD program, Ashley landed a role as an ICU Veterinary Technician, pushing her expertise even further. While she thrives on the adrenaline of emergency cases, she also loves connecting with people, offering a sense of calm when they need it most. Now stepping into her first leadership role as Lead Room Technician, Ashley is ready to put her skills to work in a whole new way: mentoring others, problem-solving, and ensuring both patients and their humans feel supported every step of the way.
At home, Ashley’s life is ruled by her eight rescue cats, all named after food: Oreo, Miso, M&M, Custard, Peanut, Fluffernutter, Spicy Mustard, and the newest addition, a one-eyed kitten named Breadcrumb. (Of course, none of them actually go by their real names.) When she’s not wrangling her feline crew, Ashley enjoys crafting, thrifting, doing yoga, and spending time in nature. Fluent in Russian thanks to her grandmother, Ashley hopes to add a second degree in biochemistry to her resume—and maybe even make the leap to vet school one day!
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