Your Veterinarian in Kingsport, TN

Welcome to Kingsport Veterinary Hospital! We’re excited to introduce you to our Hospital Manager, Dennise Hartley, a passionate Licensed Veterinary Technician with over 30 years of experience in the field. Originally from the sunny landscapes of Nevada, Dennise and her husband made the leap to beautiful Tennessee in 2021, trading desert views for rolling green hills—perfect for their beloved horses!

As a horse enthusiast, Dennise had a lifelong dream of owning a pure black horse, and through her dedication, she successfully bred her own. Now, she cares for her two black stunning Morgan horses, Sequoia and Ember, along with a tiny bundle of joy—her mini horse, Lucy. At their 18-acre home in Bulls Gap, you’ll also find two playful dogs, Bert and Copper, a curious cat named Gracie, and even three friendly pet cows, Oreo, Juniper and Tux (yes, they’re pets, not dinner!).

But wait, there are more! Dennise and her husband have recently rescued and welcomed three adorable donkeys—Huckleberry, Skittles, and Biscuit—into the family, adding extra personality to their farm.

With her heart in veterinary care and a deep love for animals, Dennise prides herself on creating a warm, family-friendly environment for all our furry friends and their owners. When she’s not at the clinic, you can find her exploring new trails on horseback, training her dogs, or enjoying quality time with friends and family, all while soaking in the wonderful community spirit of Tennessee.

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Alanna is a Licensed Veterinary Technician at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital. She lives in Nickelsville, Virginia. She is originally from Ashe County, North Carolina but graduated from Lincoln Memorial University’s Veterinary Technician Program in 1992, where she met her now husband, Bill, and settled on his family’s farm in Nickelsville. They have three children, Lenora, Emma, and Abel. Alanna shares her life with lots of animals. She has three dogs, five cats, rabbits, chickens, goats, alpacas, horses, and cattle. Alanna has been a permitted wildlife rehabilitator in Virginia since 1994, so there is a revolving door of all kinds of wildlife that she cares for and returns to the wild. When not at work, she enjoys planning community events, all outdoor recreation with her family, gardening, and watching her kids play sports. Alanna’s favorite part of being a technician is that you never know what to expect in a day’s work. It is always exciting and challenging. Her top priority is helping pet owners feel like their pets are getting the best care.

Veterinary Assistant

Jamee attended Northeast State University, and he is currently attending Penn Foster. Jamee treats every patient as if they were his own pet. Making sure to make them as comfortable and loved as he possibly can. Jamee can’t wait to keep helping animals for the rest of my life.

Jamee loves taking his dogs out hiking and on adventures. He also enjoys playing soccer and golf when he can.

Veterinary Assistant

Brittany has been working in veterinary medicine since 2010. The part she loves most about Veterinary Medicine is making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.

Brittany attended Northeast State University. She loves spending time with her kids at home on their farm. Brittany’s husband and family-run beef cattle and Brittany loves getting to see her kids learn and grow up the way we have been blessed to.

Chloe Jessee started as a vet assistant at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital in 2024. As a veterinary assistant, some of Chloe’s duties are assisting Doctors in rooms, taking care of the animals who stay in our hospital, blood draws, taking x-rays, monitoring during surgery, and giving animals the love they need to feel right at home. Chloe is a mom of a 10-month-old baby boy and a wife to her loving husband, Anthony. While Chloe is out of the office, some of her hobbies at home are striving to be a wonderful momma and wife, working on their family farm (Jessee and Son Farms established 2023), working as a consultant for Scentsy as a side hustle, and sending time with her fur babies and family! 

Angie grew up in Blountville, Tennessee, where she spent her early years helping her father on their family farm, training horses and developing a deep love for animals. She began her journey in veterinary medicine in 1993 as a veterinary assistant, gaining valuable experience working with both large and small animals.

When she’s not caring for pets at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital, Angie enjoys rodeoing with her husband, Aaron, and their two children, Presley and Colton. Together, they share a passion for the great outdoors and spending quality time as a family.

In her free time, Angie tends to their hobby farm, where they raise horses, goats, chickens, and pigs, fostering her love for animal husbandry. Her motto, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” embodies her dedication and commitment to her profession and her family.

Alexis, a native of Church Hill, Tennessee, has dedicated her life to the veterinary field since 2017 and has been a valued team member at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital since July 2022. With a strong academic background, Alexis earned a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Health Science from Lincoln Memorial University, complemented by a double minor in Chemistry and General Business. She is currently pursuing her veterinary degree at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Alexis plans to serve the East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia areas as a mixed animal veterinarian.

Outside of her academic and professional commitments, Alexis enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her Bluetick Coonhound, Ellie Mae. When asked about her passion for veterinary medicine, Alexis shared a touching childhood memory: “During my childhood, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, or as I called her ‘Mamaw.’ She took care of me while my parents were at work. One day, we were sitting outside on her front porch, and I was pestering one of her barn cats, as most typical six-year-old kids do. This cat wasn’t very fond of people, but it never seemed to mind the attention from me. I remember my Mamaw looking over at me and saying, ‘You know, you really do have a special way with animals.’ I like to believe that moment sparked my true passion, but it wasn’t until later in life that I realized the weight those words would hold in my future aspirations.”

Alexis is excited for the opportunities ahead in her veterinary career and looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of both animals and their owners.

Hello! I’m Jaidynn, a dedicated animal lover and aspiring veterinary technician currently pursuing my degree at Penn Foster. With two years of experience as a veterinary assistant, I have developed a strong foundation in animal care, client relations, and veterinary procedures.

In April 2023, I made the exciting move from Florida to Tennessee, embracing the change and the opportunity to explore new environments. Animals have always been an integral part of my life; I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my home with four cats and an array of reptiles, including three bearded dragons and a ball python. Each pet has taught me valuable lessons about care and compassion, further igniting my passion for veterinary medicine.

I enjoy spending quality time with my family, friends, and, of course, my pets. I am thrilled about the possibility of joining the Kingsport Veterinary team, where I hope to continue learning and grow as a professional dedicated to improving the lives of animals and their owners.