Meet the team
Your Veterinarian in Kingsport, TN
We take pride in serving our community with personalized pet care. Get to know the people who are going to be taking care of your furry friends!
Meet Our Veterinary Team
Dr. David Johnson, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Johnson is a 1976 graduate of Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. He received his undergraduate from the University of Tennessee and is a UT football fan holding season tickets. His love and passion for animals are evident in his work ethic. He enjoys internal medicine and performing surgeries.
He and his wife Julie have 4 children and 3 grandchildren and reside in Kingsport with their two dogs, Oliver and Lillian. He also enjoys spending his spare time at the family farm.
Dr. Tiffany Casteel Nash, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Tiffany Casteel Nash grew up in Castlewood, VA, on her grandfather’s beef cattle farm, where she developed her passion at an early age in veterinary medicine. Dr. Nash worked for 12 years as a veterinary assistant, during 4 of those years, she was employed by Kingsport Veterinary Hospital. After high school, she was awarded a four-year scholarship at Virginia Tech, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science and Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2016. She then attended Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2021.
Upon graduation, Dr. Nash began her career at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital as a veterinarian and by practicing mobile large animal medicine in Southwest Virginia. Dr. Nash has special interests in dairy and small ruminant medicine and surgery, as well as small animal internal medicine, emergency, surgery, and ultrasonography! Dr. Nash is Compassionate End of Life Care, and Fear Free certified and practices these sectors every day! Dr. Nash owes all her accomplishments and milestones to God and his glory! Dr. Nash and her husband Harley reside in Nickelsville, Virginia, on their family’s dairy creamery! Together they have two sons, Kaden and Ellis, a dog, Bocephus, and a cat, Aila.
Dr. Hobbs, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Hobbs grew up in Hiltons, VA, on her family’s farm where they raised beef cattle and where she developed her love for veterinary medicine. Dr. Hobbs worked as a veterinary assistant for 5 years during high school and undergraduate. She received her Associate of Veterinary Health Science at Lincoln Memorial University in 2019. She then attended Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and will receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May 2023. Dr. Hobbs has a special interest in mixed animal medicine, surgery, radiology, internal medicine, and emergency.
Dr. Hobbs enjoys spending most of her time outdoors, spending time with family, and hiking with her beagle, Darcy Mae. She owes every accomplishment to God and hopes to serve Him in all that she does. Dr. Hobbs is thrilled to begin her veterinary career at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital!
Dr. Kelly, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Kelly grew up in Shelton, Connecticut, where she found her passion for veterinary medicine through shadowing and working at different local veterinary clinics. She attended the University of Connecticut (UCONN) for her dual undergraduate degree in Animal Science and Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences, graduating in 2021. Dr. Kelly spent 3 years working at an emergency and specialty clinic as a veterinary assistant, which only deepened her love for the field.
She then headed south to Lincoln Memorial University, earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2025! After graduation, she knew she wanted to find someplace new to call home—and Tennessee checked all the boxes.
Dr. Kelly has special interests in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and surgery. When she’s not caring for pets, she enjoys spending time hiking with her Australian Shepherd, Willow, and hanging out with her two bunnies—Zeus, a Himalayan, and Percy, a lion head. She loves reading, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
She’s very excited to begin her career as a veterinarian at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital!
Fun facts: She’s Fear Free Certified, is a Vice President of the Shelter Medicine Club (2022-2023), and was a Destination Pet Ambassador (2022-2024).
Dr. Erin Gerow, DVM
Veterinarian
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Erin Gerow is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned both her undergraduate degree and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2016.
Dr. Gerow loves building lasting relationships with her patients (and their families!) and enjoys watching them grow through the years. She has a gentle, compassionate approach and believes every pet deserves to be treated like family.
Recently, Dr. Gerow, her husband, and their three children made the exciting move to Tennessee to start a new chapter — and she couldn’t be happier to call Kingsport home! When she’s not caring for pets at the hospital, you’ll find her and her family exploring the outdoors and soaking up everything East Tennessee has to offer.
Their household currently includes two playful and very patient cats, Noodle and Dumpling, who are lovingly claimed by her daughters. Dr. Gerow also has a soft spot for brown speckled dogs (any kind!) and Nubian goats — and she looks forward to adding both to the family once they’re all settled in!
Dr. Gerow is thrilled to be joining the team at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital and looks forward to meeting all of your furry family members soon! 🐶🐱
Our Veterinary Care Team
Dennise H.
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.
Alanna D.
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.
Heather
Heather Rowlett is a Licensed Veterinary Technician that joined the practice in 2024. She is a 2016 graduate of Lincoln Memorial University’s Veterinary Health and Technology Program. In 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from East Tennessee State University. Her academic interests include immunology, virology, and the social and psychological impacts of human-animal interactions within the human-animal bond experience. Her other interests include rose gardening, collecting and restoring antique furniture, and still life photography. Heather also enjoys the many life adventures she shares with her husband and best friend, Brian, and her beloved Corgi, Bowyn.
Jamee A.
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.
Brittany P.
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.
Raegan
Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Chloe
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
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
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.
Jaidynn
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.
Anna
Raised in the charming small town of Bluff City, TN, Anna grew up on a farm surrounded by a diverse array of animals- rabbits, chickens, dogs, cats, cattle, horses, and wildlife. These formative years instilled in her a deep love and compassion for animals that continues to define her life. Her parents’ dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating animals left a lasting impact, inspiring Anna to carry on this legacy through her own lifelong commitment to animal welfare.
A graduate of East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary science, Anna initially pursued a career in human medicine. Yet, her heart remained with animals. Through volunteering and working at a local veterinary clinic and animal shelter, she discovered her true calling in veterinary medicine. Caring for animals and supporting their owners became her passion, leading her to transition into this field. As Anna often says, “Caring for animals isn’t what I do, it’s who I am.”
Anna views animals as beautiful souls deserving of boundless compassion and love. Helping them is the most rewarding aspect of her life. She finds immense joy in making a difference in their lives and those of their owners.
Anna shares her home with her husband and their nine beloved indoor cats, each a cherished member of their family. In her free time, she pursues her passions for photography, creating art, and working as a fashion model. She also treasures quality time spent with friends and family, who bring joy and balance to her life.
Chelsie C.
Reception/Veterinary Assistant
Chelsie has been working in the veterinary field for the last 6 years. She is currently working to complete the veterinary technician program at Pen Foster. Chelsie has always had a love and passion for all animals. She strives to treat every patient as if they were her own. By using Fear Free handling and building bonds with patients, she strives to make every visit as stress-free as possible.
When not working, Chelsie stays busy with her three daughters. She also has three dogs, two cats, a horse, and a turtle that keeps her busy. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Susan H.
Reception/Veterinary Assistant
Susan has been working in the veterinary field for 24 years. Susan takes pride in giving the best care to each pet as if they were her own. When she is not caring for patients, Susan enjoys hiking, cooking, baking, going for bike rides, and spending time with her family and friends.
Betheny
Client Service Representative
Hi, I’m Betheny Noel, a Client Service Representative at Kingsport Veterinary Hospital. I love what I do because I get to be the smiling face that greets people, remembers their stories, and helps make every visit feel personal. Whether I’m checking a client in or calming nerves, my goal is always the same—to make sure everyone (pets included) leaves feeling valued and understood.
I’ve always believed that kindness and connection matter most. I’m known for remembering the little details—how a client’s kids are doing in school or how their new job is going—and for being the one people call when someone needs a little extra patience, reassurance, or humor to get through a tough moment.
Outside of work, I’m a full-time cat mom to what I affectionately call the chaotic trio—three mischievous black cats—and one clingy gray kitten who supervises all my attempts at relaxation. When I’m not negotiating with my feline coworkers, I’m probably finding new ways to laugh at life and remind people (and pets) that being seen and loved never goes out of style.
Heidi
Reception
Heidi grew up in Fairbanks Alaska before moving to Kingsport in the
70’s. She has always had a love for animals and started at Kingsport
Veterinary Hospital in 2003. Her favorite part of the job is interacting
with the pet owners and improving their pets lives. When not working she
enjoys cooking, quilting, crafts of all sorts and going to flea markets
with her husband.
Erica R.
Reception
Erica has been a receptionist for 11 years and enjoys working alongside animals! For as long as she can remember she has always had multiple species of pets from cats/dogs to Koi Ponds. Erica currently has one cat, a hedgehog, and three rabbits. She could not imagine living without the companionship of pets! Erica is an alumnus of Northeast State Community College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, working in the yard, and antiquing.