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Meet Our Team

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of East Atlanta Animal Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets.

Veterinarians

Dr. Angie Hardy

• Why did you become a veterinarian?
I have always loved taking care of things. I have an innate curiosity about how things work which may explain my love of science.
• What is your goal with every patient visit?
I want owners to feel heard. I want to make sure they feel they are a part of the decision making process. It is important for them to understand why we are doing the things we recommend.
• Who makes up your family (pets and/ or people)?
I have a loving husband and two wonderful kids. Our family cat is named Lizzy.
• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
It is my intention to always be nice and have compassion.

Dr. Amber Oteri

Why did you become a veterinarian?
While I have always loved animals, my background was in the arts. I worked in lighting design for theatre and dance! My pet chinchilla became very sick, and I became close friends with the veterinarian who cared for him. I began spending time shadowing her in clinics, and it grew from there. I discovered that I had more of an affinity for science than I had ever realized, and I could combine that with my love of animals and the people that loved them! The human-animal bond is an amazing thing to be a part of, and I enjoy that much more than I enjoyed design work.

What is your goal with every patient visit?

I understand how stressful medical care can be, for both humans and animals. I want the pets and their people to feel as comfortable as possible. I want them to know that I am always trying to listen, and that they can ask whatever questions that they have. I want them to feel connected to and involved in the decision making process, and I want them to feel that their questions have all been answered. I hope that they feel positive and confident about the care that their pet is receiving.

Who makes up your family (pets and/or people)?

I live in Sandy Springs with my 2 crazy cats, Dash and Katie. I also share custody of my other two kitty kids, Lucy and Gabriel. I am a crazy cat lady! I also get to spend a lot of time with my mother, who lives in Lawrenceville.

Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?

Rent is one of my favorite musicals, which has the line "no day but today". That kind of sums it up for me. I try to enjoy life each day, and grow, and learn from the people around me.

Dr. Erin Ringstrom

• Why did you become a veterinarian?
At age nine, I accidentally ran over a field mouse on my bicycle. This affected me deeply, and through this experience I realized that my empathy for animals was strong. I initially followed the path blazed by my father and brother and obtained a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting. I quickly discovered that my calling lay elsewhere. So, I set forth to find my way into veterinary medicine. I graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA in 2003. I joined East Atlanta Animal Clinic shortly after graduation. In 2008, I trained at the Chi Institute and became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture.

• What is your goal with every patient visit?
I strive to establish a rapport with every client and their pets. I want the clients to know that their pet’s healthcare is in good hands. I want to be a resource for my community and my clients, and for them to see me as their other family doctor.

• Who makes up your family (pets and/or people)?
I live near East Atlanta Animal Clinic, in the Grant Park neighborhood with my husband, David. We have two children, two dogs, and three tabby cats. When I’m away from the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets, as well as reading, cooking, and listening to music. You may also find me visiting a quiet beach a few times a year.

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
A book that had a transformational effect on me is Stephen Covey’s “The 7 habits of Highly Effective People.” In particular I live by the habit “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Dr. Sara Schilke

• Why did you become a veterinarian?
One of my earliest memories as a three year old is dressing up in my Grandmother’s nursing clothes and setting up a veterinary shop in her living room with my stuffed animals. From a young age, I always said I wanted to be a veterinarian. For a high school project, I attempted to research and explore other professions. However, no other profession picked my interest. I honestly could not see myself doing anything else that would make me feel as happy and fulfilled.
• What is your goal with every patient visit?
My overall goal with every patient visit is to personally connect with each individual patient and to focus on their overall health, wellbeing, and unique personality.

• Who makes up your family (pets and/ or people)?
Kyle my significant other and our cat Noah
• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
To help and care for those without a voice

Managers

Practice Owner

Dr. Andrea Dunnings

• Why did you become a veterinarian?
My favorite subjects in elementary school were math and science. When I was old enough I volunteered at a local hospital. The experience was less than I hoped for. The following summer I volunteered at a veterinary clinic. I still remember that summer as if it happened yesterday. It was the most heartbreaking experience of my young life. However, the day we sent one puppy home was the most gratifying experience. That was the day I decided to become a veterinarian.
(You can read more details about my experience in my blog, “Why I became a Veterinarian”)
• What is your goal with every patient visit?
I always try to assess the needs of my patient and merge that with the desires of my client. The care of a pet is a partnership that I take seriously. I don’t want people to feel judged about their decisions. My goal is to always be compassionate and understanding.
• Who makes up your family (pets and/ or people)?
I grew up in Southwest Atlanta. I still reside there with my family and my cat, Monica.
People often ask why I only have one pet. I really do not have just one. Most people do not understand the bond that we form with our patients. Especially the ones we see on a regular basis. We care for them as much as we do our own, sometimes to our detriment.
(You can read more about this subject in the blog titled “Compassion Fatigue”)
• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
When I was in veterinary school an upperclassmen told me to “work hard and play hard”.
It is a philosophy that has always stuck with me. Although, I have to admit that I struggle with the “play hard” aspect.
My mantra is “to make a difference”. I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients, my clients, my employees, and the industry.
Practice Manager

Rita Kuhn

• Why did you choose to work in the field of Veterinary Medicine?
My love of animals has to do with the look in their eyes and the unconditional love that they provide. My hope is that I can provide that same love to others as I travel through life.
• Who makes up your family (including pets and/ or people)
I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. I currently have two dogs, Kwoven Hoofs and Fill Us Dill Her. I also have three cats; Buddy, Jimmy Billy and Funny.
• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
The only thing we are supposed to do here is have compassion, be kind, and love one another.

Veterinary Technicians

Lead Veterinary Technician

Ashley Allen

Why did you choose to work in the veterinary medicine field?
I knew from an early age that I wanted to work with animals. It took me adopting a broken dog and having to nurse her back to health for me to realize that the medical side of animal care was where my passion was. I used to love going to the vet hospital at zoos and seeing the procedures- I knew I wanted to go back to school to make that happen. I love the science of medicine. I love helping animals and working with their owners/ care takers to educate them on the best possible options.

Who makes up your family?
My husband along with 2 amazing kids

Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
Live with no regrets! I try to learn from experiences and take the positive. Yes, we all make mistakes, but living with them and growing from them is what helps to build you.

LVT

Mikayla Clemons

Why did you choose to work in the veterinary field?
I've always had a personal connection and draw to animals. As long as I can remember I've
always had pets throughout my life. I knew I wanted to work in veterinary medicine but I wasn't sure what position. I took my dog for her annual wellness visit and wanted to explore what it would be like to work with animals as a career so shortly after covid I did some research and I applied to LVT school, graduated and I've been in veterinary medicine ever since.
Who makes up your family? (Pets and people)
I am very fortunate to have both of my parents actively in my life. I have an older brother and sister and of course my sweet puppy Mushu.
Do you have a mantra or philosophy you live by?
Yes, The struggles of today are nothing compared to the joys of tomorrow.
LVT

Chrystina Riggs

1. Why did you choose to work in the field of Veterinary Medicine?
Doing something to help and serve my community (and society in general) has always been important. After giving up on teaching, I chose to use my love of animals to do just that. I am glad to say I found my calling.
2. Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
My partner for life, Christopher; a grumpy old lady cat named Whalebone; a sassy, large old lady Wirehair Terrier who refuses to act her age named Mocchi; and a weirdo boy cat whose family tree didn’t branch named Muadidib.
3. Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
I have two:
- Being nice takes much less energy.
- I am a huge fan of alternative British comedian Rik Mayall who said, “I may be gloriously stupid, but if it helps people to forget the grimness of life then I’m happy.”
So I try to be funny as often as possible.
LVT

Kimberly Zalatan

• Why did you choose to work in the veterinary medicine field?
Ever since I was young, I have wanted to be around animals. Everything about them intrigued me. I wanted every pet I could have! When it came time for a career change, I knew where to start. It’s been over 7 years and I have never looked back, I work constantly to increase my education in the field, and I will continue to do so to ensure I am giving the best care possible to every pet.
• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
My family includes my life partner Dustin and my sweet 15 year old Tabby, Ickis.We are proud to live right here in the neighborhood. I also have 5 sisters and am lucky to still have both my parents. Oh! Let’s not forget my newborn niece Ray, and my God-pup Cooper.
• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
My philosophy is to treat every pet the way I would want my pet treated. I love my kitty very much and I know how important pets are to a family. I believe respecting and loving every pet is how we thrive in our industry.

Veterinary Assistants

Veterinary Assistant

Dana Brimer

• Why did you choose to work in the field of veterinary medicine?
As far as I can remember, I always knew that I would be in a field helping animals. When I was a small child, my dog was having puppies and after “assisting with the delivery” I knew that I had found my calling. In 1998, I started working in a small animal hospital. Since then there was no turning back, animal medicine was meant for me.
• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
I am a rare native Atlantan. My family consists of my husband, my son Wyatt, and my two cats and my dog.
• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
Take things as they come. Don’t hold on to the negative. This too will pass. Be thankful for the moment.
Veterinary Assistant

Imani Evans

• Why did you choose to work in the veterinary medicine field?
I chose this field because I truly love animals deeply. Everyone does not understand how smart, loving and funny animals are. They are really like humans! I told my Mom at the age of 5 that I wanted to work with animals, and I have never changed my mind.

• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
I currently do not have any pets. My forever angel is my toy poodle Diamond.

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
Positive mind, positive vibes, positive life
Treat others how you want to be treated
Live, laugh, learn

Veterinary Assistant

Natasha King

• Why did you choose to work in the veterinary field?
I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduating college, but I knew it must have to do with animals or the environment. I ended up volunteering at my local animal shelter and fell in love working there. When a spot in their veterinary clinic opened up I jumped at the chance to learn & explore the veterinary medical field. 15 years later I am still here & I love what I do!

• Who makes up your family? (Pets and people)
I currently have 4 babies:
2 huskies: Titan and Ghost
A pit bull: Duchess
A Pug: Pharaoh

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy you live by?
Do unto others are you would have them do unto you!
The “Golden Rule”

Veterinary Assistant

Tiffany Soulsby

• Why did you choose to work in the veterinary medicine field?
I knew I always wanted to be in the medical field in some way. I have always loved my pets as if they were my children. One of them became very sick and I had to do a lot of home care. I realized then that I wanted to be a vet assistant.

• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
I have 2 dogs and one cat.
I am the oldest of 8 kids. I have 7 nephews and one niece.

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
Begin every day thankful. Be the person who makes someone else’s day a little better and brighter.

Veterinary Assistant

Brian Watts

• Why did you choose to work in the field of Veterinary Medicine?
I have worked in animal care for most of my adult life. That’s actually how I met my wife. We worked at a doggie daycare together then started fostering rescue animals and adopting many of our own. We trapped feral cats for a time with Lifeline animal project for their “Trap, Neuter, Spay, Return” program, (neutering and spaying feral cats before returning them to their colonies). I eventually started working in a veterinary clinic where I started my training as an assistant. Soon I found my home at East Atlanta Animal Clinic where I continued my training and developed a passion for animal health and care. Now, I work with amazing people that share a similar compassion for animals. With a small nudge of encouragement, I made the decision to expand my skills and education in this field to better help the patients I see every day. I am currently in school, studying to become an RVT with the hope to better serve our patients and community.

• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
My wife Ali
Dogs: Toki (shepherd mix), Porthos (beagle)
Cats: Caliope, Mama, Inori
Exotics: Brock Oguana (Cuban rock iguana), 4 button quail, 1 fish, 1 whip scorpion named “Peppercorn”

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?

Treat others as you would like to be treated, including animals.

Veterinary Assistant

Raynard Watts

Veterinary Assistant

Laah White

Why did you choose to work in the veterinary medicine field?
I chose to work in this field because nothing makes me happier than loving and taking care of animals. Knowing I can make a difference in these pets' (and their owners) lives makes the hard work worth it.

Who makes up your family?
My fiance, Alex, and I are parents to 4 cats; Alice, Mittens, Clover and Khaleesi, and two dogs: Sushi and Misa

Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
Keep moving forward, tomorrow is a new day.

Client Services Representatives 

Client Service Representative

Daishell Cox

Bio coming soon
Client Service Representative

Caitlin Lochridge

• Why did you choose to work in the veterinary medicine field?

I have had dogs and cats as pets my whole life and always wanted to be more involved in their care on a wider scale with deeper knowledge of their conditions

• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)

Leonidas the Pomeranian mix will turn 10 this year, and Ravioli the black and white cat is 2. I grew up in Atlanta and my immediate family lives close by in Lake Claire park.

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?

Stay positive no matter what, and speak up. A little support goes a long way.

Client Service Representative

Elly Pagan

• Why did you choose to work in the field of Veterinary Medicine?
As a little girl, I always loved helping and caring for animals. Growing up, I learned that I could help pets and not just as a doctor. I started working and learning all I could about small animals and how to educate pet owners as well. I gained experience in customer service and animal care and with this combination I decided to take the veterinary field route. Working in a vet clinic is great. I get to meet new wonderful people and their cute pets every day, allowing me to learn and gain more experience for my future.

• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
My family is composed of actual family members, friends that have been more family than family over the years and my dear small furry friends (2 Chihuahuas and a chunky kitty)

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
Enjoy the little things in life.

Lead Customer Service Representative

Jennifer Reives

• Why did you choose to work in the veterinary medicine field?
From a young age I felt overly attached to animals. Our first family dog only liked me, and I believe this is what truly made me believe that all animals loved me. I decided to work with animals mostly to help with being their voice! I work hard to advocate for all animals since they can’t and helping to educate owners on how to care for their pets.

• Who makes up your family? (pets and people)
My husband Jon (who is an incredible dog dad!) and our amazing fur-child Obi-Wan who is a 6-year-old Pitt Mix who is in love with his mom. We adopted him from Lifeline about 2 years ago, the best decision ever!

• Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
“So it goes”- Kurt Vonnegut
Just remember you’ve got this no matter what life gives you!