APPALACHIAN VETERINARY HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Amanda Hensley (LEFT) joined the AVH team in March 2022. She graduated from Cuesta College in California with an Associate in Biological Sciences. She is currently working towards becoming a licensed technician. Amanda is great at client communication and loves pets of all shapes and sizes. She enjoys spending time with her husband when not at work.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Barrett, to our family! She is a New York native that graduated from LMU College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, TN. She's excited to meet all of the wonderful clients and patients at AVH. She enjoys practicing dentistry and surgery. We know all of our furry patients will love her as much as we do! When not at work, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband and fur babies.
Join us in welcoming Casey to our team!! She loves working with cats and dogs of every size. She is experienced with every aspect of client relations. Her positive attitude is a great addition to our team!! When not at work, She enjoys spending time with her family.
Diane Maddron joined the AVH family in 2004. She adds a caring attitude and friendly smile to our customer care team. She is committed to helping every patient/client that walks through our doors. Diane enjoys spending time with her family in her spare time. We are grateful to have Diane on our team!
Dr. Alex Sorohan, a Georgia native, has brought her talent, knowledge, and enthusiasm to East Tennessee! She's excited to be a part of the community and interact with the amazing clients and patients of AVH. Starting in 2021, she will begin taking exotic patients. She enjoys a challenge and meets every case with the same positive attitude.
She enjoys reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with her fur babies. She currently has 2 cats and 2 dogs.
Job Titles:
- Associate Veterinarian / View Profile
Dr. Andrea Paynter is a proud Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine graduate. She is excited to serve the Newport community and interact with clients and patients alike! She enjoys tackling new cases and building her medical knowledge to share with our AVH team. We are thrilled to add Dr. Paynter to our team!!
When not at AVH, she enjoys triathlons, hiking, and has a soft spot for collies!!
Justine has been part of the AVH team since 2018. She was a veterinary assistant until October 2020 when she became hospital manager. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the hospital. She is available to our clients for any inquiries or input they have to help better serve the AVH community.
Previous to joining the AVH team, she graduated from LMU with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation. She studied many different species of wildlife but has a special place in her heart for bats. She enjoys hiking, playing disc golf, and taking walks with her fur babies. Above all, spending time with her son! She currently has 2 dogs and 3 cats.
Dr.Murray graduated from the University of Tennessee school of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She then took an emergency and critical care internship in PA. More recently she worked with small animals for 8 years in New Jersey. Her work interests include: ultrasound, surgery, and emergency medicine. She moved back to TN to be near family. We are thrilled to add Dr. Murray to our AVH family and welcome her back to our community!!
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her baby girl.
Dr. Dawson joined the AVH team in 2017. He's an experienced DVM and has served our nation for 20 years. He's a retired army test pilot and has worldwide experience. He's a native of East Tennessee. He has vast knowledge in the veterinary field and a calm, friendly demeanor. We are very privileged to have him as an addition to our team.
Dr. Dawson enjoys flying, traveling, and a range of outdoor activities in his spare time.
Job Titles:
- Associate Veterinarian ( Part Time )
Dr. Straka joined our practice in 2018. She is an experienced veterinarian and a talented jewelry artisan. She has a passion for medicine and a warm, caring personality. We are thankful to have her as an addition to our team!
Dr. Straka enjoys outdoor activities and creating art in her spare time. Years in Practice: 29
Education: Ohio State University
Mallory Norton (RIGHT) joined the AVH family in June 2022. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in the College of Art and Science. Mallory is knowledgeable and handles every case with empathy and dedication. We are grateful to add her to our team of amazing veterinary assistants. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her son and family.
Michelle Finchum (RIGHT) has grown with this clinic, since the beginning. She has been a key player since 1989. She can perform any role asked of her and helps the clinic improve every year. We are grateful for all of her hard work and dedication. Michelle enjoys watching football, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.
Paige Gunter joined the AVH family in 2021. She is compassionate, knowledgeable and always puts her patients first. Paige instantly melted with our work family! She may be a new addition, but it feels like she has been with us for years and we are grateful to have found her. She enjoys spending time with her familiars when not at work.
Pam Dillion (LEFT) joined the AVH family in 2013. She is a knowledgeable and experienced Veterinary Assistant. We are grateful to have such a skillful and devoted employee on our team. Pam enjoys spending time with her human and fur babies during her spare time.
Keri Damron (LEFT) joined our family in 2016. She is currently a Veterinary Assistant working towards her license to become a Technician. She treats every patient with love and compassion.She mainly assists with surgery, but enjoys every aspect of her job. Keri loves reading novels and watching Sci-Fi movies. She will often quote lines from Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings, which adds a pinch of magic to everyone's day.
Reyne Wood (RIGHT) is a Veterinary Assistant that joined our practice in 2005. She is the backbone of this clinic and has helped train many employees over the years. Her main position is assisting with surgeries. We are grateful for her hard work and dedication. Reyne enjoys working on her house and spending time with her daughters.
Rhonda Leffew, Rhonda Helms & Michelle Finchum
Rhonda Leffew (LEFT) joined our team in 2017. She is part of our friendly customer care team. She is one of the first smiling faces you see when entering our clinic. She enjoys movies and spending time with her family. We are grateful to have Rhonda and utilize all of her computer and people skills.
Rhonda Helms (MIDDLE) joined our family in 2020. She persevered through all the challenges the year brought. She is part of our customer care team and we are grateful to have her. She adds a fresh perspective and "paw-sitive" attitude. Rhonda enjoys outdoor activities and being with the ones she loves.
Sandy Carrell is a Veterinary Assistant that joined our family in 2002. She has helped this practice grow and improve over the years. She is essential to our clinic and we appreciate her every day. Sandy enjoys spending time with family and friends.