MYRTLE GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Ashley grew up in Oak Island, NC, and volunteered as a teenager at the local animal shelter. She knew from a very young age that she wanted a career helping animals. Starting out as a kennel tech in Georgia she moved to Wilmington in 2018 with her foster-fail cat, Charles. Quickly adopting a terrier mix named Yoshi, she worked as a vet assistant in Wilmington before joining the MGAH team in 2019. Ashley has worked as a vet assistant for a few years and has now transitioned into the CSR role. In her free time, she enjoys video games, macrame, and spending time with family.
Caitlin is originally from Massachusetts but has called Wilmington home for over 15 years. She pursued a degree in nursing at UNC-Wilmington but quickly realized that although she loves people, her passion is working with animals. She joined the MGAH team in February 2012. Caitlin and her husband, Ryan, have three fur babies, Sampson, a very energetic Jack Russell mix; Gus, a very cuddly cat; and Cricket, a Lab who also happens to be a tennis ball fanatic. She graduated from San Juan College with a degree in veterinary technology and became a registered veterinary technician in 2017.
Caity is originally from Pennsylvania but has lived in New Jersey, Virginia, and New Zealand. In 2013, she graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences. In 2020, she graduated from Blue Ridge Community College with an associate's degree in Veterinary Technology. She then became a Registered Veterinary Technician in North Carolina. Caity moved to Wilmington in May of 2020 with her dilute calico, Moana, and her bearded dragon, Norbert. Shortly after, in June, she joined the Myrtle Grove Animal Hospital team. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Representative
Dr. Peat received her Bachelor of Science degree in zoology in 1992 and her DVM in 1996 from North Carolina State University. She practiced small animal medicine and surgery and emergency medicine in Fayetteville and Asheville, NC before relocating to Wilmington in 2006. While in Asheville, Dr. Peat also taught at the veterinary technician program at AB Technical Community College. During her years of practice, Dr. Peat became interested in alternative and integrative medicine and in 2011, began studying at the Chi Institute in Reddick, FL. She completed both the basic and advanced acupuncture courses and is currently continuing her education in Chinese Herbal medicine. Dr. Peat joined Myrtle Grove Animal Hospital in 2013 after providing relief veterinary services for several local animal hospitals. She enjoys her free time by watching her husband, son, and twin daughters play soccer. She has two dogs, Lucy and Rosie.
Dr. Christian Bolz spent most of his childhood in Kentucky and Minnesota. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University and his veterinary degree from Tuskegee University (class '98). After several years of gaining experience as an associate small animal veterinarian in New Jersey and Massachusetts, Dr. Bolz moved to North Carolina to be closer to family and warmer weather. For over three years, he practiced at Animal Emergency and Trauma Hospital in Wilmington, broadening his skills in emergency medicine, surgery, and critical care before opening Myrtle Grove Animal Hospital in 2009. When not working, Dr. Bolz can be found on the golf course, at CrossFit, spending time with family, or enjoying his favorite craft beer.
Dr. Dan Houlihan grew up outside of Philadelphia and received his Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee in 2010. He then attended North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2014 with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and has worked in small animal practice since. He has lived in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina, and most recently, Athens, Georgia, although he considers North Carolina his home. Dr. Houlihan joined Myrtle Grove Animal Hospital in 2017. His interests include client education, ophthalmology, and dermatology. When he's not working, he enjoys fishing, woodworking, and collecting early U.S. coins. He currently lives in Wilmington with his husband, Brett, two cats (Hops and Barley), and two Golden Retrievers, Tuna and Shrimp.
Dr. Debbie Bolz received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1991. She attended veterinary school at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine (class of '98) and went on to complete an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Animal Medical Center in New York City. Following her internship, Dr. Debbie Bolz practiced as an associate veterinarian in New Jersey and Massachusetts. After moving to Wilmington, she worked as a relief veterinarian for local animal hospitals prior to opening Myrtle Grove Animal Hospital with her husband in August of 2009. When not working as an associate veterinarian, she enjoys her free time traveling, walking her dogs, exercising at CrossFit, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Rebecca Cozart grew up in Hillsborough, North Carolina, and visited Wilmington regularly to see family. She received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science from North Carolina State University. In 2015, she graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in Alabama. She is a community advocate and volunteers for appropriate animal care and shelter medicine. She moved to Wilmington with her husband Charlie and their two boxers, Jack Bauer and Chloe O'Brian. They have a three-year-old daughter, Cora. When she is not practicing medicine she enjoys photography, kayaking, fishing, and spending time on the beach with family.
Elaine is originally from Pennsylvania but has called Wilmington home for over 22 years. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary medicine. She joined the MGAH team in January 2023 . Elaine and her husband, Mike have four fur kiddos, Lucy an amazing, blind yellow Lab , Molly a spicy terrier mix, Ellie a goofy Maltipoo, and Maggie a fun loving Golden. Elaine has 2 kids Matt who is attending UNCW for sports medicine, and Avery who attends Ashley High School .
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Representative
Nicole is a Wilmington native and has worked in the veterinary field for over 19 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Graphic Design from Campbell University. She went on to complete veterinary technology courses through Cedar Valley Community College in Cedar Valley, Texas, and San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. Nicole is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional and has her Professional in Human Resources certification. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and running. She lives with her husband, Paul, and their six feline children.