BUSH ANIMAL CLINIC - Key Persons


Abigail Durden

Job Titles:
  • Head
  • Pharmacy Technician
Abigail Durden is in charge of efficiently dispensing and packaging prescriptions with the utmost accuracy. With a background in Human Resources, Abigail provides superb customer service, ensuring client retention and loyalty.

Alea Bochette

Job Titles:
  • Daycare & Boarding Team Leader

Bella Bissett

Job Titles:
  • Pharmacy Assistant
Bella started working with Bush Animal Clinic in the summer of 2021. In her spare time, Bella loves spending time with her family and friends!

Brandi Reese

Job Titles:
  • Daycare & Suites Manager
Brandi Reese is a native of Albany, Georgia. She has 3 years experience working with animals. She takes pride in client service and giving quality care to your pets needs. She has two Boston terriers named Rigsby and Roux. Outside of work Brandi loves spending time with family, fishing and traveling.

Brianna Williams

Job Titles:
  • Daycare & Boarding Team Leader

Bryan Vann

Job Titles:
  • Daycare & Boarding Assistant
Bryan is from Leesburg, Ga., and graduated from Lee County High School. He started with Bush Animal Clinic July 16, 2018. He enjoys helping with the pets and getting to know them. He relaxes at home by spending time with his six cats, Rascal, Lil Bit, Boo, Gizzy, Hope, Lizzy, and EE.

Cassandra Carter

Job Titles:
  • Client Service Representative
Cassandra lives in Leesburg , GA with her family of 4. She loves working in the pharmacy. In her spare time, she plays with her dogs, Georgia and Pearl!

Chasity Freeman

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
Chasity Freeman has been a veterinarian assistant at Bush Animal Clinic since 2002. She loves working with the hospital's friendly staff and enjoys caring for animals each day. When she's not at the hospital, Chasity can be found hanging out with her three dogs, Gauge, Lucy, and Angus, spending time with her friends and family and boating.

Crystal Hooks

Job Titles:
  • Client Service Representative
Our vet assistant crystal hooks started in 2019. She loves animals in is married with one kid in her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her family and traveling.

Denise Wally

Job Titles:
  • Finance Manager
Denise Wally is the finance manager for Bush Animal Clinic. A member of the staff since 1995, Denise hails from Albany and loves working with the caring veterinarians and friendly staff at the hospital. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, her husband, and her dog, Louie.

Dr. Ivy Harris Chupp

A general practitioner at Bush Animal Clinic since 2008, Dr. Ivy Harris Chupp is a native of Albany, Georgia. She attended Darton College, where she earned an Associate's Degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Georgia Southwestern State University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 2004. Dr. Chupp continued her education at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and she was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Her professional interests include neurology and behavior. Dr. Chupp loves spending time outdoors when she's not caring for pets at the hospital. She particularly enjoys hunting and fishing. Her hobbies also include shopping and cooking. At home, she and her husband, Jay, enjoy the companionship of their four dogs, Lola, Josie, Molly, and Eagle. Dr. Chupp has two sons, Colson and Hudson.

Dr. Paige Thomas

Dr. Paige Thomas is an Albany, Georgia native who has always had a love for veterinary medicine. She started working at Bush Animal Clinic as a Veterinary Assistant at the young age of fifteen. This filled her desire to become part of this profession and started a childhood dream. Dr. Thomas attended Darton College, where she earned an Associate's Degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science from the University of Georgia. Dr. Thomas continued her education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine where she obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Dr. Thomas loves spending time with her Boykin Spaniel, Ellie, as well as her family and friends. She also enjoys quail hunting with her family on their farm.

Dr. Steve Whatley

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Bush Animal Clinic Medical Team
Dr. Steve Whatley is a longtime member of the Bush Animal Clinic medical team. Dr. Whatley first joined the staff as a veterinary assistant in 1991 and, after completing his veterinary education, returned to the hospital as a general practitioner in 1998. He grew up in Albany, Georgia and attended Darton College, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Georgia Southwestern State University, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. He completed his veterinary education at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. His professional interests include orthopedic surgery, ultrasonography and cardiology. Dr. Whatley is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served on the board of directors of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and is a member of the South Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, the Dougherty County Veterinary Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is also a member and past president of the Albany Kiwanis Club and is active in the Gillionville Baptist Church. Outside the hospital, Dr. Whatley's hobbies include spending time on his farm, hunting, and being with his wife, Robin, and their children Emily and Dawson. The family also includes four dogs, Sam, Eliza, Sophie, and Luke.

Emilee Dale

Job Titles:
  • Daycare & Boarding Assistant

Halley Pearce

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Assistant

Jacie Rice

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Veterinarian
I enjoy my job very much! I love all animals and this is what I love doing. The job I have at bush is one I see myself being here for a very long time.

Julia Knowles

Job Titles:
  • Daycare & Boarding Assistant

Kaley Hart

Job Titles:
  • Hospital Manager
Our hospital manager, Kaley Hart, joined our team at Bush Animal Clinic in 2009. She has one dog named Herschel. In her spare time, Kaley loves spending time with her two daughters and husband. She also enjoys volunteering for the community and is a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Kalynn Ranew

Job Titles:
  • Client Service Representative
Kalynn joined the team at Bush Animal Clinic in 2021. She grew up in Albany and attended Albany Technical College and Darton College where she earned her Associate Degree in Business Management. Kalynn delights in learning and serving others. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her children and family.

Kristin Mccrary

Job Titles:
  • Head Groomer
A native of southwest Georgia. Her love of all animals large and small is just who she is. She has been in the animal care business for over 24 years, grooming for the last 4 years. Continuous training for the latest tips and procedures helps with her goal to give the best animal care. Compassion, patience, and adhering to detail sets her apart.

Rebecca Walker

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Head
  • Technician
A native of Albany, veterinarian assistant Rebecca Walker has helped care for pets at Bush Animal Clinic since 2006. She enjoys working with animals and likes the friendly environment at the hospital. Outside of work, Rebecca likes to read and spend time with her husband and daughter. She has two dogs, Tuffy and Sam.

Sage Barkley

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Veterinarian