Dr. Angela Mees, DVM
practice limited to dentistry and oral surgery
Dr. Mees is a native Atlantan. She graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. After six years in general practice, she devoted her career to veterinary dentistry.
She lives with her husband Brian and daughter Kaitlyn. Their family includes a greyhound, Goldie, a Labrador named Boomer, three cats, Bob, Tater, and Dave, and 3 red ear slider turtles named, Dribble, Dribble Jr, and Dribble the Third.
Dr. Jaclyn Bates, DVM
practice limited to dentistry and oral surgery
Dr. Bates graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. After graduation, she began her career in general small animal practice in Cumming and through the years developed a passion for dentistry. Dr. Bates has spent the past four years engaged in advanced training in small animal dentistry and oral surgery. She is a published author on the topic of dental abnormalities and congenital hypothyroidism in cats and has presented her research at an international conference. Dr. Bates enjoys all aspects of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, knowing she is improving your pet’s quality of life one tooth at a time! When not in the clinic, Dr. Bates enjoys relaxing at home with her husband, three dogs, and eight cats. Dr. Bates also enjoys running, competing in triathlons, and riding her horse Guinness.
Carrie Schimmel, Veterinary Technician, RVT
Carrie is originally from northern Pennsylvania. She relocated to Georgia in 1991 and started her career in veterinary medicine in 1998. She became a registered veterinary technician in 2006. Carrie’s family includes her husband Tom, daughter Rebecca, and son Sammy. They keep very busy when she is not playing with dogs and cats. Carrie’s four-legged family members include 2 cats, Puff and Ginger.
Lauren Dyer, RVT
Lauren has been in the veterinary field working with animals for 19 years. She obtained an Associates’ degree in Veterinary Technology from Gwinnett Technical College, becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2011. After working in general practice for many years, she realized her main interests were with dentistry, anesthesia, and surgery. She is looking forward to learning more and helping our patients in any way she can. She hopes to maybe one day further her education in veterinary dentistry/anesthesia and obtains her VTS.
She resides in Cumming, GA with her husband, Jason, daughter, Avery, and their 6 dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, kayaking, hiking, going to the beach, and handling her dachshunds in conformation dog shows.
Patricia Bristol, Veterinary Assistant
Patricia graduated from Gaston College with an associate’s degree in applied science veterinary medical technology. Patricia has worked with animals for almost 20 years.
She aspires to pass the vtne to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Patricia is a Mom to 2 wonderful girls and 2 – 4 legged rescued pups Kona and Bella bee. She loves to help local rescues and fosters kittens for Purr Nation and the Cherokee county shelter.
In her free time, she likes to read, hike, watch movies, and teach old dogs new tricks.
Samantha Lewis, Veterinary Assistant
Samantha joined the team in 2021. After getting a job as a veterinary receptionist, she discovered her love for helping animals and has been a veterinary assistant for over 7 years and has never looked back. Samantha is originally from Belize and enjoys spending her free time reading with her feline friend, Angelus.
Jess Rogers, Client Service Representative
Jess joined the team in 2021 and enjoys helping clients and their pets. She recently rescued Charlie, a 10 year old Pomeranian and has several horses, pigs, a goat, a donkey, and other farm animals that were rescued. Jess and her two daughters, Casey and Promise, spend their free time horseback riding, hiking, or in front of a campfire.
Jonna Kanable-Smithson, Office Coordinator, RVT, BS
Jonna Kanable-Smithson, Office Coordinator, RVT, BS
Jonna received her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology from San Juan College, and her Bachelors Degree in Biology from Ball State University. She played NCAA Division I Softball and Rugby in college.
Jonna entered the veterinary field in primary veterinary care in 1994 in Indiana. She advanced to specialty medicine focusing on physical rehabilitation in 2001. She moved to the Atlanta area in 2006 as Lead Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and Manager of Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness and worked there for over 15 years.
She has continued her passion for specialty veterinary medicine by joining the team at Atlanta Veterinary Dental Services in December 2022. As many in the veterinary profession, her love for animals started as a young child and has grown into a passion for veterinary medicine.
Her goal is to always be a part of a practice whose mission is to practice the best, cutting-edge, patient-focused medicine available.