Dr. Jaclyn Bates, DVM, DAVDC
Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist®
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.
Katherine Caceres, PM
Practice Manager
Katherine started on her journey to making veterinary medicine her career in 1995 when she volunteered at the local animal shelter. She has taken on many rolls over the years, from kennel technician, Veterinary assistant, customer service representative, referral coordinator and practice manager. Her primary focus is doing what is best for the pet and the pet’s owner. Katherine and her husband have many fur children. She spends most of her time on the farm with the horses or curled up at home with her many kitties.
Emma Roman, CSR
Customer Service Representative
Emma is an Atlanta native who began her career in veterinary medicine in 2021. She quickly discovered a passion for caring for animals and building relationships with their owners. When she’s not at the clinic, she’s spending time with her three family pups—Athena, Lucy, and Luke.
Carrie Schimmel, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
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.
Patricia Bristol, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Patricia graduated from Gaston College in North Carolina with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science – Veterinary Medical Technology. In 2023, she completed her registered veterinary technician degree. She has worked with animals for over 24 years in various aspects of the field until she realized that she had a strong passion for dentistry. Her focus is education, surgery, anesthesia and dentistry.
Currently, she spends her time supporting her daughters, pet sitting and doing community volunteer work. She also enjoys spending quality time with her fur baby, Bella Bee.
Samantha Lewis, VA
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, Little Bird.
Shonda Hannah, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Shonda has been involved in Veterinary Medicine for over 30 years. She is a lifelong animal advocate. Advocating for pets as well as wildlife. She enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, when she is not doing that you can find her at local music events.
Jonna Kanable-Smithson, RVT, BS, CCRP
Registered Veterinary Technician, Bachelor of Science, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Jonna graduated from Ball State University in 1994 with a BS in biology. She achieved her associates degree in Veterinary Technology from San Juan College and is a Registered Veterinary Technician. Jonna began practicing animal massage therapy and other therapeutic modalities at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic, which led to initiating the First Animal physical rehabilitation center in the state of Indiana at All-Star Veterinary Clinic in Westfield. She desired to further her skills in rehabilitation therapy and earned her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Jonna practiced CCRP at Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and fitness for 16 years. Wanting to continue to evolve in specialty focus veterinary medicine, she turned her interest to veterinary dentistry.
“As a dedicated professional and animal lover, I pride myself in treating every pet I see as my own. I get so much joy caring for each and every one of them.”
Caitlin, VA
Veterinary Assistant
Caitlin began working as a Veterinary Assistant in 2013 in Texas. She moved to Georgia with her family in 2020, where she has continued to evolve her skills by pursuing her Registered Veterinary Technician license. She has a passion for veterinary anesthesia, fear free pet handling and dentistry.
Christen Lockett, VA
Veterinary Assistant
Christen has been working in Veterinary medicine since 2019. She has always had a passion for animals and animal health. Compassionate and committed to providing exceptional care and support to both patients and their families. She helps to create a welcoming comfort experience from check-in to discharge.Christen values teamwork and takes pride in maintaining high standards in Veterinary dentistry. She is currently continuing her education and professional growth with a bachelors in public service. She is always striving to expand my knowledge and skills to better serve patients, clients, and colleagues.
