Dr. Jamie Hilla- Doctor/Owner

I spent my youth in Clifton, New Jersey and graduated from Montclair State University in 1989. After graduation I applied to many veterinary colleges and chose the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. My passion has always been exotic animals which is why I focused on UT and its exotic program. This particular department was also very special to me since it is where my future wife was employed as a veterinary technician.

 

Following graduation in 1994, we moved to Pennsylvania for a slight geographical change. I was very fortunate to work with many large cats, reptles, birds and many other exotic species. The problem was that I missed my new home in Tennessee. We moved back after only 10 months and now reside in Andersonville, TN.

 

My wife and I purchased Callahan Drive Animal Hospital in 2004 and have been absolutely delighted ever since. Besides treating small animals, I enjoy the array of exotic species that visit our clinic. While not at work I maintain our mini farm at home as well as help with all of our own pets which include several cats, dogs, and horses, even a miniature donkey.

 

Gwen Hilla- Office Manager/Owner

Born and raised in Knoxville, I have worked for Veterinarians from the time I was 15 years old. I attended school at Lincoln Memorial University where I graduated with an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology in 1991.

 

At the time of graduation I was already working at the U.T. College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Environmental Practice (exotic medicine). This is where my life changed forever. My husband and I met and have been inseparable ever since. We have worked together on and off until 2004 when we realized our dream of owning our own hospital. Now my focus as hospital manager is to treat team members and clients the way we always wanted.

 

Our "children" include 6 dogs, (Porter, Keegan, Kohl, Boz, Kayla, and Delilah), 7 cats, 2 horses, and Milton Burro the miniature donkey. We all reside on a small farm in Andersonville, TN. Following graduation in 1994, we moved to Pennsylvania to a practice in the Pocono Mountains. I was very fortunate to work with many large cats, reptles, birds and many other exotic species. After gaining a lot of practical and technical experience, we moved back to our home and now reside in Andersonville, TN.

 

Samantha Thorndike-Stark- Receptionist

My name is Samantha and I'm the receptionist at CDAH. I started here in April 2011 as a vet tech but took over the front when our receptionist took a break for maternity leave.

 

I have a degree in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts but I will be going to UT to achieve a second bachelor, this time in Anthropology with a minor in Evolutionary Biology. I lived in Tennessee from age 3 to 15, then returned to the North with my parents. I have come back to the South to help my grandmother and take a break from the snow.

 

I have 2 cats of my own, Loki and Grim. They are absolute trouble makers and I am so lucky to have them. I never had a dog growing up due to allergies, but now I have a hundred dogs who I get to spend all day with. We aren't kidding when we say we love your pet like you love your pet. Every day I am blessed to come to work with wonderful co workers and work with amazing clients and their beloved pets.

 

 

Rachel Young- Veterinary Assistant

I lived in Cincinnati, OH before moving to Knoxville Tennessee in Middle School. I have been a Veterinary Assistant at Callahan Drive Animal Hospital for 5 years. I am enrolled at Pellissippi State Community College to finish my general education requirements before returning to the University of Tennessee Knoxville to complete my Bachelor of Science in Biology.

 

I have three dogs, Guppy a nine year old Malamute, Duke, a 7 year old Chow, and Chubi, a three year old Chow. I also have 2 cats, Ollie and Mew Mew as well as a Double Yellow-Headed Amazon, and a 4 year old Quater Horse/ Draft cross named Sophia.

 

I am currently training Sophia to be a cross country competitor, though I plan on doing some Dressage with her as well. I love to travel, and spend my vacations traveling when I can, or going to the beach in the warmer months.

 

 

 

 

Kayley Snyder- Veterinary Assistant

Raised on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay in rural Southern Maryland, I grew up wanting to be a veterinarian. I worked for the state's Park and Planning Commission educating the public about wildlife heath and safety. I also worked as a veterinary technician at a local veterinary clinic.

 

I first attended Towson University then transferred to the University of Tennessee to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. While studying at UT, I spent a few years working as a large animal veterinary assistant at the UT Veterinay Teaching Hospital. I plan on continuing my education to become a DVM of equine medicine.

 

I recenetly got engaged and my fiance Jeff and I plan to get married in the Spring of 2013. We have three dogs (Luke, Neekoh, and Tundra), a cat (Achilles), and a very large Appaloosa (Chants of War) to keep us busy. I am an avid rider and love dressage, cattle work, and the occasional trail ride.

 

 

Bailey Mulderig- Veterinary Assistant

I was born in Washington D.C. but raised in Franklin,TN. I attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and graduated in December of 2008 with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in History. I am currently working on my second degree, a B.S. in Animal Science accompanied by a minor in Biology.

 

My experience with animals includes working for 2 years at the Knoxville Zoo in the Kid's cove department as a zookeeper. There I cared for a variety of animals including: beavers, barn owls, Naragansette turkeys, rabbits, nocturnal animals like Big Brown bats, raccoons, skunks as well as livestock such as guinea hogs, goats, sheep and miniature donkeys.

 

I have one extremely spoiled Chihuahua named Penny Lopez and my leopard gecko Little Ray Charles.  When I am not at work, I enjoy trail riding , crossword puzzles, hiking with Penny, and running.