Meet Our Team
Hondo, HCIC (Head Cat In Charge), Hope Ambassador
Hondo assumed the position of head cat in charge in October 2021. He came to Hope after he was found with his siblings outside the home of one of Hope's technicians.
Since all of his siblings were adopted, Hondo felt inclined to remain at the clinic to guard the technicians, doctors, and staff as they needed a new warden. His biggest responsibilities in the clinic are to run the perimeter as fast as he can, hunt down all of the bugs, greet clients and their pets to make them feel welcome, and to swat the technician's pens off of the counters. Dr. Hope named Hondo to remember that he became the HCIC while she was on deployment. On his down time, Hondo appreciates the smothering love that all of his Hope Family provides him on a daily basis.
Hondo assumed the position of head cat in charge in October 2021. He came to Hope after he was found with his siblings outside the home of one of Hope's technicians.
Since all of his siblings were adopted, Hondo felt inclined to remain at the clinic to guard the technicians, doctors, and staff as they needed a new warden. His biggest responsibilities in the clinic are to run the perimeter as fast as he can, hunt down all of the bugs, greet clients and their pets to make them feel welcome, and to swat the technician's pens off of the counters. Dr. Hope named Hondo to remember that he became the HCIC while she was on deployment. On his down time, Hondo appreciates the smothering love that all of his Hope Family provides him on a daily basis.
Teri Jordan, Practice Manager
Teri Jordan, our Practice Manager, joined Hope in 2011. She makes it her goal to make sure the Doctors and Staff provide every client and patient the best possible care every time they walk through the clinic doors. Teri is a proud member of the Uncharted Veterinary Community. In 2018, Teri obtained her Certification from the VMC School of Veterinary Practice Management. She came to us from the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital where she was a Small Animal Referral Coordinator for over five years. Teri graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications: Radio/TV/Film. Teri and her husband, Jeremy, relocated to Georgia in 2006 when Jeremy started as a Lineman for Jackson EMC. They have a 19-year-old son, Cale, who is a Sophomore at Georgia Military College and a member of the Bulldog Football team and a 10-year-old daughter, Finley, who is a stellar softball player! In Teri’s spare time you can find her cheering on kids at their sporting events or at a car show with her Husband and their show truck. Teri has two dogs, Digger, a black lab mix and Wrigley, a Yellow Lab.
Teri Jordan, our Practice Manager, joined Hope in 2011. She makes it her goal to make sure the Doctors and Staff provide every client and patient the best possible care every time they walk through the clinic doors. Teri is a proud member of the Uncharted Veterinary Community. In 2018, Teri obtained her Certification from the VMC School of Veterinary Practice Management. She came to us from the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital where she was a Small Animal Referral Coordinator for over five years. Teri graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications: Radio/TV/Film. Teri and her husband, Jeremy, relocated to Georgia in 2006 when Jeremy started as a Lineman for Jackson EMC. They have a 19-year-old son, Cale, who is a Sophomore at Georgia Military College and a member of the Bulldog Football team and a 10-year-old daughter, Finley, who is a stellar softball player! In Teri’s spare time you can find her cheering on kids at their sporting events or at a car show with her Husband and their show truck. Teri has two dogs, Digger, a black lab mix and Wrigley, a Yellow Lab.
Leah Jensen,
Lead Client Care Associate
Leah joined Hope in 2013 and has quickly won the hearts of many of our clients. Before coming to Hope, Leah worked with building contractors at a local supply store, but her passion has been animal since the age of 13. She truly enjoys working with animals that are in emotional need, and 2018 completed her Fear Free Certification. Leah has four children of her own and two beautiful add-ons with her husband, Eric. They have an ESN in the Navy, a lawyer in Atlanta, Physical Therapy Assistant in Athens, a Fire Fighter in Dekalb County, a Freshman football player at Berry College and an 9th-grade baritone sax player. Leah has 7..yes seven dogs. Hounds to dachshunds, she loves them all. In her spare time, Leah enjoys running 5k’s with her daughters and vintage shopping with her husband. If she could, she would run a rescue where every dog would have the love and care they deserve.
Lead Client Care Associate
Leah joined Hope in 2013 and has quickly won the hearts of many of our clients. Before coming to Hope, Leah worked with building contractors at a local supply store, but her passion has been animal since the age of 13. She truly enjoys working with animals that are in emotional need, and 2018 completed her Fear Free Certification. Leah has four children of her own and two beautiful add-ons with her husband, Eric. They have an ESN in the Navy, a lawyer in Atlanta, Physical Therapy Assistant in Athens, a Fire Fighter in Dekalb County, a Freshman football player at Berry College and an 9th-grade baritone sax player. Leah has 7..yes seven dogs. Hounds to dachshunds, she loves them all. In her spare time, Leah enjoys running 5k’s with her daughters and vintage shopping with her husband. If she could, she would run a rescue where every dog would have the love and care they deserve.
Kat Kidwell, Client Care Associate
Our bubbliest addition the Hope family is Kathryn Kidwell, but everyone calls her Kat. She is a born and bred Georgia peach and joined Hope in January 2019. When Kat saw the receptionist position come open, she knew it was for her because of her love for animals and people. She has been married to her best friend, Cody, for nine years and is a proud fur mom to 4 dogs, 3 pigs, and a cat. When Kat is not at work, she enjoys crafting, working on her home projects and spending time with friends and family.
Our bubbliest addition the Hope family is Kathryn Kidwell, but everyone calls her Kat. She is a born and bred Georgia peach and joined Hope in January 2019. When Kat saw the receptionist position come open, she knew it was for her because of her love for animals and people. She has been married to her best friend, Cody, for nine years and is a proud fur mom to 4 dogs, 3 pigs, and a cat. When Kat is not at work, she enjoys crafting, working on her home projects and spending time with friends and family.
Amy Phillips,
Registered Veterinary Technician
Amy has been around animals all of her life, and her passion and dedication flourished with her work through multiple rescue agencies starting at the age of 15. Amy decided from then she wanted to become a technician, completing her degree in Veterinary Technology in 2011, shortly after becoming registered within the state of Georgia. Amy is married to Scotty, her high school sweetheart, and has one son, Sheldon. Sheldon is the highlight of her life, and she enjoys teaching Cub Scouts among other activities with him. They enjoy spending time outdoors fishing, hiking, and exploring. Amy spends her “free time” continuing her rescue efforts, where she fosters animals through multiple agencies. Amy brings to us 17 years of veterinary experience, 10 of them as a licensed technician. Amy resides in Madison county, with her “zoo” as most people call it. She shares her home with a bearded dragon, two aquatic turtles, 4 dogs, a bunny, and 13 kitties. Pictured with her is her beloved dog, Ruger. He can be found most of the time right along her side.
Registered Veterinary Technician
Amy has been around animals all of her life, and her passion and dedication flourished with her work through multiple rescue agencies starting at the age of 15. Amy decided from then she wanted to become a technician, completing her degree in Veterinary Technology in 2011, shortly after becoming registered within the state of Georgia. Amy is married to Scotty, her high school sweetheart, and has one son, Sheldon. Sheldon is the highlight of her life, and she enjoys teaching Cub Scouts among other activities with him. They enjoy spending time outdoors fishing, hiking, and exploring. Amy spends her “free time” continuing her rescue efforts, where she fosters animals through multiple agencies. Amy brings to us 17 years of veterinary experience, 10 of them as a licensed technician. Amy resides in Madison county, with her “zoo” as most people call it. She shares her home with a bearded dragon, two aquatic turtles, 4 dogs, a bunny, and 13 kitties. Pictured with her is her beloved dog, Ruger. He can be found most of the time right along her side.
Jenna Becton, Technician Assistant
Jenna started at Hope in June 2021 as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. Before working here, she worked at Hahira Veterinary Clinic as a Veterinary Technician Assistant for 3 years. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science degree with a Major in Biology at Valdosta State University in May 2021, then moved to Athens at the beginning of June. With her degree, she plans to attend Veterinary School in the future. When she’s not working, she loves to paint, travel, spend time with family and friends, eat tacos, and hang out with her rescued pup, Buddy.
Jenna started at Hope in June 2021 as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. Before working here, she worked at Hahira Veterinary Clinic as a Veterinary Technician Assistant for 3 years. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science degree with a Major in Biology at Valdosta State University in May 2021, then moved to Athens at the beginning of June. With her degree, she plans to attend Veterinary School in the future. When she’s not working, she loves to paint, travel, spend time with family and friends, eat tacos, and hang out with her rescued pup, Buddy.
Sydney Bradford, Technician Assistant
Sydney joined the Hope family in May 2021. She graduated in December 2021 from UGA with her B.S.A. in Animal Science. Sydney is mom to her beautiful Pitt/Catahoula mix named Bentley, who absolutely rules her world, and a handsome kitty, Baxter. She always knew she wanted to work with animals and is in the process of applying to vet schools! Sydney is an extremely bubbly person who loves caring for both patients and clients. In her free time, you can catch her riding horses and going on hikes with her dog and friends!
Sydney joined the Hope family in May 2021. She graduated in December 2021 from UGA with her B.S.A. in Animal Science. Sydney is mom to her beautiful Pitt/Catahoula mix named Bentley, who absolutely rules her world, and a handsome kitty, Baxter. She always knew she wanted to work with animals and is in the process of applying to vet schools! Sydney is an extremely bubbly person who loves caring for both patients and clients. In her free time, you can catch her riding horses and going on hikes with her dog and friends!
McKenna Eidson, Technician Assistant
McKenna was born in Kennesaw, GA and moved to Athens for school in 2019.Veterinary Medicine has always had a special place in her heart. That little girl's dream of being a vet still hangs around. McKenna has worked in Veterinary Hospital's since she was 15 years old and still loves it. She has volunteered at horse rescues around the state regularly since long before she could drive. Trinity Rescue Inc. in Rome, GA will always be her safe haven. McKenna graduated high school with a degree in graphic design from Chattahoochee Technical College in 2018 and is now in school at UGA following a pre-med track, hoping to be a human doctor one of these days. Growing up a teacher's kid and a mechanic's daughter, McKenna can do or fix just about anything. Her long-term partner Neil is an AEMT in John's Creek, GA and they have the sweetest 7 yo female Golden Retriever named Dixie. McKenna's childhood dog is a sassy 7 yo male Shih Tzu named Dooley, who is the love in her heart even with his cute little head tilt, and is lovingly named after Vince Dooley- former football head-coach of the Dawgs. If you can't find McKenna, she is at the farm nine times out of ten. Being out at the farm with the dogs and the horses is her happy place. The beach makes a very close second place.
McKenna was born in Kennesaw, GA and moved to Athens for school in 2019.Veterinary Medicine has always had a special place in her heart. That little girl's dream of being a vet still hangs around. McKenna has worked in Veterinary Hospital's since she was 15 years old and still loves it. She has volunteered at horse rescues around the state regularly since long before she could drive. Trinity Rescue Inc. in Rome, GA will always be her safe haven. McKenna graduated high school with a degree in graphic design from Chattahoochee Technical College in 2018 and is now in school at UGA following a pre-med track, hoping to be a human doctor one of these days. Growing up a teacher's kid and a mechanic's daughter, McKenna can do or fix just about anything. Her long-term partner Neil is an AEMT in John's Creek, GA and they have the sweetest 7 yo female Golden Retriever named Dixie. McKenna's childhood dog is a sassy 7 yo male Shih Tzu named Dooley, who is the love in her heart even with his cute little head tilt, and is lovingly named after Vince Dooley- former football head-coach of the Dawgs. If you can't find McKenna, she is at the farm nine times out of ten. Being out at the farm with the dogs and the horses is her happy place. The beach makes a very close second place.
Macy Harden, Technician Assistant
Macy joined Hope in January of 2021. Before moving to Athens in January, she worked as a veterinary technician assistant in Savannah at a mixed animal practice for 3 years. She was born and raised in a small town right outside of Savannah. She is currently in school at the University of Georgia finishing her undergrad degree in animal science with plans on attending veterinary school for small and large animal. When she’s not at work or in class, you can find her at the beach, riding horses, or playing with her dogs. She has 2 dogs, a schnoodle named Molly Mae (pictured) and a 7 month old Labrador puppy named Remi Kate.
Macy joined Hope in January of 2021. Before moving to Athens in January, she worked as a veterinary technician assistant in Savannah at a mixed animal practice for 3 years. She was born and raised in a small town right outside of Savannah. She is currently in school at the University of Georgia finishing her undergrad degree in animal science with plans on attending veterinary school for small and large animal. When she’s not at work or in class, you can find her at the beach, riding horses, or playing with her dogs. She has 2 dogs, a schnoodle named Molly Mae (pictured) and a 7 month old Labrador puppy named Remi Kate.
Ryanne Hart, Technician Assistant
Ryanne moved to Athens in 2020 to pursue a degree in Animal Science at the University of Georgia. Ryanne grew up in Newnan, Ga with a house full of animals including dogs, cats, and a rabbit. She has always been a lover of animals big and small and plans to be a small and large animal Veterinarian. Ryanne has a horse named Lauren and two rescue dogs named Annie and Alfred. If she’s not at the barn on the weekends, then she enjoys camping and traveling with the dogs!
Ryanne moved to Athens in 2020 to pursue a degree in Animal Science at the University of Georgia. Ryanne grew up in Newnan, Ga with a house full of animals including dogs, cats, and a rabbit. She has always been a lover of animals big and small and plans to be a small and large animal Veterinarian. Ryanne has a horse named Lauren and two rescue dogs named Annie and Alfred. If she’s not at the barn on the weekends, then she enjoys camping and traveling with the dogs!
Nicole Laws, Technician Assistant
Nicole started working at HAMC in 2018 as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. She has moved around a lot growing up, but loves Georgia and ultimately wanted to be back in the peach state. Nicole went to military school and became certified as an Animal Care Specialist in 2017 and went to Animal Behavior College and received her Veterinary Assistant Certification in 2018. Her passion for animals is what drives her every day to continue learning and be the best that she can. She loves the outdoors (when it's warm), trying new things outside of her norm, and new adventures! She has one dog, Stella, and the sweetest kitty named Mr. Mango.
Nicole started working at HAMC in 2018 as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. She has moved around a lot growing up, but loves Georgia and ultimately wanted to be back in the peach state. Nicole went to military school and became certified as an Animal Care Specialist in 2017 and went to Animal Behavior College and received her Veterinary Assistant Certification in 2018. Her passion for animals is what drives her every day to continue learning and be the best that she can. She loves the outdoors (when it's warm), trying new things outside of her norm, and new adventures! She has one dog, Stella, and the sweetest kitty named Mr. Mango.
Meagan Nary, Technician Assistant
Meagan comes to Hope from a mixed animal practice near Savannah where she worked as a technician assistant for a year. She was born and raised in a small town near Savannah before moving to Athens to pursue an undergraduate degree in Applied Biotechnology with an emphasis on animal science. Meagan plans to use her degree to achieve her lifelong dream of being a large animal veterinarian. She has two cats, named Peter Parker and Mary Jane, that she had to leave at home to pursue her education. When not working Meagan enjoys hiking, reading, binge-watching StarTrek, and teaching her cats tricks.
Meagan comes to Hope from a mixed animal practice near Savannah where she worked as a technician assistant for a year. She was born and raised in a small town near Savannah before moving to Athens to pursue an undergraduate degree in Applied Biotechnology with an emphasis on animal science. Meagan plans to use her degree to achieve her lifelong dream of being a large animal veterinarian. She has two cats, named Peter Parker and Mary Jane, that she had to leave at home to pursue her education. When not working Meagan enjoys hiking, reading, binge-watching StarTrek, and teaching her cats tricks.
Ari Wernick, Technician Assistant
Originally from the Washington DC area, this southern-improved Yankee graduated from the University of Georgia in 2017 with a bachelors of science degree in Biology. Before working with Hope AMC, Ari worked for a mixed practice rural clinic and for the Athens Area Humane Society. One of Ari’s favorite moments from his veterinary career was the opportunity to work with wildlife rehab, including raccoons, bobcats and birds of prey. When not working, he loves spending time hiking, kayaking and exploring with his pup, Dexter, or playing ice hockey. Ari is currently waiting to hear back from vet schools, with the hopes of specializing in anesthesia and analgesia.
Originally from the Washington DC area, this southern-improved Yankee graduated from the University of Georgia in 2017 with a bachelors of science degree in Biology. Before working with Hope AMC, Ari worked for a mixed practice rural clinic and for the Athens Area Humane Society. One of Ari’s favorite moments from his veterinary career was the opportunity to work with wildlife rehab, including raccoons, bobcats and birds of prey. When not working, he loves spending time hiking, kayaking and exploring with his pup, Dexter, or playing ice hockey. Ari is currently waiting to hear back from vet schools, with the hopes of specializing in anesthesia and analgesia.
Autumn Barnett, Kennel Technician
To Autumn being a kennel tech at Hope means she takes care of all the wonderful animals that board with us like they were part of her own four-legged family! She moved here from Illinois to go to school to become a veterinarian as her love for animals started at a very young age. Autumn adopted a kitten from Hope and which she named Gobi. She also has a dog name Baylee, who loves to hang out on the couch watching movies and going for long walks.
To Autumn being a kennel tech at Hope means she takes care of all the wonderful animals that board with us like they were part of her own four-legged family! She moved here from Illinois to go to school to become a veterinarian as her love for animals started at a very young age. Autumn adopted a kitten from Hope and which she named Gobi. She also has a dog name Baylee, who loves to hang out on the couch watching movies and going for long walks.
Julie Hunter, Kennel Technician
Julie has been with Hope since September 2016. Born and raised in Georgia and Julie has been in Athens on and off since she was 8yrs old. She has been married to her wonderful husband Thomas for 12 yrs and has two children, Caden and Rylee. Julie has always loved animals since she was a child and even has the nickname Ellie Mae from her parents because she was always rescuing something and bringing it home. Julie gets her love of animals from her dad and knows that he would be very proud of her and the difference she has made in many animals lives. Julie currently has a Great Pyrenees, Badger, and Chihuahua named Foxy and two tabbies named Baby Cat and Bunny. In her free time, she enjoys saving animals, caring for the elderly and spending time with her family. She has learned a lot from all of the wonderful staff at Hope and is genuinely grateful for the opportunity.
Julie has been with Hope since September 2016. Born and raised in Georgia and Julie has been in Athens on and off since she was 8yrs old. She has been married to her wonderful husband Thomas for 12 yrs and has two children, Caden and Rylee. Julie has always loved animals since she was a child and even has the nickname Ellie Mae from her parents because she was always rescuing something and bringing it home. Julie gets her love of animals from her dad and knows that he would be very proud of her and the difference she has made in many animals lives. Julie currently has a Great Pyrenees, Badger, and Chihuahua named Foxy and two tabbies named Baby Cat and Bunny. In her free time, she enjoys saving animals, caring for the elderly and spending time with her family. She has learned a lot from all of the wonderful staff at Hope and is genuinely grateful for the opportunity.
1150 MITCHELL BRIDGE ROAD • ATHENS, GA 30606 • PHONE: 706-546-7879 • FAX: 706-546-1992