Meet Our Veterinarians

Billy Pullen, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Internal Medicine

Dr. Pullen grew up in the Chattanooga area, where he attended elementary and high school. He continued a Pullen family tradition by attending the University of Georgia, where he earned a B.S. in Biology in 1996 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. After leaving Athens, he completed a rotating internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in New Jersey. He dove back into General Practice but soon realized that his primary interests were finding solutions to the mysteries of Internal Medicine. He soon went on to complete an internship at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and then a small animal internal medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Since that time, he has practiced in academia and predominantly private specialty practices. His interests include gastrointestinal, autoimmune disorders, and critical care. Dr. Pullen is married to Claudia, and they have two young sons, Luca and Connor. In September of 2016, Dr. Pullen opened Veterinary Care and Specialty Group with the primary focus of providing the best medical care possible for pets.

Katrina Stewart, BVSc (Hons), BSc Adv (Hons), MS

Internal Medicine

Dr. Katrina Stewart is from the east coast of Australia, completing an advanced science degree at the University of Wollongong followed by two years working in an embryology laboratory in Sydney. She obtained her veterinary degree at the University of Sydney and, following graduation, worked at a mixed practice in far north Queensland two years; here, she worked with a variety of native animals, including the local bat hospital.

Dr. Stewart went on to pursue a rotating internship at Mississippi State University, followed by a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Purdue University. She has worked in California and more recently in Tennessee. She enjoys all areas of Internal Medicine and, when not treating her patients, enjoys being outdoors and traveling, baking, crocheting, and swimming.

Shelby Verheuvel, DVM, MS

Internal Medicine

Dr. Verheuvel grew up in the northern Atlanta area through middle and high school. She moved to Savannah, Georgia, where she completed her undergraduate degree in biology before starting veterinary school at the University of Georgia. While in Athens, she met her then classmate, now husband, Matthew. After graduating from veterinary school, she completed a rotating internship at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, before matching at Auburn University for a residency in small animal internal medicine. Her primary interests include teaching, renal disease, pulmonary hypertension, and auto-immune disorders. Outside of veterinary medicine, she loves to hike, craft, and read as much as possible.

Reid Groman, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVECC

Critical Care

Reid Groman is originally from Long Island, New York. He completed his undergraduate studies at Binghamton University and earned his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1994. After completing an internship at Texas A&M, he spent two years in general practice. Dr. Groman went on to complete a three-year residency in Internal Medicine at Texas A&M, followed by a two-year fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and a one-year fellowship in Nephrology and Hemodialysis at UC-Davis. Dr. Groman then spent eight years as clinical faculty at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Most recently, he spent six years working at two large referral hospitals in New Jersey where he developed and implemented critical care as a dedicated and collaborative service. Dr. Groman happily sees dogs and cats with routine emergencies, in addition to patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries requiring urgent stabilization and critical care.

Jake Barnett, DVM

Surgery Resident

Dr. Barnett grew up on a farm in Chattanooga. He began his college experience at Tennessee Wesleyan in Athens and received his bachelor’s degree in biology and played college baseball. As a college student, Dr. Barnett quickly began to fall in love with veterinary medicine and soon decided to chase that dream. He attended the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and received his degree in 2015. After school, Dr. Barnett practiced general medicine near Sacramento, California. He soon learned, however, that he missed the South and returned home to begin emergency practice. He has been interested in the more critical aspects of medicine and highly enjoys the larger impact he can make in animals that need help. His primary interests are surgery, internal medicine, and spending extra time with clients to help them understand the situation. In his free time, Dr. Barnett enjoys kayaking, hunting, fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. He is also scuba certified and has a passion for all animals on the land and in the sea. He has three dogs (a chocolate Labrador named Cabela, a Dachshund mix named Goose, and a mixed breed named Smush).

Theresa Hess, DVM, DACVS-SA

Surgery

Dr. Hess grew up in New Jersey. She graduated with her DVM degree from the University of Illinois in 2011 and completed a one-year private practice internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey. Dr. Hess moved to Las Vegas for a one-year surgical internship and stayed to complete a three-year surgical residency. She had the opportunity to operate on several exotic species, including lions, capybaras, a camel, a fox, and a sugar glider. Interests include thoracic and abdominal surgery, surgical oncology, neurologic surgery, wound management, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Hess worked as a small animal surgeon in Gainesville for four years and, most recently, at a private practice specialty and emergency hospital in Syracuse. She played four years of collegiate basketball at McDaniel College and made three NCAA tournament appearances, including the Sweet Sixteen round. She enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, tennis, and outdoor activities. She currently has two Labrador Retrievers, whom she adores.

Jeffrey Peck, DVM, DACVS, Founding Fellow, Joint Replacement Surgery

Surgery

Dr. Peck grew up in South Florida. He attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate education. Dr. Peck went to veterinary school at Tufts University and graduated in 1992. In 1996, he completed a Surgical Residency at Iowa State University and then became a clinical instructor at the University of Missouri. Dr. Peck has been a staff surgeon at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland, Florida, for 23 years and has also served as the surgical residency program director at AVS. He has been very involved in the ACVS as President and Chair of the Board. Joint replacement surgery has been his primary area of research and is the subject of numerous published articles and a textbook. As a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, he will be transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve in 2021. Dr. Peck is married to Kathy, his high school sweetheart. Their daughter’s name is Kayla. Two pugs (Asha and Peaches) and a Boston (Juno) complete the family. His main hobbies are running (17 marathons!) and woodworking.

Jake Tidwell, DVM

Surgery Resident

Dr. Tidwell grew up in Southwest Florida and attended Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He received a veterinary scholarship with the US Army and after graduating in 2015, Dr. Tidwell completed a one-year military internship in Colorado. He was stationed on Guam where he headed a military veterinary clinic and conducted official trips through Southeast Asia and Oceania. In 2019, Dr. Tidwell was assigned as a Special Forces Unit Veterinarian in Colorado and cared for multipurpose canines. Dr. Tidwell was selected to attend a surgical internship/residency at VCSG. Dr. Kristen Hinatsu, his wife, is an ER doctor at VCSG, and they have a toddler daughter and three dogs and two cats. He enjoys spending time outdoors, especially in and on the water.

Kelly Crawford, DVM, DACVIM (NEUROLOGY)

Neurology

Dr. Crawford is originally from the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. She went to the University of Georgia for her undergraduate and veterinary degrees. After finishing her rotating internship in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Crawford completed her specialty internship and residency training in New Mexico, Indiana (at Purdue University), and Michigan. Dr. Crawford has worked in private practice in Michigan and Colorado since finishing her residency in 2019. She has been published for her research on atlantoaxial instability and polyneuropathy in Siberian cats. She enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Neurology – especially neurosurgery and managing complicated seizure patients. Outside of work, Dr. Crawford enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, hiking, and cooking.

Christiane Massicotte, DVM, MS, PHD, DACVIM (NEUROLOGY)

Neurology

Dr. Massicotte received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Montreal in 1994. She completed an internship program at the University of Minnesota and a residency program at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. While participating in her residency program, Dr. Massicotte concurrently earned a Master’s degree in Neurotoxicology. While at Virginia Tech, she obtained her Ph.D. and then earned her board certification as a Diplomate in Neurology at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Massicotte served as Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and has been Director of the Neurology/neurosurgery Department at Animal Emergency and Referral Associates in Fairfield, NJ, since 2005. She enjoys farmland, the outdoors, walking with Maestro and Chopin (her Collies), riding her mares (Stella and Amber Moon), and taking her morning coffee while enjoying Figaro, her bird. Dr. Massicotte owns a black belt in Taekwondo.

Jason Strasberg, DVM, DACVR-RO

Radiation Oncology

Dr. Strasberg grew up in Memphis prior to attending the University of Georgia for undergraduate and veterinary school graduating in 2019. He then went on to complete a one-year rotating internship at a Blue Pearl Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his internship, he finished a three-year residency program at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 in Radiation Oncology. Outside of work, Dr. Strasberg enjoys rock climbing, grilling out, board games, and basketball. He recently married his wife Laura, and they have a miniature poodle (Anya) and an orange tabby (Mr. K) at home.

Alexandra Gareau, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

Medical Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant and Apheresis

Alexandra Gareau grew up in Quebec City, Canada. She obtained her DVM degree from the University of Montreal in 2017 and completed a rotating internship at Purdue University in 2018. She further specialized by completing a 2-year fellowship in canine bone marrow transplant and apheresis, followed by a medical oncology residency at North Carolina State University (NCSU). She achieved board certification in 2023 and continued at NCSU as a clinical instructor in the oncology service for one year before joining VCSG. Dr. Gareau is particularly interested in bone marrow transplants, a procedure that can cure blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia. Outside of work, Dr. Gareau enjoys outdoor activities, especially paddleboarding with her Sheltie, Louka, and Chocolate Lab, Bailey, and exploring nature. She is excited to discover the wonders of Chattanooga!

For more information about Bone Marrow Transplant please contact us at www.theCTAC-USA.com

Katelyn Marlowe, DVM, DACVIM (ONCOLOGY)

Medical Oncology

Dr. Marlowe grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Maryville College and her veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee.  After veterinary school, she completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA Alameda East in Denver.  Dr. Marlowe then pursued a three-year medical oncology residency at the University of Wisconsin and achieved her board certification in 2019.  Her special interests include histiocytic sarcoma, lymphoma, and palliative care for cancer patients.  She believes in the importance of the doctor-client relationship and maintaining a good quality of life for all her patients.  Her study on pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma in dogs has been published in the Veterinary and Comparative Oncology journal.  Dr. Marlowe enjoys hiking, reading, craft breweries and spending time with her family.

DAVID LEVINE, PT, PHD, MPH, DPT, CCRP

Rehabilitation

Dr. Levine grew up in New York. He attended the University of New England and became a physical therapist in 1986. He completed postgraduate work in orthopedics and exercise science at Boston University and the University of Tennessee where he received his Ph.D. in 1994. Dr. Levine is also a professor at UTC and an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Levine has been working and conducting research in animal physical rehabilitation since 1993 and is co-editor of multiple veterinary books, including Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in Dogs and Cats, and Gait Analysis: An Introduction. Dr. Levine has been married to Allison for 25 years, and their children are Lauren, Sarah, Hadley, and Ava. Two dogs and three cats complete the family. Dr. Levine’s main hobbies are boating and exercising.

Katelyn Lee, LVMT, CVT, CCAT

Rehabilitation

Katelyn grew up in central Mississippi and attended Mississippi State University graduating in 2018. She earned two degrees – one in Animal and Dairy Science, as well as Veterinary Medical Technology. Katelyn started her career as a CVT working for a small animal practice.  She soon transitioned to working in canine rehabilitation for Mississippi State’s referral hospital in Flowood, Mississippi, before moving to Chattanooga. Outside of work, Katelyn enjoys being active, hiking, reading, spending time with family and game nights with friends.

Ashley Wheeler, LVMT, CCRP

Rehabilitation

Ashley began her career in veterinary medicine as a veterinary assistant in 2013. She graduated from San Juan College, where she earned an associate’s degree in Veterinary Medical Technology in 2017 and became a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technologist (LVMT) in 2018. Ashley has had the good fortune of working in many areas of veterinary medicine, enabling her to discover her true passion in the area of physical rehabilitation. In 2022, Ashley received her credentials as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee.

Jonathan Goodwin, DVM, DACVIM (CARDIOLOGY)

Cardiology

Dr. Goodwin is a graduate of Cornell University and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University. He also completed an internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital. At Purdue University, he completed a Master’s degree in Cardiac Physiology and a Cardiology residency. Services offered at VCSG by Dr. Goodwin include full comprehensive consultations with complete cardiac evaluations to help diagnose and treat congenital or acquired heart disease and malformations.

Nicole Bailey, DVM

Emergency

Dr. Bailey is from Huntsville, Alabama.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of North Alabama.  After graduation, she worked at Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital in Birmingham, where veterinary medicine sparked a new passion.  While working part time, Dr. Bailey obtained her veterinary prerequisites at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  She graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021.  She has an interest in wildlife and exotic medicine and went to South Africa to practice field medicine.  She completed an externship at the Denver Zoo and a rotating internship at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver.  Following her rotating internship, Dr. Bailey completed a neurology specialty internship at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston.  Dr. Bailey enjoys hiking with her dog named Sperry and loves anything Halloween or true crime related.  She is an amateur skier and loves to cook Chicken Marsala. 

Kristen Hinatsu, DVM

Emergency

Dr. Hinatsu earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University in 2015. She then completed a one-year rotating internship in San Diego before moving to Guam. She helped open the only spay and neuter clinic on the island and was the lead surgeon of the animal shelter, GAIN. She worked general practice on the two military bases providing veterinary services for military families. In 2019, Dr. Hinatsu moved to Colorado and spent three years in general practice and worked for the National Mill Dog Rescue. She is passionate about surgery and homeless animals.

Dr. Hinatsu is married to Dr. Jake Tidwell, a VCSG surgery resident, and they have a toddler daughter. Dr. Hinatsu enjoys hiking, traveling, nature/wildlife photography, new foods, movies, and houseplants.

Natasha Jones, DVM

Emergency

Natasha is a proud graduate of both Appalachian State University and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Go Mountaineers and Go Dawgs! Her special interests include emergency medicine, surgery, and providing low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services to under-privileged communities. This work has allowed her to travel to multiple places, including Fiji following Covid, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, Hawaii, and all over the continental US. In 2018, she formed her own locum veterinary company called Paws and Relax Veterinary Services that provides relief services to foster a better work life-balance for other veterinarian colleagues. She has 2 dogs, Boone and Hazel. She has worked with VCSG for 6 years and in veterinary medicine for 28 years.

Stefanie Sullivan, DVM

Emergency

Dr. Sullivan is a Chattanooga native. She graduated from Ooltewah High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Sullivan subsequently made her way to Grand Cayman where she studied Veterinary Medicine. After three years of living on island time and completing her course work, she made her way to Indiana and finished her clinical year at Purdue University. In 2009, she received her Veterinary degree from St. Matthew’s University. Dr. Sullivan moved back to Chattanooga and began working at an emergency and specialty practice. She did a one-year rotating internship and then worked for a year as an emergency clinician. Dr. Sullivan has spent the last few years working and training for a residency in emergency and critical care. In her free time, she enjoys getting outside, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She and her boyfriend have six dogs that keep them busy (Piper, Ziggy, Remi, Ashe, Goose and Maverick) and two very special cats, Chad and Brad.

Wayne Zuvers, DVM

Emergency

Dr. Zuvers is a 1999 graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He received his BS Degree in Agribusiness and Environmental Resources from Arizona State University. Before veterinary school, he served as a Public Health Chemist for the State of Arizona. Having served as a practice manager in Phoenix, Dr. Zuvers has practiced for 21 years with an emphasis in emergency medicine and critical care. For the past several years, he has been the Medical Director at Northwest Georgia Veterinary Emergency Center in Rome. Special interests include snake envenomations, internal medicine, and soft tissue surgery. Another interest includes working for the City of Surprise Fire Department in Crisis Response. Dr. Zuvers is married to Amy, and they have six children and a Great Dane named Millie. He enjoys horseback riding, hiking, movies and is an avid collector of Al Hirschfeld lithographs and Star Wars memorabilia.

Dr. Marlene Kelley

Intern – Class of 2025

Dr. Kelley spent most of her childhood in Tecumseh, Michigan. She attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in chemistry while working as a veterinary technician at Mount Berry Animal Hospital. Growing up on a farm, she continued her passion for equestrian activities and competed on Berry’s equestrian team. After graduating, Dr. Kelley moved to Ann Arbor where she worked as a veterinary technician for two years at Arbor Hills Animal Clinic. She earned her DVM at Michigan State University while also working at her family’s clinic, Addison Vet Clinic. Upon graduation, she moved to Chattanooga for her rotating internship with Veterinary Care & Specialty Group (VCSG). With a special interest in anesthesia, Dr. Kelley is passionate about providing top-notch pain management. She enjoys spending time with her dog and cat and loves yoga, hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, and relaxing with her friends and family.

Dr. Charleston Marger

Intern – Class of 2025

Dr. Marger grew up on an apple farm in North Georgia. She moved to Charleston, South Carolina, for college and resided there for 15 years. Dr. Marger earned her B.S. in International Business at the College of Charleston, then a Master’s in Biology at The Citadel. Dr. Marger worked as a laboratory manager focused on translational research for cancer and Parkinson’s disease at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her research experiences inspired her to become a veterinarian. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee. On her time off, Dr. Marger likes to swim, mountain bike, and spend time with her husband and their three little dogs.

Dr. Nick Millis

Intern – Class of 2025

Dr. Millis grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and attended The University of Tennessee. He earned a B.S. in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2019. After graduating from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023, he moved to Chattanooga. Dr. Millis and Caitlin, his wife, have two cats who keep them entertained – Myrtle and Marvin. He enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Chassidy Eralie, RDMS (ABD, OB, PS), RVT, RT (R)

Imaging

Chassidy was born in Poconos, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Florida during her high school years. She earned her Associate’s degree in Radiology at Edison College and graduated from Broward College with her Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer license. Chassidy moved to middle Tennessee and worked at Park West Hospital in Knoxville before relocating to Chattanooga to work at Erlanger. Throughout her professional journey, Chassidy has been dedicated to expanding her expertise. She has pursued additional certifications, including vascular and pediatric imaging, and has consistently engaged in learning new procedures and exams to enhance her skills. Actively involved in teaching new Sonographers, Chassidy has volunteered her time to write and approve questions for the ARDMS App, in addition to contributing to the development of protocols and training materials for specific exams. Beyond her career, she finds joy in her personal life as she enjoys spending time with her family. They enjoy outdoor activities and hobbies like woodworking, crafting, and exploring technology. Chassidy’s decision to expand her skills into the veterinary world demonstrates her ongoing passion for learning and adapting to new challenges.