Veterinarians
Dr. Sam Smith
Dr. Sam Smith received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and graduated from Ross University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1997. While at NC State, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. Dr. Smith has more than 16 years of experience in veterinary dentistry, with training from boarded veterinary dentists, oral surgeons and continuing education programs. His special interests include raptor rehabilitation, advanced dentistry and orthopedic surgery, including the TightRope CCL technique.
Dr. Stephen Anderson
Dr. Stephen Anderson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University and continued on at NCSU to graduate with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. After graduation, Dr. Anderson moved to the Florida Keys to gain more hands-on experience in exotic animal medicine at the Marathon Veterinary Hospital and spent his free time volunteering his services for the Sea Turtle Hospital, Wild Bird Center and Marine Mammal Rescue Team. After a couple of years in the Keys, Dr. Anderson moved on to bring exotic animal medicine and veterinarian services to the Wilmington, NC area. He is also the area veterinarian for the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program and Southern Reptile Rescue, as well as Sky Watch Bird Rescue, the Wilmington chapter of Phoenix Landing and the Wilmington House Rabbit Society. His special interests include exotic animal medicine (including wildlife), surgery and oncology.
Dr. Kelsey Weingartner
Dr. Kelsey Weingartner received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine with a minor in Biochemistry from Kutztown University, and moved to the Island of St. Kitts shortly after to pursue her doctorate. She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with high honors, where she spent her first 3 years of training in St. Kitts and completed her clinical year rotations in Raleigh at NC State University. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Kelsey received several years of training and experience as both a veterinary assistant and receptionist at a family owned practice in her hometown of Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kelsey shares her home in Wilmington with her pitbull mix, Jackson, that she adopted during her time in Raleigh. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and taking Jackson on outdoor adventures in the area.
Dr. Katie Alewel
Although originally from Las Vegas, Dr. Katie Alewel has spent 8 years in Missouri where she attended the University of Missouri (MIZ!) for a Bachelor's degree in Biology and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Alewel knew she wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember and has been working with animals of all shapes and sizes since high school. After completing her doctorate, she decided to move to Wilmington to be closer to the ocean for regular beach days and a chance to explore the east coast. She knew Paws & Claws was home after completing an externship here and experienced how dedicated and passionate the team is. Dr. Alewel enjoys scuba diving, traveling, hanging out with friends, playing video games and precising the violin. She is excited to be part of the Wilmington community and being able to serve your furry, hairy, scaley and feathery family members. Her own pets include a toy poodle named Harley, a bearded dragon named Flick and Guinea Pigs Appa and Momo.
Sarah Beth
Originally from Alabama, Sarah Beth met her husband, Aaron, who is a North Carolina native and decided she would also make North Carolina her home. Rest assured, she's an Alabama football fan until the day she dies! Now, she is a mom of two boys, Christopher and William. Sarah Beth and her family have two fur babies, Chance and Apache, and a chicken coop featuring their roosters, Mayhem and Dave, and their hens, Jolene and Ivy! In her free time, Sarah Beth loves exploring the outdoors with her family, serving at her church and soaking up all that mamahood has to offer. After leaving the automotive industry, she has absolutely fallen in love with Paws & Claws and does not see a change coming any time soon!
Claudia
Claudia was born and raised here in Wilmington and can't imagine living anywhere else. She has been working in the veterinary field for over 10 years and has been at Paws & Claws since day one. Claudia currently shares her home with her dog "Little Man" (also known as Bruce) and her boyfriend, Corey. Outside of work, Claudia enjoys playing pool, going to the beach, and being with friends.
Kelly
Having lived in many places such as New Jersey, Colorado, and Nevada, Kelly and her family decided to finally settle down in Wilmington in 2021. Kelly has several years of experience holding many positions in animal hospitals throughout the country. She shares her home with her husband, daughters, and cat, Kiwi. In her off time, she enjoys taking strolls on the beach, traveling, and exploring historical sites. Kelly's bubbly personality fit right in and we couldn't be happier to have her on our team!
Erica
Erica joined the Paws & Claws team in July of 2022. A Berklee alumni, Erica is also a teaching and performing pianist! She has worked in animal care since 2019 and enjoys the client interaction she has as a receptionist. In her little free time, she loves to sit on her porch, while her husband watches TV and her dog, Pablo Snickersbar, suns himself in the yard and chases squirrels.
Sam
Rheagyn
Rheagyn moved to Wilmington from New Mexico to be with her boyfriend, Ryan, in the summer of 2020. She has since completely fallen in love with North Carolina and has no plans to leave. Rheagyn has had a passion for animals since she was young and worked at a doggy daycare prior to moving to Wilmington. While working at the doggy daycare, she realized her passion was in the veterinary field where she made the decision to join the Paws & Claws family. At home, Rheagyn has two cats named Shego and Jax. On her days off, you can find Rheagyn at the gym, gardening, cooking or hanging out at the beach with Ryan.
Casey, RVT
Casey, a native to Hampstead, has been in the animal field for over 10 years. She has known since she was little that she wanted to care for all animals of all species. Before joining Paws & Claws in August of 2020, she graduated from the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College. She officially became a Registered Veterinary Technician in March 2021. Along with joining Paws and Claws, graduating, and taking the VTNE, 2020 brought a wedding for Casey, as she married her fiance of 8 years, Cameron, in December. Casey has 4 fur and scaly children of her own: Rick Ross and Biggie Smalls, who are two sassy bearded dragons; Snorlax, who is spoiled rabbit; and last but not least Nalah, her dog who is the queen of the house. Casey has found her forever home at Paws & Claws and cannot wait for many years to come.
Chrissy
Chrissy grew up on a farm in Lexington, NC and after watching Free Willy as a child, knew she wanted to work with animals. She moved to Wilmington to attend UNCW and graduated in 2017 with a B.S. in Marine Biology. She was involved with the Mammal Stranding Program at UNCW and knew she wanted more live animal experience, so she went back to school for Cape Fear Community College's Veterinary Technician program. Chrissy became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2023. Over the years, she has worked at a variety of facilities, including aquariums and seal rescues, and has found her passion in exotic and aquatic animal medicine. Chrissy and her husband have a German Shepherd named June, a cat named Zoe and a corn snake named Ziggy.
Straight out of early college, Morgan knew where her heart was meant to be - in the veterinary profession. Morgan has worked in animal hospitals for a decade now doing everything from reception, to being an assistant on the treatment floor, to taking care of animals in the kennel. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with friends, going to the beach and hiking in the mountains.
Jessica P.
Jessica has lived in Wilmington her whole life, she enjoys going to the beach with her sister and her son in the summer time. When not at the beach on the weekends, she enjoys reading, crocheting, watching tv, or just spending time with her family. Jessica resides in Hampstead with her husband, her son, her dog "Otis" and her newly acquired cat "Galaxy". She is a graduate of Miller-Motte College with a Diploma in Medical Billing and Coding as well as an Associates in Electronic Medical Records. Shortly after graduating, she realized she really wanted to follow her dream of working with animals. Her goal is to soon start classes at CFCC to become a registered veterinary technician. Jessica's smile & bubbly personality radiates through our office.
Krystin
Krystin is originally from Long Island, NY but moved to North Carolina when she was ten years old. In the past, she worked at a doggie daycare facility, but was introduced to the Paws & Claws family in the early fall of 2017. Krystin has always been driven to take care of animals - even as a small child. She originally started as a receptionist at our office but found her passion as a veterinary assistant where she has enjoyed caring for patients for the last several years. Outside of work, Krystin enjoys camping & hiking in the mountains, taking photos, and practicing yoga. In her free times, she loves spending time at home with her husband Chris, her dog Jack, and cat Julian. One of her favorite things to wear is a smile and you will never see her without one!
Tiffany
A North Carolina native, Tiffany has been in the veterinary field for over sixteen years! Tiffany was an addition to our staff in early 2018 and quickly fit right in. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband & daughter, watching scary movies, and collecting vintage horror film memorabilia! At home resides her dog, Bronson, but she is also basically Manny's (pictured) godmother. As a feisty juvenile Savannah Monitor, the only thing Tiffany doesn't like about him is when it comes to his feeding time, which includes dubia roaches!
Lauren
Lauren moved to Wilmington eight years ago from Fort Worth, Texas where she was raised. She attended Weatherford College in Texas where she received her Veterinary Assistant Certificate. She started as a Vet Tech in Fort Worth, working in everything from general practice to emergency medicine. Lauren relocated to North Carolina in 2013 and Wilmington became home to her, her daughter Briley and her dog Bailey. Lauren says they never want to leave here. Lauren came to Paws & Claws in September 2020 after working at an Ophthalmology Specialty animal hospital for over five years. In her free time, she and her daughter enjoy camping and hiking in the mountains and boating and beach activities in the summer. They share their home with their new pet Yorkie, Ava, and two chickens Miranda and Dixie. Lauren also is enrolled at Penn Foster College pursuing her degree to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. She has a passion to care for animals and cannot see herself doing anything else.
Noelle
Noelle is a Wilmington native but moved to Raleigh for a few years to attend North Carolina State University. After earning her B.S. in Animal Science, Noelle moved back to Wilmington to continue working with animals, as a vet assistant, while also applying to vet school. Noelle has four parakeets, two box turtles, and a betta fish. When Noelle is not working, she enjoys staying active by hiking, jogging, or walking at the beach. She is an ACE certified group fitness instructor and loves to teach others that exercise can be fun. Noelle was previously a summer intern at Paws & Claws as a college student and is so happy to be back as a full-time vet assistant.
Hannah
Originally from the Cleveland, Ohio area, Hannah moved to North Carolina in January of 2017 to marry her husband. Prior to the move, Hannah volunteered at a multitude of clinics ranging from small animal practices to equine specialty practices from the time she was in middle school. Hannah has always had a passion for animals- she grew up with dogs and has been riding horses since she was 6 years old. She joined the Paws & Claws family in March of 2018 and has no plans to go anywhere any time soon! Hannah and her husband have two furbabies, Cooper and Ava, that are their world. In her free time, Hannah enjoys shooting sports, reading, riding horses and hanging out at home with the pups and her husband.
Sara
Sara joined the Paws & Claws family in November 2022 after graduating from UNCW with a B.A. in Psychology focused on animal behavior. From a young age, Sara knew she wanted to care for all creatures great and small. Sara plans to continue studying animal behavior and is in the process of applying to veterinary school. In her free time, Sara enjoys painting, knitting, playing video games, volunteering for Boykin Spaniel Rescue and exploring nature with her senior family pup, Jadae. Sara currently shares her home with her two cats, Milo and Salem. In the future, Sara hopes to move to England to continue her education and be closer to family.
Lizzie
Lizzie is a Wilmington native, but she has also lived in Florida and New York! She fell in love with veterinary medicine after volunteering at a vet clinic and made the decision to pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Lizzie is currently attending school to fulfill her prerequisites for vet school. She began working in the veterinary field in 2021 and became a member of the Paws & Claws team in February 2023. She has three cats at home named Mona, Chichi and Sam, and three dogs named Luna, Violet, and Osita. A fun fact about Lizzie is that she speaks fluent Spanish! In her free time, Lizzie likes to read, travel and learn all she can about veterinary medicine.
Zoe
Zoe moved to Wilmington from Boone, North Carolina in 2020 to study Marine Biology, but she quickly fell in love with veterinary medicine and joined the vet field in 2021. She has been passionate about animals since she was young and has always known she was going to choose a career path to care for them. Zoe and her boyfriend, James, have three cats together named Charlie, Bo and their newest addition, Twig. She plans to go back to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in the future. When Zoe isn't at work, she enjoys unwinding by reading, swimming, playing video games and being a foodie.
Kaitlyn
MaKenna
Janae
Janae moved from Orange County, California to Wilmington in 2004. Prior to joining the Paws & Claws family, Janae worked at an animal hospital for 5 years and a dog boarding facility for 4 years. Nothing brings her joy like happy dogs greeting her first thing in the morning! They remind her she is where she is supposed to be. Janae married her high school sweetheart, Carl, and they have two daughters together named Ashleigh and Krysten. They share their home with a small zoo which consists of 3 English Cream Miniature Dachshunds named Cali, Chance and Sebastian, a Chihuahua mix named Roman, and both of their daughter's cats, Binx and Michael, who managed to stay behind when their daughters moved out. Janae enjoys being with her family when she's not working.
Gigi
Gigi is originally from New York and moved to Wilmington in February of 2023 to start her career in the veterinary field. Prior to moving here, Gigi attended Pima Medical Institute to obtain her veterinary assistant certification, but has recently transferred to Cape Fear Community College to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Gigi has plans to pursue vet school in the future! Gigi's passion for helping and loving animals has brought her to where she is today and has shaped her future plans. She and her family have one dog, named Bear, who is spoiled rotten and the center of their worlds.
Fatima
