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Our Care Team

Your pet’s emotional and physical well-being is prioritized with every visit. We put the patients first!

Jeri

Jeri

Office Manager / Veterinary Assistant

Long before veterinary medicine became her career, it was deeply personal for Jeri Chauncey. At the center of that story was Miss Bonnie Belle—her soul dog. Loving Bonnie Belle sparked something more than affection; it created a drive to understand veterinary medicine so she could provide the very best care possible. What began as a love for animals quickly grew into a fascination with the medicine behind their care. For Jeri, learning how to heal, protect, and improve the lives of pets became both a calling and a lifelong pursuit.

Jeri began her career as a veterinary assistant in 1996 when a clinic near her home in Tennessee was hiring. She stepped into the role and never looked back. Over the years, her journey took her to several clinics in different states—seven years at her first hospital, two years at the next, and seventeen years at another before eventually moving to Alabama. In March 2022, she joined Fort Payne Animal Hospital, bringing with her nearly three decades of hands-on experience, dedication, and knowledge.

At the hospital, Jeri especially enjoys performing dog dentals, finding the transformation both rewarding and satisfying. She also loves being part of the surgical team, where precision, teamwork, and patient care come together. What keeps her passionate about veterinary medicine is that no two days are ever the same. There is always something new to learn, a different case to solve, or another patient who needs her steady, capable care.

Her life outside of work reflects the same deep commitment to animals. Jeri’s home is filled with them—two Great Danes, Stella and Izzy; and a Chihuahua named Jolene. She also shares her life with six cats, two birds named Kiwi and Mango, fifty chickens, and two peacocks. Her list of pets truly speaks for itself.

When she is not caring for animals at home or at the hospital, Jeri enjoys traveling and has taken several sailing trips, including one unforgettable dive to explore underwater statues in the Caribbean.

Leeanne

Lead Assistant

Long before she ever stepped into a veterinary clinic, Leeanne Corona had already chosen her path. In kindergarten, when most children were still imagining what they might become, she confidently declared she would be a veterinarian—there is even video proof to back it up. While her title today is Lead Technician Assistant, that childhood dream never disappeared. Instead, it quietly shaped her decisions and led her toward a career centered on caring for animals.

Leeanne joined Fort Payne Animal Hospital in August 2021 after a friend who worked at the practice encouraged her to apply. At the time, she had been working for many years at her family’s Mexican restaurant, where she learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and building relationships with people from all walks of life. Making the transition into veterinary medicine felt both exciting and uncertain, but she was ready for something that aligned more closely with her lifelong passion. She began as a Kennel Technician, quickly adapting to the pace of the hospital, and before long she was given the opportunity to grow into her current role as a Veterinary Assistant.

Today, Leeanne thrives in the hands-on aspects of patient care. She enjoys assisting with treatments, learning new skills, and being part of a team that supports one another through busy days and challenging cases. She especially appreciates forming connections with clients, understanding that compassion extends beyond the patient to the people who love them. And she will never turn down the chance to sneak in a few extra moments of playtime with a puppy.

Born and raised in Fort Payne, Leeanne grew up with her parents and two younger brothers. She spent much of her time involved in music and AV Communications classes, experiences that helped build her confidence and creativity. At home, she shares life with her three dogs—Munky, Taro, and Hercules. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and attending concerts, always looking forward to new experiences and meaningful memories.

Blair

Lead Receptionist

Animals have always been central to Blair’s life. Born and raised in Fort Payne, she remains closely connected to the community she now serves. Raised by her parents, grandparents, and siblings, she was always surrounded by a strong and supportive family who helped shape her compassionate nature.

Blair joined Fort Payne Animal Hospital in July 2023 and now serves as a full-time receptionist. She first came on board as a kennel technician/receptionist while searching for something that aligned with her passion for helping animals. Working at the hospital quickly felt like exactly where she was meant to be.

One moment that stands out most to her occurred when a mother cat and her seven tiny kittens were unexpectedly abandoned at the hospital. What could have been a heartbreaking situation instead became a defining experience. While helping to care for kittens, Blair formed a special bond with one of them and decided to adopt her. That kitten, Nova, is now a cherished member of her own family.

Although she works at the front desk, Blair’s heart is firmly rooted in patient care. She believes animals deserve patience, protection, and understanding. One of her favorite parts of the job is witnessing patients with long-term or serious illnesses recover and return to health. Watching those success stories unfold reminds her why she chose this path. She also enjoys seeing a variety of species come through the hospital, as each visit brings an opportunity to learn something new.

Outside of work, Blair hopes to one day pursue a career in marine biology or environmental science. She enjoys long walks outdoors, spending time in nature, and listening to music. At home, she shares her life with five cats—Tiger, Honey, Hazel, Nova, and Catillac—and three dogs—Luna, Molly, and Dobie. Hazel, in particular, has earned a reputation at the clinic as an escape artist, often opening kennel latches during boarding stays and calmly watching the commotion from a nearby shelf.

Rita

Rita

Part-Time Receptionist

A welcoming smile and a calm voice can make all the difference when someone walks through the door with a beloved pet, and that is exactly the role Rita brings to Fort Payne Animal Hospital each day. After retiring from a career in public service, she felt drawn to continue helping others in a more personal and meaningful way, leading her to join the practice in December of 2020.

As a part-time receptionist, Rita serves as the first point of contact for clients and their pets, creating a sense of comfort from the very beginning. She takes great pride in making sure every person feels heard and supported, helping them feel confident that their pet is in caring and capable hands. That connection, built in those first few moments, is what makes her role so meaningful.

Rita especially enjoys greeting patients as they arrive, often taking a moment to give them extra attention and affection. Many of the animals she meets are friendly and eager for interaction, which makes each day both enjoyable and rewarding. She approaches every encounter with warmth and patience, creating a welcoming environment for both pets and their owners. While she is comfortable handling a variety of animals—even ball pythons—she admits that tarantulas are not her favorite visitors.

Originally spending part of her youth in Florida before settling in Fort Payne, Rita has built a life centered around faith, family, and community. She is actively involved in her church, where she teaches Bible classes to young girls and participates in various activities. Outside of work, she expresses her creativity by crafting jewelry from pieces of old china, giving new life to something meaningful. She also enjoys photographing sunsets and has a love for hot air balloons, having experienced two rides and hoping to one day take in even more scenic views from above.

Rita’s thoughtful nature and genuine care for others continue to shape the experience of every client and pet she meets.

Tricia

Tricia

Bookkeeper / Receptionist

Growing up on a farm, Tricia learned early that caring for animals is a privilege and a big responsibility. Her family raised pigs, cattle, basset hounds, and Siamese cats, and daily life revolved around feeding schedules, barn chores, and the steady rhythm of country living. She witnessed the birth of countless animals. One memory in particular has stayed with her over the years—the day their Siamese cat delivered a remarkable litter of 13 kittens. Tricia helped feed and care for each tiny life, making sure they were warm, safe, and thriving. That experience quietly shaped her understanding that animals depend on people not only for care, but for comfort and protection.

That belief continues to guide her today. As a part-time bookkeeper and receptionist at Fort Payne Animal Hospital, Tricia brings warmth, steadiness, and a lifelong connection to animals into her role. She joined the team in April 2025 after Dr. Baker reached out in search of someone with strong bookkeeping experience. Having retired from a 40-year career in banking and credit unions, the opportunity felt like perfect timing—a way to blend her professional expertise with the part of her heart that always belonged to animals.

At the hospital, Tricia enjoys greeting clients, meeting their pets, and supporting a team dedicated to compassionate care. She appreciates that no two days are exactly alike and values continuing to learn in this new chapter of her career.

Outside of work, Tricia and her husband enjoy their acreage and a few cows, keeping her farm roots close to home. They share their lives with a Labrador named Lou and two cats, Cyrus and Sammy. Lou may have been her husband’s idea, but he quickly proved to be a devoted “ladies’ dog,” rarely leaving Tricia’s side.

In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels, taking long walks outdoors, and visiting the beach. While her childhood was filled with hands-on farm adventures, she still laughs about the day her father brought home bees and hives—an experience she happily decided was not for her.

Emily

Emily

Front Desk Receptionist

For Emily, animals have never been just pets. Growing up around chickens, ducks and goats taught her early on that animals become part of the family, and that connection has remained an important part of her life. Today, with nine German Shepherds and two cats at home, caring for animals is part of her everyday routine. Her experiences with her own pets have also helped her understand how much families depend on a veterinary team to keep their beloved companions healthy and cared for.

Emily joined Fort Payne Animal Hospital in May 2026 after making the move from Georgia to Alabama. Her love for animals made working in veterinary medicine feel like a natural fit, and her first veterinary position was as an assistant. After gaining experience in the field, she eventually returned to veterinary medicine as a receptionist, where she could continue helping animals while supporting the people who care for them.

As a Front Desk Receptionist, Emily enjoys being one of the first friendly faces clients meet when they arrive at the clinic. She wants every family to feel comfortable and welcomed, especially when they are trusting the team with an important part of their lives. Meeting new pets and their families is one of her favorite parts of the job, and she especially enjoys seeing familiar faces return and getting to know them over time. For Emily, even small interactions can help make a veterinary visit a more positive experience.

At home, Emily shares life with her husband, Sean, their son, Julian, nine German Shepherds and two cats. Her pets have plenty of personality, but one thing they share is a sweet affection for one another. The dogs love approaching the cats to give them licks and cuddle with them. Emily enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her animals and being outdoors. Becoming a mom is one of her proudest achievements, alongside building a career that allows her to stay connected to the animals she loves. At Fort Payne Animal Hospital, she brings that same care and appreciation for the human-animal bond to every client interaction.

Hannah

Veterinary Assistant

The moment that shaped Hannah’s path did not happen in a classroom or a clinic. It happened during one of the hardest seasons of her life, when she lost three dogs in just six months while still in high school. One was poisoned, one was hit by a garbage truck, and one died from traumatic abdominal peritonitis. Each loss came with heartbreak, confusion, and painful questions. Hannah remembers wanting answers and wishing someone could help her make sense of what had happened. That feeling stayed with her and slowly became the reason she chose veterinary medicine.

Now, as a Veterinary Assistant at Fort Payne Animal Hospital, Hannah brings that same empathy into every day of her work. She understands what it means to love an animal deeply and how heavy it can feel when something goes wrong. She loves meeting clients and their pets, hearing how families found them, and watching those bonds grow over time. She is also especially excited by the exotic patients who come through the door, because each one gives her a chance to keep learning. Just as important, she values being there for families during the hardest moments, when comfort matters most.

One animal who still stays in her heart is a dog named Havoc. While many people were afraid of him, Hannah saw a brave, sweet dog whose story mattered. The time she spent around him reminded her that animals deserve patience, understanding, and someone willing to see beyond fear.

Outside the clinic, Hannah lives with her boyfriend and their two children on his family’s farm in Valley Head. Their life is filled with goats, pigs, dogs, cats, reptiles, and more. Whether she is caring for animals at work or climbing down an embankment in Crocs to help rescue a baby cow, Hannah is exactly where she is meant to be.

Taylor

Veterinary Assistant

Taylor grew up surrounded by animals of every kind, from birds to horses, and learned early that caring for them meant far more than enjoying their company. The moments that stayed with her most were the ones where an injured or sick animal slowly started feeling better again. Watching that change happen sparked a desire to become part of the process and help animals through difficult moments with patience and compassion.

That desire continued through high school when Taylor enrolled in a dual enrollment program that allowed her to earn her Veterinary Assistant certification alongside her diploma. Shortly after graduation, she accepted a position at an emergency and specialty hospital, beginning in the kennel and steadily growing into a high-level Veterinary Assistant during her four years there. The fast pace, variety of cases, and constant learning confirmed that veterinary medicine was exactly where she wanted to be.

After moving from the Tampa Bay area to Fort Payne to be closer to family, Taylor joined the Fort Payne Animal Hospital team in March 2026 after hearing family members speak highly about their experiences at the clinic. She enjoys that every day brings different patients, diagnoses, and opportunities to learn something new. One of the most rewarding parts of her role is educating pet owners and helping them feel more confident caring for their animals at home.

Outside of work, Taylor loves traveling, attending Taylor Swift concerts, and spending time outdoors with her Siberian Husky, Creek. From hiking adventures to long road trips, Creek is always ready to tag along as long as there is a car ride involved.

During middle and high school, Taylor was also a competitive baton twirler and participated in Future Farmers of America, showing chickens and rabbits. Those experiences helped her feel comfortable around many different types of animals and strengthened the calm, hands-on approach she brings into veterinary medicine today.

Rachel

Veterinary Assistant

Rachel is part of our assistant team, helping make every visit smooth and stress-free.

Diomeli

Veterinary Assistant

At 5 years old, Dio experienced a moment that would shape the way she viewed animals for years to come. After a dog bit her, she found herself asking why. That question grew into curiosity, and her curiosity eventually became a desire to understand animals, advocate for their well-being and help people give their pets the best possible care. Today, Dio sees veterinary medicine as an opportunity to become a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Dio began building that future after high school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology while shadowing at veterinary clinics. Those experiences helped her develop the knowledge and practical understanding she needed to enter the field. She is now continuing her education through a Master of Science in Biology program, with an expected graduation in Spring 2027. Her long-term goal is to become a veterinarian, and she approaches each opportunity to learn as another step toward that dream.

Dio joined Fort Payne Animal Hospital in May 2026 as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. She appreciates working alongside teammates who share their knowledge, offer guidance and encourage her to strengthen her clinical and technical skills. For someone who enjoys learning, each day brings a chance to ask questions, take on new challenges and discover something that will help her become a better veterinary professional.

Growing up in Long Island, New York, Dio was the youngest child and only daughter in a family with five older brothers. She developed a curious nature and enjoyed exploring different interests, from reading and drawing to photography, crocheting and playing musical instruments. Her creativity and love of learning remain important parts of her life.

Outside the hospital, Dio enjoys reading, writing, illustration, photography, singing, playing guitar, piano and drums, crocheting, and spending time at church. She shares her life with her fiancé, Austin, and their two dogs Ace and Rayne, and Salem their black shorthair cat. For Dio, caring for animals is more than a career goal. It is a way to turn lifelong curiosity into meaningful action.

Nic

Veterinary Assistant

Nic knows firsthand how much the right veterinary care can change an animal’s life. When his pet gecko became seriously ill one day, she needed immediate surgery. Watching her go from frightened and sick to a bold, healthy companion gave Nic a personal understanding of the difference compassionate and knowledge veterinary care can make. That experience came from the team at Fort Payne Animal Hospital.

Nic brought his gecko to the clinic to see Dr. Baker in 2026. During the visit, he noticed how well the team worked together and how much everyone cared about the patients. He knew he wanted to be part of an environment where teamwork and a genuine commitment to animals went hand in hand. Now, as a Veterinary Technician and part of our team, he enjoys helping the doctors keep patients healthy and comfortable.

His interest in animal care reaches back to childhood, when watching Steve Irwin and Jane Goodall inspired him to learn more about animal welfare, education and conservation. Growing up in Birmingham, Nic gravitated toward books, shows and movies featuring animals. Scooby-Doo remains a favorite. Clients can often spot these same beloved characters in his work attire.

At Fort Payne Animal Hospital, Nic especially enjoys pharmacy responsibilities, from preparing vaccines to helping provide medications that support a patient’s recovery. Laser treatments are another favorite because he appreciates seeing improvements in an animal’s comfort and quality of life.

Away from the clinic, Nic’s home resembles a small exotic animal zoo. His reptile family includes Burrabas and Karnival, two ball pythons; Alister, a Western hognose; Chanser, a crested gecko; and a Leachianus gecko with dwarfism. He also collects and plays board games and Pokémon cards, and he has won several Pokémon tournaments. Nic enjoys creating online animal-care videos, sharing his interest in animals and helping others learn more about their care.

Caden

Veterinary Assistant

Caden has always been curious about how animals live and interact with the world around them. Growing up with a strong interest in wildlife and nature, he wanted to understand not just how animals live, but why they matter and how to help them when they cannot help themselves. That interest was shaped early on by watching wildlife advocates who treated even the most misunderstood animals with respect and care, leaving a lasting impression on how he sees the world.

That curiosity followed him into school, where he explored different paths related to animals, including Wildlife Management and Ecology before shifting to Biology. Over time, he realized that what he was looking for could not be found in a classroom alone. He wanted hands-on experience, the kind that comes from working directly with animals and learning through daily interaction. In March 2026, he found that opportunity at Fort Payne Animal Hospital, where he stepped into a role that allowed him to begin building real-world skills and gaining valuable experience working directly with animals each day.

As a Kennel Technician, Caden enjoys the variety each day brings. Meeting new animals, from cats and dogs to the occasional exotic patient, keeps his work engaging and constantly changing. He values the opportunity to learn practical skills such as administering medications and supporting patient care, while continuing to build his skills in a clinical setting. He also appreciates being part of a team that works together to provide consistent care for every animal.

Outside of the clinic, Caden carries that same drive to learn into his personal interests. He enjoys teaching himself new skills, from playing piano to skateboarding, and finds motivation in working through challenges that once seemed out of reach. That persistence has shaped how he approaches both his work and his goals.

At home, Caden shares his life with his two cats, Pibb and Sierra, whose very different personalities reflect the same curiosity and energy that continue to guide his path forward.

Autumn

Autumn

Kennel Technician

Some of Auty’s earliest memories of animals began with an unexpected visitor at a family picnic. When she was 4 years old, a cockatiel landed on her dad’s shoulder, and her family welcomed the bird into their lives. He stayed with them until Auty was 16, making him a special part of her childhood. Growing up with a feathered companion for so many years helped nurture the connection with animals that continues to guide her today.

Auty found her way to Fort Payne Animal Hospital while looking for a career that felt like a better fit for her interests. Although she had considered working with animals before, seeing an opening at the hospital gave her the opportunity to turn that interest into something more. 

As a Kennel Technician, Auty helps care for the animals who come through the hospital and gets to witness the veterinary team making a difference in their lives. She enjoys seeing the variety of pets who visit and learning what brings each one to the clinic. While veterinarians and technicians handle medical treatments, Auty contributes by providing care and support in her own role. She values being part of a team that helps animals and their families, and she especially appreciates the coworkers who make each day enjoyable. For her, even small acts of care are meaningful ways to help.

Family and home are important to Auty. After living in several northeastern Alabama communities, she moved closer to her dad and is looking forward to putting down roots. Her parents share her love of gardening, giving them another interest to enjoy together. Her dad has three dogs, while her mom has eight cats and a dog. Auty has four cats of her own: Wall E, Eva, Sierra and Pibb, each bringing a different personality to her home.

Outside the hospital, Auty enjoys gardening, playing ukulele and guitar, and making music. One of her memorable adventures was traveling to Hawaii for her sister’s Make-A-Wish trip, where she discovered an unexpected local treat: purple mashed potatoes. At Fort Payne Animal Hospital, Auty brings her curiosity, enthusiasm and desire to help to the care she provides each day.

Abbie

Abbie

Kennel Technician

Abbie’s love for animals comes with a desire to give them the same patience, attention and care she once gave her own kitten. When her family brought their cats to Fort Payne Animal Hospital, she truly enjoyed the people and the environment. When a Kennel Technician position opened, Abbie saw an opportunity to spend more time with animals and turn her love for them into meaningful work.

One special kitten named Tiny helped Abbie discover just how much she wanted to care for animals. Born the runt of his litter, Tiny needed extra help with even the simplest things. Abbie syringe-fed him for weeks and helped him use the bathroom, making sure he received as much care as she could give. Although Tiny eventually passed away from a parasite, the time Abbie spent caring for him remains an important part of her story. She learned how meaningful it can be to show up for an animal who depends on you, and that experience strengthened her desire to help other pets receive the care and comfort they need.

Losing her own cat also gave Abbie a personal understanding of the bond people share with their pets. She hopes to use that understanding to make a positive difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. For Abbie, working in veterinary medicine is an opportunity to turn compassion into action and help pets feel better, one day at a time.

As a Kennel Technician at Fort Payne Animal Hospital, Abbie especially enjoys caring for patients and helping them feel comfortable while they are at the hospital. She is happy to be part of a practice her family already knows and trusts, and she values the opportunity to spend her days surrounded by animals. Every patient gives her another chance to offer kindness, provide comfort and make an animal’s day a little better.

Samantha

Samantha

Groomer

Samantha keeps our Grooming Services running so your pet gets the attention they deserve.

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