Hospital Manager

Since 2001*

Donnie, is the Hospital Manager at The Village Vets of Decatur. He is also a partner in both practices. He received his B.S. in Biology from Georgia State University in 1992 and worked with Dr. Draper for years before taking on the role of running the Decatur office. He and his wife Jennifer, a local radio broadcaster, live in Jefferson, GA and have a combination of 8 dogs, 4 cats and 1 pot- bellied pig named Kudzu.

Donnie has been with the Decatur practice since it opened in 2001, but has worked with Dr. Draper since they both worked for a practice in Tucker, GA in the early 90's.

Donnie enjoys reading and cycling, but his passion is running; he usually gets in about 8 miles daily before most people even wake up. He enjoys discovering new running routes wherever he goes, and ran his first marathon in 2007.

Why he does this: "I have loved animals since I was a kid.

*Practice Partner

Team Manager

Michele is a Decatur native, and  is a graduate of both Shamrock High School and Kennesaw State University.  She and her husband Bart have a son, Owen, who was born April, 2008.  They still enjoy the companionship of their two four-legged children, Shepard mixes Leonard (Leon) and Georgia.  In their spare time, Michele and Bart love spending time at their lakehouse in the mountains, hanging out with friends, and most of all - playing, watching and being with Owen.

While Michele has been with The Village Vets of Decatur since it opened in March 2001, she has been working with Dr. Draper since 1994 (while in high school) when they both worked for a practice in Tucker, GA.

Why she does this: "I have always loved animals. Being able to work with them is a wonderful way to spend my time.  The Village Vets staff loves what they do."

*Practice Partner

Assistant Manager

Trish, a native of Atlanta, is best described as someone that will always make you smile and seems to never be in a bad mood.  An athlete at heart, she enjoys soccer, swimming and gymnastics.  Trish enjoys spending time with her two labrador retrievers, Jake and Duke; as well as hanging and eating out with friends, reading, and photography. Prior to joining our team, she had been in the banking industry for a number of years.

Why she does this: "My enjoyment comes from helping others, [especially] those who cannot help themselves."

Team Manager

Kim was born in Montgomery, AL and enjoys reading as well as cooking. She moved here recently from Birmingham, AL and enjoys "exploring Atlanta".  She has 3 dogs: Little, Lakota and Shadow, as well as 2 cats: Wink and Herbie.  Her co-workers call her "The Dog Whisperer".

Why she does this: "I love taking care of animals, and I think we have a great team.  I have really enjoyed meeting all of our great clients."

Asst. Technician Supervisor, Registered Veterinary Technician

"Cami" grew up in Stockbridge, GA and now lives in the Little Five Points area with her husband, Aaron and son, Cason.  She loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets.  She also enjoys deep sea fishing, and eating sushi. She has a 6 year old Australian Shepherd, Batman (aka MC Hammer), a Boxer, Buckley, and a "rambunctious" ferret, Nikko (seen above).

Cami received her vet tech degree from Gwinnett Tech, where she earned the highly coveted externship with Zoo Atlanta. She worked with gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and venomous snakes, to name a few. She hopes to one day become a zoo vet tech, or attend veterinary school.  In addition, she has a business as a faux-finish artist.

Why she does this: "I have always dreamed of working with animals since I was very young. I am so glad to finally have a career doing what I love, helping pets and their owners, and working with such a great group of people who share the same passion!"

Asst. Technician Supervisor, Certified Veterinary Assistant

Leona was born in Dallas, TX and shortly afterwards moved to the Atlanta area, where (other than 2 yrs in Corpus Cristi) she has lived since.   Leona claims her most notable achievement to date, is her son, Julian.  They have two cats, Adrian and Queso.  Favorite hobbies are painting, crafts, music, going to concerts and spending time with her son. 

Leona is a certified Veterinary Assistant (Level One) and has been working with animals for the past 7 years – 3 of which she worked at PAWS Atlanta.

Why she does this:  Leona says that working with animals makes her feel like she is helping take care of people’s family members.