Learn more about Dr. Jacob Hammond by watching this personal video!
"While most people have a clear memory of exactly when they wanted to be a veterinarian, I never experienced that light bulb moment. However, growing up reading James Herriot, living on a dairy farm with my German Shepherd, and going to an agricultural-focused college where I spent my mornings feeding or milking cows before class, I slowly realized that no other job could possibly give me the same fulfillment. Being able to provide care when an animal needs it is incredibly rewarding and something that will motivate me for my entire career."
Dr. Jacob Hammond is a 2015 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He spent his early years in an Atlanta suburb, taking care of every kind of animal a half acre lot could hold. He then spent his later years helping his family build My Dad and Me Family Farm. Today the farm centers on its Jersey herd and milk production, but also produces free-range eggs, broilers, hogs and garden produce. He worked on the farm until attending Berry College of Rome, Georgia, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in English, with minors in Animal Science and Chemistry.
With every daily interaction, Dr. Hammond strives to provide a comfortable environment in which relationships with pet and parent alike allow the best medical care possible to take place. He has special interests in working and police dogs, emergency medicine, and small animal surgery.
Dr. Hammond moved to the Kenly area after joining the Willowrun team in 2015. He is married to Dr. Madeline Hammond, who specializes in acupuncture and integrative medicine here at Willowrun. They have two sons named Ellis and Jack, a German Shepherd named Leisel, and a Husky mixed breed named Desmond. Outside of work, Dr. Hammond spends his time writing, hiking, and beekeeping; as well as doing Crossfit and watching the Atlanta Braves.
Learn more about Dr. Smith by watching this personal video!
"I grew up in Fayetteville and my father ran the local FCX farm supply store. As a child, I learned to take care of our farm animals among my other chores at home and at the store. I was accepted as a member of the second class of students admitted to the new veterinary school at North Carolina State University and started working at Willowrun when I graduated in 1986. Veterinary medicine continues to offer me limitless learning opportunities and a never-ending variety of challenging work experiences. I never have had a boring day at work."
Dr. Willie Smith graduated from North Carolina State University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1986 and began working at Willowrun shortly after. He has worked at Willowrun for his entire career and has experienced the transition from a rural, farm call-based practice to one that now focuses on examining pets in the hospital. He values the history of the practice and looks forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the people and pets in his community alongside the dedicated and talented staff members and fellow veterinarians.
Dr. Smith and his wife, Carol, raised their family in wonderful Smithfield, NC. Together they have two sons who are both graduates of Smithfield-Selma High School and North Carolina State University. Rhett is the IB Middle Years Program Coordinator and wrestling coach at Smithfield-Selma High School and lives in Smithfield with his wife, Katie, and their son, Penn. Kevin is a construction engineer and lives in Smithfield with his wife, Erin, and their children Palmer and Emerson.
The Smiths treasure their membership at First Baptist Church and the many close friends they have in the congregation and community. A charter member of the Rotary Club of Central Johnston County, Dr. Smith thoroughly enjoys staying involved with the different avenues of service that it offers. He also represents the veterinary profession as a member of the Johnston County Board of Health. He enjoys racquetball, water sports, and attending football and basketball games at N.C. State.
Learn more about Dr. Madeline Hammond by watching this personal video!
"Growing up with a border collie, several cats, and a flock of ducks, I've always been fascinated with God's creatures and desired to be a veterinarian. My family has encouraged this interest since childhood. I remember many evenings spent snuggled on the couch with my Nana watching James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small, and a springtime spent hatching out ducklings in our suburban neighborhood! This led me to start working one-on-one with our family's veterinarian when I was 14 years old. She took me under her wing and I absolutely fell in love with the profession. As the years have passed, I've learned what a tremendous blessing it is to be able to serve my community by caring for its animals."
Dr. Madeline Hammond was raised in Avon Lake, Ohio, and studied Animal Science at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She met her husband, Dr. Jacob Hammond, working at the college's Jersey Dairy in the mornings before class. She is a graduate of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Madeline is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. She blends progressive, evidence-based medicine with complementary practices, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, to offer her patients comprehensive, holistic care tailored to their individual needs.
She and her husband live with their two sons, Ellis and Jack, a German Shepherd dog named Leisel, and a Husky/Shepherd mix named Desmond in Kenly. When she's not chasing after the boys, she enjoys doing CrossFit, gardening, hiking, cooking, and traveling.
Learn more about Dr. Lauren Mealin by watching this personal video!
Dr. Lauren Mealin is a Veterinarian at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in Smithfield, North Carolina. In 2011, she graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, and went on to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 from Kansas State University. Prior to arriving at Willowrun, she has worked as a veterinarian at a 24-hour small animal emergency hospital, followed by two small animal private practices. Dr. Mealin is Fear Free Certified and her areas of professional interest include internal medicine, dentistry, dermatology, soft tissue surgery, and pain management. She has always had a strong desire to work with animals, and started her career in the veterinary industry in 2008 as a veterinary assistant prior to becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Mealin says the best part about working in the veterinary field is helping people help their pets, as it is so rewarding to improve the health of a pet and help maintain the human animal bond in the process.
Growing up in an Army family, Dr. Mealin has lived all over the country, including California, Texas, Kansas, Hawaii, Virginia, and North Carolina. She currently shares a home with her husband, Andrew, their son, Henry, and a mixed breed dog, Andy. In her free time, she enjoys visiting the lake to waterski, wake surf, and swim. She also enjoys road biking, hiking, and exploring outdoors. A fun fact about Dr. Mealin is that she has been waterskiing since she was 5 years old, and was on the Waterski/Wakeboard club team at North Carolina State University.
Learn more about Dr. Katelyn Ellis by watching this personal video!
Dr. Ellis is an Associate Veterinarian at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Ellis graduated with her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Berry College in 2011 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. In addition to her schooling, Dr. Ellis completed a one-year internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala, a three-year residency in Theriogenology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and studied veterinary acupuncture at Chi University. Dr. Ellis began working in the veterinary field in 2003 as a kennel staff member and eventually became a technician. She stated her first job as a veterinarian in 2015.
Science and animals were two of Dr. Ellis’s biggest passions when she was young, so veterinary medicine was a very strong calling for her. After spending her high school years working with a local wildlife rehab and nursing orphaned animals to health, Dr. Ellis knew she was meant to be a veterinarian. Her favorite part about working in the field is building life-long relationships with patients and clients. As an advocate for veterinary reproduction, Dr. Ellis values facilitating the creation of new life and watching those animals grow up to live happy and health lives.
Born and raised in Georgia, Dr. Ellis moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2016 for her residency and loved it so much that she decided to stay! She lives with her partner, Matthew, who is a social worker, and her black and white Shetland Sheepdog named Tipsy, who is a retired show dog and a former patient of Dr. Ellis! In her free time, Dr. Ellis enjoys spending time outdoors, caring for her jungle of indoor plants, and reading.
Dr. Ariel Gillfillan (Dr. Gilly) is the newest Associate Veterinarian with Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. She graduated from Berry College in 2013 with her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 2018. Dr. Gilly is fear free certified and has a professional interest in diagnostic imaging, soft tissue surgery, and clinical pathology.
Dr. Gilly began working in the veterinary field in 2006 but has always had a mind for animals and science. She discovered early in her education that veterinary medicine was the career for her due to the combination of biology/physiology, and the human-animal bond she admires so much.
While Dr. Gilly spent her youth in Fort Lauderdale, she has just recently moved to Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband Adam and many pets. She has a full household consisting of her greyhound named Jay, a Rhodesian ridgeback mix named Winnie, and two bunnies named Domino and Yahtzee. In their free time, the Gilly’s love to tend to their backyard beehives and gardens, as well as spend time on the water, in the mountains, and tackle any physical adventure they can!
Krista is thrilled to serve Willowrun Veterinary Hospital as the Practice Manager. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 2018. Before that she served as an educator for children with gifts and talents. Krista has three children, a son, proudly serving in the United States Air Force, and two daughters. She has two fur babies, Griffy (lab) and Mini Cooper (Bernese Mountain Dog). Krista loves to paint, kayak, hike and flower garden. Krista is an avid college football fan and roots for The Ohio State University (her alma mater) loud and proud!
Krista is originally from Urbana, Ohio where she spent her youth as a 4-H'er, showing show steers, serving as the Champaign County Beef Queen and cheerleader. Krista obtained her Bachelors of Science degree from The Ohio State University in Animal Science and was on the OSU judging team. Years later she obtained her masters in Gifted Education from Wright State University.
Krista is excited to be a member of the Willowrun Veterinary team and is proud to serve the Smithfield and surrounding communities.
Kirsten joined the team at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in 2009. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician and 2015 graduate of Central Carolina Community College. Kirsten has areas of professional interest in preventative care and rehabilitation, and is trained in veterinary acupuncture.
At Willowrun, Kirsten enjoys providing client education and getting to grow close with clients and their beloved pets.
Kirsten has lived in Benson her entire life. She is happily married, and they have an adorable toddler named Gunnar. In her free time, Kirsten enjoys DIY projects, hunting, and fishing. She also volunteers her time helping children at South Smithfield Elementary School. At home, Kirsten has four dogs named Franklin, Baby Girl, Alayna, and Mowgli. They know no tricks other than looking cute!
Kelly joined the hospital team at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in the summer of 2002, and is cross-trained in all areas of the practice. She is highly experienced in anesthesia and veterinary dentistry. Most of all, Kelly is proud of the high quality of care the medical team at Willowrun can offer to clients and pets.
In May 2010, Kelly graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. In addition, Kelly is a state and national board-certified registered veterinary technician and received her degree from Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, NC. She has areas of professional interest in surgery and wildlife rehabilitation.
Kelly has lived in Smithfield her entire life and is a proud mother to her daughter Mikayla. She is also a pet parent to a cattle dog mix named Bubba. Kelly volunteers her time at her daughter's school every Thursday, where she hands out lunches to students, in addition to doing presentations for students at South Smithfield Elementary School with the team at Willowrun. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and playing softball.
Laine joined the team at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in 1998 as a part-time animal caretaker and advanced her position to a veterinary assistant, helping with appointments, surgeries, and large animals.
Laine is presently the Client Care Manager at Willowrun and has over twenty years of experience working in the veterinary field. She focuses on providing clients with a great experience at every visit, as well as inventory management and IT-related tasks.
Born and raised in Benson, Laine is proud to work alongside her fellow coworkers at a Christian business that serves the local community. In her free time, Laine enjoys spending time with her husband and horseback riding. Her first forever friend was a horse named Atta Boy Brick, who lived a long and healthy life of 30 years! She currently has an English Shepherd named Little Bit who is quite the rockstar, and was even awarded the 'Most Amazing Dog' at the local 5k.
Casie joined the Client Relations team at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in August 2016. Her friendly personality and innate love for animals makes her role at Willowrun a dream come true. To Casie, being part of the team at Willowrun is something she's dreamed of and is her happy place.
Casie is knowledgeable in veterinary medicine and is interested in becoming a Veterinary Assistant and working hands on with the animals. She especially loves the German Shepherd breed. At home, Casie has two dogs and three cats.
Casie was raised in Johnston County, but moved around quite a bit as a military family. She returned to Smithfield in 2016, and is now engaged and the mother to three boys. In her free time, Casie enjoys playing with her kids, decorating, and spending time with her family and friends.
Carsyn found her way to the Willowrun client relations team in 2021. She is dedicated to animal care and has decades of experience tending to the injuries and ailments of creatures on her family's hobby farm in Goldsboro, NC.
"What I love most about Willowrun is the work culture. I can always rely on my coworkers to answer any questions I have, even if they seem silly, without receiving any judgement. I also never have a boring day and can expect someone to make me laugh."
Carsyn's love for animals was encouraged by her grandfather who surprised her with a pony named Blue when she was six years old. He is nearly 30 years old and still with her today! In addition to Blue, she also has a pitbull mix named Posie, two cats named Kreacher and Nimbus, a crested gecko named Harvey, a sand boa named Eden, three tarantulas named Itsy Bitsy, Charlotte, and Shelob (all named after spiders from books), a dozen chickens and countless houseplants. She loves collecting honeybee themed items and hopes to have her own hive someday.
Kaycie was born and raised in Pine Level. We first came to know her as a client and were delighted to have her join the client relations team in 2021. Kaycie is your quintessential people person, her smiling face and warm personality are contagious, and she genuinely seeks to make each client interaction fond and memorable. She is currently in school working towards her goal of becoming a therapist. Her favorite part of being part of the Willowrun team is: "I love how we're a big family and a team. We help each other when needed and truly care for one another."
She shares her home with her husband Christopher and their adorable fur babies: Lola, Millie and Buddy. Kaycie's happy place is the beach and loves relaxing with her family during their annual coastal vacation.
Susan joined the hospital family at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in 2001 and works in Client Relations. She has an innate desire to make people feel appreciated, and ensures clients at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital always receive outstanding customer care.
Susan is married with two children and three grandchildren. She also has a pet family of Yorkies, named Cricket, Twinkles, Sassy, and Puppy. In her free time, Susan enjoys reading and attending music concerts. Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors are her favorite! Susan is also a fantastic cook, and provides her elderly friends with delicious home cooked meals.
Bailey is a Veterinary Assistant/Technician in Training at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. Bailey has had a strong passion for animals ever since she was a little girl and enjoys getting to educate clients with her knowledge as well as help nurture sick pets back to health.
She has lived on a farm her entire life and truly enjoys working with her livestock. Additionally, she enjoys her sweet indoor fur babies which include a cat name Archie, an Australian Cattle Dog named Adalida, and a Chihuahua named George.
Denise is a state and national board-certified Registered Veterinary Technician. She joined the team at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in 1998, and is a graduate of Central Carolina Community College. Denise has areas of professional interest in veterinary dentistry and surgery.
Denise has almost thirty years of experience working in the veterinary field. At Willowrun, she is most grateful for the team of doctors and staff that work together to help clients and understand how to help clients' pets feel their best and live a good life.
Denise grew up in Cary, NC and now lives just outside of Four Oaks, NC. She is happily married with three children. In addition to children, she also has three dogs named Amellia, Bentley, and Buddy, and three cats named Mr. Puss, Max, and Allister. She also has chickens. In her free time, Denise enjoys working in the yard, spending time with her family, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Amy joined the team at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital as a Registered Veterinary Technician in April 2017. She graduated from the veterinary technician program at Central Carolina Community College in 1990. Amy brings over 30 years of experience to the clinical team at Willowrun, and is highly skilled in fear-free handling techniques.
To Amy, the best part about working at Willowrun is starting each day with a devotion. She also values the team atmosphere and finds fulfillment in knowing she can positively impact an animal's health while fostering an enjoyable interaction with clients and their pets.
Amy has lived in Johnston County her entire life. She has two children, along with two dogs and four cats. A few of her favorite things include comfort foods, the movie To Dance with the White Dog, and cuddling up with a good book.
Originally from Texas, life guided Alysia to North Carolina where she is a Veterinary Assistant here at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2018 and is currently in school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. She finds that there is something very special about treating those who don't have a voice and knew from day one that veterinary medicine was where she was meant to be. At home, she has two dogs and two cats, one of which is a tripod kitty, which she feels is the cutest type of kitty.
Estela, a Johnston County native, is a Veterinary Assistant at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. She has always had a passion for animals and knew she wanted to pursue a career working with them in the future. She received her Veterinary Animal Assistant Certificate from the Animal Behavior College in 2016 and has been working in the field for over 3 years. She says that working in the veterinary field has been an adventure and she plans to pursue her degree as a Veterinary Technician in the coming years.
Estela is a proud fur-mom to two beautiful dogs, a Chihuahua mix named Snow and a Lab Pit mix named Max. Additionally, she has three beta fish, two goldfish, and snails. She enjoys going on walks, reading, and spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.
Kelly is a Veterinary Assistant at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. She earned her Veterinary Assistant Certificate from the Animal Behavior College in 2014 and has been working in the veterinary field since 2015. She plans to attend Technician School and become a Registered Veterinary Technician in the future. Kelly grew up around animals and feels that the animal-human bond has been a constant in her life. It has been her dream to work with animals since a very young age.
Originally from upstate New York, Kelly has lived in Goldsboro since she was five. She has been happily married for eight years, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, fishing, and escaping to Shackleford Banks with her husband in her spare time. At home, she has a zoo of her own that includes dogs, cats, two horses, and a snake.
Matt is a Veterinary Assistant at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. He originally grew up in Upstate New York, but moved to Raleigh with his family in 1994. After graduating from Wake Technical Community College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Matt realized that he wanted to work with animals. In 2018, he got involved in dog grooming, before transitioning to the veterinary field in 2019. In 2021, he became a reproductive technician, assisting with reproductive consultations, trans-cervical inseminations, and much more. Matt hopes to continue learning, while using his knowledge and abilities to promote professional and ethical breeding. Matt also has an interest in animal nutrition, hoping to find the best diets for your pets.
He lives in Four Oaks with his wife, 4 cats, and 2 dogs.
Jordan is a Technician Assistant at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital. She has always known that animals are her passion and that she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Jordan plans to start classes soon to obtain her Registered Veterinary Technician Certification.
At home, she has three cats and a dog. Her favorite things to do outside of work include spending time with her husband, eating good food, and cuddling her animals.
Bio coming soon!
Anya joined the Willowrun family as a Kennel Technician in June of 2020. She graduated from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in May 2022, earning her Bachelors in Animal Science. Born in England as a military child, she shortly moved to the states where she grew up in Florida and later Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Since the age of 6, Anya has dreamed of becoming a Black female veterinarian to serve her community. Losing her precious dog Diamond at a young age, allowed her to use her grief as liberation to aid in animal care. Anya strives to serve as a caretaker to all of our furry friends. She believes veterinary medicine encompasses the care of not only our fur babies but our clients as well. "It is our duty to provide support, comfort and knowledge to all pet owners as best we can".
Aspiring to further advance integral care in the field of veterinary medicine through extension of patient care, Anya is currently a veterinary student at N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine working to earn her DVM.
Anya also enjoys nature trail walks with her spoiled loving Blue Pit Ace, spending time with family & friends and trying new foods!
Heather joined our team in January 2022 after being stationed in England. She was born in Las Vegas and raised in Arkansas. Though she has moved around extensively with the military, she has called North Carolina her home base since 2010. She has several years of animal care experience and genuinely seeks to make sure our boarding pets are happy and comfortable during their stay with us. Her favorite part of being a team member at Willowrun is: "the feeling of family. Each person cares about their fellow team members. There is always a helping hand available. It’s truly a wonderful work environment." Heather would like to work towards the goal of becoming a registered veterinary technician.
Heather enjoys spending time with her children, Colt (10) and Paisleigh (7). They share their home with quite the menagerie: a chihuahua (Delilah), a miniature schnauzer (Ramsey), a chocolate labrador (Allie) and a tabby cat (Freddie Purrcury). She also has a pineapple, green-cheeked conure (Smidge) and a bearded dragon (Cinder). Heather has many artistic interests she pursues in her spare time including drawing, crochet, sculpting and cake decorating. Her teammates are particularly appreciative of her willingness to share her baked goodies!
Kayla has always had a passion for loving and caring for animals. While she previously enjoyed working in the medical field, she now gets the best of both worlds combining her love of working with animals and being in a medical field. Kayla started at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in 2022 as a Kennel Technician. Although she loves her current role, she has dreams to become a technician or furthering her education to become a DVM.
Originally from Pomona, New York, Kayla now resides in Benson, North Carolina where she enjoys being so close to the beach. She spends much of her free time with her significant other and all of her fur babies; Sniper her German Shepherd/Huskey mix, Beretta her purebred German Shepherd, Koda a Black Labrador Retriever, her mixed breed named Ammo, and two ducks!
Kaya enjoys filling her free time outside of work with things that make her happy. She spends much of her time with family and her fur babies, as well as participating in motocross, and having late night drives with friends to make memories together.
Bio coming soon!
Leilani joined the Willowrun team in August of 2022 as Client Relations and then moving to Kennel Technician. She has the biggest heart for animals, and has a strong desire to care for them. Her passion came from caring for her diabetic cat who she loved dearly and lived until he was 23 years old. Before Willowrun she worked as a farmhand caring for horses and other farm animals. This not only taught her to work hard, but showed her experience in working with a variety of animals. Although Leilani loves her current role, she would like to later pursue a career in the medical field. In her free time, Leilani enjoys spending time with family, making memories with her daughter, going adventuring which consists of hiking and horseback riding and walks on the beach. At home Leilani has a spoiled Cat (Milo), who she takes on car rides, big brown eyed Labrador Retriever(Kassie), and a 2 year old orange bearded dragon (Jupiter).
DomUnique comes from a military family and has lived in many places, including Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Japan, and eventually landed here in North Carolina. After working in other fields, DomUnique began working in veterinary medicine as she could not imagine anything better than helping animals and people. She has been a vital part of our kennel team since 2019 and is now offering grooming services here at Willowrun. Calm, attentive to detail and a clear communicator, Dom seeks to provide a calm atmosphere for pets during their spa services, help care for their skin conditions and of course, make them look even cuter!
Outside of the hospital, she enjoys listening to music, playing volleyball, roller skating, and horseback riding. At home, DomUnique has a mini Pinscher named Tina, and a Pit mix named Mori, but has a soft spot for Rottweilers.
Located on S Brightleaf Blvd between E Wilson St and E Stevens St. Directly across from Harper's Flea Market Mall and next to The Mulch Yard.
Phone: 919-934-1504
