Mars Hill Animal Hospital Staff
Doctors
Dr. Joey Gross
Dr. Joey Gross opened Mars Hill Animal Hospital with his partner Dr. Henry Wall in 1998. Dr. Gross graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. Soon after graduation he began practicing veterinary medicine at Monroe Veterinary clinic and remained there until moving to Mars Hill Animal Hospital. Dr. Gross desires to bring the best and most compassionate veterinary care possible to the Athens and Oconee County area.
Dr. Gross lives in Monroe with his wife and family, three dogs and 1 cat.
Dr. Linda Leavell
Dr. Linda Leavell has been caring for patients at Mars Hill Animal Hospital since 2000. She began her education at the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in Biochemistry. In addition, she received a Masters degree in Conservation Ecology and later a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Leavell strives to give the best possible veterinary care to each patient that visits Mars Hill.
Dr. Leavell lives in Athens with her husband Glenn, son Simon, daughter Hannah , 1 cat and two dogs.
Dr. Jo Wellman
Dr. Jo Wellman joined the Mars Hill Animal Hospital family in 2007. She can also be seen caring for patients at Monroe Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Wellman began her education with a Bachelor of Arts honors degree in history from Rollins College. Deciding that veterinary medicine was her calling she began to pursue her career with further education at Perimeter College and the University of Georgia. She later graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Dr. Wellman brings a compassionate love for animals. She especially enjoys the areas of animal behavior, nutrition, and feline medicine and surgery. When she is not at work, Dr. Wellman enjoys taking care of her 4 dogs and 6 cats.
Technicians Back to top
Tiffani
Tiffani has worked with Dr. Gross since 1995 at Monroe Veterinary Clinic and moved with him to help open Mars Hill in 1998. She serves as Mars Hill’s head Veterinary Technician ensuring that the very best care is given to all of our patients. Tiffani graduated from Gwinnett Technical Institute in 1997 and took the National Veterinary Technician Boards in 2004. Her passion for animals is only overshadowed by her love for her family. Tiffani and her husband Mark and their three sons, Cameron, Braedon and Patrick live in Statham where they enjoy their 4 dogs and numerous cats.
Robin
Robin has a deep love for animals which steered her to pursue a career as a Veterinary Technician. Graduating in 2003 from Athens Technical College with honors, she served three years on the Veterinary Technology Advisory Committee of the College. Robin came to Mars Hill in 2004. She lives with her husband Richard and their daughter Katie in Loganville. Robin’s oldest daughter Brandi and her husband, Jonathan have a new son, Bishop. When she is not playing with Bishop, Robin enjoys her 3 Manchester terriers, 1 Doberman pincher, 1 Boxer, 5 cats and 2 goats.
Sarah
Sarah has brought her love of animals to her dual positions as Veterinary Assistant and Patient Care Attendant at Mars Hill. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 2009 from The University of Georgia. In her time off Sarah enjoys riding horses and teaching her Labrador, Parker, the sport of dock diving. Sarah is married to Ian Ensley and they have 5 cats, 5 dogs, and 6 horses
Carmen
Carmen is a native of Oconee County but now lives in Comer. She has been with Mars Hill Animal Hospital since October 2004. She came to us as a college student and now works full time as a Veterinary Assistant. Carmen’s heart for animals helps her show great care to all our patients.
Carmen graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Carmen and her boyfriend Rick enjoy camping and playing with their 3 dogs, Gypsy, Felix and Isabelle.
Sarah
Sarah is a native of Oconee County and came to Mars Hill Animal Hospital in 2004. She will graduate from Athens Technical College with an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology.
Sarah works very hard to make sure each patient at Mars Hill receives the best care possible. She and her dog Nina and cat Stuart live in Athens. Sarah enjoys horseback riding at her parents nearby home. Sarah and Nina use their time off to train in the sport of dock diving.
Liz
Liz came to Mars Hill as a second career in 2006. She graduated from Berry College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and pursued a teaching career before joining the Mars Hill family as a Veterinary Assistant. Liz graduated from Athens Technical College in 2009 with an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology. Liz loves animals and gives close attention to every detail of each patient’s care. Liz and Catherine enjoy their 8 cats, 2 dogs 1 bird and 1 horse.
Patient Care Attendants Back to top
Teresa
There is no one more serious about the condition of the clinic and the compassionate care of our patients than Teresa. Teresa is the head Patient Care Attendant for Mars Hill Animal Hospital. Her presence has made a great difference since 2003.
Teresa and her husband Wesley have five grown children and two grandchildren. In their off time they enjoy collecting antiques and caring for their four pets.
Lindsey
Lindsey brings a bright smile and a compassionate heart to her work as a Patient Care aAtendant. Her careful attention to the needs of each pet keeps our patients happy and content. Lindsey has been part of the Mars Hill family since 2006. Lindsey attends Gainesville State College majoring in Biology.
When she is not working Lindsey enjoys spending time with friends and playing with her dog Luke.
Lana
Lana loves and cares for many animals at home and at work. Her compassionate care makes all the patients at Mars Hill feel comfortable and loved. Since 2005 she has been a Patient Care Attendant while attending college at Gainesville State College. At home Lana has 4 cats, 4 dogs, goats, chickens, hermit crabs and fish.
When she is not at school or Mars Hill she enjoys playing guitar and singing at local coffee houses.
Stephanie
Stephanie is an avid animal lover and brings that love to her work as a Patient Care Attendant with Mars Hill. She came to us in 2008. Stephanie graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Animal Science. When she is not at Mars Hill she is very busy training for horse shows as well as teaching horseback riding lessons. She and her husband Michael live in Monroe with their daughter Ava, two cats, three dogs, and one horse.
Josh
Josh came to work at Mars Hill during the Summer of 2009. He is a 2008 graduate of North Oconee High School where he was a four year Letterman in the sport of Baseball. He is now attending Gainesville State University in the pursuit of his Undergraduate degree. He hopes to become a “Human” nurse. He is still active on the field but now plays Softball in his free time.
Groomers Back to top
Cheryl
A desire to make beloved pets look beautiful brought Cheryl to join the Mars Hill Animal Hospital team in 2007. She is an experienced Licensed Groomer who takes the art of her craft very seriously. Her ability to work with animals large and small with equal skill is a great asset to the hospital.
Cheryl and her husband Larry live in Loganville and have three sons and one daughter. Her two Labradors Allie and Abby, and Yorkie, Zane add fun to each day.
Receptionist Back to top
LeAnne
LeAnne has been a part of the Mars Hill Animal Hospital family since 2002. She is the office manager for Mars Hill and shares her time as a receptionist with our sister clinic Monroe Veterinary Clinic. Careful attention to detail and the well being of each animal is LeAnne’s top priority. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Dance Education. LeAnne and her husband Brad live in Monroe with their son Syd and their dog Annie.
Jennifer
Since 1999 Jennifer has brought care, compassion and hard work to her position of receptionist at Mars Hill. Jennifer graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management.
Jennifer and her husband Duke live in the Statham area with their daughter Alyssa and dog Sydney.
Megan
For the last 4 years while attending the University of Georgia as a full time student Megan has worked hard to make each client and patient’s experience at Mars Hill Animal Hospital easy and pleasant. She has been a receptionist at Mars Hill since 2004 and now as a senior she is looking forward to graduation and receiving her degree in Sociology. When she does get some time off she enjoys spending time with her family at Lake Oconee. Her two cats Camille and Alex make life lots of fun.
Laura
Laura hopes that each person walking through the doors of Mars Hill Animal Hospital will feel welcomed and appreciated. She came to work as a receptionist in 2006. Laura also enjoys applying a fresh coat of paint or decorative murals to the walls of Mars Hill. She and her husband live in Monroe and enjoy spending time with their three college aged children. Laura runs a small decorative painting business, but her time at Athens Church, where she enjoys serving and worshipping with her family, is time well spent.
