Meet Our Healthy Petz Family Vet Team

Dr. Julie Eriksson Kiell

Senior Associate Veterinarian

I have always loved animals, and believe that my first word was “horse,” not “ma ma” or “da da”. As a young girl, I loved all animals, adored my cat, loved dogs, and loved riding horses; in addition, I always enjoyed taking care of our neighbor’s pets. Undergraduate: B.S. Biology University of Michigan Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine: Michigan State University. My love for animals, my affinity for mathematics and science, as well as enjoying spending time with people made veterinary medicine a very special career choice for me. As a veterinarian, I feel fortunate to get to know each client while taking care of their pet’s health needs. I enjoy training and showing horses in show jumping and dressage.
I enjoy making pottery and have sold my wares through local pottery shows.

I have run a few marathons, love cycling, and have recently taken up competing in triathlons, and am hoping to finish a full Ironman distance triathlon in the near future. This region of North Carolina is known for making pottery. I have been able to study pottery at the local community college and have enjoyed learning this incredible art.

Dr. Katie Bucy

Associate Veterinarian

I have always been passionate about animals, and they have always been a part of my life. I have enjoyed working with many species in my lifetime and can often be found with an animal of some kind by my side. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech in 2006 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2015. I have always related easier with animals than people and love working with them. I enjoy the puzzle aspect of finding out what is wrong with them and seeing them flourish. I enjoy the aspect of veterinary medicine, where you can follow along with an animal throughout their whole life and become a friend to the pets that they enjoy coming to and seeing. Outside of the office, I am usually found working with my horses or out exploring nature with my dogs. I also enjoy reading, knitting, and spending time with friends.

Dr. Hana Henry

Dr. Hana Henry was born and raised just over the mountains in East Tennessee. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. While in college, her primary focus was ecology and conservation, and it wasn’t until later that she decided to go into veterinary medicine. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. While in veterinary school, she had a special interest in exotics and wildlife medicine. She sought out varied opportunities to gain experience in this field, including volunteering at the Lilongwe Wildlife Center in Lilongwe, Malawi, and externing at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, CO.

After school, Dr. Henry moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. There she worked as a small animal emergency veterinarian at a high-volume urban practice while still being able to treat some pocket pets. Her veterinary interests include senior pet care, client education, exotic animal medicine, and wildlife conservation. After meeting her partner in Texas, they decided to escape city life and move back east, closer to family and the mountains.

Dr. Henry loves all things outdoors, traveling, and enjoys reading with a good cup of coffee. In her spare time, you can find her and her partner out rock climbing, hiking, or exploring the local flora and fauna with their mixed-breed brindle pup Maia. They also have a very naughty Bengal kitten named Pixel.

Denise Thompson

Practice Manager

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want and have animals in my life. I am always saving a baby bird or rescuing an injured animal. My love for horses led me to riding and training horses soon after high school. I went to work on a horse farm that had 125 horses, and I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. I started with cleaning stalls there and eventually became a head trainer. Took some accounting and business courses along the way, and after a few years, I opened my own horse training business. After the birth of my son in 1987, I wanted to be home more, Dr. Anton offered me a job at Healthy Petz, and I’ve never looked back! I love every aspect of the veterinary industry and am blessed to have this opportunity with our amazing team. I live on a small farm with My husband, three Frenchies, a cat, 4 horses, a donkey, 19 chickens, and 3 ducks. I also love to read, ride and work on the farm. Morganton is a great small town, and I love to shop local. It’s great when you go to the bank or a store, and people know you by name.

Linda Sauers

Assistant Manager

I have enjoyed having pets in my home my whole life and, for the last 10 years, have been passionate about coming to work every day at Healthy Petz to take care of animals and assist their owners. I have a High school diploma. I have 27 years of customer service experience. I worked in an office setting for years but thought it would be interesting to work with animals. My career choice did not disappoint! From pets that come in sick or injured, helping them to feel better, and being there to comfort them at the heartbreaking end of another pet’s journey, to the new puppy and kitten cuddles we receive daily, it’s never the same day twice, and I love it! When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets. Camping is our favorite family activity which also includes other fun outdoor stuff like cookouts, swimming, fishing, cornhole, and a game of putt-putt whenever we can! We also enjoy an occasional boat ride on Lake James or kayaking our local river. I am married to my best friend of 27 years and a mom of 3 wonderful children, 2 boys, ages 20 & 14, and one beautiful 8-year-old little girl with special needs. Not to be left out are my fur babies 1 boxer/ hound dog mix, 2 sweet tabby kitties, and two grand kitties 🙂

Lee F.

Veterinary Technician

I joined the veterinary industry because I’ve always cared about the well-being of animals. I graduated from Michigan State University. When I am not in the office, I love to ride horses and enjoy the beautiful Morganton area. I also love to remodel homes in my spare time.

Kendra S.

Veterinary Technician

I graduated from AB Tech in 2011. I knew I wanted to work with animals since I was a little girl. There was no doubt that I would do anything else with my life. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my dogs, fussing over my many house plants, and cuddling with my fur babies.

Heather W.

Veterinary Assistant

I have always had a love for animals since I could remember. Many of my best childhood memories were playing with my best friend, the family dog. She was a Pitt/ Catahoula mix named “Freckles”. My mom used to joke that she always knew where I was when playing outside… with the dog, even in the dog house on several occasions! I prefer animals over people. I’m lucky to be able to say I enjoy going to work. I like to go hiking and kayaking with my wife and daughter. I like to draw and paint, and the best days are spent reading while snuggled up with my fur-babies. I love Hiking Table Rock, it has the best 360° views!

Jordan H.

Veterinary Assistant

My passion for animals comes from the unconditional love that my pet Arashi has shown me over the years. Her loyalty and cuddles have encouraged me to do my best to help all animals. I love working here because there is never a dull moment. The work is always interesting with new cases coming in, I never stop learning. It is basically a dream job for someone who loves animals. When I’m not at the office, I spend all my time with my husband and kids. We love doing family activities.

Ellen M.

Kennel Manager

My passion for animals comes from my own furry companions I’ve had. I am amazed by the unique forms of communication and the trust that they give to those who care for them. Dogs are my favorite people. In my spare time, I just relax and ride the roller coaster that is life.

Michael B.

Kennel

I like animals better than I do people. I have always done well with animals, so it was just a natural decision. I am a gamer, PC and PS4. I love hiking and sightseeing around beautiful Buncombe County.

Doug B.

Kennel

Animals are fun and lovable. They are caring and show comfort when you need it. I have several pets of my own, and they all are passionate in their own way. I like taking care of animals, I feel like we are their voice. When I’m not at Healthy Petz caring for all the great animals, you can usually find me on the boat fishing.

Kaylin B.

Client Service Representative

I have always rescued animals and helped them in any way possible. My love for animals and want the best for them made my choice to work in this industry an easy one. When I am not helping animals, you can catch me gardening or at the race track.

Trisha R.

Receptionist

I have always had a passion for animals since I was little. I used to always get in trouble for bringing home any stray animals I could find. I started work in the veterinary field almost 6 years ago. I have my certification in phlebotomy, which I received in November of 2021. I joined the veterinary industry because of my love for animals. I like to hike and explore new areas in the mountains. I like to spend time with my 2 dogs, Daisy Mae (welsh Pembroke corgi) and Zero (pit mix), and also my 3 guinea pigs, Bacon, Pig, and Blossom. I also enjoy spending time at home playing video games and watching crime/history documentaries.

Emily Smith

Kennel Assistant

I love to help the animals, it makes me feel complete to help them. My passion is to be a part of a team that helps animals. I couldn’t imagine a life without working with animals. Outside of work, I enjoy canine training, hiking in nature, swimming, and spending quality time with my mom. I take care of my four kitties and my dog. My dog and I love to go to the human bean to grab a coffee for me and a pup cup for my pup.

Lyndsay Starnes

There are a variety of things that I love and that I love to do, but I only have one true passion; and that is with all fur babies! Currently, I am enrolled in my Associate’s Degree for Veterinary Technician. I have enjoyed developing meaningful relationships with both our clients and our patients. I truly believe that it helps to impact the level of care and medicine we are able to offer. I enjoy riding horses and working on our property. Along with my husband, Dylan, I have two boys, Garrett and Evan. We also have 6 dogs (yep, SIX), 2 cats, and some chickens.

Samantha Powell

Pet Groomer

I have had a passion for all types of animals for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember growing up and wanting to have a career working with animals. I have been grooming for a little over 9 years now, and I have loved every minute of it. From working for a corporation to now working for a vet, I have encountered so many different challenges and obstacles. I could not see myself working in any other career and being happy. Working at a vet clinic, there are so many different opportunities to learn and understand pets with different needs and how to care for them in a way that benefits them the most. Having a passion for animals, I felt this was the right path for me.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on trips, and so many different adventures. In my free time, my husband Bryan and our son Brayden can be found in the mountains of NC hiking trails or picnicking. I have 6 pets, 5 dogs and 1 cat, who keep me busy all the time. I have my oldest dog Bear, a Jack Russell mix who just turned 14 this year, Coco a 12 year old Chocolate Lab, Sophie a 10 year old Chihuahua, Max and Izzy who are brother and sister and the puppies from Coco who just turned 4, and lastly my cat Kitty Kitty Bang Bang Shrimp who is a 5 year old long haired cat.

Chelsea Laney

Client Service Representative

I have loved and owned an animal ever since the age of 5. It has always been a passion of mine to work with animals. I have 4 dogs and 2 cats. They are the best! Animals, in general, have this unconditional love that you can’t help but be happy when they are excited to see you! I have always known that one day I would want to work at a place to help and love the animals at the same time. I love to go hiking with my husband and friends, along with the dogs and cats. Drawing and reading are other things I love to do. In my free time, I enjoy going to antique stores.