Our Staff
A Dedicated Staff:
We’ve helped thousands of patients, from canine athletes and working dogs to beloved family pets.
AZRA AHMIC
Referral Coordinator
Azra serves as a resource for our clients to help facilitate the needs of their pet. Azra completed a veterinary technician program in her native country Bosnia before moving to the United States in 1998. Azra joined Northlake in 2014 with over 14 years of experience in specialty veterinary customer service. Azra enjoys listening to music (metal), reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and two cats (Cody and Stella).
MELANIE GREEN
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Referral Coordinator
Melanie graduated from The Ohio State University in 2010 with a Bachelors in Dairy Science and Agribusiness, and also from Columbus State Community College, with a degree in Veterinary Applied Sciences. Melanie has over 20 years of experience from general, specialty, and emergency practices. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
MANDY BRODY, CCRA
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Certified Rehabilitation Assistant
Mandy graduated from Gwinnett Technical College in 2005 with a Degree in Applied Sciences – Veterinary Technology. She completed her certification in Canine Rehabilitation in 2016. Mandy is an avid sports fan (especially college football), and excellent photographer, and enjoys spending time with her dog Titus.
GEORGE CARLETON, CCRA
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Certified Rehabilitation Assistant
George joined Northlake in 2008 after years of operating his own business as a finish carpenter. George graduated from Gwinnett Technical College in 2013 with a Degree in Applied Sciences – Vet Technology. George completed his Certification in Canine Rehabilitation in 2015. George and his wife Christy have dogs named Lexi and Rooney, and a small but growing herd of cats.
KATIE BRYSON
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Katie joined Northlake in 2011 with 6 years of experience in general veterinary practice. Katie graduated from Gwinnett Technical College in 2005 with a Degree in Applied Sciences – Veterinary Technology. Katie enjoys spending time with her husband Juan, their daughter Eleanor and their cats Mr. Peepers and Chuckles.
MICHELE JONES-DOWDY
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Michele joined Northlake in 2007, with 5 years of experience in general veterinary practice and 10 years experience in internal medicine specialty practice. Michele and her husband along with their two sons enjoy spending time with family and friends.
CATHY VIAN
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Cathy was trained in the United States Army, where she achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Cathy acquired 6 years of experience in Emergency Medicine before joining Northlake in 1994. Cathy enjoys gardening, home improvement projects, family, and spending time with her dog Buddy and fleet of cats.
LAUREN SURMIK
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Lauren is a 2014 graduate of Gwinnett Technical College earning a degree in Applied Sciences – Veterinary Technology. Lauren also has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University in 2003. Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan, their three dogs and cat. She also enjoys being outdoors, traveling, competing in mud runs, training in Kali, and playing soccer.
ALEXIS CHILDRESS
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Alexis joined Northlake in 2016 with 3 years experience in general veterinary practice. She graduated from Animal Behavior College in 2013 as a certified veterinary assistant. In May of 2020, Alexis graduated from Georgia State University with her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Photography. Alexis enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with her dog, Halo.
CARNELL BENNETT
Veterinary Tech. Assistant
Carnell joined Northlake in 2018 through our work-study internship program. He comes to us from Pennsylvania where he gained experience working for multiple veterinary specialty hospitals. In his spare time, Carnell can be found fishing, training his 2 dogs Ceily and Ernesto, or looking out for his little chameleon, Flower.
KATIE MCQUAIG
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Katie joined our family in 2019 after having her own dog’s surgery performed at Northlake. Katie previously worked at the University of Georgia in their large animal veterinary facility. Katie graduated with a degree in Equine Science in 2016 from Judson College and continued her education at Gwinnett Technical College, receiving her RVT degree in 2018. Katie is an avid animal lover, enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with her dogs, family, and friends.
KELLY SMITHSON
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Kelly graduated from Gwinnett Technical College in 2016 with a degree in Applied Science of Veterinary Technology. She gained experience in general and specialty veterinary practice before joining us in October 2019. Kelly enjoys spending time with her cats, music, reading, and gardening. She lives near her family in Gwinnett county with her cats.
TABITHA BROWN
Registered Veterinary Tech.
Tabitha graduated from Fort Valley State University in 2020 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. In her free time, she likes going on walks and hikes. She loves spending time with her family and dogs, Pepper and Petey. She loves to swim and played three sports in high school along with being in the orchestra.