Our Staff
Veterinarians
Dr. Dawn Delong, DVM
Dr. Delong earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Georgia in 1994. In 2014, she became the proud owner of Walnut Grove Animal Hospital, where she is dedicated to treating every pet and owner like family. Outside of work, Dr. Delong enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Her home is filled with animal companions, including two corgis, three cats, and several horses. In her free time, she can often be found with her horses, embracing her love for animals both inside and outside the clinic. 
Dr. Jay Hancock, DVM
Dr. Hancock earned both his Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia, graduating from vet school in 2008. He joined Walnut Grove Animal Hospital in 2015 and has been dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient since. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Hancock enjoys spending time with his wife Charity, their 2 cats, Felicity and Beatrice as well as their newest joy, a healthy baby boy. His other interests include gaming, woodworking, and watchmaking. Every fall, he is an avid UGA football fan, GO DAWGS!! 
Dr. Jessica Bremer, DVM
Dr. Bremer is a native of Atlanta, completing both her B.S. degree in Animal Science & her DVM degree at the University of Georgia, with honors both times. Becoming a veterinarian had been her dream since the age of six. Dr. Bremer started working in the veterinary field as a kennel assistant in 2007, eventually becoming a veterinary assistant until starting vet school in 2010. Dr. Bremer loves the diversity of general practice, but has special interests in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and client education. Outside of work, she and her husband, Ryan, are busy raising their two young boys, Grant and Chase. They love spending time outdoors- hiking, fishing, and playing with their boys. They also share their home with two chihuahua mixes, Logan and Little Squirrel, and their cat, Bob. 
Dr. Melissa Stallings, DVM
Dr. Stallings is a proud Double Dawg, having earned both her undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 2004. She has been proudly serving pets and their families in the Gwinnett and Walton communities ever since. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for animal health, she joined the Walnut Grove Animal Hospital team in 2020.When she's not caring for patients, Dr. Stallings enjoys spending quality time with her two daughters and their adorable poodle, Penny. |
Management
Stephanie Smith, RVT
Practice Manager
Stephanie began her career at Walnut Grove Animal Hospital in May 2008 as a kennel assistant and quickly advanced to a veterinary assistant, later cross-training as a receptionist in 2009. She graduated from Athens Technical College in 2015 with a degree in Veterinary Technology, becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Her career path led her into emergency medicine, where she served as a lead technician for two years before stepping into the role of practice manager for four years. In 2018, she returned “home” to Walnut Grove Animal Hospital as practice manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep dedication to both the team and the animals they care for.
Practice Manager
Stephanie began her career at Walnut Grove Animal Hospital in May 2008 as a kennel assistant and quickly advanced to a veterinary assistant, later cross-training as a receptionist in 2009. She graduated from Athens Technical College in 2015 with a degree in Veterinary Technology, becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Her career path led her into emergency medicine, where she served as a lead technician for two years before stepping into the role of practice manager for four years. In 2018, she returned “home” to Walnut Grove Animal Hospital as practice manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep dedication to both the team and the animals they care for.
Receptionist
Lisa
Lisa has been part of the Walnut Grove Animal Hospital family on and off since 1997. She is a retired Wildlife Rehabilitator and has 2 dogs, 2 cats, and an African Grey Parrot. She loves our clients and patients and looks forward to meeting new clients and their fur babies. |
Charity
Charity has been part of the Walnut Grove Animal Hospital team since May 2016. She has always had a deep love for animals, describing them as her “heart and soul.” To Charity, Walnut Grove is more than just a workplace—it’s a place she loves, a second family, and even where she met her husband, with whom she enjoys building a life. An avid cat lover, Charity proudly admits to having several feline companions who “own” her. Outside of work, she treasures time with her beautiful baby boy, who is adored by the entire Walnut Grove family. |
Teresa
Teresa grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and earned her degree in Environmental Science from Florida State University. She has always had a deep love for animals, which inspires her work every day. Outside of the clinic, Teresa enjoys spending time with her husband and their two cats, Peyton and Petunia. She also loves crocheting, cooking, and spending time outdoors. |
Lorrie
Lorrie joined Walnut Grove Animal Hospital on August 4th, 2025. She and her husband have been together for 35 years and own 4 dogs which they love dearly. Lorrie was a Respiratory Therapist for 25 years, then transitioned away from the medical field by owning 2 Harley Davidson dealerships for 15 years. Her job prior to working for Walnut Grove Animal Hospital was a flooring specialist at the Monroe Home Depot, which she did for 8.5 years. |
Veterinary Assistants
Brooke
Born and raised in Loganville, GA, Brooke has loved animals for as long as she can remember. Since 2014, she has worked with animals in various capacities, gaining valuable hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the care they deserve. At home, she shares life with two beloved dogs, Lex and Bug. When she’s not at the clinic, Brooke enjoys relaxing by the lake and spending time with her family and pets. She is passionate about showing compassion and providing the highest quality care to every patient she meets. |
Andrew
Andrew has been working in the veterinary field for 10+ years combining his passion for animals with a dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Outside of work, you can usually find him with a camera in hand, exploring nature on his dirt bike, or enjoying the great outdoors through hiking and camping. In the summer, Andrew loves being on the water with friends and family, and when the weather turns cold, he’s hitting the slopes for some skiing. His adventurous spirit and love for animals shine through in everything he does, both in and out of the clinic. Whether in the clinic or exploring the world beyond it, Andrew’s energy, curiosity, and deep love for animals and nature are at the heart of everything he does. |
Jessica RVT
Jessica joined the Walnut Grove Animal Hospital team in June 2025, bringing with her 22 years of experience helping pets feel better and supporting the people who love them. Her career has spanned general practice, emergency and critical care, and leadership roles, with a special interest in nursing care and internal medicine. Jessica is passionate about treating every patient and client with kindness, empathy, and compassion, striving to make each visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care at every stage of a pet’s life—from playful puppies and kittens to cherished senior companions. |
Bethany
Bethany is a veterinary assistant at Walnut Grove Animal Hospital with nearly a decade of experience in both veterinary and human medicine. While she has a special interest in feline care and is proudly Feline Friendly Certified through the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, she is passionate about providing compassionate care to all animals, big and small. With an empathetic approach in client education, she’s always eager to learn more and help pet parents feel confident and informed. Bethany is a big believer in being a voice for animals who can’t speak for themselves — and making sure every tail wag and purr is heard. When she’s not at the clinic, you can find her painting, listening to music, and hanging out with her Corgi-Lab mix, Punkin, and her two chunky, lovable cats, Mac and Roni. |
Alaina
Alaina joined the Walnut Grove Animal Hospital team in December 2024 as a receptionist and quickly transitioned into a veterinary assistant role in February 2025. She is currently pursuing her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology while gaining valuable hands-on experience in general practice.
Her lifelong passion for rescuing stray dogs and cats inspired her to dedicate her career to helping animals. Alaina is known for her kindness and compassion, always prioritizing the comfort and well-being of her patients.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 16-year-old Maltipoo, Lucie, hanging out with friends, and staying active through workouts.
Alaina joined the Walnut Grove Animal Hospital team in December 2024 as a receptionist and quickly transitioned into a veterinary assistant role in February 2025. She is currently pursuing her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology while gaining valuable hands-on experience in general practice.
Her lifelong passion for rescuing stray dogs and cats inspired her to dedicate her career to helping animals. Alaina is known for her kindness and compassion, always prioritizing the comfort and well-being of her patients.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 16-year-old Maltipoo, Lucie, hanging out with friends, and staying active through workouts.
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