Dr. Mike Schlicksup received his doctorate of veterinary medicine from Ross University in 2007 where he graduated salutatorian. Following graduation he completed a one year small animal internship and a three year surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon finishing the residency program Dr. Schlicksup became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He remained on staff at the University of Pennsylvania helping train students, interns and surgical residents for the next 2 years. For the past 7 years he worked as a staff surgeon at a facility in Charleston, SC. Dr. Schlicksup’s interests include wound therapy, minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy & laparoscopy) and joint replacement. He has written numerous journal articles and book chapters on topics that include; brachycephalic airway disease, vascular stenting, adrenal gland surgery, cruciate ligament disease and middle ear disease. In 2011 his research was recognized at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons symposium. Dr. Schlicksup is the co-owner of CVETS with Dr. Tracy Schlicksup. Their goal was to open a specialty hospital in the Columbia area that was focused on the client experience while practicing the highest level of medicine.
Dr. Tracy Schlicksup received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Ross University in 2007. Following graduation she completed a six month small animal internship at North Carolina State University. For the next 6 years she worked as an emergency doctor at a 25 doctor specialty hospital in Philadelphia, PA. During this time she received rigorous additional training in emergency medicine and surgery. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the South Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She has experience in creation and implementation of technician training programs and educational rounds. She also currently assists in human resources focusing on staff interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and career development. Dr. Tracy Schlicksup is the director of Emergency and Client Services and co-owner of CVETS.
Dr. Collin Wolff received both his bachelor’s and veterinary degrees from Cornell University, where he was recognized for academic excellence graduating summa cum laude and with distinction in research honors. Dr. Wolff went on to advance his clinical training by completing two one-year veterinary internships: the first a general small animal internship rotating through medicine, surgery, and other specialty services at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and the second a surgical internship at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center. His formal training in small animal surgery culminated in a three-year academic residency at Texas A&M University, following which Dr. Wolff successfully completed all requirements of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and attained diplomate status as a board-certified veterinary surgeon. Dr. Wolff has published numerous articles on basic science research as well as clinical research. During his residency, the ACVS Foundation awarded Dr. Wolff a competitive research grant to investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci, a multi-drug resistant bacteria increasingly implicated in surgical site infections, in dogs with orthopedic disease.
Dr. Marielle LeFloch grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia for undergrad and then graduated veterinary school at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She then completed a rotating internship, an emergency surgery internship, and then a surgical residency at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island.
Dr. Ashley Schick was born in Connecticut and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia, prior to receiving her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from North Carolina State University. Following a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Dr. Schick completed a surgical internship at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego in California. She then returned to the University of Georgia for a small animal surgery residency.
Dr. Kendra Bohn received a bachelor’s degree from Hiram College in 2002, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 2007. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. She then finished an internship at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in 2009. Dr. Bohn went on to complete a residency in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery from 2009 to 2012 at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. During her residency, she conducted a research project evaluating the utility of magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which is a specific MRI sequence, in non-invasively differentiating brain tumor types. In 2012, Dr. Bohn became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the specialty of neurology. She worked for nearly 7 years at PVSEC in Pittsburgh, PA before joining CVETS in July 2019. Her clinical interests include neurosurgery, brain tumors, and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system.
Dr. Patti Lawler was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, a Master’s degree from North Carolina State University, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida.
Dr. Lawler started her veterinary career as a general practitioner serving the needs of pets and pet parents in the Orlando, FL, area for two years prior to pursuing specialization. She completed a rotating internship at Nashville Veterinary Specialists and a Neurology and Neurosurgery specialty internship at the Center for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care (CVESC) in Dallas, TX. She then completed a three-year Neurology and Neurosurgery residency at Cornell University Hospital for Animals in Ithaca, NY.
She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the specialty of Neurology during her final year of residency. Her clinical interests include neuroimaging, novel neurosurgical techniques, and tumors of the central nervous system. When not in the clinic, Dr. Lawler enjoys spending time with her husband, two dogs and cat.
Dr. Rebecca Haviland has been board certified in internal medicine by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine since 2015. Her special interests include all aspects of endocrinology and hematology. She has conducted research in hypoadrenocorticism and thromboembolic diseases and has lectured at local and national events.
Dr. Haviland received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. After completing both a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery and a small animal internal medicine internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, she returned to the University of Pennsylvania, where she completed her residency in internal medicine. She then moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where she worked in a large specialty private practice for 6 years. She briefly practiced in Pennsylvania once again, prior to deciding to return to Columbia to join CVETS.
Dr. Haviland received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. After completing both a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery and a small animal internal medicine internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, she returned to the University of Pennsylvania, where she completed her residency in internal medicine. She then moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where she worked in a large specialty private practice for 6 years. She briefly practiced in Pennsylvania once again, prior to deciding to return to Columbia to join CVETS.
Dr. Alex Gallagher is a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a rotating internship at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine before spending two years in private general practice.
After an internal medicine internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland, FL, Dr. Gallagher completed a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, earned a Master’s degree in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, and became board-certified in 2008. Afterwards, Dr. Gallagher spent 14 years on faculty at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine as a Clinical Assistant and then Clinical Associate Professor. In August 2022, he left UF to join Columbia Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty in South Carolina as a staff internist.
Dr. Gallagher’s interests include gastroenterology, endocrinology, and image-guided interventions which allow minimally invasive options for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles, authored several book chapters, and lectured nationally and internationally on these topics. Dr. Gallagher currently serves as Past President of the Veterinary Interventional Radiology and Interventional Endoscopy Society (VIRIES).
Dr. Kelsey Johnson was born and raised in the small state of Delaware. She received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 2018 and remains a proud fan of the Georgia Bulldogs!
Dr. Johnson completed a small animal rotating internship at the Ohio State University in 2019 and a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin in 2022.
Dr. Johnson has been board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She loves all aspects of internal medicine, but she particularly enjoys treating immune-mediated and infectious diseases. In her free time, Dr. Johnson likes to spend time with her greyhound Joey.
Dr. Sarah Kraiza received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1999. After graduating, Dr. Kraiza completed a one-year internship at VCA – VRA in Gaithersburg, MD (“the barn”). During her internship she developed an interest in surgery and oncology and she spent a second year at VRA working with radiation, chemotherapy and surgery patients. Dr. Kraiza completed a residency in medical oncology at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts in Grafton, MA. and spent an additional year there as a clinical instructor. In 2006, Dr. Kraiza achieved board-certification in medical oncology. After leaving university Dr. Kraiza has been in private practice in CT, SC and FL.
Dr. Kraiza finds working private practice setting with multiple specialist and diagnostic tools enables her to tailor the best treatment plan for your pet – with the goal of finding the right balance of treatment and quality of life being a priority. Dr. Kraiza offers novel treatment regimes, including evolving immunotherapy protocols and novel chemotherapeutics. Dr. Kraiza looks forward to working with your pet’s primary veterinarian to diagnose and manage treatment of all types of cancer.
Dr. Brown grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and received her B.S. degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida. She received her DVM from the University of Georgia in 2007 and after completing a small animal medicine and surgery internship in New Jersey, she headed back south to the University of Tennessee where she completed her residency in medical oncology. Dr. Brown has been practicing in South Carolina since 2011 and has particular interests in hemangiosarcoma, histiocytic sarcoma, metronomic chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. She has lectured on a state and national levels and has conducted research in areas of hemangiosarcoma and anal sac apocrine gland adenocarcinomas. Outside of work Dr. Brown enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, and watching Florida football.
Dr. Rebecca Kennerly was born in Columbia and raised in Alabama. She received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Auburn University in 2017 where she graduated valedictorian. She then completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Georgia, and she stayed at UGA to complete a three year cardiology residency. Dr. Kennerly's interests include degenerative mitral valve disease, emergency management of congestive heart failure, pre-anesthetic evaluation of the cardiology patient, and pacemaker implantation. She enjoys cooking, bird watching, and spending time with her family in Columbia.
Dr. Samantha Sedgwick grew up riding horses in the US Virgin Islands, on the lovely island of St. Croix. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at the University of Tennessee while participating in two division I sports: track and rowing. Dr. Sedgwick went on to attain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University in 2015. Following graduation, Dr. Sedgwick completed her rotating internship at the world-renowned Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, where she honed her anesthesia and analgesia skills under the tutelage of the eminent equine anesthesiologist, Dr. John Hubbell. Her love of anesthesia spurred her pursuit of a residency in the Section of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at Cornell University Hospital for Animals, which she completed in 2021. During her residency, Dr. Sedgwick published work on blood pressure monitoring and alveolar recruitment using critical care ventilators, both in canine patients; she also co-authored a chapter on regional anesthesia for the textbook Equine Dentistry and Oral Surgery. Her clinical interests include pain management, regional anesthesia, stabilization of polytraumas under anesthesia, and the challenge of exotic zoo wildlife anesthesia.
Dr. Noelle Herrera originates from Knoxville, Tennessee where she earned bachelor’s and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Tennessee. She went on to complete a rotating internship and residency in emergency and critical care medicine from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Having returned to the south, Dr. Herrera is very excited to join CVETS as the critical care medicine department is opened. She is particularly passionate about septic peritonitis, respiratory crises, and mechanical ventilation. When Dr. Herrera is not caring for the sickest and most unstable patients in the Intensive Care Unit, she is spending time with her family and boxer Sadie or soaking up the outdoors.
Dr. Elizabeth Gregory is originally from Easley, South Carolina, where she received a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in 2015. She then received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Mississippi State University in 2019. After a small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City in 2020, she went on to complete a residency in emergency and critical care in 2023 at Michigan State University. Dr. Gregory is very excited to be returning to her home state and joining the team at CVETS.
Her clinical interests include sepsis, severe respiratory disease and mechanical ventilation, and acute kidney injuries. When not in the ICU, Dr. Gregory enjoys Clemson football, reading, bird watching, and gardening.
Dr. Wynter Gantt is an emergency veterinarian at CVETS. Dr. Gantt is a native of South Carolina, originally coming from the Charleston area. She graduated from USC-Aiken with her Bachelors of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Infectious Diseases and Immunology. After completion of two years of research in this field, Dr. Gantt attended the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State where she graduated at the top of her class. Dr. Gantt’s interests include the treatment of emergent conditions include GDV, septic shock and poorly controlled diabetes.
Dr. Andrea Powalie grew up in North Myrtle Beach, SC. She attended Coastal Carolina University to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2013. She then attended the University of Georgia where she obtained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in May of 2018. Dr. Powalie always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. She started working in a small animal clinic when she was 15 years old; first as a kennel attendant and eventually worked her way through all of the positions in the hospital until she became a Veterinarian. Dr. Powalie realized that she had a passion for emergency medicine in her clinical year of Veterinary school. She has been working as an Emergency Veterinarian since graduation. Dr. Powalie is dedicated to serving you and your beloved pets in some of the most difficult and unexpected times with compassion and understanding. Dr. Powalie has taken a special interest in the One Health initiative- recognizing the importance of the relationship between humans, animals, and our environment in all parts of the world. Other special interests include: emergency stabilization, internal medicine, and surgery. During her free time, she enjoys being out on the water, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family at the beach.
Dr. Amanda Edwards is a native of the midlands. She grew up in South Congaree, SC. She received her Bachelors of Arts and Science Degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina in 2011. Afterwards, she attended Tuskegee University where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 2016 and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She completed a small animal rotating internship and an internal medicine focused mentorship at Metropolitan Veterinary Specialists in Louisville, KY before moving back to SC to be closer to family. Her interests include emergency, critical care, and internal medicine. She especially enjoys treating feline patients. In her free time Dr. Edwards likes to spend time with her 5 fur babies (2 dogs-Tybee the Labrador and Itty the pitbull/heeler mix and 3 cats-Sigma, Hazel, and Sawyer), her daughter, and husband. Her hobbies include kayaking, hiking, going to the beach, traveling, and anything that sparks creativity. She is excited to help the pets and pet parents of the Midlands.
Dr. Ana Portales grew up in Lexington, KY. She attended the University of South Carolina to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science in 2016. She attended Auburn University where she obtained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in May of 2021. She then returned to Columbia, SC and went on to complete additional training as a small animal rotating intern with CVETS. Dr. Portales always knew she wanted to work with animals, but it was not until college that she decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She originally wanted to become a veterinary behaviorist, until realizing how much she enjoyed emergency medicine. It was during her internship that Dr. Portales realized that she had a passion for emergency medicine and decided to stay on as an Emergency Veterinarian. Her clinical interests include emergency stabilization, internal medicine, One Health, and behavior. During her free time, she likes to spend time with her two dogs, Kenobi and Lilac, and cat, Edamame.
Dr. Kent-Powers grew up in the Upstate of South Carolina. She attended Clemson University and graduated in 2009 with a Pre-Vet degree . Following Clemson University, she attended Ross University for Vet school and graduated in 2013. She then completed a rotating internship with Springfield Veterinary Referral Center in Virginia in 2014. From there, she moved to Midland, Texas for three years where she worked in a general practice. She then moved to Augusta, Georgia and worked in emergency medicine for another three years. Most recently, she relocated to Columbia to work as an Emergency Veterinarian at CVETS, and to be closer to her family. She currently lives with her two fur babies Samus and Ridley, and enjoys hiking, running and anything outdoors.
Dr. Alison Calfee, a 2022 graduate of the esteemed University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, embarked on her professional journey with a small animal rotating internship. This led her to Columbia, South Carolina, where she now serves as one of our dedicated Emergency Veterinarians.
With a passion for veterinary medicine, Dr. Calfee finds her greatest interests lie in the realms of diagnostic imaging and education. Beyond the clinic, she channels her creative energy into writing, painting, and the intricate art of crocheting. In her moments of leisure, she finds solace in bouldering, communing with nature, and cherishing quality time with her beloved pets at home.
Dr. Ashley Moye is originally from Virginia and earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech). Following a small animal rotating internship, she was commissioned into the US Army as a Veterinary Corps Officer. Currently assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, she operates the veterinary clinic on base and provides medical support to Shaw’s Military Working Dogs (MWDs), who think of her as the “cookie lady.” Dr. Moye has a passion for emergency medicine and works at CVETS on a relief-basis to maintain her skill-set and continue to learn new advances in emergency medicine..
Dr. Alanah Wray grew up in Toronto, Canada. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor in Science majoring in Animal Biology. She then moved to Sydney, Australia for the next 5 years and attended the University of Sydney where she obtained her degree in Veterinary Medicine. Following medical school, she returned to North America and has since practiced emergency medicine in Pennsylvania, Florida and South Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys being at the beach, partaking in various artsy hobbies, horse riding, spending time with friends, traveling, and also relaxing at home with her two Ragdoll cats.
Surgical Interns
Dr. Paul D'Ortona grew up in southern New Jersey. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Rowan University in 2016 where he studied the behavioral responses of introduced Italian Wall Lizards to native NJ snake chemical cues. He also earned his Master of Science in Biology from Saint Joseph's University in 2018 where his thesis research investigated the effects of shoal size on shoaling behavior in male and female guppies. Dr. D'Ortona earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2022. Following graduation, he went on to continue training as a small animal rotating intern at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. His professional interests include small animal orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, with the goal of pursuing residency in small animal surgery to become a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
Dr. Rosa was born and raised in Southern Brazil. He attended veterinary school at the Federal University of Parana and completed his small animal clinical rotations at Cornell University, where he met his future wife, Kate Jenkins. After completing rotating internships in California, they eventually settled in New Hampshire. Dr. Rosa is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery. His main interests are in orthopedic and minimally invasive surgery. In his free time, Dr. Rosa enjoys rock climbing and spending time with his wife Kate, his daughter Tessa, and his two dogs, Twinkie and Biscuit. Dr. Rosa is proud to be a part of the CVETS team and plans to pursue a residency in Small Animal Surgery next year.
