Firehall 4 Staff
Karen Middendorf, DVM
After a childhood filled with 8 Sealyham Terriers, 1 German Shepherd, 3 Irish Setters, 1 West Highland Terrier, 1 Collie, several mixed breeds, and numerous cats(not to mention quantities of goldfish and hamsters) Veterinary Medicine seemed the only reasonable career choice for Karen Middendorf. Graduating from Purdue University, she has practiced Veterinary Medicine for over 20 years and raised 4 wonderful children. Excelling at multi-tasking (ie. a mother) her passions in life( besides Veterinary Medicine) are family,gardening , community planning, quilting, cooking , and reading. She looks forward to the opportunity to practice Veterinary Medicine in our community in a caring, compassionate way. Pictured here with Hannah (German Shepherd), Aulden (Min. Pin), Aiden (Maine Coon)
Hunter Bates, DVM
Dr. Hunter Bates is a 2003 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He has a passion for Veterinary Medicine and enjoys performing surgery. Hunter shares his home with his wife, three children, Labrador Retriever, pony, and horse. Hunter joined our team summer of 2008 and has been a wonderful addition to our family. Pictured here with one of our newest patients.
Jennifer Peterson, DVM
Dr. Peterson grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and has always had a sincere love for animals that started with her Siamese cat "Crystal." Her childhood was inundated with animals, friends, and family activities. After attending her first year of undergraduate at Harding University in Arkansas, Dr. Peterson transferrred to UGA and joined the Redcoat Band where she met her husband, Ryan. Dr. Peterson received her Bachelor Degree in Biological Sciences, Masters in Toxicology, and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine all from University of Georgia. Since Graduating in 2009, she has worked with both small and large animals at practices in Northeast Georgia doing everything from vaccinations to delivering calves. Last year Dr. Peterson worked at a practice in Royston, Ga emphasizing in emergency and critical care. Today, she is happy to back to her college roots in Athens, Ga. and is working at Firehall 4 Animal Hospital! She lives with her husband, Ryan, 2yr old son, Hunter, Labrador Retriever, Casey, 2 cats, Jasmine and Flip, and 2 horses, Stetson and Picasso. Her passions include spending time with her family, having fun outdoors, and cooking. She is excited to be the newest member of the Firehall family and can't wait to get involved in the local animal community!
Sam Cannon: Veterinary Technician
Sam Cannon has come to join our team here at Firehall 4 Animal Hospital! If you have ever had the chance to meet him, he is one of the nicest individuals that anyone could ever have the pleasure of being introduced to. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our practice with over 30 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician. He is an incredibly diligent worker and has a wonderful reputation in the community and with clients. In his spare time Sam likes to spend time outdoors fishing and visiting with his family.
Brandy Muniz - Tech/ Obedience Trainer
Brandy was born and raised here in Athens and has had animals all her life. Shortly after graduating high school she worked as a manager for a boarding facility. She is a certified obedience instructor teaching classes here at Firehall 4. She has been a part of the Firehall family since winter of 2006. She is currently working towards an associates in Veterinary Technology, hoping to be a much better asset to the hospital. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her four furry children, “Sable” (Boxer), “Gizmo” (Shih-Tzu) and "Rocky" (Not pictured), and "Ms. Kitty". She also enjoys spending time with horses, fishing and just having fun with her family. She has made a great addition to our Firehall 4 Team!! Brandy offers puppy classes, clicker obedience classes, and private one on one training.
Minona Brown - Receptionist
Minona joined our team here at Firehall 4 Animal Hospital and not only has she brought many loyal clients with her, she brings a wealth of knowledge gained from over 25 years of experience in the field. Born and raised in Monroe, Georgia she graduated high school and then went on to Business School. She worked at a Veterinary hospital in Monroe for 8 years before coming to Athens to work at another clinic in the area for 19 1/2 years. She is the proud mother of 3 sons who are all grown and married and has one Himalayan mix named Belle whom she shares her home with.
Erin Brown- Receptionist
Erin Brown was born and raised in Athens. She is a graduate of The University of Georgia with a major in English. Erin grew up surrounded by animals and has taken in everything from cats, dogs, ferrets, and a rat. She has a passion for riding horses and has been riding since she could walk. She has been a lovely asset to our practice bringing her bubbly personality and wonderful people skills.
Kimberly Kesler- Receptionist
Kimberly has been working at Firehall 4 since April 2008. She brings a wealth of knowledge after managing a boarding kennel for 3 years. She lives in Nicholson with her husband and 4 four legged children: "Mishka" a Siberian Husky, "Diesel" a Bull Terrier, "Spooke" an American Bulldog, and "Tonka" a Great Dane.
Hollie Blasen- Groomer
As an experienced groomer Hollie is familiar with all standard breed cuts and grooms cats as well. She can also cater to any specific needs that your pet may need. Hollie began her career with animals at a boarding kennel years ago and then decided that she wanted to become a groomer. After becoming certified at a grooming school in Buckhead, Georgia she worked as a professional groomer for 5 years before joining our team. Hollie is currently taking appointments wednesday – Friday.
Amber Turnbull- Kennel Assistant
Jennifer Copeland- Tech
Jennifer graduated from the University of Georgia in May with degrees in Biology and Religion and is working towards attending vet school next year. Having grown up with animals (dogs, cats, and ferrets), she has always wanted to go into veterinary medicine. She has worked in vet clinics in the past, including an internship in South Africa. She also spent 10 years doing therapy dog work and raised guide dog puppies with her family for the past 7 years.
Ginny Furcron- Veterinary Technician
Ginny has been a wonderful addition to the Firehall 4 family. Ginny is a registered veterinary technician who has a wonderful personality and passion for medicine. Ginny brings a wealth of knowledge and is very dedicated to her career. Ginny is a native to Oglethorpe County and loves spending time with her significant other and her many furry children.