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, Gizrod.
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 three four-legged children, “Sable” (Boxer), “Gizmo” (Shih-Tzu) and "Rocky" (Not pictured). She also spends time riding her horse “Jasmine”, 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.
Jennifer McCannon -Receptionist
Jennifer has lived in Athens all of her life and has been employed at Firehall 4 Animal Hospital since October 2007. She has had many animals in the past but currently has four very spoiled "kids" including a Pug named Otis, a Chihuahua named Riley Anne, and 2 cats named Grayson and Scooter. Her hobbies include fishing, playing with her dogs at the lake, and watching various sports including GA football, Boston Red Sox baseball, and NASCAR.
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.
Sarah Arnold- Kennel Tech
Sarah is a senior at UGA working on a degree in Pre-veterinary Wildlife. When she is not working, she spends the majorityof her time on school work or related activities. She also volunteers for Sandy Creek Nature Center and Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail doing animal care work. Her interests and hobbies include zoonotic diseases, wildlife conservation, knitting, learning to play the guitar, dancing, and the occasional book or video game. She is spunky and going places.