Our Team

Meet our team of professionals below.

Veterinarians

Dr. Shannon Foy

Growing up on a small farm in Apex, North Carolina, Dr. Shannon Foy, owner and veterinarian at Brentwood Veterinary Center, was always surrounded by animals. Her family raised cows, pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, a horse, and even a pet chicken. From a young age, Dr. Foy knew she wanted to be an “animal doctor.”

In high school, Dr. Foy began her journey in veterinary medicine by working at Apex Veterinary Hospital, where she milked cows, fed bovine and equine patients, cleaned stalls and cages, and learned the essentials of animal care. During college, she continued to gain experience at Crossroads Veterinary Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, working as a kennel assistant, veterinary receptionist, and veterinary assistant.

Dr. Foy graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina State University in 1991, earning her bachelor’s degree in animal science, and went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. While in veterinary school, she was honored with the Small Animal Clinical Proficiency Award and the Pfizer Excellence in Swine Medicine Award. Dr. Foy joined Brentwood Veterinary Center in 1995 and purchased the hospital in 2007 from Dr. Scott.

“Pets are such an important part of many people’s lives; they are a vital part of the family,” Dr. Foy said. “I enjoy my role in keeping pets healthy for as long as possible. I find great satisfaction in diagnosing and treating illnesses, and I am honored when pet parents entrust me with the care of their four-legged friends.”

Dr. Foy is a former President of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Her professional interests include surgery, internal medicine, and wellness care. When she’s not at the hospital, Dr. Foy enjoys gardening, water and snow skiing, deep-sea fishing, and caring for her dog, Lucy, and her cat, Josie. Most importantly, she loves spending time with her family, including her husband, Randy, and their twin son and daughter. Dr. Foy gives back to her community through various roles, including Sunday school teacher, Bible study facilitator, choir member, and as a former participant in the American Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery” program. Brentwood Veterinary Center is proud to have this courageous two-time cancer survivor at its helm.

Dr. Ariel Fulghum

Rehabilitation & Integrative Care Veterinarian

Dr. Ariel Fulghum is the dedicated Rehabilitation & Integrative Care Veterinarian at Brentwood Veterinary Center and has been serving pets in Wilson and surrounding communities since 2015. She specializes in combining advanced diagnostics with evidence-based integrative and rehabilitation therapies to help pets recover from injury, manage chronic pain, regain mobility, and improve overall quality of life.

A Charlotte native, Dr. Fulghum earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with University and Biology Honors from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at North Carolina State University in 2013.

Dr. Fulghum holds an exceptional range of specialty certifications, making her one of the most highly credentialed rehabilitation veterinarians in eastern North Carolina:

• Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinarian (CCRV)
• Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA)
• Certified Veterinary Medicine Manipulation Practitioner (CVMMP)
• Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist (CVCH)
• Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT)
• Certified Veterinary Tui-na Practitioner (CVTP)
• Certified TCVM Palliative & End-of-Life Practitioner (CTPEP)

Her medical practice integrates acupuncture, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, PEMF (MagnaWave), medical manipulation, nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, and rehabilitative exercise programs — all supported by comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to ensure safe, individualized treatment planning.

Dr. Fulghum is passionate about partnering with families to improve comfort, restore function, and support long-term wellness, particularly for senior pets, post-surgical patients, dogs with arthritis, neurologic conditions such as IVDD, and animals experiencing chronic pain.

She is a member of both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA).

Outside the clinic, Dr. Fulghum enjoys CrossFit training, horseback riding, obstacle race events, painting, and spending time with her husband Bryan and their pets — two shepherd mixes named Annabelle and Lexxie.

Dr. Taylor Smith

Taylor Smith joined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in July 2022. She is originally from Memphis, Tennessee and moved to Zebulon in 2022. She attended The University of Tennessee in Knoxville and graduated in 2022. Prior to working here, she was in vet school. Taylor Smith shares her home with her two dogs Samson and Luna and her cat Jeanie. In her free time, she enjoys working out, playing rugby, walking her dogs, and making music. She is very excited to begin her career in North Carolina and looks forward to providing the best possible care to all fur babies.

Dr. Joni Montgomery

Dr. Joni Montgomery joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in January 2025, bringing her passion for compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. A proud Midwestern native from Indiana—often referred to as the land of corn—she graduated from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. After earning her degree, Dr. Montgomery practiced a mix of large and small animal medicine in Benson, North Carolina, before transitioning to Brentwood Veterinary Center to be closer to her community at Summit Church. She also dedicates part of her time to serving families through Heartstrings Pet Hospice in the Raleigh area.

Outside of work, Dr. Montgomery’s life is full of vibrant hobbies and cherished companions. She shares her home with her Golden Retriever, a rescue cat, a Quaker parrot, and a Haflinger horse. An avid poultry enthusiast, she also raises and breeds blue, black, and splash Orpington chickens. In addition to her love for animals, Dr. Montgomery is an accomplished watercolor artist and the creative mind behind The Motley Mouse Art, where she specializes in painting animals and nature-inspired scenes.

Her creative pursuits extend to gardening—both outdoors and nurturing her indoor jungle—playing the ukulele and banjolele, experimenting with her own baking and cooking recipes, and tackling DIY projects around her home. When she’s not exploring her artistic side, she enjoys hiking with friends and spending time in the great outdoors.

Dr. Montgomery is excited to be part of the Brentwood Veterinary Center team, where she looks forward to partnering with clients to provide exceptional care for their beloved pets.

Management

Heather

Heather joined Brentwood Veterinary Center in June 2009 and has grown alongside the practice ever since. Beginning her career in the kennel, Heather advanced through multiple roles, gaining a deep, hands-on understanding of veterinary operations and patient care.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business Management from North Carolina State University in 2014. In August 2024, Heather achieved her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential, reflecting her dedication to excellence in leadership, practice management, and the delivery of high-quality veterinary care.

As Practice Manager, Heather is passionate about enhancing the client experience while supporting the professional growth and well-being of the Brentwood team. She values building strong relationships with clients, helping them better understand their pets’ needs, and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace where both pets and people thrive.

Outside of the clinic, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, shopping, and getting outdoors for family walks. At home, she shares her life with her cat, Charley, and her Australian Shepherd mix, Addie, who keep her busy and entertained.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Janielle Barnes, RVT

Janielle joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in March 2023 and brings a strong passion for patient advocacy and animal care to her role as Kennel Manager and Registered Veterinary Technician. Born and raised in Wilson, Janielle earned her degree in Veterinary Technology from Nash Community College in 2022.

Prior to joining Brentwood, Janielle gained valuable experience working in both emergency and general practice settings, allowing her to develop a well-rounded clinical skill set. In her current role, she plays an essential part in ensuring hospitalized and boarding patients receive attentive, compassionate care while supporting team efficiency and high medical standards throughout the clinic.

Janielle is Fear Free Certified, reflecting her commitment to reducing stress and anxiety for pets during their time in the hospital.

Outside of work, Janielle enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends. At home, she shares her life with two dogs, Sanford and Vinny, and three cats, Ozlo, Gata, and Chia. She also enjoys the occasional thrifting adventure in search of unique finds.

Julie Szappanos, RVT

Julie joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in March 2023. Originally from Lucama, North Carolina, she earned her degree in Veterinary Technology from San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, in 2015.

Prior to joining Brentwood, Julie spent 11 years working at Banfield Pet Hospital, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and clinical support. As a Registered Veterinary Technician, she brings a steady, compassionate approach to patient care and is dedicated to supporting both pets and their families.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, Frank, and their daughters, Gracelynn and Madelyn. At home, their family includes their cats, Dunkin and Bubby, and dogs, Minnie, Razzle, and Lulu — their three-legged pup. Julie also enjoys exploring the mountains and spending time outdoors with her children.

Mackenzie Yelverton, RVT

Mackenzie joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in March 2023. Originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, she earned her degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, North Carolina, in May 2021.

Prior to joining Brentwood, Mackenzie worked at Myres Animal Hospital in Sanford, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in small animal patient care. As a Registered Veterinary Technician, she is dedicated to providing compassionate, attentive care and supporting high medical standards throughout the clinic.

Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her husband, Jackson, and their children, Rowan and Emery. At home, their family includes dog Franny, a cat named Jasper, and a few exotic pets. She also enjoys being outdoors and spending quality time with her family.

Christy Villafrade, RVT

Christy joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in September 2024. Originally from Virginia, she recently relocated to Pikeville and completed her Veterinary Technician program through Penn Foster College earlier this year.

Prior to joining Brentwood, Christy gained valuable experience working in a veterinary clinic in Virginia, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and client support. As a Registered Veterinary Technician, she is dedicated to providing compassionate, attentive care while supporting a positive experience for both pets and their families.

Outside of work, Christy enjoys spending time with her husband, Luis, and their three cats, Minnie, Butter, and Amelia. In her free time, she enjoys baking, staying active, shopping, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Devin, RVT

Bio coming soon!

Veterinary Assistants

Mackenzie

Mackenzie has been a valued member of the Brentwood Veterinary Center team since December 2017. She is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and continually works to expand her skills and knowledge to better serve her patients and the veterinary team.

Mackenzie is currently enrolled at Penn Foster College, where she is pursuing her degree in Veterinary Technology with the goal of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. She is certified to perform both abdominal ultrasounds and echocardiograms, contributing valuable diagnostic support to patient care.

Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys going to the gym, kayaking, shopping, and spending time with her three beagles—Maxx, Drake, and Honey.

Kayli

Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Assistant

Kayli joined Brentwood Veterinary Center in October 2021 and is a valued member of our medical team supporting both general patient care and rehabilitation services. She is Fear Free Certified and holds the credential of Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Assistant (CCRVA), reflecting advanced training in assisting with integrative and rehabilitative therapies for dogs recovering from injury, surgery, neurologic conditions, or chronic pain.

In her role, Kayli works closely with Dr. Ariel Fulghum to provide hands-on therapy assistance during rehabilitation sessions, including therapeutic exercise guidance, laser therapy, PEMF treatments, patient mobility support, and progress monitoring. Her calm, compassionate approach helps ensure that pets feel comfortable and supported throughout their recovery process.

Originally from Bailey, NC, Kayli enjoys hiking and kayaking with her husband, Johnathan, and spending time with their large furry family — six dogs and three cats.

Hunter

Hunter joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in February 2022 as a Veterinary Assistant. She is currently enrolled at Penn Foster College, where she is pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology and continues to build her skills and knowledge in patient care.

Outside of work, Hunter enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family, and caring for her pets. At home, she shares her life with her dog, Wraith, and her three cats—Bug, Spooky, and Sue.

Abby

Abby joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in June 2022. Originally from Nashville, North Carolina, she graduated from Nash Community College in 2022, where she studied Veterinary Technology.

Prior to joining Brentwood, Abby gained experience working at Riverside Veterinary Hospital, helping her build a solid foundation in patient care and clinical support. As a Veterinary Assistant, she is dedicated to supporting the medical team and providing compassionate care to every patient.

Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time at home with her family and pets, including her rabbit, Sunni; her dog, Fern; and her geckos, Daenerys, Khaleesi, and Rango. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and relaxing.

Grace

Grace joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team after beginning her journey in kennel care and has since grown into her role as a Veterinary Assistant. She recently graduated from Nash Community College and has successfully passed her Nurse Aide certification examinations, marking an important milestone in her healthcare career.

Grace aspires to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and brings a strong work ethic, compassion, and dedication to patient care into everything she does at the clinic. Her love of animals began at a young age, inspired by watching her mother care for a wide variety of animals while growing up.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys spending time with her animals, including her cow, Callie, and her Labrador Retriever, Weston. When she’s not working or studying, she can often be found continuing to build hands-on experience at Brentwood Veterinary Center.

Cora

Cora joined our team as a veterinary assistant. She brings with her a contagious enthusiasm and a deep commitment to her work. Outside of the office, Cora’s world revolves around her family, particularly her son Malachi, and her furry companions – seven cats named Ozzy, Slash, Tilly, Freya, Dracula, Sirius, and Littlefoot, along with her loyal dog Bauer. In her free time, Cora enjoys CrossFit and exploring nature. She also likes to read and paint.

Alison

Alison joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in February 2025, bringing years of experience and a deep passion for patient care. A Wilson, NC native, she completed the Veterinary Assistant course at Nash Community College in 2019 and spent five years at Banfield before joining our team.

At home, Alison shares her life with her boyfriend, Joey, and their three beloved cats—Bentley, Teddy, and Buggy. When she’s not caring for pets at the clinic, she enjoys riding motorcycles, traveling, and watching horror movies. Dedicated to being an advocate for every patient, Alison is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to the pets of Wilson.

Customer Service

Hannah

Hannah joined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in July 2021. She is originally from Wilson. She attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, New York, and studied Musical Theater from 2011-2012. Before working here, she worked in the food and beverage industry, then 3 years at Banfield Pet Hospital in Rocky Mount. She shares her home with her partner, James, and her little looney toon dog, Muffin. She enjoys working with the local theatre companies, working on music, and lots of coffee during her off time.

Kimberly

Kimberly joined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in November 2021. She is originally from Wilson, NC. Prior to working here, she worked at HWY 55 for 8 years as a waitress and a 911 center as a telecommunicator. She shares her home with her parents, siblings, and pit/lab mix named Ella Grace. On her time off she enjoys spending time with Ella and her family. She also loves going out with friends.

Sabrina

Sabrina is a valuable member of our team with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary medicine field. She is certified to perform ultrasounds and electrocardiograms. If you have any questions about these diagnostic methods, she will always be happy to help.

Sabrina’s hobbies include reading, gardening, reading, and cheering for the Atlanta Braves. She also enjoys cruising around on a pontoon boat and spending time off with her husband, daughters, and 3 grandchildren. She also likes to spend time with her Jack Russell Terrier (Rambo), mini donkey (Ginger), borderdoodle (Carlos), and horse (Tomahawk). 

Tiffany

Tiffany joined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in April 2022. She is originally from Rocky Mount, North Carolina and moved to Church Hill, Tennessee in 2014. She then eventually moved back to Nashville, North Carolina in 2019.

Tiffany graduated in 2013 from Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, North Carolina with a degree in Veterinary Medical Technology. Prior to working with BVC, she has worked in various veterinary hospitals and is also an entrepreneur of J+D Bedding, which was started in 2005 as an FFA project and has continued to serve family farms around North Carolina.

She shares her home with her spouse, Nick, and her two daughters, Sarah and Olivia. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling to the mountains.

Maryurie

Maryurie has been with us since May 2021. She has loved animals for as long as she can remember and is excited to learn and grow here. She has two beautiful sons (5 and 2 years old) and shares her home with a Chihuahua named Elsa, a pit bull named Nala P, and a turtle named George. In her free time, Maryurie enjoys spending time with her significant other and 3 beautiful boys. She also enjoys boating, swimming, and riding four-wheelers!

Olivia

Olivia joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in October 2024. Originally from Pikeville, NC, she now resides in Wilson, NC, and is currently attending Wayne Community College. Before joining BVC, Olivia gained valuable experience working at PetSmart. She shares her home with her fiancé and their four beloved dogs: Maya, Sadie, Layla, and Ruby.

In her free time, Olivia enjoys spending quality time with her family and exploring her creative side through drawing. She is thrilled to be part of the BVC team and looks forward to providing compassionate care to both pets and their owners.

Kennel

Rylee

Christian

Madison

Madison attends Hunt High School and has always had a love for animals. She is looking to study animal science once she graduates. She loves to spend time hanging out with friends and family. She has 3 dogs (2 boxers named Cucu & Lola, and 1 Shih Tzu named Ace).

Meredyth

Meredyth is a senior at Hunt High School and is a twin. She is actively involved in barrel racing and is a dedicated member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). In addition to her passion for animals, Meredyth plays softball and has three dogs: two goldendoodles named Bentley and Annie, and a black lab named Drake. She is committed to ensuring that all pets in her care are well looked after while boarding.

Cody

Cody has been a proud member of the Brentwood Veterinary Center team since 2023 and is currently attending Wilson Early College Academy. After graduating high school, he plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science at either North Carolina State University or the University of Mount Olive, with the aspiration of becoming a veterinarian in the future.

In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, chatting with friends, and caring for his five amazing dogs: Waffles, a pug, and Charlie, Sugar Baby, Annalise, and Sadie.