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

Charlotte native Dr. Ariel Hickey Fulghum joined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in May of 2015. She first became inspired to pursue a career as a veterinarian while she was an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Though she was majoring in biology, an injury to a family pet confirmed her interest in a path devoted to helping animals.

“While I was in school, my horse lost her left eye,” Dr. Fulghum recalls. “This motivated me to apply to veterinary school.”

After completing her undergraduate degree (graduating with university honors and biology honors), Dr. Fulghum earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University in 2013.

Since joining our staff, she’s pursued professional interests that include exotic pets, acupuncture, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. Dr. Fulghum also practices Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, which includes acupuncture, herbal therapy, and food therapy. She is a Certified Veterinary Medicine Manipulation Practitioner (CVMMP), Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinarian (CCRV), Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist (CVCH), Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT), Certified Veterinary Tui-na Practitioner (CVTP), and Certified TCVM Palliative and End of Life Practitioner (CTPEP). Dr. Fulghum has most recently added certification in palliative care & end-of-life services to her list of achievements and massage therapy. Dr. Fulghum is also a member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

When she’s not at our animal hospital, Dr. Fulghum enjoys CrossFit, obstacle course races, horseback riding, reading, watching movies, and painting. Dr. Fulghum and her husband, Bryan, are the pet parents to two Shepherd mixes named Annabelle and Lexxie. They also have two guinea pigs named Ajax and Disco.

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. Katherine Weppler

Dr. Weppler rejoined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in June 2023 after earning her veterinary degree from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Wilson, NC, Dr. W began her journey in veterinary medicine working in the kennels and as a veterinary assistant at BVC during high school. Now residing in Garner, she shares her home with two Australian Shepherds, and her quarter horse gelding is never far from home.

Outside of work, Dr. W enjoys training for and competing in dog sports (agility and scent work), horseback riding, visiting local breweries with family and friends, or relaxing with a good book and a hot cup of tea. She is excited to begin her career serving the animals and families of her hometown and looks forward to expanding veterinary services to new species within the community.

Management

Heather

Heather joined Brentwood Veterinary Center in June 2009, beginning her journey in the kennel and quickly advancing through various roles. Her dedication led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business Management from North Carolina State University in 2014. Most recently, Heather achieved her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credentials in August 2024, a testament to her commitment to excellence in veterinary management and patient care.

With a strong focus on enhancing the client experience and supporting team growth, Heather is passionate about creating a positive environment for pets, their families, and her colleagues. She enjoys connecting with clients to help them understand their pets’ health needs and supporting her team in providing top-notch care.

Outside of work, Heather loves spending quality time with her husband and daughter. She enjoys reading, shopping, and exploring the outdoors on family walks. At home, she dotes on 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 is excited to be a voice and helping hand for animals. Born and raised in Wilson, she graduated from Nash Community College in 2022 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Prior to joining us, Janielle gained valuable experience in both emergency and general practice.

At home, she shares her life with two dogs, Sanford and Vinny, and three cats, Ozlo, Gata, and Chia. In her free time, Janielle enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends, as well as hunting for treasures during her occasional thrifting hauls!

Julie Szappanos, RVT

Julie joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in March 2023. Originally from Lucama, NC, she graduated from San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 2015. Before coming to BVC, Julie spent 11 years working at Banfield Pet Hospital, where she honed her skills in veterinary care.

At home, Julie shares her life with her husband, Frank; her daughters, Gracelynn and Madelyn; and their pets, Dunkin the cat and dogs Minnie and Razzle. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the mountains and spending quality time outdoors with her children.

Mackenzie Yelverton, RVT

Mackenzie joined the BVC team in March 2023. Mackenzie is originally from Goldsboro, NC. She attended Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, NC, where she graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medical Technology in May 2021. Prior to working with us, Mackenzie was at Myres Animal Hospital in Sanford, NC. She shares her home with her husband (Jackson), Son (Rowan), dogs (Franny & Alice), Cat (Jasper), Guinea Pig (Peebs), and a few exotic pets. Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her family and being outside in her free time.

Devin, RVT

Bio coming soon!

Veterinary Assistants

Krissy

Krissy is a certified veterinary assistant that has been on the Brentwood Veterinary Center team since October 2014. With over 15 years of experience in the veterinary field, we’re lucky to have her on our team. Her particular interests in the veterinary medicine field itself include surgery and dental care.

During her off time, Krissy loves spending time with her husband and son. Her favorite hobby is snowboarding. She has a Great Pyrenees mix at home that keeps her on her toes.

Mackenzie

Mackenzie has been a valued member of the Brentwood Veterinary Center team since December 2017. Dedicated to providing exceptional care, she continually expands her skills and knowledge to benefit her patients. Currently enrolled at Penn Foster, Mackenzie 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.

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

Christy

Christy joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team as a Veterinary Assistant in September 2024. Originally from Virginia, Christy recently moved to Pikeville and completed her Veterinary Technician program at Penn Foster College earlier this year. She brings valuable experience from her time working at a veterinary clinic in Virginia, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and client support.

At home, Christy enjoys spending time with her husband, Luis, and their two beloved cats, Minnie and Butter. In her free time, she loves baking, staying active, and shopping, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. Christy is passionate about helping animals and looks forward to providing compassionate care to the pets and clients of Brentwood Veterinary Center.

Kayli

Kayli joined Brentwood Veterinary Center in October 2021. She is originally from Bailey, NC. Kayli is attending Penn Foster and is studying to receive her Veterinary Technician degree. Kayli is Fear Free Certified and is excited to further her knowledge of the veterinary field to better understand and assist patients.

Kayli shares her home with her six dogs and one cat! When she is not helping patients she is hiking with her dogs, kayaking with her fiance Johnathan, or studying!

Kali

Kali joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in 2021 and graduated from the University of Mount Olive with a degree in Veterinary BioScience and a minor in Biology and Chemistry. She is now pursuing her dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with a special fondness for cows and goats. In her free time, Kali enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her cat, Paisley, and her dog, Rhett.

Hunter

Hunter joined the Brentwood Veterinary Center team in February 2022 as a Veterinary Assistant. She is currently enrolled at Penn Foster, pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology, where she is dedicated to enhancing her knowledge and skills in animal care. In her free time, Hunter enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family, and caring for her three beloved cats—Bug, Spooky, and Sue.

Abby

Abby joined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in June 2022 and previously worked at Riverside Veterinary Hospital. She is from Nashville, NC, and she attended Nash Community college to study Veterinary Technology. She graduated in 2022.

Abby shares her home with her mom and dad, Sunni (rabbit), Fern (dog), and her pet geckos: Daenerys, Khaleesi, and Rango. During her time off, she enjoys playing video games and taking naps.

Grace

Grace first joined the BVC team as a member of the kennel staff. She aspires to be a veterinarian one day and is currently attending North Carolina State University working on a degree in Animal Science. She gained her love of animals from watching her mom care for all types of animals growing up. Grace has a cow named Callie and a Labrador Retriever named Weston. In the time when she is not studying or attending class she can be found working here with us as a veterinary assistant.

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.

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.

Flo

Managing the office really, really well is Flo, our resident cat. She loves to greet our clients and cause mischief around the practice.

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.

Seth

Bio coming soon!