Our Team
Meet our team of professionals below.
Meet Our team
Veterinarians
Dr. Shannon Foy
Owner & DVM
Dr. Shannon Foy
Growing up on a small farm in Apex, North Carolina, Dr. Shannon Foy, owner and Wilson veterinarian, was always surrounded by animals. Her family had cows, pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, a horse, and a pet chicken. Before she even understood the word “veterinarian” Dr. Foy knew she wanted to be an “animal doctor.”
In high school, Dr. Foy worked at Apex Veterinary Hospital milking cows, feeding bovine and equine patients, cleaning stalls and cages, and learning how to properly care for animals. In college, she worked at Crossroads Veterinary Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina as a kennel assistant, veterinary receptionist, and veterinary assistant. Dr. Foy is a 1991 magna cum laude graduate from North Carolina State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science. She then went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. While attending veterinary school, Dr. Foy earned the Small Animal Clinical Proficiency Award and the Pfizer Excellence in Swine Medicine Award. She 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 an important part of a family,” Dr. Foy said. “I enjoy my role in keeping that pet as healthy as possible for as long as possible. I enjoy the challenge of determining why a pet may not be feeling well and the satisfaction of helping a sick pet return to health. I am honored when a pet parent entrusts me with the health of their four-legged friend.”
Dr. Foy is the 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 not at the hospital, Dr. Foy enjoys gardening, water and snow skiing, deep-sea fishing, and caring for Sophie, Abby, and Lulu—her dogs and cat. She most enjoys spending time with her family—her husband, Randy, and her twin son and daughter. She gives back to her community by participating as a Sunday school teacher, a Bible study facilitator, a choir member, and a former member of 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
DVM, CVMMP, CCRV, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, CVTP, CTPEP
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
DVM
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
DVM
Dr. Katherine Weppler
Dr. Weppler rejoined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in June 2023 after completing her veterinary degree at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. She is originally from Wilson, NC and worked in the kennels and as a veterinary assistant here at BVC in high school. Dr. W shares her home in Garner with her loving fiancé and two Australian Shepherds. Dr. W’s quarter horse gelding isn’t far from home either! On her days off, Dr. W enjoys training for and competing in dog sports (agility and scent work), horseback riding, checking out local breweries with family/friends, or snuggling up with a good book and a hot cup of tea. Dr. W is very excited to begin her career serving the animals and families of her hometown, in addition to expanding veterinary services to new species within the community.
Management
Heather Finch, CVPM
Practice Manager
Heather
Heather started working at Brentwood Veterinary Center in the kennel in June of 2009. She has since earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business Management from North Carolina State University in May 2014.
When she is not working, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, shopping, and going for walks outside. She has one cat (Charley) and an Australian Shepherd mix (Addie).
Registered Veterinary Technician
Janielle Barnes
Registered Veterinary Technician & Kennel Manager
Janielle Barnes, RVT
Janielle started at Brentwood in March 2023. She is thrilled to be a voice and helping hand for animals! She was born and raised in Wilson. She attended and graduated from Nash Community College in 2022 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Before working with us, she worked in emergency & general practice. She has two ferrets (Quincey & Fergie), two dogs (Sybil & Sanford), and a cat (Ozlo). Janielle enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, friends, and the occasional thrifting haul!
Julie Szappanos
Registered Veterinary Technician
Julie Szappanos, RVT
Julie joined the team at BVC in March 2023. She is from Lucama, NC. She attended and graduated from San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 2015. Before working here, she worked at Banfield Pet Hospital for 11 years. Julie shares her home with her husband (Frank), daughters (Gracelynn and Madelyn), Cat (Dunkin), and Dogs (Minnie and Razzle). She enjoys going to the mountains and spending time outdoors with her kids.
Mackenzie
Registered Veterinary Technician
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.
Veterinary Assistants
Krissy
Certified Veterinary Assistant
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
Veterinary Assistant
Mackenzie
Mackenzie joined Brentwood Veterinary Center in December 2017. She also enjoys learning new things to ensure she provides all patients with exceptional care. She is currently enrolled at Penn Foster and is studying to receive her degree in Veterinary Technology with the hopes of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician and is certified to perform abdominal ultrasounds and echocardiograms.
In her free time she enjoys going to the gym, kayaking, shopping, and spending time with her 3 beagles: Maxx, Drake, and Honey.
Christy
Veterinary Assistant
Christy
Kayli
Veterinary Assistant
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
Veterinary Assistant
Kali
Kali joined the staff at BVC in 2021 and graduated from the University of Mount Olive with a degree in Veterinary BioScience and a minor in Biology and Chemistry. She hopes to one day become a large animal veterinarian. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her cat, Paisley and her dog, Rhett. Her favorite large animals are cows and goats.
Hunter
Veterinary Assistant
Hunter
Bio coming soon!
Abby
Veterinary Assistant
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.
Nicole
Veterinary Assistant
Nicole
Nicole joined the team at Brentwood Veterinary Center in July 2022 and previously worked at Crossroads Veterinary Hospital. She is originally from Florida, and she attended Duke University to study Biology. She graduated in 2017.
Nicole shares her home with her husband, Emilio, and her four cats; Daisy, Lexi, Gloria, and Bash.
Grace
Veterinary Assistant
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
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
Customer Service Representative & Bather
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
Customer Service Representative & Veterinary Assistant
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
Veterinary Assistant & Customer Service Representative
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
Customer Service Representative
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
Customer Service Representative
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!
Flo
Office Manager
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
Kennel Attendant
Rylee
Madison
Kennel Attendant
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
Kennel Attendant
Meredyth
Bio coming soon!
Cody
Kennel Attendant
Cody
Bio coming soon!
Celena
Kennel Attendant
Celena
Bio coming soon!