Hospital Manager

Since 2001*

Donnie, is the Hospital Manager at The Village Vets of Decatur. He is also a partner in all three practices. He received his B.S. in Biology from Georgia State University in 1992 and worked with Dr. Draper for years before taking on the role of running the Decatur office. He and his wife Jennifer, a local radio broadcaster, live in Jefferson, GA and have a combination of 9 dogs, 4 cats and 2 pot- bellied pigs named Cookie and Scooter..

Donnie has been with the Decatur practice since it opened in 2001, but has worked with Dr. Draper since they both worked for a practice in Tucker, GA in the early 90's.

Donnie enjoys reading and cycling, but his passion is running; he usually gets in about 8 miles daily before most people even wake up. He enjoys discovering new running routes wherever he goes, and ran his first marathon in 2007.

Why he does this: "I have loved animals since I was a kid.

*Practice Partner

Team Manager

Michele is a Decatur native, and  is a graduate of both Shamrock High School and Kennesaw State University.  She and her husband Bart have a son, Owen, born April, 2008 and a new baby daughter, Livia, born September, 2010.  They still enjoy the companionship of their two four-legged children, Shepard mixes Leonard (Leon) and Georgia.  In their spare time, Michele and Bart love spending time at their lakehouse in the mountains, hanging out with friends, and most of all - playing and being with Owen and Livia.

While Michele has been with The Village Vets of Decatur since it opened in March 2001, she has been working with Dr. Draper since 1994 (while in high school) when they both worked for a practice in Tucker, GA.

Why she does this: "I have always loved animals. Being able to work with them is a wonderful way to spend my time.  The Village Vets staff loves what they do."

*Practice Partner

Assistant Manager

Ashley was born in Humble, TX.  In 2002 she moved to the Atlanta area.  Her parents live in Sunset Beach, NC and she has two brothers, one currently living in Texas and the other in North Carolina.  Ashley said her interests are  art, “green” living and exploring Georgia.  She has 4 dogs, all rescues, “Scruffy”, a terrier mix, “Reece”, a lab mix, “Koda” a boxer mix and “Ladybird”, a hound mix.  She also has 2 chickens, “Leo” and “Ruby”, who provide her with fresh eggs daily.

Why she does this: "I believe those who have a passion for animals were placed on Earth to protect and care for them.  I am proud to take part in that".

Technician Manager, Certified Veterinary Assistant

Leona was born in Dallas, TX and shortly afterwards moved to the Atlanta area, where (other than 2 yrs in Corpus Cristi) she has lived since.   Leona claims her most notable achievement to date, is her son, Julian.  They have two cats, Adrian and Queso.  Favorite hobbies are painting, crafts, music, going to concerts and spending time with her son. 

Leona is a certified Veterinary Assistant (Level One) and has been working with animals for the past 7 years – 3 of which she worked at PAWS Atlanta.

Why she does this:  Leona says that working with animals makes her feel like she is helping take care of people’s family members.

Technician Supervisor

Since 2006

Melita is a native-Atlantan.  When not working, she enjoys "reading a good book" and spending time with her four beautiful children.

Why she does this:   "As a child, whenever anyone asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said that I wanted to take care of animals.  I enjoy working at The Village Vets because the atmosphere is always pleasant and my co-workers are family away from my own family.".