Our Team
Dr. William Martin
Central Vet Family Member since January 1981.
Location: Downtown
Dr. William “Bill” Martin was raised in Hendersonville, TN. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1978 with a B.S. in Animal Science. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. He worked as a veterinary assistant at Central Veterinary Hospital before becoming a veterinarian. He loves his job and has a life long commitment to veterinary medicine. He enjoys building long lasting relationships with his patients and clients. In his spare time he enjoys bicycle riding, swimming, and working out at National Fitness. He has one cat, Tabitha, at the moment, but has a soft spot for Corgis.
Dr. Benny Ferrell
Central Vet Family Member since July 1995.
Location: Choto
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Ferrell attended the University of Memphis before moving to Knoxville where he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Animal Science in 1981. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. Dr. Ferrell practiced small animal medicine from 1984 until he came to Central Veterinary Hospital in 1995. In addition to general veterinary care, Dr. Ferrell is also trained in ultrasound examination and evaluation techniques. Dr. Ferrell loves connecting with his patients. In his spare time he enjoys gardening and the outdoors. He enjoys spending time with his family; his wife Patty, his daughter Emily and son Ben.
Dr. Wesley Keele
Central Vet Family Member since June 2012.
Location: Choto
Dr. Wesley Keele grew up on a farm in Manchester, Tennessee, and moved to Knoxville in 2004 to attend the University of Tennessee. After graduating in 2012, he began his career at Central Veterinary Hospital and became a partner in 2015. He has enjoyed calling Knoxville home ever since.
Dr. Keele has a special interest in surgery, particularly complex soft tissue and orthopedic procedures, as well as ultrasonography. He enjoys providing advanced diagnostics and surgical care for his patients.
Dr. Keele has been married to his wife, Margaret, since 2012. Margaret is a physical therapist with Covenant Health. Together, they have four children and a busy household that includes three dogs and a cat.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Keele enjoys spending time with his family, cheering on his kids at their sporting events, traveling, and spending time on the lake. He is grateful to have built his career and family in Knoxville and enjoys serving the pets and families of the community he has called home for more than 20 years.
Dr. Dustin Patterson
Central Vet Family Member since June 2015.
Locations: Downtown and Northeast
A West Tennessee native, Dr. Patterson is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Dickson, TN before joining the Central team in 2015. When he’s not working, Dr. Patterson enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and dog. Dr. Patterson sees patients at the downtown and northeast offices.
Dr. Andy Shoultz – Northeast Medical Director
Central Vet Family Member since July 2018.
Location: Northeast
Dr. Shoultz is originally from Southern Indiana and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Following veterinary school, he completed an internship in Louisville, Kentucky, where he further developed his clinical skills and passion for patient care. He enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and their pets and takes pride in serving the community he calls home.
Dr. Shoultz enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has a particular interest in building lasting relationships with clients, helping pets live healthier lives, and supporting the community he serves. He values working closely with families to create the best possible care plans for their pets.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Shoultz enjoys cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, trail running, biking around Knoxville, and spending time with his wife and daughter, Isla. He also shares his home with Fiona, his beloved dog.
Dr. Katherine Kirchberg
Central Vet Family Member since September 2020.
Location: Downtown
Dr. Kathryn Kirchberg is an East Tennessee native. She studied Biology at Sewanee: The University of the South and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine with her DVM in 2019. Since then Dr. Kirchberg has been practicing small animal medicine in the East Tennessee area, and she particularly enjoys internal medicine, preventative care, and feline medicine. She loves getting to know her clients and patients, as well as helping to maintain the special bond that they share. Dr. Kirchberg loves traveling, spending time outside, and reading. She and her husband, Jeff, have a sweet Golden Retriever named Penelope and a sassy cat named Tobi.
Dr. Emmie Truett
Central Vet Family Member since August 2021.
Location: Downtown – Urgent Care
Dr. Truett grew up moving around internationally and stateside but has always referred to Knoxville as her home. She went to the University of Tennessee for undergrad and is a 2019 graduate of The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. The best part of her job is building long-lasting relationships with clients and their furry babies. Her favorite type of case is the complex puzzle that often presents on an emergency basis. She lives with her husband, Thomas, and her two children (with a third on the way) along with their numerous hooved, feathered, and furry freeloaders on their hobby farm. She spends most of her free time outside growing cut flowers, tending to her farm, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Dr. Erin Holt
Central Vet Family Member since October 2022.
Location : Downtown
Dr. Erin Holt has been a warm and dedicated veterinarian at Central Veterinary Hospital since 2022. After earning her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Tennessee, she began her career practicing in Northern Louisiana before happily returning home to Tennessee. Erin is truly passionate about supporting people by caring for their fur babies, and she takes a special interest in surgery, including dentistry. When she is not at the clinic, she loves spending time at home with her young family and her own lively pack of three dogs: Abner, a mixed breed; Juniper, a french bulldog; and Butterbean, a golden retriever. To unwind, Erin enjoys diving into a good book, working in her garden, and practicing yoga.
Dr. Emily Svec
Central Vet Family Member since June 2022
Location: Northeast
Dr. Svec was born in Columbus, Ohio, but spent most of her time growing up in Southern California. She moved to Knoxville in 2018 to attend University of Tennessee veterinary school where she graduated in 2022. She started working at Central Veterinary Hospital after graduation and looks forward to building lasting relationships with clients and patients and helping to strengthen the bond between them. She has two dogs, Laika and Odie, and four cats, Calvin, Leelu, Moth, and Huck. In her free time she enjoys hiking, gardening, and pottery.
Dr. Miguel Ángel de Villa
Central Vet Family Member since July 2023.
Location: Downtown
Dr. Miguel Ángel de Villa was born in Venezuela and grew up in sunny South Florida. He completed his undergradate studies in biology and chemistry at Florida State University and graduated with high honors at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2023. Dr. De Villa has been practicing at Central Veterinary Hospital since July 2023. His particular interests in veterinary medicine include preventative and primary medicine, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. In his spare time, Dr. Miguel enjoys playing and watching tennis and soccer, hiking, traveling, eating, and spending time with family. Dr. de Villa currently practices in the downtown clinic. Dr. de Villa is also fluent in Spanish and is looking forward to being able to help our clients feel at ease during their visits (el Dr. de Villa habla español y puede ver clientes y sus mascotas en español).
Dr. Megan Broadrick
Central Vet Family since July 2023
Location: Northeast
Dr. Broadrick is from Nashville, TN and moved to Knoxville with her husband, Carson, in 2018. They have enjoyed living here and consider it our home. They love spending time with friends and family, exploring nature, and discovering all the yummy food and coffee shops that are around. She also enjoys picking flowers and going to art museums.
She got started in this field as a licensed veterinary nurse many years ago and loved every minute of it. I decided to go back to school to become a Veterinarian and graduated from UTCVM in 2023. It has been quite the rewarding journey for her and she wouldn’t trade it for anything. She finds special interest in soft tissue surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, and wellness care.
What she loves the most about veterinary medicine is having the privilege to not only care for all types of animals, but the humans as well. The relationship between us and our furry (or not furry) friends is so special and she takes joy in being a part of that.
Dr. Sandrina Simonovich
Central Vet Family Member since 2024.
Location: Northeast
Dr. Simonovich graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) in 2024 and has been a valued member of the Central Vet team for the past two years. Originally from New Jersey, she earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University before pursuing her veterinary career. A self-proclaimed cat enthusiast, Dr. Simonovich shares her home with four cats: Jaxson, Willow, Figs, and Stallone. Outside of work, she enjoys arts and crafts, spending time on the lake with her boat, cooking, and catching the latest movies.
Dr. Taylor Minger
Central Vet Family Member since 2026.
Location: Downtown- Urgent Care
Originally from Northern Virginia, Dr. Minger earned her DVM degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in 2021. She practiced feline-exclusive medicine at a cat-only clinic for three years before transitioning to relief work with both dogs and cats. While she enjoys treating dogs, cats remain her true passion.
Her professional interests include internal medicine, cardiology, anesthesia and analgesia, and soft-tissue surgery.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr.Minger is an avid Baltimore Orioles fan and watches nearly every game. She also participates in autocross events and is devoted to her orange-and-white mackerel tabby cat, Spencer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, who is pursuing a veterinary residency in Clinical Pathology at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and their Shetland Sheepdog, Winston.
Dr. Julianne Carter
Central Vet Family Member since 2026.
Location: Downtown
An East Tennessee native, Dr. Carter enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, Jake, and their dogs. On rainy days, she can often be found baking or trying new restaurants. She attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for both her undergraduate studies and veterinary education.
Dr. Carter has special interests in internal medicine, feline medicine, and dentistry. As a recent graduate, she continues to grow and develop her veterinary skills while providing compassionate care to her patients. She is known for her willingness to help others, her ability to listen to different perspectives, and her commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
Dr. Abby Phillips
Central Vet Family Member since 2026.
Location: Downtown
Dr. Phillips was raised in Johnson City, Tennessee. She moved to Knoxville and got a B.S in Animal Science in 2019. During her tine in undergraduate school, she worked at central vet as a receptionist and then a doctor’s assistant. Dr. Phillips attended St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indes and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in June of 2026. She looks forward to establishing relationships with her clients and patients, and treating them through all stages of life. When she is not at work, she enjoys being outdoors, working on her paint by numbers, and spending time with her family. She has a sphynx cat named Jahi, and a chihuahua mix named Miley.
Dr. Monica Creazzo
Central Vet Family Member since 2026.
Location: Downtown- Urgent Care
Originally from Morristown, Tennessee, Dr. Monica attended the University of Tennessee for both her undergraduate studies and veterinary education. For the past three years, she has worked in mixed animal practice, gaining experience caring for a wide variety of patients. That experience helped her develop strong adaptability and quick decision-making skills, qualities that serve her well in urgent care settings.
Her professional interests include surgery, preventive medicine, and hospice care. She is known for her compassionate and approachable nature, taking time to listen to clients and ensure they feel heard and supported throughout their pets’ care. She believes that a little laughter can go a long way and enjoys building meaningful connections with both patients and their families.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her dog, Jill, paddle boarding, and cooking. Go Vols!
Madeleine Masse Womble – Practice Manager
Central Vet Family Member since January 1999.
Madeleine: Madeleine was born in Quebec, Canada, and moved to the United States in the 1980s. After her husband Jeff completed his military service, the family returned to his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. Today, they enjoy the peaceful country life in Union County.
Madeleine and Jeff are proud parents of three grown children, all graduates of the UTK, and are blessed with three grandchildren. When she’s not at work, Madeleine enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, playing tennis and pickleball, boating, and participating in her church community.
A lifelong animal lover, Madeleine shares her home with Mocha and two spirited Pomeranians, Rip and Latte.
Kelly – Practice Manager
Central Vet Family Member since August 2008.
Kelly joined Central Veterinary Hospital in 2008 while attending the University of Tennessee, where she earned a degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. After graduating, she transitioned to a full-time role and now serves as Practice Manager. Over the past 18 years, Kelly has enjoyed helping Central Vet grow by improving operations, supporting the team, and finding creative solutions to keep the hospitals running smoothly.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys cooking, baking, crafting, and tackling new projects. She loves spending time with family and friends, especially her husband, Buster, and their daughter, Evelyn, and is always eager to learn something new.
Mercedes – Vet Assistant Manager
Central Vet Family Member since November 2010.
Location: Downtown
Mercedes was originally born in St. Petersburg, Florida. She started out working as an after school volunteer in 2009 and was officially hired in November 2010. She has attended Pellissippi State Technical Community College. She loves working with animals, and has spent time at an animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. She has four cats. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching TV, and being with family.
Megan Hutchinson – Client Relation Specialist Supervisor
Central Vet Family Member since 2021.
Location: Downtown
Megan is a native of Knoxville and has been with Central Vet for over five years at our Downtown location and is passionate about supporting her team, our patients and their families.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother of a large family; she values faith, family, and meaningful connections. Megan shares her home with two beloved dogs who are an important part of her family.
Whether at work or at home, Megan brings compassion, dedication, and a positive attitude to all aspects of her life.
Nicole Eddy – Northeast Clinic Manager.
Central Vet Family Member since 2021
With nearly 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine and almost 20 years in leadership and management, she brings a unique combination of operational expertise, team development, and a passion for delivering exceptional patient and client care.
Originally from West Virginia, Nicole moved to East Tennessee six years ago with her husband and has proudly made the area home. She thrives in the fast-paced environment of veterinary medicine, especially emergency cases, and enjoys the teamwork and energy that come with a busy hospital. She is passionate about building strong, positive teams and believes great leadership comes from supporting others, encouraging growth, and continually striving for excellence.
Outside of work, Nicole and her husband enjoy spending time with their four dogs—two French Bulldogs, a Great Dane mix, and a Doberman. In their free time, they love taking motorcycle rides through the beautiful scenery of East Tennessee and discovering new local restaurants. As self-proclaimed foodies, they enjoy supporting local businesses and exploring everything the community has to offer.
Nicole feels fortunate to work alongside an incredible team every day and is committed to fostering a positive culture where employees, clients, and patients alike can thrive. She believes that when people feel supported, valued, and empowered, exceptional care naturally follows.
Dawn – Choto Clinic Manager
Dawn, our Choto Clinic manager, was helpful when we opened this location. She has been in the veterinary field for over 26 years, working in all departments including management. Originally from Union, IL, her family moved to Knoxville in May 2020. Dawn currently resides in Rockford, Tn with her husband Rodney and youngest son Danny. In her spare time, she enjoys camping with her border collies Simba and Sarabi and hanging out with her ponies and goats. Her crazy house of animals includes her 5 dogs, Shelby the lab, Stitch the sheltie, her 2 wild border collies, Simba and Sarabi, and the outcast Tito, her cat Chappie, and Zazu the cockatiel.
Irene – Medical Care Manager
Irene Thompkins was raised in Illinois and moved to Tennessee to attend the University of Tennessee. She has been a valued member of the Central Veterinary Hospital team since 2009, starting as a part-time employee and transitioning to a full-time role after graduating with a degree in Animal Science. In 2018, she earned her Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT) credential to further expand her knowledge and expertise in veterinary medicine.
Irene works closely with both patients and staff to ensure the highest standard of care and enjoys fostering a supportive, collaborative environment for the entire team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their daughter, Rosalie, along with their furry family members, which include two dogs and two cats. Her lifelong love of animals is at the heart of everything she does, both professionally and personally.
