Our Veterinarians

Dr. Richard Coe began his college career at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, with an eye toward earning a degree in business. While there, he adopted a German Shepherd and became interested in animal health and wellness. He continued with his plans to enter the business world, but after a few years of working for American Oil Company, he decided to pursue his interest in veterinary medicine. Dr. Richard Coe enrolled at Auburn University where he completed an undergraduate degree in Animal Science. He then continued on at Auburn University where he graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

Along with his wife, Dr. Richard Coe opened Animal Medical Hospital in 1983. After practicing veterinary medicine for many years, Dr. Richard Coe took a step back from practicing to focus on the management aspect of running a veterinary hospital. Under the Coe’s leadership, Animal Medical Hospital has become one of the largest general

 veterinary practices in the southeast. He feels, that it is important for Animal Medical Hospital to be innovative and through that mindset, AMH became one of the first veterinary hospitals to use electronic medical records, to offer an internship program outside of the university setting, was the first 24-hour general veterinary practice in Charlotte and AMH offers robust onsite continuing education.

When not overseeing the day-to-day operations of Animal Medical Hospital, Dr. Coe can be found exercising or watching sports, especially professional and Southeastern Conference football. He enjoys traveling throughout the United States to attend veterinarian meetings and is a member of the Veterinary Management Group 1, which shares best practice ideas.

Special Interests: 

• Veterinary Practice Management

Dr. Susan Coe’s youthful interest in science and math, coupled with her innate love of animals, led to her decision to become a veterinarian. She finds all animal medicine exciting and challenging. Her special interests include dermatology, ultrasound, cardiology, internal medicine/endocrinology, and ophthalmology.

Dr. Susan Coe graduated from Western Kentucky University with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and animal science. She then attended Auburn University Veterinary

 School, where she received her degree in veterinary medicine, graduating with honors. Since graduation, Dr. Susan Coe has become a diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners through a three-year process. 

Dr. Susan Coe is married to Dr. Richard Coe, and together they have two human children, Trey and Katie, and four fur kids. Jack, an orange cats as well as Gus, Georgie and Lola, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  Dr. Susan Coe retired from practicing in 2022 and now enjoys getting to golf and spend time with her loved ones. 

Dr. Bridget Andersen is originally from Virginia. She finds all animal medicine exciting and rewarding. She attended Vanderbilt University where she received her undergraduate degree.  She then continued her academic pursuit of veterinary medicine at Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. After veterinary school Dr. Andersen completed a year-long emergency internship. 

Dr. Andersen is very passionate about improving the lives of her patients through veterinary dentistry. She attends the Veterinary Dental Forum annually and is a member of the American Dental Society. Her goal is to make sure that AMH is able to provide the very best dental care. She is also a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.  One of her passions is Fear-Free Medicine, which implements methods to ease stress on pets and their people while they are in our hospital.

In her free time, Dr. Andersen enjoys spending time with her husband, her daughter, and Chuckles, a poodle mix adopted during her internship year.

Professional Associations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• American Association of Feline Practitioners
• Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry
• Fear Free Practitioners

Special Interests:

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care
• Veterinary Dentistry and Soft Tissue Surgery
• Skin and Allergy Diseases
• Feline (Cat, Kitten) Medicine & Surgery
• Internal Medicine

 Advanced Training or Certification

• Veterinary Dentistry
• Fear Free

Dr. Elaine Cassandra was born and raised in Cumming, GA. Her love for animals started at a young age, when she would attempt to befriend every outdoor neighborhood cat. She grew up with dogs and a turtle named Doug. She attended the University of Georgia, where she received both her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, as well as her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She then relocated to Charlotte, NC to begin her veterinary career.

Throughout her undergraduate and veterinary studies, Dr. Cassandra worked in the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital in the Rehabilitation service for 7 years. Because of this, Dr. Cassandra has a special interest in physical therapy for patients with various needs, including congenital, geriatric, neurologic, and orthopedic conditions. Dr. Cassandra hopes to help improve the quality of life of both patients and their owners.

In her free time, Dr. Cassandra enjoys traveling and outdoor activities, including gardening, hiking, volleyball, and kayaking. She also enjoys exploring local breweries with her dog, Chewie, or staying in with her three cats, Corona, Athena, and Kona.

Professional Degrees: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Professional Associations:

· American Veterinary Medical Association

· North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests

· Preventative Medicine and Wellness Care

· Soft Tissue Surgery

· Orthopedics

· Neurology

· Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

· Senior Pet Care

· Community Outreach/Spay and Neuter

Advanced Training

· Fear Free Certified

Dr. Andreina Montaner was born in Venezuela, but her and her family soon after immigrated to the United States. Her life in the US began in South Florida, followed by a move to Cary, NC. She attended North Carolina State University for both her undergraduate degree in zoology and her doctorate in veterinary medicine. 

Her goal as a doctor is to provide the best care and connect not only with the animals, but with the people who love them. In her free time, she loves to try new restaurants, travel, work out, read, and spend time with family and friends, especially her dog Luna.

Special Interests:

• Human Animal Bond
• Client Education
• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care

Advanced Training or Certification

• Fear Free

Dr. Kristen Oberst was born in Wilson, NC. She has lived in Virginia and Georgia but eventually settled down with her family in Winston-Salem, NC in 2004. Dr. Oberst attended Iowa State University, where she received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science, while also competing in Division I Varsity Cross Country/Track & Field. She then continued on to attend the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. While there, she was awarded the Donald R. Howard Surgery Award during her senior year.

Her passion for animals began at the young age of 7 when she told her parents she wanted to become a veterinarian and has only grown stronger since. She strives to advocate for her patients and provide the best patient care, while also aiming to enhance the human-animal bond. Dr. Oberst has an Australian Shepherd-Beagle mix dog, named Noel. When she is not working, she enjoys running, playing sports, waterskiing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, friends, family, and dog. 

Special Interests:

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care
• Client Education
• Dentistry
• Orthopedics and Pain Management
• Senior Pet Care
• Human-Animal Bond

Advanced Training or Certification:

• Fear Free Certified
• Recover CPR Certified

Dr. Laura Schoenig grew up on a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia, which cultured her passion for animals from a young age.  She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, after which she completed a one-year private practice internship.  Dr. Schoenig's special interests in veterinary

medicine include endocrinology, dentistry, and surgery, but her true passion is developing a bond with both her patients as well as their humans.   Dr. Schoenig and her husband share a home with their two dogs, Lucky and Molly, and their cat, Odie.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and taking seasonal trips to lakes and mountains.

Special Interests: 

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Client Education
• Infectious Disease Control
• Senior Pet Care
• Human Animal Bond

Dr. Jillian Stephan is originally from Connecticut but made the move down south when she attended Clemson University (Go Tigers!) to receive her undergraduate degree. Dr. Stephan then went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with her Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris degree. After graduation, she completed a one-year private general practice and emergency internship. 

Dr. Stephan grew up with beagles who helped shape her passion for veterinary medicine and the human-animal bond. Her professional interests include dentistry, behavior, and internal medicine among many others. When she is not working, she loves to cook, try new restaurants, travel, and spend time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. 

Special Interests: 

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care
• Client Education
• Senior Pet Care
• Human Animal Bond

 Advanced Training or Certification

• Fear Free

Dr. Aleah Wolfe was born in South Carolina and grew up primarily in Pennsylvania. She attended Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, PA where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Small Animal Science with minors in Large Animal Science and Business Administration. She continued onto Ross University in St. Kitts where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical year at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. While at Ross University, she was involved in the Veterinary Business Management Association and SAFE (Saving Animals From Emergency) rescue.

Wanting to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember, Dr. Wolfe enjoys the variety of veterinary medicine and problem solving involved in complex cases. Her professional interests include anything feline, internal medicine, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Wolfe has one cat – Rose, a perfect little calico who she adopted in St. Kitts. In her free time, Dr. Wolfe enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and sightseeing

Special Interests:

• Feline Medicine
• Preventative Medicine & Wellness
• Endocrinology
• Soft Tissue Surgery

Dr. Colleen Zulty was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in biology, while also competing on the school’s lacrosse team. She then continued on to Scotland, where she received her degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Glasgow. 

Dr. Zulty enjoys traveling, running, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She has a Boxer mix named Stanley.  

Special Interests: 

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care 
• Surgery  
• Human-Animal Bond 
• Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics 

Dr. Katie Heisler was born and raised in Mahwah, NJ. She attended Roger Williams University where she received her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. During this time she worked at the University aquatic diagnostic laboratory where she began to fall in love with medicine. She then continued on to attend Ross University School on the Island of St. Kitts where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. While there she further pursued her passion for marine life by volunteering for the St. Kitts Sea turtle monitoring network.

Growing up in a household full of critters from German Shepherds, to lizards, to fish, and everything in-between, her interest in Veterinary medicine was sparked at a young age. In her spare time, Dr. Heisler enjoys traveling, spending time with family, hiking with her German Shepherd, Pongo, or cuddling up with her two cats, Lokie and Khali.

Professional Degrees: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Professional Associations:

American Veterinary Medical Association

North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Special Interests:

Emergency Medicine

Client Education

Soft Tissue Surgery

Human-Animal Bond

Community outreach/Spay and neuter clinics

Advanced Training or Certification:

Fear Free Certified

Recover CPR Certified

Special Interests:

• Emergency & Critical Care
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Human Animal Bond
• Animal Welfare

Dr. Erin Thomas is originally from Iowa. Dr. Thomas knew at a young age that veterinary medicine was her true passion. She attended Iowa State University where she received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science. She continued Iowa State University where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Thomas completed a year-long emergency internship after veterinary school.

Her professional interests include emergency/critical care, surgery, and neonatal/pediatric medicine. Dr. Thomas especially enjoys urinary and gastrointestinal surgeries. Dr. Thomas can often be found with a foster kitten or two in her care.  She has worked to establish a Foster Kitten Program

 here at Animal Medical Hospital, which has found homes for countless kittens since its introduction.  Dr. Thomas has treated lions, Cape buffalo, antelope, rhinoceros, and giraffes in South Africa!

Dr. Thomas currently has 2 dogs – Kingsley, a golden retriever and Princess, an Aussie Mix and 3 cats – Sammy, Kody, and Spider (called Spidey). Her personal hobbies include hiking, camping, and reading.

Special Interests:

• Feline (Cat, Kitten) Medicine & Surgery
• Neonatal Medicine and Husbandry
• Feral Cat Medicine and Population Control
• Emergency Surgery and Emergency Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Bradley Bishop developed his love for animals as a young child from his grandmother who always had lots of cats and dogs. In veterinary school, he quickly gravitated to the puzzle-solving aspect on internal medicine and hasn't deviated since. Dr. Bishop likes all aspects of internal medicine, but he particularly enjoys immune-mediated and gastrointestinal disease. Additionally, minimally invasive procedures involving endoscopy to help diagnose disease or remove foreign objects are some of his favorites.​

Outside of work, Dr. Bishop enjoys traveling, hiking (Iceland is unforgettable), and going to an eclectic mix of concerts. Additionally, he loves crafting classic cocktails or inventing his own and is a big supporter of all the Charlotte sports teams. However, he most enjoys spending time with his family: Basil (Golden Retriever), Remmy (Shepherd mix), and Olivia (his wife).

Special Interest:

• Gastrointestinal disease
• Immune-mediated disease
• Endoscopy

Dr. Ferrell completed his veterinary degree and diagnostic imaging residency at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. He served as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Faculty Radiologist at the University of Florida. His interests include small animal radiography, ultrasound and cross sectional imaging. Dr. Ferrell is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (Dipl. ACVR, 2005). Dr. Ferrell owns and operates Veterinary Radiology Consultants in Florida and provides remote interpretation for all radiographs taken at Animal Medical Hospital.

Dr. Matt Ritter attended Iowa State University where he received his undergraduate degree in Zoology. He then continued on at Iowa State University where he graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ritter completed an internship in medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and a residency in surgery at Michigan State University. Dr. Ritter became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in January 2007 (Dipl. ACVS). Dr. Ritter owns Acacia Mobile Veterinary Surgery and provides assistance to our veterinary team with advanced surgical cases.

Dr. Ritter performs orthopedic, neurologic, oncologic, and soft tissue surgeries but has a special focus in orthopedics and cruciate ligament disease. When he is not performing surgeries, he is a taxi service for his eight children and their activities. Currently his pets include three dogs, three cats, and three rabbits.