Veterinarians

Dr Richard Coe retired from practice in 2002 in order to focus on the management of the practice.

Professional Degrees:
1979 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
Auburn University

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association
• Veterinary Management Group 1

Special Interests: 

• Veterinary Practice Management

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.

Dr. Susan Coe offers veterinary services, including dermatology, cardiology, and ultrasound, to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

Professional Degrees: 1981 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Auburn University

American Board of Veterinary Practitioners,
Canine and Feline

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• American Association of Feline Practitioners
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests: 

• Veterinary Dermatology 
• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care
• Veterinary Ultrasonography
• Internal Medicine including cardiology and endocrinology
• Senior Pet Care
• Ophthalmology

 Advanced Training or Certification

• Universal Ultrasound Course Level 1 and 2

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 three fur kids. Jack, an orange cats as well as Gus and Lola, both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  Dr. Susan Coe is an active member of many organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Metrolina Business Council, the board of Philip’s Academy, and the congregation of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. In her free time, Dr. Susan Coe enjoys traveling, reading historical biographies, and exercising, but her favorite leisure activity is golf.

Dr. Bridget Andersen offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.

Professional Degrees:
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, 
Virginia- Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

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 
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Skin and Allergy Diseases
• Feline (Cat, Kitten) Medicine & Surgery
• Internal Medicine

 Advanced Training or Certification

• Veterinary Dentistry
• Fear Free

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 the stress on pets and their people while they are in our hospital.

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

Dr. Lena Binzer offers veterinary services, including emergency veterinary care, to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

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

Professional Associations: 

American Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests:

•      Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
•      Human Animal Bond
•      Soft Tissue Surgery

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Dr. Lena Binzer was born and raised in Myersville, MD. She attended University of Maryland in College Park, MD where she completed her bachelor’s degree in animal science and microbiology. She then moved to Ithaca, NY where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.

When she is not working, Dr. Binzer enjoys traveling, backpacking, and spending time with friends and family. She has a chocolate Labrador named Bullet and two cats.

Dr. Katie Heisler offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.

Professional Degrees:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Professional Associations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests:

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care
• Client Education
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Human-Animal Bond
• Community outreach/Spay and neuter clinics

Advanced Training or Certification:

• Fear Free Certified
• Recover CPR Certified

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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.

Dr. Jessica Lipsett offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

Professional Degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,

Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests: 

• Dentistry
• General & Orthopedic Surgery
• Human-Animal Bond
• Osteoarthritis and Orthopedics
• Pain Management

 Dr. Jessica Lipsett was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. She attended Syracuse University, where she received her undergraduate degree in biology. She wanted to explore a different part of the country, so she made the move from Syracuse to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to attend the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. While there, she was the president of the Surgery Club and was also awarded the Surgery Student of the Year award during her senior year. Dr. Lipsett spent her summers at North Carolina State University and Nutramax Laboratories in Maryland, doing research on canine arthritis and pain management. She graduated summa cum laude from veterinary school.

After school, Dr. Lipsett completed her rotating internship in small animal medicine, emergency, and surgery at Ohio State University. She then moved to Rochester, NY and started practicing in a small animal hospital. A few years later, life took her to Long Island where she began working as a house call veterinarian. This opportunity gave her the chance to get to know her clients and patients on a more personal level while practicing medicine in unique environments. She had the chance to relocate to Charlotte and absolutely loves living in the city.

Dr. Lipsett's professional interests include pain management and orthopedics. She has a very affectionate cat named Izzy, who loves car rides and food. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, working out, and traveling.

Dr. Andreina Montaner offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area. 

Professional Degrees: 
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association

• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests:

• Human Animal Bond

• Client Education

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care

Advanced Training or Certification

• Fear Free

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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.

Dr. Kristen Oberst offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.

Professional Degrees: 
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Professional Associations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests:

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

Advanced Training or Certification:

• USDA National Accredited Veterinarian
• Fear Free Certified
• Recover CPR Certified

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. 

Dr. Mackenzie Polen offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.

Professional Degrees:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine

Professional Associations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests:

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care
• Endocrinology
• Human Animal Bond
• Behavior

Dr. Mackenzie Polen was born and raised in Charleston, WV. She attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH where she completed her bachelor’s degree in biology. She then moved to TN where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. While there, she was inducted into Phi Zeta, the national veterinary honor society.

When she is not working, Dr. Polen enjoys reading, spending time with family,  learning to cook new things, and traveling. She has a cat named Lily and is planning on getting a Golden Retriever in the near future.

Dr. Laura Schoenig offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

Professional Degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Georgia

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests: 

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

Dr. Laura Schoenig grew up on a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia.  She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of South Carolina.  She then went on to earn her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia.  After graduation, she completed a private general practice internship, and is happy to now call Charlotte and AMH home. Dr. Schoenig’s interests in veterinary medicine include surgery, cardiology, and emergency medicine.  She is a member of AVMA and NCVMA.  

In her spare time, Dr. Schoenig enjoys spending time with her two dogs (Lucky and Molly) and her cat (Odie Bob).  Her hobbies include spending time outside, especially at the lake, exploring the brewery scene in Charlotte, and reading.  Her family still resides in Virginia, so she also travels home to see her niece and nephew whenever time allows.

Dr. Amanda Slusky offers veterinary services, including emergency veterinary care, to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

Professional Degrees: 
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
North Carolina State University

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association
• Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society

Special Interests:

• Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Nutrition

Advanced Training or Certification

• Fear Free

Dr. Amanda Slusky is originally from Woodbridge, Connecticut. Her passion for animals began at a young age with a love of marine animals. She attended the University of Connecticut for her undergraduate studies, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Dr. Slusky then moved to Raleigh, NC for veterinary school and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University. She was inducted into Phi Zeta, the national veterinary honor society.

Dr. Slusky’s professional interests include companion animal nutrition and emergency veterinary medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (IVECCS) and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA). When not working, Dr. Slusky enjoys fitness, cooking, spending time with her husband, and her cats, Evelyn and Gertie.

Dr. Erin Thomas offers veterinary services, including feline medicine and emergency care, to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

Professional Degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
Iowa State University

Professional Associations

• American Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests:

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

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.

Dr. Jillian Stephan offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.

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

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests: 

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

 Advanced Training or Certification

• Fear Free

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. Richter then went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with her Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris degree.  

Dr. Richter grew up with beagles who helped shape her passion for veterinary medicine and the human-animal bond. When she is not working, she loves to cook, try new restaurants, travel, and spend time with her friends and family. 

Dr. Sandy Tisdelle offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

Professional Degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Florida

Professional Associations: 

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests: 

• Preventative Medicine & Wellness Care

• Feline (Cat, Kitten) Medicine & Surgery

• Internal Medicine

• Soft Tissue Surgery

• Veterinary Dermatology

• Ophthalmology

Dr. Sandy Tisdelle was born and raised in Green Cove Springs, FL. After attending and graduating from Elon University with a degree in Biology, she returned to her hometown to work as a technician in a local veterinary practice. It was this experience that helped her determine to pursue veterinary medicine as her career path. She attended the University of Florida to obtain her doctorate and graduated with honors. Dr. Tisdelle then completed an internship at Louisiana State University focused on emergency medicine and surgery. Dr. Tisdelle’s special interests include dermatology, cytology, and internal medicine. She is a proud member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Dr. Tisdelle had a Beagle named Maggie as her first pet, and a Golden Retriever, Aurora, that lived to be 16 years old growing up! She now has a cat named Surly. The most unique animal she has ever treated was in Honduras while on a vet school trip – baby Toucans! Dr. Tisdelle’s dream would be to treat penguins.

In her spare time, Dr. Tisdelle enjoys spending time with her husband and any activities outdoors – hiking or riding her bike. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends, going to concerts, playing with her nephews, and visiting family & friends.

Dr. Aleah Wolfe offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.  

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

Professional Associations: 

American Veterinary Medical Association

Special Interests:

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

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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

Dr. Colleen Zulty offers veterinary services to patients in the greater Charlotte area.

Professional Degrees: 

Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine 

Professional Associations: 

• Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 
• America Veterinary Medical Association  
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association  

Interests: 

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

Dr. 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.  

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.