Dr. Julie Harelson was born and raised in Louisiana, where she attended Louisiana State University. She graduated with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2001. After that she moved to Savannah and began working at a day practice. While working for day practice Dr. Harelson began moonlighting with the Emergency Clinic and quickly felt that it was her true calling. It was the unexpected case walking through the door, the mystery of each patient, and the chance to change a life that really appealed to her.

In 2003, Dr. Harelson was afforded the opportunity, and took it, to purchase the Emergency Clinic. She saw this as her chance to impart a sense of community, make the Emergency Clinic more approachable, and most of all more trustworthy. To this end, she works closely with Tabby Tales, Renegade Paws Rescue, and Red Clay rescue groups. She also strongly advocates spay and neuter procedures for our community pets.

Julie likes Great Danes, yoga, wine, Jeeps, and LOVES good food! She believes in treating people like they are family and fostering support within our team, both inside the clinic and out!

“GEAUX TIGERS!!!”

Jamie was born and raised in Port Orange, Florida moving to Savannah in 2005 to play soccer for Armstrong Atlantic State University. After that she attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with her clinical year at Louisiana State University. Dr. Baker has been practicing Veterinary Medicine in Savannah since 2015.

Dr. Baker enjoys the fast pace, surgical experiences, and being present for the families of our patients during difficult decisions and hard times.

The Baker family, consisting of Jamie, her husband, and their daughter, live on a small farm with their menagerie of over 30 animals. They enjoy their eclectic group that ranges from juveniles to seniors, and all sizes, ranging from 150 grams (the size of a hockey puck) up to 1000 pounds (yup a horse). In her free time Jamie enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and boating.

“I promise to provide care to your pet as if they are my own. I will always give you my honest opinion and hope this helps you to make the most informed decision during a difficult and stressful time. “

Dr.  Baxley grew up in Charleston, SC on a Christmas tree farm. She received her undergrad from The College of Charleston before attending Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Brittany graduated from UGA in 2022.

Brittany had been part of an externship at Savannah Veterinary Emergency Clinic during her final year of schooling and found her passion here as well. For Dr. Baxley emergency medicine brings something new every day. One minute she can be working with a blocked cat and the next instance she in performing a GDV surgery. You just never know what is going to walk in.

When she isn’t pulling all-nighters with the ER, Brittany can be found doing almost anything water related: boating, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking to a waterfall, lazing at the beach, you get the picture, this lady loves the water! She even says that sushi is her favorite food!

Brittany also loves to snowboard, not so easy growing up in Charleston, but she was determined to learn so she spent hours watching YouTube videos until she could hit the slopes and perfect her skills. Dr. Baxley says that someday she wants to move to the Western US and work as a large animal veterinarian, maybe she will get to snowboard even more then.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 2012

Originally hailing from West Palm Beach, Florida, Jessica harbored an innate fascination for creatures of varied shapes and sizes. Whether frolicking along the coastline or trekking through forests, she perceived animals as embodying life’s essence: play, eat fresh food, rest, repeat. Several years later, she found herself rooted in Georgia, having relocated to Savannah post-high school and earning her degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University in 2013.

Her journey in veterinary medicine commenced at Animal Services, where she flourished in the surgery suite, deriving immense satisfaction from ensuring the well-being of every animal that crossed her path through treatment, vaccination, and compassionate care. Delving deep into the realm of diseases and diagnostic signs, she avidly expanded her knowledge. Progressing further, she embraced the opportunity to contribute to a local general practice, absorbing knowledge under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Recognizing her growing leadership qualities, she accepted roles in management, culminating in her eventual arrival at Savannah Veterinary Emergency Clinic, where her years of experience merged with her passion for emergency medicine.

Outside her professional realm, Jessica plays the role of a proud mother to three remarkable dogs, a munchkin cat, chickens, tortoises, and a delightful human son born in 2023. Her leisure time revolves around cherished moments with her husband and family, relishing activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, traveling, attending concerts and festivals, and simply reveling in the splendor of outdoor life.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 2006.

Amy was born and raised in Savannah. She has always enjoyed a challenge and found an un-ending source of that in Veterinary Medicine. Amy began in General Practice before picking up shifts with the Emergency Practice and soon moved into Emergency Medicine full-time.

Her favorite part about the Emergency Clinic is that there is always something to learn. Whether it’s new medications, procedures, or just a trick-of-the-trade that someone brings to the table, there is always something new.

In her spare time, Amy loves to be with her horses and family. She is also a huge fan of boating when she gets the chance. But if you asked her what her absolute favorite thing to do is, she would probably tell you, “SLEEP”.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 2009.

Brittany was born and raised in Savannah. She moved to New Orleans to attended Tulane University on an academic scholarship, but came back to Savannah after Hurricane Katrina. To finish out her degree she attended Armstrong University, ultimately finishing with a BS in Cell and Molecular biology, a BS in Clinical Psychology, and an AS in Science of Economics and Business.

Some would say that Brittany’s foray into the Veterinary world started in 2009 with shelter medicine, but it truthfully started much earlier when her mother fostered an early passion for rescuing animal. By 2011 Brittany had moved into General Practice, and in 2015 began work for the Emergency Clinic. She loves the diversity of cases and patients, as well as the challenge of the Emergency Clinic.

When she isn’t saving lives at the Emergency Clinic, Brittany is still looking out for our four-legged friends as the Medical Co-Director for Renegade Paws Rescue. Her home is a reflection of her passion with a collection of once wayward pets, furry and scaled alike. But her favorites are always the squishy bully breeds.

In her spare time Brittany loves to be near the water, a boat and some salty air are her favorite forms of therapy. She is also a rescue animal transport, making sure that every critter gets to where it needs to be. And if she can find the quiet moment, Brittany loves to paint and relax at home.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in

Brianna is a passionate and dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) who graduated with honors from Ogeechee Technical College in May of 2023. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree, Brianna is committed to furthering her education and expertise in veterinary medicine.

Originally from New York, Brianna relocated to the south to be closer to family. You can take the girl out of New York, but you never really get the New York out of their blood. And Brianna brings that fire to every shift. Being bilingual, she brings a unique perspective and ability to connect with diverse communities.

With a heart for animals, Brianna shares her home with four beloved four-legged companions. She finds fulfillment in being actively involved in animal rescues, recognizing the importance of giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

For Brianna, the essence of veterinary medicine lies in advocating for the welfare and well-being of animals. Through her work, she strives to be a compassionate and empathetic advocate for all creatures, embodying the principle that every life deserves care and respect.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 1991.

Cecilia was born in New Jersey and raised in Pennsylvania. It was during the early 1990s in Montana that she got into Veterinary Medicine as a large animal technician. It was in 1994 that she began working in small animal medicine in Florida. She eventually moved to Savannah in 1996 where she began working at a General Practice Veterinarian’s office.

Cecilia started working for the Emergency Clinic in 2006. She enjoys the diversity of Emergency Medicine. Her favorite cases in the Emergency Clinic are the trauma ones and the ensuing stabilization. These emergencies allow her to use her greatest tuned skill-set in the areas of triage, anesthesia, surgical assisting, and phlebotomy.

Cecilia has a deep love for all kinds of animals, filling her and her husband’s lives with 6 horses (most of them rescues), 8 dogs, and 7 cats (all rescues). She also has 2 adult human daughters. Cecilia likes to spend time with her animals and in her garden, with a special passion for plant propagation techniques. Her husband and she also enjoy kayaking and camping when they can find the time to get away.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 2005.

Cyndi started her veterinary career in North Georgia in 2005, and went on to serve in the U.S. Army in the same capacity for 1 year. Upon returning to the States she continued in the Veterinary field in General practice. For the last 3 year she has been working with the Emergency Clinic and loves it!

Cyndi feels like there is never a dull moment, you just never know what will walk through the door in the ER. She also loves the doctors that she gets the chance to work with. Cyndi has learned so much in these 3 years and is excited to learn even more.

In her free time, Cyndi loves to be outside. She explores anywhere she can and always has her dogs and camera by her side. She also enjoys reading and running when she gets the chance to.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 2014.

Molly was born in Bayou Meto, Arkansas, moved to Southern California when she was 11 years old, and moved to Savannah in 2008. She originally went to school for, and attained degrees in, English literature and Editing before reverting back to her lifelong passion for animals. In 2015 Molly received her AAS in Veterinary Technology from Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro.

After getting her license, Molly worked for a specialty veterinary surgery practice before permanently moving into the Emergency Clinic in 2020. Her favorite part of the Emergency Clinic is the hidden work, the trade secrets, the things that no owner knows we do that make all the difference to the patients. It is a secret language that the Doctors and Technicians speak with one another, and it makes all the difference between life and death.

Having grown up on a farm, Molly loves all animals, exotics and domestic alike. Her and her husband currently have a modest family of two dogs and one cat, who definitely thinks he is a Boxer. In her spare time Molly enjoys hiking, kayaking, cooking, crafting, and a good glass of wine.

“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 1991.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 2018

Serena is a Savannah native, born and raised. Some of her earliest memories are of her family taking in strays and rescuing animals, so it’s in her blood. In 2020 she received her AAS from Ogeechee Technical College and her license shortly thereafter.

She has been working for the Emergency Clinic since 2020. Her passion for animals is what drives Serena in every Emergency Medicine shift. Her goal is to make sure all animals get the attention and care they need.

Serena has one awesomely adorable human child, but her home is always full of fosters! Even her own pets, an American Bulldog, two Pit-bulls, two cats, and a bearded dragon, were all rescues. She has ridden and worked with horses most of her life and still loves them deeply. Her ultimate goal is to open a rescue clinic someday.

Joined Veterinary Medicine in 2013.

Tayler was born and raised here in Savannah and has been here her entire life. She started working in Veterinary Medicine in 2013 at Effingham Animal Hospital. She attended Ogeechee Technical College and attained her Veterinary Technician’s license shortly after that.

Tayler found the Emergency Clinic through her internship, but even before that she knew it was going to be a great fit when she had to work on two of her own fur babies after they were bitten by snakes in 2016. Trying to keep her cool and use her medical knowledge to save her own was a harrowing experience. During her internship she was able to use what that incident had taught her and fell in love with the environment at the Emergency Clinic.

Tayler’s collection of pets includes 2 Dobermans, 3 Jack Russell Terriers, and 2 cats. She loves fostering animals that need homes, from bottle baby kittens and puppies, to Adult dogs on their way to forever homes and has been an active member of One Love Animal Rescue since 2016.

In her spare time, Tayler enjoys anything that involves family time and the outdoors, with fishing being one of her absolute favorite things to do. She is also an avid reader. Even going so far as to build an in-home library.