Meet Your 
Coats Veterinary Hospital Team

Dr. Walker knew from an early age that she was destined to work with animals. As a second-grader, she placed a photo of herself with her pet rabbit in a time capsule — captioned, with quiet certainty, "Future vet in Virginia." That childhood conviction never wavered.

Growing up in upstate New York, she spent most of her free time outdoors, exploring the woods near her home and catching frogs, toads, and insects with the kind of curiosity that only a future scientist could have. She made regular visits to Virginia and North Carolina throughout her childhood, and something about the South always called her back. Today, she has proudly called North Carolina home for over 25 years.

Dr. Walker earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Richmond before going on to complete her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She joined Coats Veterinary Hospital shortly after graduating, where she had the privilege of training under and working alongside the practice's founder, Dr. Coats, for more than six years. In January 2013, she purchased the hospital — carrying forward Dr. Coats' founding vision of a lasting community-centered small business that exists for the good of its patients, its clients, its team, and the broader Rocky Mount community.

Her professional passions center on palliative care and client education — areas where compassion and communication are just as important as clinical skill. She believes that well-informed clients are essential partners in the health of their pets.

Beyond her work at CVH, Dr. Walker has devoted herself to international veterinary service. For over eight years, she has served on the leadership team of the Love Honduras Veterinary & Vision Mission Trip, traveling to Honduras each year to provide care and make a meaningful difference in both animals and the people who love them. Her connection to Honduras and its people runs deep, and it is one of the defining commitments of her life outside the clinic.

Dr. Walker lives in Wake Forest with her husband, Tommy, and their children. Their home is a lively one — shared with three dogs, two cats, and an Irish Setter named Sully, a breed she grew up loving and finally brought into her own family. When she's not at the hospital, you'll likely find her cheering on her kids at basketball and baseball tournaments across the region, or recharging at the beach with family and friends.

Dr. Owens is a cornerstone of the Coats Veterinary Hospital team, bringing over 15 years of dedicated veterinary experience and a genuine passion for animal care to every patient she sees. A proud North Carolina State University Wolfpack alumna, she completed both her undergraduate studies and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at NC State, graduating from veterinary school in 2009. She has been a valued and beloved member of the CVH family ever since.

Dr. Owens offers a well-rounded and forward-thinking approach to veterinary medicine. Her clients appreciate that she combines traditional veterinary care with a thoughtful interest in alternative and integrative medicine, including acupuncture — a growing field in veterinary care that can provide meaningful relief for pets managing chronic pain, arthritis, neurological conditions, and recovery from injury or surgery.  As a skilled diagnostician, Dr. Owens also uses ultrasound to help create a full picture of animal health - inside and out.

Her surgical skills are equally impressive. Dr. Owens is experienced in soft tissue surgery, handling a wide range of procedures with confidence and precision, always prioritizing patient comfort and smooth recoveries. She also provides comprehensive veterinary dental care, from routine cleanings and oral health assessments to more complex dental procedures — because healthy teeth and gums are a vital part of your pet's overall wellbeing.

Whether your pet needs a wellness visit, a surgical procedure, a dental cleaning, ultrasound or an acupuncture session, Dr. Owens brings the same level of warmth and expertise to every appointment.

It's no surprise that Dr. Owens' love of animals extends well beyond the clinic walls. At her home in Bunn, she has a lively and beloved crew of animals: dogs Phoebe and Farley, cats Aderyn, BT, and Margot, and a flock of chickens who are practically CVH celebrities — their fresh eggs make regular appearances in the staff break room, much to everyone's delight.

Having lived in both Wisconsin and North Carolina, Dr. Owens has built deep ties to the sports teams of both regions. She's a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and equally enthusiastic when hockey and college football seasons roll around — you'll find her cheering loudly for her Carolina Hurricanes and as a season ticket holder for Wolfpack football. Whether it's football weekends or Canes playoff runs, she's all in.

When she's not caring for patients or watching the game, Dr. Owens enjoys spending time with family and visiting the North Carolina mountains.  She unwinds with crochet, knitting, cross stitch, and many other hobbies that speak to her patience, precision, and love of detail (skills that translate beautifully to veterinary medicine, as it turns out).

Dr. Amanda Lehnberg earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Davidson College before going on to obtain her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University. She joined the Coats Veterinary Hospital team upon graduation in 2013 and has been a valued member of the practice ever since.

A North Carolina native, Dr. Lehnberg currently lives in Zebulon with her husband, Anthony, their son Teddy, their yellow Labrador retriever Cappy, and their cats Woodstock and Mumbles. 

Dr. Lehnberg has a special interest in dermatology and dentistry, but she is equally known among clients and colleagues for her exceptional diagnostic skills and warm personality. She approaches each case thoughtfully and thoroughly, with a talent for identifying underlying conditions and developing effective, individualized treatment plans. She is particularly skilled in managing chronic diseases, helping pets live more comfortable lives while supporting their families through long-term care decisions.

One of Dr. Lehnberg’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with both pets and people. She is kind, compassionate, and especially gifted at putting patients—and their owners—at ease during what can often be stressful or frightening visits to the hospital. Her calm, reassuring presence helps build trust and fosters a positive experience for everyone involved.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Lehnberg is an avid reader with a wide-ranging collection of books. She enjoys sharing her love of reading with the CVH team, often passing along favorite titles and helping create a sense of community beyond the workplace.

Dr. Lehnberg is committed to improving the quality of life for her patients and strengthening the bond between pets and their families. Her combination of clinical expertise, thoughtful care, and genuine compassion makes her an invaluable part of the Coats Veterinary Hospital team.

Dr. Vall joined the Coats Veterinary Hospital team in 2019 shortly after graduating from veterinary school, and she has been a valued part of our hospital ever since. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology from Christopher Newport University in Virginia and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies.

Originally from Puerto Rico and having spent much of her life in Virginia, Dr. Vall now calls Rocky Mount home. She is bilingual and enjoys connecting with Spanish-speaking clients, helping ensure clear communication and comfort for both pets and their families.

Dr. Vall is Fear Free Certified and is especially passionate about reducing stress and anxiety during veterinary visits. She has a natural ability to advocate for her patients’ comfort, creating a calmer, more positive experience for pets and their owners alike.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Vall shares her home with her two beloved cats, Dahlia and Toasty. In her free time, she enjoys expressing her creativity through drawing, painting, and crafting.

Mandy earned her Associates of Science at Baker College in Jackson, MI and got her Veterinary Technician License in 2007. She has overall 34 years experience in the veterinary field. Originally from Michigan, she has moved to several states before landing in Rocky Mount with her husband Jon and her dogs, Beau, Annie and Piper. Mandy likes to spend her free time crafting and gardening when she can.

Taylor has been an integral part of the CVH team since 2015, growing alongside the hospital and playing a key role in strengthening both our operations and medical record systems. In her current role, she oversees medical records management, supports hospital operations, and helps ensure our clinical team has the accurate, complete information needed to provide the highest level of patient care.

Known for her organization, attention to detail, and collaborative approach, Taylor works behind the scenes to keep workflows efficient and communication seamless across departments.

Outside of the hospital, Taylor lives in Rocky Mount with her fiancé and their four pets—Dani Grace, Gerti, Mae, and Pete. She enjoys spending time with family, relaxing beach days, and making memories with her fur babies.

We are incredibly grateful to have Taylor as part of the CVH team!

Johnna grew up in Whitakers and always dreamed of working with animals. She joined CVH in 2003 and has spent many years using her extensive knowledge and experience as a Veterinary Assistant, supporting our doctors and caring for patients. Today, Johnna leads our Resort department, overseeing our boarding cottages and bathing spa while ensuring every pet receives exceptional care and attention.

Outside of work, Johnna is a champion barrel racer and enjoys anything involving horses, livestock and the Carolina Hurricanes. Her favorite place to relax is the beach, where she hopes to retire one day. Johnna lives in Louisburg with her husband. Her love and dedication to animals is evident in every aspect of her life.

Every veterinary hospital needs its resident cat lady, and for us, that’s Pamela!  Since joining the team in 2018, Pamela has brought an unmatched passion for feline care, along with years of hands-on veterinary experience and a calming presence that both pets and pet owners appreciate.

Pamela began her career as a veterinary assistant in 2013 and quickly discovered her special connection with cats. Known affectionately around the hospital as the “cat whisperer,” she has a natural ability to comfort even the most nervous feline patients. Her patience, compassion, and gentle approach make her an invaluable part of the team and a trusted advocate for every cat that comes through our doors.

Originally from Rocky Mount and now living in Battleboro with her husband, Pamela shares her home with six beloved feline family members: Ambrose, Eve, Foxy, Kringle, Nicholas, and Prancer. Her love for animals extends far beyond the workplace and is reflected in every aspect of her life.

Whether she’s assisting during appointments, comforting anxious pets, or sharing her knowledge with clients, Pamela’s dedication to animal care shines through daily. Her passion for veterinary medicine and her deep love for cats continues to make a lasting impact on both our team and the families we serve.

Joanna joined the team at Coats Veterinary Hospital in 2021 as a CSR and transitioned into her role as a Veterinary Assistant in 2023. She loves caring for patients and helping clients feel comfortable and supported during their visits. Joanna shares her home with her two dogs and two cats, who keep life fun and full of love. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, cooking, playing music, and spending time with her friends, family, and four-legged babies.

Mercedes joined the CVH team in 2020 as a Veterinary Assistant and has been a valued part of the family ever since. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and brings both compassion and dedication to every patient she cares for.

Mercedes has a deep love for animals and is especially passionate about advocating for her furry friends. She shared a special bond with her three beloved dogs, Diamond, Mojo, and Crystal. She enjoys making a difference in the lives of pets every day.

Outside of work, Mercedes enjoys relaxing at home and spending quality time with family and friends.

Taylor joined the CVH team in 2023 and has been a dedicated part of the practice ever since. As a veterinary assistant, she is passionate about animal care and has had a lifelong love for pets and their well-being. Taylor lives in Nashville with her boyfriend and her Labrador Retriever, Lacy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, riding ATVs, and making lasting memories with family and friends.

Bio coming soon!

Leah joined the CVH family in the summer of 2024 as a Veterinary Assistant. She graduated from Nash Community College in 2026 from the Veterinary Technician program and is working toward becoming a Registered/Licensed Veterinary Technician (RVT/LVT) after completing the VTNE. Leah lives in Rocky Mount with her boyfriend Dylan and their dog, Goose, and cat, Frankie. She has a love for all animals and enjoys building relationships with both pets and their owners. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and exploring the outdoors with her pets.

Bio coming soon!

Lindsey joined the team at Coats Veterinary Hospital in 2024 as both a Customer Service Representative and Resort Assistant before transitioning into her role as a Veterinary Assistant. She lives in Rocky Mount with her two cats, Rory and Macie, and loves spending time with her baby girl, Iris. Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys trips to the beach, playing tennis, shopping with friends, and loving on animals whenever she can. She also hopes to further her education and become a Veterinary Technician in the future.

Kayla’s love for animals has been a lifelong passion, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine at just 19 years old.  As a veterinary assistant, she loves the many different roles that come with the job — from pharmacy and radiology to inventory management and patient care. With a particular fondness for small breed dogs (Team Yorkie!). A family-oriented person at heart, Kayla enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two children. She loves life as a “MomMom” and spending time at her family coop surrounded by the people and animals she loves most!

Bio coming soon!

Kristen joined the team at Coats Veterinary Hospital in 2022 and serves as our Lead Client Care Representative. With several years of customer service experience and a passion for helping both pets and their people, Kristen is known for creating a warm, welcoming experience for every client who walks through our doors. Kristen lives in Rocky Mount with her husband, two children, and their four dogs. Outside of work, she stays busy as a proud sports mom, cheering her kids on from the sidelines and spending weekends at games and activities. In her free time, she also enjoys shopping with her mom, cooking out with family, and making memories with the people she loves most.

Hannah is one of our amazing Client Care Representatives. She lives in Rocky Mount with her cats, Lily and Arlo, and her Ducks. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her niece and nephews and being with family and friends. We are so happy to have her as part of the Coats Veterinary Hospital family!

Shay joined the CVH family in November 2025 as a Customer Service Representative and brings over 7 years of experience in the field. She has a true passion for animal care and is a proud pet parent to 6 dogs and 1 cat. Outside of work, Shay enjoys dog sitting, grooming, and spending quality time with her family.

Kathy joined our team in 2007 as our groomer. Growing up in Maryland, she began working in a doggie daycare business in 1998, where her curiosity about dog grooming first sparked. She later worked as a groomer’s assistant, allowing her passion to blossom as she completed grooming school. Kathy takes pride in her commitment to continuing education, regularly attending grooming trade shows, classes, seminars and webinars. Her specialty lies in working closely with clients who have pets with special needs, showcasing her creativity through hairstyles. In her free time, Kathy enjoys baking and sewing, and she loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach. She resides in Rocky Mount with her husband and their dog, Gunner.

Bio coming soon!