Marsha Gentry, DVM
Dr. Marsha Gentry is a native of Franklin, KY. She decided to become a veterinarian at a young age when her local veterinarian told her that her cats had feline leukemia. Devastated by the news, she decided to become a veterinarian to help other people learn about control of diseases, such as feline leukemia, so they would not have the same experience.
At the age of 16, she started working in her first veterinary practice. Here she learned that veterinary medicine is not just helping animals, it is also helping people.
Since then, Dr. Gentry has devoted her work completely to veterinary medicine attending Western Kentucky University and graduating in 2004 from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been a veterinarian in Sumner County since 2004. She is passionate about oral health care in our pets, soft tissue surgery and orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Gentry has 3 cats (Mayhem, Diva and Kitty Kitty) and 2 dogs (Seven and Dottie). Outside of work she enjoys spending time at the lake, fitness, traveling, walking her dogs and taking care of her hydroponic garden.
Laurel Poteete, DVM
Dr. Laurel Poteete is a 2015 graduate of Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Raised in Wyoming, she relocated to middle Tennessee after veterinary school, and considers Tennessee her forever home.
Dr. Poteete finds seeing pet health thrive through the partnership of doctor and pet parent the most fulfilling part of being a veterinarian. She believes that educating people allows them to make the best health decisions for their pets.
Dr. Poteete has been with Gallatin Animal Hospital since 2017. Her special interest is combining conventional and herbal medicine in general practice. She believes in a holistic approach to healing and has completed her certification in Western Veterinary Herbalism through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.
When not in the clinic, she enjoys being a wife and mother, gardening, learning about human herbalism, and being involved in her church. She has three fur-kids: a goofy Poodle named Adelaide, a sweet Siamese named Philomena, and an aptly named orange tabby named Vex.
Kayla Wielgus, DVM
Hi! I’m Dr. Kayla Wielgus. I grew up in Tucson, AZ before moving to Kentucky when I was 15. I attended Western Kentucky University where I developed a passion for parasitology. It was here where I did more studies for a masters of science focusing on parasites in raccoons. I attended Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine as a part of their inaugural class (2018!). I have special interests in veterinary parasitology and the education of zoonotic diseases. I also have developed a passion for chronic treatment of endocrine diseases.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son in the outdoors, whether that be kayaking, fishing, hiking, or playing disc golf. I also enjoy DIY projects and sewing. Currently I only have one cat (Sparta), but I spend a lot of time with my German Shepherd nieces – Elchie and Zara.
Melissa Gibbs, Veterinary Assistant
Hello…my name is Melissa and I am a graduate of Gallatin High School. I have an Associate of Applied Science in medical assisting. Shortly after graduating with my associates degree, I went to work with Dr. Gentry while searching for a job in that field. The job search stopped there. I knew that the veterinary field is where I wanted to be. She and I have now been a team since 2005.
I have always been a lover of all animals, but horses are my passion. They have been a part of my life since a very young age. I enjoy many different disciplines, however quarter horses are my breed of choice. I currently compete in barrel racing and my new found love of chuckwagon racing.
Matthew Schneider, Veterinary Assistant
Hi! I’m Matt. I recently finished up my first two years of college at Volunteer State Community College, and will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science at MTSU next. I’ve spent all my life surrounded by and loving animals, and was, fortunately, able to make that into a job as of 2012. Working at Gallatin Animal Hospital has been a great experience, and I couldn’t have picked a better first job. I hope to work here for a while to come!
Melissa Timbs “Mimi”, Veterinary Assistant
Hi! My name is Melissa “Mimi” Timbs. I am the youngest of 6 children, so I have a good sense of humor. I have an Associates of Applied Sciences degree in Healthcare Administration. I have worked in the veterinary field since 2001 as both a receptionist and a technician. I have 4 two legged children. We currently have 1 dog Luna and 3 cats (Eevee, Tazz, and Marco).
Outside of work I enjoy anything involving the outdoors, especially watching my youngest play sports. I enjoy reading in what little free time I get and my favorite color is red. I enjoy riding and working with horses and hope to own my own again sometime soon. I look forward to working at Gallatin Animal Hospital for a long time to come.
Kaila Arzillo, Veterinary Assistant
Hi I’m Kaila! I’m a 2022 graduate of the University of Tennessee – Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. I live at home with my parents and have two cats, three dogs, and a bird. In my free time I like to watch movies and play video games. I hope to one day go to vet school to follow my dreams. I am looking forward to working here for some years to come.
Tama Abernathy, Receptionist
Hi, I’m Tama Abernathy. I have lived in Sumner County my whole life and love it here. I have worked in an animal-related field for 20+ years, from animal rescue, owning a pet
boarding/grooming/daycare facility and now I have happily landed at Gallatin Animal Hospital.
I have a dog, 6 cats, and a parrot. When I’m not working or spending time at home with my pets I enjoy traveling and working in my garden.
J.D. Gentry, Practice Manager
I am a chemist by degree and worked in upper management at a large environmental testing laboratory for 13 years. Once the practice had grown to a certain point it made sense for me to come on full time and handle the behind the scenes part of the business so that my wife could focus her time on being a veterinarian. Outside of work I enjoy aquarium keeping and am an avid outdoorsman. I spend as much time on the water as possible fishing with my English Setter who loves nothing more than a day on the lake.