Reimagining Veterinary Client Communication: Strengthening Relationships with AI

Originally from South Florida, Dr. Chris lives in Decatur with his wife, daughter and two labradoodles. Prior to opening Simmons Veterinary Clinic, he worked as an associate veterinarian in the area and spent a couple of years as a stay-at-home dad while completing an online Masters of Business Administration from the University of Florida.

Growing up, he was entrenched in the veterinary field as his parents owned and operated an entrepreneurial small animal hospital and pet resort. This unique experience imparted a sincere appreciation for the human side of veterinary medicine as well as the importance of creating fun moments for pets and their people.

In creating his vision for Simmons Veterinary Clinic, he developed the following foundational principle: To provide quality veterinary healthcare, we must equitably account for the collective emotional and physical wellbeing of each pet and person.

Dr. Chris enjoys ultrasonography, complex diagnostic problem solving, and finding creative ways to reduce animal stress at home or elsewhere. Outside of work, he loves exploring the Atlanta food scene and is an avid fan of the Florida Gators and Atlanta United.

Grace is dedicated to transforming veterinary client care by building a team that not only meets but exceeds client expectations. With years of experience in veterinary reception, she recognized a pressing need for stronger, more meaningful client connections within the industry. To address this, Grace implemented technology-driven solutions that streamline clinic operations, enabling her team to focus on what matters most: delivering compassionate, responsive service to every client. Her hands-on leadership and commitment to mentorship have fostered a team culture at Fen Vet centered on excellence and empathy, continuously raising the bar in veterinary client care.

A pet parent herself, Grace shares her life on a hobby farm in New Brunswick with her golden retriever, Fisher, two cats—Harlow and Kaia—and several chickens and ducks. Her personal experience as a pet owner inspires her commitment to raising standards in client care, fueled by a firsthand understanding of the love and dedication people have for their animals.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys hiking, competing in dog sports like barn ratting, exploring creative projects, and getting lost in a good book.

Jessica is a dedicated veterinary technician with a decade of experience in the field. Her journey in veterinary medicine began at a young age, assisting her father with his mobile rabies clinic and working on her parents’ hog farm. After graduating college, she worked on a horse ranch before transitioning to veterinary hospitals, where she honed her skills in various aspects of animal care.

Jessica’s passion for veterinary medicine is deeply rooted in her upbringing. With a veterinarian father and a mother who managed a hog farm, she developed a love for animals early on. Despite earning a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Emergency Disaster Management from Western Carolina University, her passion for animal care led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She recently graduated from Penn Foster College’s Veterinary Technician Program in May 2024.

As a versatile member of the veterinary care team, Jessica excels in various roles, from administering vaccines and drawing blood to monitoring surgeries and providing medication. Her belief in the importance of teamwork drives her to learn and support every aspect of the clinic’s operations, including answering phones and assisting wherever needed.

One of Jessica’s proudest achievements is her educational journey, culminating in her graduation from the Veterinary Technician Program. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth is evident in her commitment to the field.

Jessica shares her life with three beloved cats: Milo, a 3-year-old “dog cat” who enjoys outdoor adventures and long car rides; Mittens, also 3, a once-standoffish kitten who is now a cuddly companion; and Marty, a 15-week-old rescue who follows Jessica like a shadow.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with friends and family, and making lasting memories. She embraces life fully, cherishing every moment with her loved ones. A quirky fact about Jessica is her love for dancing, especially during both good and bad times, inspired by the “dance it out” philosophy from Grey’s Anatomy.

Lilly – As a veterinary assistant, Lilly brings a wealth of compassion, technical expertise, and a genuine love for animals to Riverside Vet. She works closely with our veterinarians, assisting in various procedures, examinations, and treatments including digital radiographs and her favorite – oral health assessments, all while maintaining the highest standards of care and safety. She graduated with honors from Greenville Technical College with an Associate degree in the Veterinary Assistant program in 2019.

With a keen eye for detail and a nurturing nature, Lilly ensures that our patients receive the comfort, attention, and support they need during their visits. She also helps educate pet owners on proper care and offers guidance on preventive measures to promote long-term health and well-being.

Lilly’s compassion and empathy are evident in every interaction with our patients and their owners. She strives to create a calming and comforting atmosphere, ensuring that both pets and their families feel at ease during their visits.

Lilly has two Boston Terriers – a 3-year-old named Maggie, and a 5-year-old named Hank. She also has an 8-year-old mixed breed named Darryl. Lilly loves Mexican food, kayaking, going to the lake, and spending time with her family.

Heather Ashcroft is a seasoned veterinary professional, bringing two decades of diverse experience from roles in general practice, urgent care, shelter medicine, and animal welfare. With a passion for storytelling and community, Heather aims to bridge the gap between the needs of veterinary professionals and the emotional narratives of animals and their caregivers.