Meet
Our Veterinarian Team!
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of River Oak Vet! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to know our team!
Dr. Brandon Adley
DVM
Dr. Brandon Adley is the owner, founder and lead veterinarian at River Oak Vet. He was born and raised in Louisiana. He earned a degree in zoology and a minor in chemistry from Louisiana State University in 1995. He graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.
Dr. Brandon Adley chose veterinary medicine when he realized that working with animals and being able to help make a difference in their lives every day brought him joy. He works hard to relate to every pet and pet owner that he meets. It’s important to him that pet parents feel heard and part of the care team.
Dr. Adley began his veterinary career working at Inman Animal Hospital for 8 years. He did some relief work for the Animal Emergency Clinic prior to taking a position at Upstate Vet where he led the Admissions department for over 16 years before taking on the dream and the challenge of opening his own veterinary practice – River Oak Vet.
In addition to making the world a better place, one pet at a time, Dr. Brandon Adley also enjoys working out, DIY projects around the house, photography, and spending time with his wife and daughter, and his dogs.
Dr. Claire Wigington
Associate DVM
Claire Wigington is a dedicated veterinarian who has been passionately involved in veterinary medicine since 2016. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in various roles including kennel technician, receptionist, and veterinary assistant. During her time in veterinary school, Claire worked as a student worker in UGA’s Emergency and Intermediate Care units, further solidifying her commitment to animal care.
Claire’s passion for veterinary medicine was ignited when her horse suffered a severe injury in 2012. Witnessing her horse’s recovery under veterinary care inspired her to pursue this rewarding field. Today, Claire is dedicated to providing exceptional care to all animals.
At River Oak Vet, Claire is excited to see patients, perform surgeries, and support her team. Her professional achievements include being an ORISE fellow with the CDC and co-authoring a publication on mental health support for public health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claire shares her life with her beloved pets: Doodle, a 19-year-old American Paint Horse; Helen, a 7-year-old retired guide dog Labrador Retriever; Hope, a 5-year-old multi-titled Labrador in various dog sports; and Captain, a 3-year-old Maine Coon mix with a playful Labrador-like demeanor.
Outside the clinic, Claire enjoys spending time at the barn, training her dogs, hiking, photography, reading, and crocheting. She aspires to become certified in rehabilitation through NC State’s Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Program.
A quirky fact about Claire: she keeps all her shirts in rainbow order for quick and easy access. You’ll soon see that this attention to detail translates to her care for your furry friends, where meticulous planning and organization are crucial for success.
Claire’s dedication to her profession, her pets, and her community make her an invaluable member of the River Oak Vet team.
Dr. Aaron Pate
Associate DVM
With over 13 years of experience caring for pets in the Upstate, Dr. Aaron Pate brings a calm, compassionate presence to every exam room. He completely his veterinary education at the University of Tennessee and went on to complete a rotating internship in large animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia—where he proudly became (and remains) a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan.
Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Pate grew up on his family’s farm surrounded by cattle, horses, and more dogs than he can count. His love for animals took root early and has only grown stronger through the years. Today, he enjoys building long-term relationships with clients and their pets—offering trusted guidance, thoughtful care, and a steady hand through every stage of a pet’s life.
At home, Dr. Pate and his wife stay busy keeping up with their two energetic young boys and two pups: Ms. Ethel B, a scruffy terrier mix, and Buoy, a happy-go-lucky Labrador. Outside the clinic, you’ll often find him fishing, wakeboarding, or cheering on UGA at the lake with his family.
Samantha Moody
With a heart full of compassion and a passion for animals, Samantha Moody shines as an integral part of our veterinary team. As a dedicated veterinary assistant, she brings her love for pets to every interaction, making sure each furry friend receives the utmost care and attention.
Samantha’s journey in the veterinary field started over 13 years ago with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. She worked for 3 years in General Practice and has spent the last 10 years working in Emergency Medicine.
Whether she’s assisting during examinations, comforting nervous pets, or providing gentle care, Samantha’s commitment to the well-being of animals is unwavering. Her attention to detail and excellent communication skills ensure that every pet receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
Beyond her technical skills, Samantha’s dedication to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine sets her apart as an invaluable member of our team. Her enthusiasm to grow and improve helps elevate the quality of care we provide to our beloved patients.
Samantha has three pups and two feline friends – Buddy, her sweet, docile old man; Lesh, who is a sweet, goofy lab mix; Gendry, a stubborn lab mix who refused to leave after Samantha fostered him through a rescue/recovery; Hashbrowns, an anti-social calico cat; and Nezbit, an incredibly loving and loveable orange tabby who wants allllll the attention!
Cearah Young
Licensed Veterinary Technician
With a passion for animals and a dedication to their well-being, Cearah Young plays a crucial role in our veterinary clinic. As a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), she brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our team. Cearah studied Animal Science at UGA for 3 semesters before transferring to Piedmont Tech’s Vet Tech Program where she gained knowledge in small animal medicine. She has worked in both emergency and specialty medicine since graduating.
Cearah is skilled in assisting veterinarians during surgeries, conducting laboratory tests, monitoring anesthesia, administering medications, educating clients on home care and providing compassionate nursing care to our furry patients. In addition to her technical proficiency, Cearah possesses a gentle and caring demeanor that instantly puts both animals and their owners at ease. She takes the time to listen to pet parents, answering questions and providing guidance to ensure they understand their pet’s care plan fully.
Outside of the clinic, Cearah shares her home with her own beloved furry companions, which further reinforces her understanding of the bond between pets and their families. She has four dogs – her hiking pup Reese, her snuggle buddy Xena, the playful Willow, and Zip Code – a bossy Nite Champion hound that loves sunbathing. Cearah loves reading, kayaking, paddleboarding, traveling and has an epic goal of hiking in all 50 states in the US!
Jenn Weaver
Jennifer Weaver is a passionate and dedicated Veterinary Assistant at River Oak Vet. Jennifer’s journey in the world of animal care started with a simple love for animals, which has now blossomed into a profound commitment to ensuring the well-being of every furry patient that comes through the clinic’s doors.
Jennifer’s goal is to make every pet feel comfortable and safe from the moment they enter the clinic. Understanding that vet visits can sometimes be stressful, she offers gentle reassurance and a friendly smile to both pets and their loving owners.
As a proud pet parent herself, Jennifer knows how much these furry companions mean to their owners. She treats each and every pet as if they were her own, providing tender care and unwavering attention throughout their time at the clinic.
From administering medications to comforting nervous pets, Jennifer takes pride in being a reliable and caring presence for all the furry family members she encounters. Witnessing the tails wag and hearing the purrs of contentment when pets leave the clinic happier and healthier brings her immense joy.
When Jennifer is not at the clinic, you can find her camping, hiking, or hanging out with her two pups – Nala and Jake, and existing as close to her two cats as they will let her – Bennie and Piggy! They are a constant reminder to her of the deep bond we share with our animal companions.
Ashlyn Dickerson
Ashlyn Dickerson is a seasoned professional in the field of veterinary medicine, currently serving as a Client Service Representative at River Oak Vet. Her journey into the world of veterinary medicine began at the age of 16 when she started helping in the kennels in 2006. With a wealth of experience, Ashlyn has navigated various roles in the industry, spending seven years in General Practice, five years as a Specialty CSR, and a notable year as an Internal Medicine Coordinator.
Ashlyn’s motivation for choosing veterinary medicine stems from a lifelong love for animals, extending back to her earliest memories. This affection, coupled with her innate joy in interacting with clients, positions her as a valuable asset in ensuring both the human and furry components of our clientele receive exceptional care.
Ashlyn finds joy in her role as a mentor. She takes pride in training new hires and witnessing their successful growth within the veterinary profession. This dedication to the development of her colleagues reflects her commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving workplace.
Outside the clinic, Ashlyn loves spending time with her husband and two children. In her furry family, she cares for her wild child Goldendoodle, Magnolia, her senior cat Toby, and the free-spirited outdoor cat, Boo.
She enjoys outdoor activities, concerts, baking, and perfecting the art of homemade lattes. She has a unique love for collecting salt and pepper shakers and confesses that despite her many talents, she remains unable to whistle.
Jennifer Mitchell
As part of the veterinary care team, Jennifer excels in client communication, patient flow management, restraint, client education, and ensuring smooth operations at the front desk. Her professional achievements include transitioning from kennel worker to CVT and eventually becoming a Hospital Manager. Despite retiring from those roles, Jennifer’s dedication to the animal industry remains unwavering, and she finds joy in her current position as a CSR.
At home, Jennifer is surrounded by her beloved pets, including Layla, Mia, Wrigley, Roxy, and Blaze, each with their own unique rescue stories and personalities. Beyond her work in veterinary medicine, Jennifer enjoys pet sitting, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her life’s passion revolves around caring for animals and making a positive impact in their lives, both professionally and personally.
Erin Moorhead
As a vital member of the veterinary care team, Erin handles a wide range of responsibilities. Primarily an anesthesia technician, she also assists surgeons, takes radiographs, runs bloodwork, administers and fills medications, and has experience in management and department scheduling. Erin’s ability to perform varied tasks makes her an invaluable asset to the clinic.
A highlight of Erin’s career was helping to build the surgery/neurology department from the ground up at CVETS in 2018. She played a key role in training every technician in the department, watching them grow and develop their skills. This accomplishment remains one of her proudest moments in veterinary medicine.
Erin’s personal life is equally fulfilling. She adores her 12-year-old cat, Smarty, whom she adopted during her vet tech program at Trident Tech. Smarty, who is FIV positive, would likely have been euthanized if not adopted by someone in Erin’s program. When not sleeping, Smarty enjoys bird watching.
Outside of her professional life, Erin enjoys reading, working out, trying new restaurants, and traveling. She has a goal of visiting all 63 national parks, aiming to explore at least one per year. She also hopes to become a cheesemonger in her next life.
Erin’s passion for veterinary medicine, organizational skills, and diverse interests make her a valued member of the River Oak Vet team.
Kristen Lamb
Kristen has been part of the veterinary field for four years, beginning her journey as a receptionist before transitioning into a veterinary assistant role in 2023. Her love for animals has been constant since childhood, and she always knew she wanted a career centered around caring for them. Today, she finds joy in helping pets feel safe and calm during their visits—especially those who come in nervous or unsure. Building trust with animals and supporting them through stressful moments is one of her favorite parts of the job.
As an assistant, Kristen plays a hands-on role in patient care. She supports the doctors with gentle restraint during exams, assists with blood draws and x-rays, gives vaccines, places IV catheters, and helps monitor anesthesia. She prides herself on her patience and her ability to comfort pets, always striving to make their experience a little easier.
At home, Kristen’s world revolves around her two dogs. Nutmeg, a 3.5-year-old Humane Society adoption, is goofy, lovable, and determined to be everyone’s best friend. Sparky, who joined Kristen’s life in 2019, is 10.5 years old and a bit more reserved—he takes time to warm up, but once he does, he’s happiest curled up in her lap for hours.
Outside the clinic, Kristen enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her dogs and boyfriend. The two recently bought their first home and are excited to build their future together—four paws at a time. And despite plenty of practice, Kristen still hasn’t mastered the art of whistling.