Dr. Jennifer Clay is a 2003 graduate of the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.  During her time at UC Davis Dr. Clay received special training in Grief Support, Small Animal Dentistry, and Ultrasound.  After graduating from UC Davis, Dr. Clay did a one-year rotating internship at the VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego, California, where she was Intern of the Year.  Dr. Clay’s internship included rotations in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Emergency and Critical Care, and Exotic Animal Medicine.  Dr. Clay is a member of the Association for Veterinary Family Practice (AVFP), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Memphis Shelby County Veterinary Medical Association (MSCVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and Veterinary Information Network (VIN).  She is currently the President of the Academy of Veterinary Family Practice, the Immediate Past President of the Association for Veterinary Family Practice (AVFP), a member of the Memphis Animal Shelter Advisory Board and on the Board of Directors of the MSCVMA.  Dr. Clay  received her Credential in Veterinary Family Practice in November of 2009 and is currently helping to form a specialty in Veterinary Famly Practice.  Dr. Clay moved to Memphis in the summer of 2004 and practiced at Greene Animal Hospital for two years before joining the staff at Downtown Animal Hospital in August of 2006.  She founded Utopia Animal Hospital in 2008.  Dr. Clay and her husband, Chip, have one cat, Beau.  They welcomed their son James to the world in the summer of 2009.

 

Carla Thomas has been working in Veterinary Medicine since 1998.  She has worked with several area veterinarians, including Dr. Barden Greenfield, who is a Veterinary Dental Specialist.  Carla has a special interest in both human and animal dentistry.  She and her husband share their home with their dog, Kasee.

 

 

 

 

Heather Birkhimer began volunteering at Westwood Veterinary Hospital in Stubenville, Ohio in 2000.  She spent seven years there serving as kennel assistant, technician and office manager.  Heather is currently taking classes to become a Registered Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Practice Manager.  Heather, her husband Dee and her two daughters, Emma and Katie moved to Memphis in 2008.  Heather joined the Utopia team during the summer of 2009.  She has two dogs, Biscuit and Rudy. 

 

 

 

Annie Martini came to Utopia in the summer of 2009 after working for PetSmart in the PetHotel.   She has a degree in English Education, but decided that she prefers to work with animals.  She is currently studying to receive her certificate in Veterinary Technology.   Annie’s hometown is Cloverport, Kentucky.   Annie shares her home with her two dogs, Molly and Alistair.

 

 

 

 

James Clay joined the Utopia staff at the end of August 2009.  James enjoys being the offical Utopia greeter.  As you can see from this photo, he has a special interest in surgery.  He is also training to be a dog-walker.  James has one cat named Beau. 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Sager joined the staff of Utopia in the winter of 2010.  She comes to us with 14 years’ experience in veterinary medicine.  She has worked as a receptionist, a technician and a groomer.   Jennifer and her husband share their home with a great group of dogs and cats.

 

 

 

 

 

Alexus Sullivan  joined the Utopia team in October of 2010 as a Registered Veterinary Technician.  He first came to help us out during Carla’s maternity leave.  Then, we were lucky enough to have him join us part-time on a regular basis starting in March 2011.  Alexus has been working in Veterinary Medicine since 1995 and has a degree in Animal Science.   His “day job” is at Pet Med Emergency Center here in Memphis.  Alexus has extensive experience in general medicine, emergency medicine and management.  Alexus is a native Memphian and shares his home with 2 dogs, Ruger and Nelly.  We are very excited to have him join our team. 

 

Would you like to become a member of our staff?  We are not currently hiring, but keep employment applications on file.  When we have an opening, we will call persons who have previously submitted an application first.