Dr. Claude Schumpert graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 1990. He received his undergraduate BS degree in Agricultural Sciences from Clemson University in May of 1986. He grew up in Newberry, SC. He and his wife, Missy, have two daughters, Ashton and Logan, and share their home with two cats, two Golden Retrievers, and one small mixed breed pup that is doing a good job of training the rest of the family. Dr. Schumpert and his family are members of Chapin Baptist Church. He is very active in community organizations such as The Rotary Club of Chapin Sunrise and Education Foundation for Lexington-Richland Five. He enjoys softball, golf, and volleyball. He also collects coins and Department 56-Snow Village.
Dr. Tiffany Boyette graduated from Ohio State University in 1996. She has been here at Dutch Fork since March of 1998. She and her husband, Dr. Heyward Boyette (also a veterinarian), have two little girls. The family shares their home with three cats and a lab mix. Dr. Boyette enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Johnson grew up in Charleston, SC and graduated from Bishop England High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Wofford College. Together, Dr. Johnson and her husband Chris moved to Raleigh, NC where she graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been practicing since 2003 and brought her experience to Dutch Fork on March 31, 2008. She and her husband had their first son, Cole, on January 21st, 2010 and share their home with a very spoiled border collie, Savannah, Iggy the lovable mixed breed, and three cats, Taiko, Copper, and Fox.
Dr. Elizabeth Niciu earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 2000. Originally from East Setauket, NY, she earned her Bachelors of Science from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA in 1992 and her Masters of Zoology from the University of Florida in 1995. For 9.5 years she practiced small animal medicine in Loganville, GA. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, and brought her expertise to our DFAH team on November 17, 2009. She shares her home with her husband Rob and 7 year old daughter, Jessica, along with her cats. In GA, Dr Niciu was a member of Contact Dance Ballroom Performance Company. Now she enjoys dancing with Vista Ballroom's Latin Performance Group!
Dr. Connor, an associate, earned a BS from the University of New Hampshire. Shortly after, in 1990, he earned a Masters Degree in Veterinary Medicine that was later followed by his Doctorate in 1994 from Mississippi State University. He and his wife, Ruthie, have a daughter Olivia and a dog named Reagan.
Dr. Louise Burpee completed her undergraduate studies at Middlebury College in Vermont in 1980. She graduated from The University Of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. She came here to Dutch Fork Animal Hospital following graduation when we were still in "the little yellow house". She and her husband, Dr. Randy Basinger (who is a veterinary surgeon here in Columbia) have two children, Will and Carly, and share their home with two dogs, three cats, two birds, and one rat. Dr. Burpee enjoys watersports, tennis, traveling, and reading. She is a member of many professional and community organizations. She retired in June 2012, but will continue to do relief work in our hospital as she begins this new chapter of her life.
Dr. Shire, a University of Illinois graduate, practiced for 25 years in the Chicagoland area before "seeing the light" and moving to South Carolina in 2005. Since relocating, he is working at Dutch Fork Animal Hospital part-time. He now enjoys living on Lake Murray with his wife and 2 children (a 9 year-old yellow lab and a 3 year-old lab mix). Golf and tennis are his free time pursuits.
DeeDee Ashley joined us in October of 2002 as the hospital's first office manager. Dee Dee has always had a passion for animals. Growing up she owned many different breeds of dogs as well as horses, raccoons, foxes, ducks, goats, cows, birds, fish, and a baby skunk. She currently owns Belle, a Labrador Retriever, two Quarter Horses, Smurf and Cody, and eleven chickens. Dee Dee, her husband, and two daughters moved to the Chapin area ten years ago and have been clients of Dutch Fork Animal Hospital ever since. She and her family are members of Chapin Baptist Church. After nineteen years in banking, DeeDee is thoroughly enjoying her new career. She also enjoys photography, going to horse shows, and spending time with her family.
Carrie is the head of our Reception department and has been with the hospital since July of 2005. She and her husband, Chris, share their home with Penny, a dachshund mix, and three cats: Badger, Olive, and Callahan. Carrie and Chris welcomed their first two-legged baby, Bennett, in April 2012. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Tammy came on board with us in September 2007. She lives in Pomaria with her husband Mark and their children, Mark and Sydney. Tammy came to us with several years previous experience in the veterinary field. She also came with a great love for all animals. Tammy's family enjoys the companionship of five dogs: Cleatus, Clarabelle, Cocky, Ruger, and her newest addition, Remington. She enjoys football, Nascar, spending time with her children, and quality family time cycling down the Palmetto Trail.
Nicole joined the DFAH family in July 2005. She works as a technician and a receptionist. She graduated from Midlands Technical College and plans to continue her education St. Petersburg College for Veterinary Technology. She also plans to become a certified dog trainer. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, watching baseball (Go Braves!), and playing roller derby for the Richland County Regulators. She has three pets: Wang, a three year old tabby, Butler, a 1 year old "tuxedo" cat, and Stella a one year old lab/terrier mix.
Shelbie joined the DFAH staff in 2007. She spends most of her time playing with her Boxer, Jed. She also enjoys barrel racing, cars, and clowning around!
Willow came to DFAH in March 2009 through the Project Pet adoption drive. She's a hard worker providing invaluable assistance to the reception staff by napping and begging for snacks. She craves positive attention and is willing to chat with new clients whom she hopes to provide her treats. Be sure to say hello when you bring in your pets!
Bethany joined the DFAH team in April 2012. Born and raised in South Carolina, she grew up in Chapin and currenly lives in Irmo with her husband, Steve. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and one of her favorite pastimes is watching USC football with her friends -- GO GAMECOCKS! She has always loved animals; she and her husband share their home with two cats, Ace and Angus, and two dogs, Dutchess and Lucy. Bethany is also expecting her first child, a baby girl, in December!
Brenda joined the crew in April 2012, bringing with her years of experience as a certified dog trainer! Brenda grew up on a farm in Sheridan, Wyoming, located at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. When she was 12, she took her dog for a 4-H project and found her passion for training. Later, she continued her knowledge and became a certified trainer. Her greatest joy is watching the "light bulb" moment when the dogs understand the training being taught. Brenda shares her home with four dogs and five children!
Candi Livingston began working here in January of 2002. She graduated from Francis Marion University with a BS in Biology. She and her husband have two children - Caitlin and Allissa. She also has four dogs: Lil Man (Pomeranian), Bailey (Sheltie), Brandi (Pomeranian), and Sophia (a crazy yellow lab). Candi is involved with South Carolina Sheltie Rescue and loves all things Sheltie! She enjoys spending time with her family and friends when she's not at work.
Amy currently resides in Prosperity with 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 8 parrots. She has been in the animal health care profession for 13 years. In her spare time she does some dog sitting and is a certified dog groomer. She also enjoys "soul time" with a horse named Sundance.
Kayla joined the DFAH family in November of 2007 after working at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. She has her A.S. in Science and is currently studying Veterinary Technology at St. Petersburg College. When she's not working, Kayla enjoys relaxing at home with her boyfriend and her four-legged children. She currently lives in Irmo with 5 "children": Harley Quinn (Longhaired Tabby), Greddy (Shorthaired Tabby), Axel (German Shepherd), Leeloo (Ferret), and Anakin (Ferret). She is enjoying fixing up her new house and can't wait to see where life will take her. She is also the webmaster for Dutch Fork Animal Hospital's website!
Elizabeth is from Newberry, SC. She graduated from Piedmont Tech in May 2010 and recently took her VTNE to become a licensed veterinary technician. She has a two children, three pit bull terriers, a cat, and a turtle. In her spare time she enjoys crocheting and gardening.
Susan started working for DFAH in September 2011. She is born and raised in Columbia, SC. She attended Irmo High School and recieved her B.S in Biology from Coastal Carolina University. She has worked at several veterinary offices since graduating, but has found a home at Dutch Fork! She and her boyfriend, Shannon, have three Pit Bulls and three cats.
Farren became a part of the DFAH family on April 2, 2012! She is originally from New Jersey, but has decided to join some of her family here. She enjoys sports, animals, and learning as many new skills as possible! She has a cat named Sulu, a dog named Mac, a snake named Carazo, and a hedgehog named Cairo! Farren is looking forward to meeting you and your furry kids!
Jordan joined Dutch Fork Animal Hospital in the Winter of 2010. He enjoys working in the kennel and getting to know all of the dogs that stay with us. He is a "doggy daddy" to Roxanne, a husky mix, and Lucy, a lab mix. Roxanne was brought to us after being found and was fostered by one of our receptionist, and finally found her forever home with Jordan. Lucy, the most recent addition, was finding her self in a pickle: she needed a new home and Jordan was happy to give Roxanne a playmate. He plans on continuing his education and pursuing a degree in veterinary technology at Piedmont Tech.
Stacy joined the crew in 2008 and loves being able to make a difference in many animal's lives. Currently, she is planning on earning her Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology. She loves getting to know the patients (whether she's caring for them while they are here boarding or if she's their technician for an appointment) and their owners. She shares her home with her loveable German Shorthaired Pointer, Porter and three cats: Winston, Mya, and Diego. She is proud to be a member of the Dutch Fork Animal Hospital staff.
Ashley moved to Columbia, SC from Maine in June 2012. She has a 5 year old Australian Shepherd named Mia, a cat named Sophie and a dozen leopard geckos to keep her busy at home. Ashley received her bachelors degree from the University of Maine in Animal and Veterinary science with an Equine Science minor. She enjoys hiking, cooking, and exploring South Carolina in her spare time.