Dr. Rebecca Earl (Shrivastava) received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois. Prior to that, she earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University. She joined Briarlake in 2022 after working several years at a different veterinary clinic in Atlanta. Her professional interests include internal medicine, dermatology, oncology, dentistry, behavior, and hospice care. She is Fear Free certified and cares deeply about improving pets’ quality of life in and out of the vet clinic. Dr. Earl can often be found out enjoying local food or coffee, cooking, gardening, or attending Atlanta United games. She lives in the Virginia Highlands with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

Dr. Jodi Nichols grew up in Newport, Michigan. She graduated from the University of Michigan and then obtained her veterinary degree from Michigan State University in 1999. She also studied at the University of Florida, where she obtained a masters of public health degree in Epidemiology. Dr. Nichols has been enjoying the veterinary medical field for over 20 years. She loves working with both cats and dogs. Her interests are in wellness, dentistry, general medicine, and surgery. She enjoys getting to know her clients and building lasting relationships with them. She is also certified as a Fear Free veterinarian and will help to find ways to make your pet's visits less stressful. Dr. Nichols lives in Brookhaven with her husband and daughter. They have a Cavalier King Charles dog named Cooper and a rescue tabby cat named Ben. They also have had the joy of living with English Bulldogs in the past. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, practicing yoga, being outdoors, boating and learning.

Joyce's love for animals landed her at the Washington Humane Society's animal control program, where she gained her vast knowledge of and care for all animals. She has been a veterinary assistant for over 15 years. Prior to joining Briarlake Animal Hospital in May 2022, she worked alongside Dr. Hochel and Dr. Hiro at a previous practice for 12 years! Joyce shares her home with a four-legged family that consists of four dogs (Opal, Little Girl, Honey and Champion) a cat (Zora) a leopard gecko (Piglet) a crested gecko (Tiny) and a freshwater fish tank.  Her hobbies include reading, nature walks, watching Netflix & Hulu, and anything animal related.

Kathleen Delaney is a devout animal welfare advocate and has a strong background in dog and cat behavior. She volunteers at her local shelters, working with fearful, under-socialized dogs. She is so thrilled to work at a vet practice that offers Fear Free techniques for stress-free visits. In her downtime, she gardens for wildlife, is a nerdy bird watcher, and spends time loving on her partner Lucky, her 4 cats and 2 dogs.

Courtney is a Registered Veterinary Technician with a special interest in surgery and anesthesia. Her knowledge and love for animals encompasses wildlife as well as domestic pets! Her home is filled with Atlanta sports fanatics. Her husband Ben, her daughter Annabelle, and even her 2 dogs and 2 cats, all adore the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, and Atlanta United!

Laura Abbott began her veterinary career in general practice in 1999 and has been loving it ever since. She graduated from Jefferson State Community College in 2011 with an AAS in Veterinary Technology and shortly thereafter passed the VTNE to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Laura moved to specialty, where she became the head veterinary technician of a local radiation therapy department. After 9 years in RT, Laura decided it was time for a change, and found the perfect fit with the wonderful crew at Briarlake! In her spare time, Laura enjoys reading with her daughter, sleeping late (7:30!) and snuggling with her dog Lily and her 2 cats Sifie and Georgie.

Sonja O’Herron is a Veterinary Technician with over 20 years experience. She graduated from Gwinnett Technical College in 1999 with an AAS in Veterinary Technology. Sonja’s career has included small animal practice, emergency medicine, and some exotics. Prior to joining Briarlake Animal Hospital in 2019, she worked alongside Dr. Hochel and Dr. Hiro for seven years (2009–2017). Sonja lives in Gwinnett with her family which includes three male humans, two cats (Henry and Lily), one dog (Zuri), and a Ball Python (Esmeralda). She enjoys gardening, reading, and hiking.

Silia has been a veterinary assistant for 3+ years. She was born and raised an only child in Norcross, and is proud of her mixed French and Algerian background. She has 1 dog (Roxy) and 2 cats (Thomas and Jerry.) Her love and compassion for fur babies drew her to the field of veterinary medicine. Outside of the clinic she is a Certified Professional Coder and a professional dancer. She dreams of going on tour and traveling the world. Silia is spiritually driven and enjoys nature, health, and fitness. Her favorite animal is a wolf.

Born and raised in Chicago, Robert has been in the verterinary field for 5+ years. Robert lives in Dekalb County with his significant other and a beloved cat (Neferpitou). When he isn't providing love and care to our patients, Robert enjoys video games and watching anime with Neferpitou on his lap.

Coming Soon

Ali first began working as a veterinary assistant 10 years ago. She graduated from Clemson University with an Animal and Veterinary Science degree. She has recently decided to go back to school to get a Masters of Public Health at Augusta University. She grew up with an English Springer Spaniel, a lab mix, and a German Shepherd, and she currently has 2 budgies. Ali is Fear Free Certified and enjoys working with dogs, cats, exotics and cows. Ali lives in Duluth with her fiance, Ahmad. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, cooking, photograpy, and arts and crafts.

Saia was born, raised, and educated in the Decatur area. Although she is relatively new to the veterinary field, she has long been dedicated to animal health. Outside of her passion for nature and furry animals, she loves traveling, reading, and all kinds of creative crafts.

Amanda is a hometown girl born and raised in Chamblee. She has 25 years of animal experience. She is a crazy cat lady at heart, and she and her partner share their home with 2 beloved cats named Teen Wolf and Puss Puss. When not working she enjoys live music, wandering in the woods, and her new hobby - snorkeling!

Originally from Philadelphia, Clarke has been in the veterinary field for 10+ years. In addition to working with us at Briarlake, she is a dog groomer specializing in Doodle cuts. She currently lives in Dekalb county with her husband, son, 4 dogs, and a bearded dragon.

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Rhiannon grew up in the DC metro area, lived in Chattanooga for several years, and eventually moved to Decatur in 2023. She lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals including dogs, cats, reptiles, fish, and tarantulas. Obsessed with animals of every kind from an early age, she has worked in veterinary clinics since she was a teenager, eventually bringing her passion to Briarlake in August of 2024. In addition to caring for her pets, she also gardens for wildlife and volunteers at a wildlife rehabilitation center in her spare time.