At Cherokee Hospital for Animals, our expert team of veterinarians and supporting staff ensure that pets and humans alike are comfortable, secure, and cared for at our facility. With years of combined experience and a shared passion for animal care that’s evident in everything we do, our team is the soul of Cherokee Hospital for Animals.
Dr. Robin Simpkins completed her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at Auburn University. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science early and, in 1999, Dr. Simpkin earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with Magna Cum Laude honors. At only 22 years old, Dr. Simpkins achieved her dreams of becoming an exceptional veterinarian.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Simpkins knew she wanted to be a veterinarian at a young age. She started working in the veterinary field in 1990 at her family veterinary office, where she fell in love with the profession and decided to pursue her education in the field of veterinary medicine. Dr. Simpkins has professional interests in ultrasound and internal medicine.
Dr. Simpkins moved to Johnson City, Tennessee after her first year in practice and split her time working at Cherokee Hospital for Animals and a veterinary practice in Kingsport. She moved home to Alabama to be with family and joined the clinical team at a six-doctor veterinary practice in Birmingham. There, she gained invaluable experience and mastered her clinical skills.
To Dr. Simpkins, the most rewarding part about working in the veterinary field is experiencing the special and irreplaceable bond between people and their pets. That’s why, in addition to providing outstanding veterinary medical services, Dr. Simpkins focuses on warm communication and eduates pet parents on what is best for their pet family. To put it simply, she can’t imagine doing anything else.
Dr. Simpkins is the mother to one daughter, Marin. She is also a pet parent to a Terrier mix named Foofers and a feline friend named Nigel, and they’re both highly skilled at getting their favorite treats. Foofers will sit on her hind legs and beg; meanwhile, Nigel goes straight to the source and opens the pantry himself. Outside of the hospital environment, Dr. Simpkins enjoys spending time with her daughter, running, practicing yoga, and reading.
Dr. Amanda Wilson achieved her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She is proud to serve as an Owner and Partner Veterinarian at Cherokee Hospital for Animals and has over thirteen years of experience as a general practitioner for small animals. Dr. Wilson began working in the veterinary field in 2004 as a veterinary assistant and receptionist and has advanced training in Diagnostic Ultrasound, Soft Tissue Surgery, and Internal Medicine. Her compassion for animals, along with her strengths in science and math, inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Wilson grew up on a small farm in Milan, Tennessee, and currently lives in Greeneville, Tennessee with her husband, T.K., their son, and their four fur babies: Miniature Doxie Cinni, Black Lab Dubs, Tricolor Beagle Cooper, and Hitchy Cat. When Dr. Wilson is not practicing quality veterinary medicine, she loves to cook, enjoys designing charcuterie and cheese boards, and spends as much time as possible with her family, friends, and pets.
Dr. Brooke Barrett is an Associate Veterinarian with Cherokee Hospital for Animals. Dr. Barrett received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Summa Cum Laude honors from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She is passionate about client education to help guide pet parents and preventative care to help ensure our pets have long and happy lives. She also has a special interest in emergency medicine.
Originally from a small town in central New York, Dr. Barrett was raised around a variety of animals. Her grandmother’s passion and love for animals inspired Dr. Barrett to pursue a career as a veterinarian. At 16, she began working at a local veterinary hospital as a veterinary assistant to gain experience in the field. Early acceptance to LMU-CVM led her to East Tennessee, which she now calls home. During her free time, Dr. Barrett enjoys fishing with her husband and hiking with their three dogs: Jack, Charlie, and Freya. They also enjoy traveling together and plan to visit all 50 states and 63 national parks.
Whitney is the Practice Manager at Cherokee Hospital for Animals and a highly valued leader on our team. She joined Cherokee in 2017 with four years of prior experience as a Veterinary Assistant and spent five years working hands-on in that role at our clinic. Throughout her time here, Whitney has worn many hats and is cross trained in every department, giving her a deep understanding of clinic operations and allowing her to confidently lead and support the entire team. Whitney was promoted to Practice Manager in January 2022 and has continued to excel in this role. Her extensive experience, strong work ethic, and dedication to continual improvement help ensure the clinic runs smoothly each day. One of her favorite parts of working at Cherokee is supporting her team’s success and getting plenty of snuggles from the squishy-faced dogs that come through our doors. Whitney is happily married and the proud mom of two little boys. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, pursuing part-time photography, and spending time with her pets, including her two Pit Bulls, Panda and Fenway, and their orange cat, Pippin.
Angela was born and raised in the Johnson City area. She has been a member of our team since 2002 with previous experience in the medical field. You can always find her eager to help any client who comes through our door, and she finds joy in ensuring everyone is looked after. Angela has formed such amazing bonds with our clients over the years and we are so lucky to have her. Outside of work she is a mother to her daughter and rescue puppy Sarah. She’s a very active member in her church where she is on the usher board, sings in the choir, and takes bible study classes.
Rachel has lived in East Tennessee her whole life. She joined the Cherokee team in 2019 as a CSR after several years in human medicine. She combines her love of animals with her passion for helping people by taking terrific care of our clients and their pets! She takes pride in the blended family her and her husband of 19 years have created with their four precious children. Her kids are her world including her cat named Kit Kat and dog Loki. Rachel loves spending her time outside of work with her family and when she does sneak away for some alone time she likes to read.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Alicia moved to East Tennessee after she met her husband. With 8 years of experience in the veterinary field, she joined the Cherokee team in 2020. She cross-trained and worked as a Veterinary Assistant for a few years before rejoining our CSR team. Alicia finds the most joy in caring for sick patients so they can return to their family happy and healthy. She has a golden retriever named Link, who you can see most days hanging out up front in our reception area.
Emily joined the Cherokee Hospital for Animals team in October 2025 as a CSR. She brought with her 11 years of experience in emergency medicine, along with three years working in an animal shelter. Her favorite part of the job is bonding with clients who love their pets and enjoy sharing stories about them. Emily and her partner, Sean, do not have children, but she is a proud aunt to her sweet nephew. At home, she has two dogs, Jax, a Border Collie tripod, and Pippa, an American Hairless Terrier who often visits the office. She also has two goldfish named Bubble 07 and Kick Pickle. Outside of work, Emily enjoys reading, watching Outlander, and browsing yard sales for fun, kitschy home decor.
Racheal is a native of Houston, Texas who relocated to East Tennessee with her husband back in 2018. She joined our team at Cherokee as a CSR shortly after moving to the area. She had 3 years of experience in the veterinary field prior to joining our team, and when cross trained as a Veterinary Assistant she truly found her calling! She enjoys assisting our doctors in surgery and training the new technicians who join our team. Racheal has two calico cats named Rebel and Queenie whom she loves more than anything in this world. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading and playing cozy video games with her husband.
Kristen is one of our Veterinary Assistants that joined the Cherokee family in 2018. She completed the Approved Veterinary Assistant Program in 2020 and continues to show a lot of promise in her role. Her favorite parts of her day include educating our clients as well as nurturing our sick patients back to health. At home she has Gracie, her best four-legged friend. When Kristen isn’t working, she enjoys spending her time crocheting, playing video games, and performing with Night Owl Circus Arts.
Katelynn joined the Cherokee family in 2021 as a Kennel Assistant. She quickly transitioned to the role of a Veterinary Assistant and has since completed the Approved Veterinary Assistant Program. Katelynn loves spoiling our patients and easing their anxiety during their visit by giving them lots of treats! She is married to her high school sweetheart and has the world’s most beautiful husky named Charlie. In her free time Katelynn enjoys curling up with a cozy blanket and reading a good book.
Originally from Joliet, Illinois, Alexis moved to Tennessee in 2023 with her family that includes her two cats, two dogs, and a horse! She joined our Cherokee family in 2023 as a Veterinary Assistant and has been a wonderful addition to our team! Her favorite parts of her job include helping our sick patients and loving on all the adorable puppies and kittens we see! In her free time, she loves reading and horseback riding.
Katie joined our Cherokee team in 2023 as a Kennel Assistant and has since taken on the role of Veterinary Assistant. Though she’s new to the veterinary field, Katie is eager to continue her journey and plans to return to school soon to pursue her goal of becoming a licensed veterinary technician. She enjoys interacting with the wide variety of patients that come through the clinic, especially Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers. Outside of work, Katie enjoys reading, writing, and staying active at the gym. At home, she has a Dachshund named Duke and a cat named Patch.
Emily joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant in June 2025, bringing with her six years of experience in veterinary emergency medicine and three additional years of pet sitting prior to that. Originally from Birmingham, AL, she grew up in Florida and Tennessee, and now lives locally with her mom and their three beloved dogs. While she enjoyed the fast pace of emergency care, Emily especially values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with pets and their people, something she missed in the ER setting. She has a soft spot for scruffy and wire-haired pups, and loves being able to care for animals in a more personal and connected environment. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, painting, and exploring with her dogs. She and her mom also make time each year for a special trip together, creating memories and new adventures.
Kelly joined the Cherokee team in October 2025 as a Veterinary Assistant. She brings valuable prior experience working in both general practice and emergency veterinary medicine, where she especially loved working with exotic pets. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Kelly relocated to the TN area just prior to joining our team. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is seeing previously sick pets recover and thrive, knowing she played a role in their treatment and care. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys reading, crafting, and hiking. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they have a daughter. At home, her fur family includes two Australian Shepherds, Uzi and Draco, and an orange cat named Deku.
Danny joined the Cherokee family in 2013 as a Kennel Assistant. He loves meeting new clients and building long-lasting relationships with them and their pets. At home, he is the odd man out, with three daughters and their mother, but he wouldn’t want it any other way. He has two dogs, Harry and Molly, and a porch squirrel who’s made himself a part of their family. Whenever he has free time Danny enjoys creative writing, playing piano, refurbishing antiques, camping, and golfing.
Kendra joined our team in April 2025 as a Kennel Assistant, bringing with her over three years of experience from a doggy day care. Her background and dedication to animal care are evident in the calm, compassionate attention she gives to every pet. She has both a cat and a dog at home, who fuel her passion for working with animals. She enjoys the hands-on nature of her work and finds it a great way to decompress from her studies. In her free time, you’ll often find her outdoors either hiking, camping, or enjoying nature with her pets.
Stephanie joined our team in May 2025 as a Kennel Assistant and quickly became a valued member of our clinic family. With three cats, a cattle dog, and a bearded dragon at home, her passion for animals shines through in everything she does. Currently enrolled in classes to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian, Stephanie is eager to gain hands on experience and deepen her knowledge of animal care. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and spending quality time at the park with her dog, working on agility training. Her strong work ethic and growing skill set have made her an important part of our care team.
Ciana joined us during the summer of 2025 as a part-time Kennel Assistant. With three dogs at home and a big heart for animals, she brings a warm and eager energy to the clinic each day. Outside of work, she keeps busy in her school band’s drumline. Ciana is excited to keep learning and loves meeting all the pets and people who come through our doors.
Wanda is our fabulous dog groomer! She has over 20 years in the grooming industry and has been a member of the Cherokee family since 1990. The most rewarding part of her job is the relationships she builds with her clients and of all their dogs. She has one named Spartacus, and in the summertime, you can find her relaxing on her boat enjoying the sunshine.
Located directly outside of Buffalo Mountain Park and just off of University Parkway.
Phone: 423-928-7272
