Meet Our Staff

Dr. Mike Smith founded Clairmont Animal hospital in August of 1990. He is a graduate of Tulane University and University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Smith has spent 41 years practicing veterinary medicine in Florida and Georgia. His special areas of interest include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Smith is credentialed in TTA surgery, TPLO surgery, ALPS minimally invasive bone plating and numerous other procedures.

Dr. Smith is married to Denise Smith, a classically trained violinist and has a daughter Lexi who practices environmental law.

In his leisure time he enjoys woodworking, reading, fly fishing, watersports and spending time with his wife, golden retriever, Lake, two rescue cats, Chairman Meow and Woody, and four snakes.  

Dr. George Parlavantzas was born in the United States and raised in Cyprus. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Parlavantzas practiced in an exclusive feline practice prior to joining our hospital. His areas of special interest are general medicine and surgery, feline practice, radiology, and dentistry. Dr. Parlavantzas has three cats: Charybdis, Scylla and Shira.

Dr. Crystal Drakes was born and raised in the Caribbean twin-island country of Trinidad and Tobago. She received her undergraduate degree at Tuskegee University and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. She later followed with a Masters degree in Public Health. She originally worked in Indiana for 7 years before she decided to move to Georgia for the warm weather and even warmer communities.

Dr. Drakes has an interest in public health, infectious disease and dental care. She also has an interest in introducing more young people to the benefits of a career in veterinary medicine.

In her spare time, Dr. Drakes enjoys arts and crafts (she can even make her own soap), travel, visiting farmer's markets, and doing yoga. She still enjoys spending quality time at home with her cats Santana and Pirate, and her puppy Churro.

Dr. Lauren Bradford is from Gainesville, GA. She is a proud “Double Dawg” having earned both her undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. One of Dr. Bradford's favorite aspects of veterinary medicine is building strong relationships with clients, ensuring they are active partners in their pets' care. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, exploring antique shops, traveling, and spending time with her husband. She and her husband are looking forward to adopting a puppy very soon.

Dr. Golsen was born and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia. He graduated Emory University in 2017 with a BS in biology, and he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at University of Georgia in 2021. After graduating, Dr. Golsen completed a rigorous rotating internship program at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, where he was exposed to a wide array of cases. Dr. Golsen’s interests are soft tissue surgery, oral surgery, and diagnostic imaging.

In his free time, Dr. Golsen enjoys traveling, wildlife photography, and spending time with his friends and family.

Dr. Natalie Santos was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She began her path into veterinary medicine at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology in May 2020. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at the University of Florida in May 2024. Her special areas of interest in veterinary medicine include diagnostic imaging, surgery and preventive medicine. She also finds joy in building strong relationships with her clients in order to provide the best care for her patients. Dr. Santos is also bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to better connect with people from different backgrounds. On her free time, Dr. Santos enjoys doing yoga, visiting new coffee shops, spending time with family, travelling and visiting national parks. She also has a mixed breed Pitbull called Olive that she adopted before going to veterinary school and has been her loyal companion since then.

Dr. Pogue attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and received his DVM in 2008. He then went to Purdue University for a one year rotating small animal internship, followed by a three year cardiology residency at the University of Florida. In 2012, he became board-certified in cardiology through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. His clinical interest is echocardiography, particularly of congenital disease and canine cardiomyopathies. Dr. Pogue has worked in the Atlanta area since 2012, and currently performs mobile cardiology consulting with primary veterinary clinics - helping veterinarians diagnose and manage heart disease in their patients. He lives in Alpharetta, GA with his wife (also a veterinarian) and 2 children.

Tasha is CEO of Axam Imaging, Inc and a board-certified radiologist who has practiced in the private sector of Decatur, Georgia for more than 13 years. In collaboration with veterinarians and practices across Metro Atlanta, Axam Imaging provides mobile ultrasound services. We also provide teleradiology services across the nation.

Dr. Axam graduated Duke University with a BS in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy and a BS in Psychology. She graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine. She's completed a rotating Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. She's also completed residency training in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Sarah was born in the Midwest and graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. After living in Florida for several years working as a Marine Mammal Specialist, she moved to Georgia to pursue a new career path and start a family. Sarah has been with Clairmont Animal Hospital since 2010. She lives in the area with her family, including a Shih-tzu named Ellie. In her free time, she enjoys working on home décor design projects, traveling, cooking, and being outdoors.

Kasie was born in Georgia but lived all throughout the Midwest growing up. She earned her Medical Assistant certificate from the Georgia Medical Institute and worked in the human field for one year. Working with animals was a childhood dream, so her career path changed. She has since worked with many animal species including sheep, primates, pigs and rodents at Emory University. She joined Clairmont in 2010 as a Veterinary Assistant. She has since become Hospital Manager. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, attending concerts, traveling and spending time with her family. She is married, has 3 sons, 3 grandchildren and 2 adoring dogs, S’more and Frijolita.

Estelle graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Archaeology and Art History, and has been involved in animal rescue and veterinary care since 2010. She spends much of her free time in the North Georgia mountains, and enjoys cooking, hiking, and exploring the food scene here in Atlanta. She lives in Decatur and has a chihuahua mix named Leo.

Branden Henley was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and has lived here his entire life. Graduating from Druid Hills High School and Georgia Perimeter College and has been with Clairmont since 2007. Branden has one cat named Serafina. In his spare time, Branden enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, reading graphic novels, playing video games and watching movies.

Hey! My name is Annevia. I was born in Norfolk Virginia and moved to Georgia when I was 4 years old. I grew up in Dekalb County and graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. High School. Since I was little, I've always had a passion for helping animals. I have been in this field as both Veterinary Assistant and Customer Service Representative for about 7 years. Starting in the next year, I will be furthering my career by going to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

I'm born and raised in Georgia. I've been a veterinary assistant for nearly 4 years now and love being able to take care of everyone's pets in surgery! I enjoy reading, gaming, hiking, and playing with my animals at home. I have 1 dog, Itachi and 3 cats, Freyja, Artemis, and Mikasa. I plan on going to school to become a registered veterinary technician and continue to grow my passion for this field.

Hi! My name is Courtney and I am a Veterinary Assistant. I am a third-year chemistry major at Emory University. After graduation, I hope to go to Veterinary School.

Hi! I'm Hannah, proud cat mom of Kinley, Moo, Snickerdoodle, and Angel (yes, 4!). I was born in Americus, GA, but have lived all across the state. I graduated from Mercer University in 2022 with a BA in English. In college, I wrote articles about animal welfare and volunteered often. After two years in the workforce and one sick fur baby, I'm excited to be working with Clairmont and going back to school at Agnes Scott College for my Pre-Veterinary Post-Bacc.

My name is Kat. I am the only Georgia Peach in my family. I have 3 dogs, Mr. Mr. Big PaPa Phife Dooog, Frankin Stien Smalls, and Butterbean, and 1 hermit crab named Big Al. I am currently enrolled in the RVT Program at Penn Foster. Since I was little I always wanted to work with animal and now I get to do what I've always dreamed of. 

Hi I'm Kim and I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I graduated from Emory with a BS in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. I also work at Emory's Primate Center and I plan on attending veterinary school to pursue a career in pathology. I have a big orange tabby named Buggy.

Hi I'm Kyree, I was born in Independence, Missouri but grew up in Sandy Springs, Georgia. I started working at Lifeline shelter and I've been working in the animal field for the past 5 years. I hope to learn more about animal behavior and especially to become an expert in reading and understanding dog behavior. I have a dog named Rue Bear.

I was born in California but raised in Georgia. I am currently taking online classes to become a registered veterinary technician. I have one dog named Pluto and he can understand some tricks in Vietnamese. My favorite food is spaghetti. Best advice: "Just keep swimming." - Dory 

Hi I'm Naija, I was born on another planet. I've been working with animals for the past 3 years and hope to become a registered tech in the close future. I have 2 cats, a python snake, and a pitbull.

Born in Ft Worth Texas, "construction brat" so we moved all over the states. I have a Bachelor's in Large Animal science, currently working to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. Love all animals! I currently have 5 horses named Jack, Levi, Dixie, Joel and Gwen; 4 dogs named Dior Enlgma, Wicca Sage, Valyrie, and Bud Mortimer; 3 dats named Josie, Castiel, and Shithead. I have 2 human children and 1 grandson. I spend my free time with my kids, grandbaby and soulmate Jake, doing anything from creating new recipes, camping, and just relaxing.

Hi I'm Sam and I'm a tech here at Clairmont. I have worked various jobs with animals throughout my life and I'm currently attending Georgia State University as a biology major to pursue veterinary school and one day hope to specialize in exotic companion animals (like birds and reptiles). I have two dogs named Juniper and Fig, a cat named Willow, and a green cheek conure named Nobu.

Hi, I'm Zoe and I've been a veterinary assistant at Clairmont Animal Hospital since July 2023. I have a Bachelors in Biomedical Science from Georgia State and hope to go back for my Masters in Public Health. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, hiking, reading, cooking, and lying on the couch with my cat, Niko.

Hi I'm Brooke, I was born in Cumming, Georgia but have moved and lived all over the South. This is my first job working with animals but in the future I hope to pursue a career in education focusing on psychology and development.

Hello! My name is Gabby, I was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. Currently I am attending Gwinnett Tech in hopes of pursing their Vet Tech program. I've taken classes at Louisiana State University but took a break to come back home. I plan on eventually going back to finish my degree. I think my dream job is somewhere in the field of wildlife conservation. In my free time, I love going to concerts. One of my favorite things to do though, is a yearly trip to the Renaissance Festival!

Hello! My name is Rachel and I was born and raised in Tucker, Georgia my whole life. I have always had a passion and heart for animals. Fun fact, I used to run a small business taking care of my neighbors pets when I was in middle/high school. I have two sweet dogs, Dixie and Delta. In my free time, I love to cook and workout. I hope to pursue a career with animals, whatever path that may be!

I was born and raised here in the city of Atlanta. I've actually been in every single department here at Clairmont. I love dogs and cats of all shape and sizes. I've been working here for the past 3 years and I can't imagine being anywhere else!

Although I was born in Utah, I've spent most of my life in the metro Atlanta area. Working at Clairmont has given me a wonderful opportunity to apply my years of customer service experience to the field of vet med. During my time off, I enjoy gaming, crafts, audiobooks, and spending time with my husband and our cat Juniper. 

I'm newer to the Clairmont team but I couldn't be happier anywhere else. As I work towards earning a Bachelor's in Design I'm surrounded by some of the most supportive people. They laugh at my bad jokes and listen to my rants on how I would've introduced the multiverse to the MCU. Compassion and community are two very important valuesto me and I'm happy to report that I've found them here at Clairmont. Can't wait for your call!

This is my first Vet Med experience, but years of customer services and my love of animals led me to Clairmont. It is always a joy to interact with your pets at our clinic. In my free time I like trying out new food spots in Atlanta, making music playlists, and going to the theatre.

I was born and raised in Northern Indiana but have lived in Atlanta long enough to feel like a native. I have worked in Vet Med most of my career. I love cats, dogs, horses, and marine mammals. In my free time I enjoy cooking, playing board games, attending conventions like Dragon Con and teaching my pittmia Donna new tricks!