Brenda Austin
MS, DVM, DACVS-SA

Dr. Brenda Austin brings our region over a decade of small animal surgery expertise. A distinguished Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine alumnus, Dr. Austin’s academic and professional journey includes a commendable internship and surgery residency at Auburn University. Dr. Austin has served as an Assistant Professor at Purdue University and continues to work in academia, doing locum work at Louisiana State University.

After years in private practice in Maryland, she is moving to North Carolina to be closer to family. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Austin enjoys spending quality time with her Great Dane and cats, gardening, and embracing diverse cultures through her interest in languages, including Hindi.

Robert Brady
MS, DVM, DACVS-SA

Dr. Brady received his BS and MS in kinesiology and biomechanics, from Eastern Carolina University before completing his veterinary medical degree from St. George’s University. His interests in veterinary medicine include thoracic, neurologic, and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Brady has also focused on vascular ring anomalies, thoracic tumor removal, cervical and lower back herniation surgery, and fracture repair.

Like many Veterinarians, Dr. Brady developed a love for animals as a child. He worked his way from kennel tech to a vet tech and finally into vet school.

Fun fact about Dr. Brady, he was the state champion and current record holder in the discus in his high school. In his spare time, Dr. Brady enjoys disc golf, fishing, and hobby farming.

Justin Mathis
DVM, MS, DACVECC

Dr. Mathis earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, graduating as valedictorian of his class. He then completed a small animal rotating internship at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, followed by a residency in Emergency and Critical Care, a Master’s degree in Clinical Sciences, and a Critical Care Fellowship at CSU. In 2013, he achieved board certification with the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC).

From 2014 to 2018, Dr. Mathis served as an Assistant Professor of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at CSU before transitioning into private practice in Colorado. As a clinician and medical director, he played a pivotal role in the development and opening of a new referral hospital in Boulder, CO. Most recently, he served as an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

His clinical interests include polytrauma and trauma stabilization, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, coagulation management, anticoagulant and antifibrinolytic therapy, respiratory physiology, and mechanical ventilation. His research focuses on thromboelastography and viscoelastic coagulation testing, sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction, and clinical resuscitation.

Outside the ICU, Dr. Mathis enjoys farming and ranching, raising beef cattle, goats, quarter horses, and poultry. He also has a passion for photography and beekeeping.

Mike Nystrom
DVM, DACVECC

Dr. Nystrom received his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University before completing his veterinary medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He is a Board Certified Veterinary Criticalist with interests in electrolyte derangements and vasopressor therapy.

Dr. Nystrom has always loved animals and followed in his mother’s footsteps when he chose veterinary medicine. His favorite part of being a veterinarian is seeing animals close to death being discharged from the hospital and back home with their owners.

He was born and raised in Cary, NC, and considers himself a true local. In his spare time, Dr. Nystrom enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife and three children (2 daughters- 7, 8 yrs old; 1 son- 3 yrs old).

Kimberley Barth, DVM

Dr. Barth received her BA and MS in animal bioscience and toxicology, respectively, from Penn State University and Duquesne University before completing her veterinary medical degree from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Barth has a strong interest in soft tissue surgery and geriatric medicine.

Dr. Barth’s love of veterinary medicine came from her fascination with healing and how she could use her hands and other tools to give pets a chance to feel better and make families happy as their pets recover.

In her spare time, Dr. Barth enjoys yoga, boating, gardening, and baking. She learned baking from her mother, who taught her how to make many German deserts, including apple strudel and Dobos torte.

Micah Barron, DVM

Originally from the foothills of western North Carolina, Dr. Barron attended Appalachian State University for his undergraduate degree before attending NC State University for his veterinary medical degree. Following graduation, he completed a one-year small animal internship in Cary, NC.

Dr. Barron is passionate about all aspects of emergency medicine with strong interests in complex polytrauma management, toxicology, sepsis, and pain management. Dr. Barron lives in Raleigh with his spouse and two cats.

Abigail Brady, DVM

Dr. Brady received her BS from Becker College before completing her veterinary medical degree from St. Georges University. She has strong interests in emergency medicine and endoscopy. Dr. Brady completed her internship at Animal Medical Hospital in Charlotte before coming to Points East.

Originally from Southeast Massachusetts, Dr. Brady has seven biological and adopted siblings. In her spare time, Dr. Brady enjoys hobby farming with her husband and 1-year-old son.

Megan DeLorenzo, DVM

Dr. Megan DeLorenzo, originally from Charleston, SC, earned a B.S. in Animal & Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University (Go Tigers!). While in attendance there, she worked at a nearby emergency veterinary hospital developing a passion for emergency medicine early on. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University. After graduating, she completed a one-year emergency-focused internship in Columbia, SC. Dr. DeLorenzo now resides in North Carolina with her fiancé, an Air Force pilot, and their two dogs, River and Sully, and their cat Elouise (Ellie). In her spare time, Dr. DeLorenzo enjoys running, reading, attending local theater and arts events, traveling (especially to the beach!), and spending time with friends and family. Her interests in veterinary medicine include soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and polytrauma workup. Dr. DeLorenzo looks forward to providing excellent quality medicine and service to both you and your fur babies!

Paige Harrington, DVM

With strong family ties to the Wilson area, Dr. Harrington came to NC, after growing up in New York, to attend NCSU for both her Zoology BS and Veterinary Medicine degrees. After an internship in Charleston, SC, Dr. Harrington joined a growing ER-Specialty practice in Wilmington working there for seven years.

Dr. Harrington moved to Greenville when her husband started graduate school at ECU joining the Pet Emergency Clinic, now Points East Veterinary Emergency Hospital of Greenville, in 2012. Dr. Harrington has worked with Vets Pets as the Medical Director of Emergency & Referral Services since 2016. She works with the teams of Points East Veterinary Emergency Hospital of Fayetteville, Points East Veterinary Emergency Hospital of Greenville, and Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Wilson. Dr. Harrington enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time at the beach with her husband and two children.

Ellie Holtaway, DVM

Dr. Ellie Holtaway grew up in the coastal town of Carlsbad, California. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Animal Science at Kansas State University, where she also earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2022.

Dr. Holtaway has a strong passion for emergency medicine, with a particular interest in surgery, managing wounds, trauma, and toxicology. She thrives in high-pressure situations, finding great satisfaction in stabilizing critically ill patients, treating and managing diseases, and ultimately seeing pets return home to their families.

Outside of work, Dr. Holtaway enjoys a vibrant and active lifestyle. She is the proud owner of three cats—Pancake, Toastie, and Maple—who keep her entertained with their playful antics. Gardening and spending time outdoors are among her favorite pastimes. Additionally, she is a competitive artistic swimmer and enjoys staying active through running, weight lifting, and swimming.

Justin Jarrell, DVM

Dr. Justin Jarrell grew up in Reidsville, NC, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from East Carolina University, spending four years in Greenville, NC. He then completed his veterinary medical degree at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Following his degree, he pursued a rotating internship with Vets Pets. Dr. Jarrell has a strong interest in problem-solving and learning about animals and biology.

Outside of work, Dr. Jarrell enjoys being active and watching sports. His passion for veterinary medicine is driven by his love for problem-solving and a keen interest in the complexities of animal biology.

Raney Jones, DVM

Dr. Raney Jones grew up in Wake Forest, NC, and completed both her Bachelor’s and veterinary medical degrees at North Carolina State University (NCSU), graduating with her DVM in 2022. Dr. Jones has a keen interest in emergency medicine, surgery, and public awareness concerning brachycephalic breeds.

Outside of work, Dr. Jones enjoys spending time on her family farm, where she cares for quarter horses, miniature horses, goats, and chickens. She loves riding her horse, Bella, and was a member of the Equestrian Western Team during her undergraduate years. Dr. Jones also enjoys spending time with her two French Bulldogs, Prim and Bodi, who keep her busy.

A fun fact about Dr. Jones is her passion for rescuing and fostering dogs and cats, many of which become cherished members of her family. Growing up with both parents as small animal veterinarians, Dr. Jones was naturally drawn to the field of veterinary medicine.

Stephanie Pferdeort, DVM

Dr. Pferdeort received her undergraduate degree in biology with a chemistry minor before completing her veterinary medical degree from Ross University in 2009. Her interests include polytrauma management, soft tissue surgery, reiki, acupuncture, toxicology, transfusion medicine/component therapy, and cardiology soft tissue surgery. Originally from Baltimore, Dr. Pferdeort has a breadth of experience and was the Chief of Emergency Services in her previous hospital.

In her spare time, Dr. Pferdeort enjoys kayaking, fishing, cooking and bbq, crochet, board games (Scrabble!) and recycled art. She also loves to play with her 3-legged Maine coon Pfoster and pitbull Pfergus.

Katherine Rouillard, DVM

Originally from Massachusetts, Dr. Rouillard has called NC home since attending NCSU for both her Zoology and Veterinary Medicine degrees. Dr. Rouillard completed a rotating small animal internship with Vets Pets where she confirmed her love for emergency medicine. She then joined Points East full-time in 2019.

Dr. Rouillard loves every aspect of medicine, particularly soft tissue surgery and critical care case management. Her favorite part of being a veterinarian is sending an animal home after it has been successfully treated. Dr. Rouillard is certified in equine acupuncture and spends much of her free time at the barn with her horse, Phoebe.

Kaitlin Shields, DVM

Dr. Kaitlin Shields grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware before attending NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After completing an emergency-focused Internship with Vets Pets, further honing her skills in fast-paced, critical care settings, Dr. Shields joined Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital.

Dr. Shields has professional interests in emergency medicine, surgery, and feline care. In addition, she has a passion for Fear-Free medicine, ensuring that her patients and their owners feel as comfortable as possible during stressful situations. A problem solver, Dr. Shields enjoys the challenge of helping animals when they need it most.

Outside of work, Dr. Shields enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband. She is also a proud cat owner to Nemo, her beloved orange feline companion who has been with her since her undergraduate years.

A lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, Dr. Shields is always cheering on her favorite teams. Whether it’s football, basketball, or baseball season, she celebrates every win (and enduring every heartbreak) with true Philly pride.

Kori Smith, DVM

Dr. Smith, originally from Florida, has called North Carolina home for over 10 years. She embarked on her academic journey at NC A&T State University, where she excelled as a Division I bowler, even securing a national championship. Transferring to NC State, she completed her bachelor’s degree in veterinary bioscience, further fostering her interest in veterinary medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Professionally, Dr. Smith specializes in small animal emergency medicine, her lifelong affinity for animals having guided her to this career path. Her favorite part of her job is being an advocate for voiceless animals and providing invaluable support to their owners.

When she’s not at the practice, Dr. Smith enjoys keeping active, spending time with her large family, and relaxing with her pets Kanga and Odi, and her fiancé.

Ashley Wagner, DVM DABVP

Dr. Ashley Wagner attended North Carolina State University for both her undergraduate studies and veterinary medical degree, graduating in 2016. She has a strong interest in feline medicine, companion exotics, and ultrasound. During veterinary school, Dr. Wagner spent significant time treating exotic and wildlife species, including a summer rehabilitating penguins and other seabirds!

Dr. Wagner earned her Diplomate status with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), becoming a board-certified specialist in canine and feline medicine. It was a true labor of love (and a lot of studying!), but for her, it represents a deep commitment to lifelong learning and providing the highest standard of care to her patients.

Dr. Wagner enjoys the diversity of veterinary cases and the opportunity to problem-solve every day. She especially loves working with puppies and kittens! Outside of work, she stays active with circus arts, weight lifting, a variety of crafty hobbies, and cooking.