Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the veterinarians and team at Mills River Animal Clinic. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets.
Get to know our team
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care. We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Our DVMs
Our vets at Mills River Animal Clinic are here for you and your pet to provide the best care possible. Committed to ongoing professional development, our team participates in continuing education both within the clinic and at industry conferences, ensuring that we offer the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. Whether it’s an emergency or a new puppy, our doctors are excited to serve you and your pet.
Dr. Elgerd
Associate Veterinarian
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1988.
Special Interests
Internal Medicine, Preventative Care, and strengthening the human-animal bond between ourselves and our four-legged family members.
Bio
After being a lifelong resident of Florida, Dr. Elgerd made the decision in 2021 to fulfill a long-term dream and move to the mountains. She worked in private practice in Jacksonville, Florida for 13 years and then in Gainesville, Florida for 21 years. Now, she gets to spread her knowledge with Mills River Animal Clinic.
Dr. Lorch
Associate Veterinarian | Exotics
Education
Bachelor’s Degree: Florida State University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine
Special Interests
Companion Animal and Pocket Pet Preventative Medicine and Soft Tissue Surgery
Bio
Dr. Kayley was born in Orlando, Florida and moved to Western North Carolina in 2013 in order to enjoy all FOUR seasons and spend more time outdoors.
Dr. Kayley’s husband and her have 2 kids, and four fur babies, Zoey, Eloise, Noodle and Josh. In her free time, Dr. Lorch enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and trail running. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and making Halloween costumes for her children.
Licensed Nurses
At Mills River Animal Clinic, our team of licensed nurses are here to serve you and your pet. They are educated in anesthesia, chronic diseases, wellness, CPR, dentistry, and more. They also maintain their yearly licensing through continuing education just like our doctors.
Vanessa
Lead Family Practice Nurse
Bio coming soon…
Caroline
Family Practice Nurse
Bio coming soon…
Client Services
The Mills River Animal Clinic Client Service Team is here to serve your every need. They work hard to provide clear communication with our clients so they feel confident in the care they are getting, regardless of it they are just here for a nail trim, wellness vist or have a medical emergency.
Elaine
Family Practice Reception
Bio coming soon…
Support Team
The Mills River Animal Clinic Support Team is comprised of amazingly compassionate people who support our Licensed Vet Techs and Doctors every day. The take part in all our in house continuing education events as well so they stay up to date on all the best medicine.
Barbara
Family Practice Assistant
Bio coming soon…
Faith
Family Practice Assistant
Bio coming soon…
Leadership Team
Dr. Michelle
Education
Bachelor’s Degree In Biology: University of Central Florida, 2006
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2010
Special Interests
Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Ultrasonography
Bio
Dr. Michelle is from Melbourne, Florida and developed a love for animals at an early age. She started her career as a Veterinary Nurse. While in veterinary school, Dr. Michelle helped to begin a therapy program for a local Veterans Hospital and participated in rotating internship program with Mississippi State University. She also has been published in the AJVR (American Journal of Veterinary Research) for her work with transfusion medicine.
Outside of work Dr. Michelle enjoys learning to play tennis and ball room dancing with her husband, Eric. She also has 3 furry family members.
Stephanie, RVT
Education
Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology: Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, 2010.
Special Interests
Client & Patient Relationships, Staff Training
Bio
Stephanie was born and raised in Western North Carolina. Since starting her veterinary career in 2008 she has worked in many fields including: large animal medicine, zoo medicine, emergency medicine, and general practice.