Amanda was born and raised in Onslow County, NC. Growing up she spent a lot of time with her four-legged siblings ensuring they were happy and healthy. Amanda always knew she wanted to work in the veterinary field.

Amanda attended Coastal Carolina Community College in 2010 where she became a Certified Veterinary Assistant. While in school she gained lots of hands-on experience volunteering at Lynnwood Zoo and Possumwood Acres. After graduating she worked at a local veterinary hospital as a receptionist until she joined the Island Pet family in January 2018. She is dedicated to providing quality customer service to clients and their babies.

“It is great to work with people who share the same love of animals and strive to provide compassionate veterinary care” as Amanda puts it.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband Mike, their sweet pup Daisy, and their 2 cockatiels who love to swoop down and taunt Daisy. She also enjoys doing live videos selling Paparazzi jewelry, sightseeing, shooting at the rifle range, and going to church.

Originally from upstate New York, Lisa, otherwise known to us as the “Cat Whisperer”, has been working in veterinary medicine for 18+ years. She started her career at the S.P.C.A of Virginia Beach as a Veterinary assistant. She quickly was promoted to Manager of the aggressive animal kennels where she was able to determine and assess their ability to be immediately adopted or to need training before becoming available. Her family, being military, then moved to Onslow County where she continued to pursue her love and affection for animals and veterinary care.

She has vast experience in all aspects of veterinary medicine from working within multiple types of veterinary hospitals and many talented doctors. Lisa is known to have a limitless amount of love for cats and is our go-to person when kitties are in need of comfort.

Desiring to work in a veterinary hospital with a higher passion for animal care, she left her former position and moved over to Island Pet Veterinary Hospital in February of 2017 as an early member of the staff. She now resides in Jacksonville with her five cats (Mama, Charlie, Wee-Wee, Little Man and Gus Gus). She also has two dogs (Bocephus and Joey). All rescues.

In Lisa’s spare time she enjoys playing softball with her husband, Adam, crocheting/knitting, and riding ATV’s, fishing with her son, Caleb, and playing with her babies (cats). Her husband thinks he has married a version of Snow White! Lisa is also a talented artist.

Katie grew up as the typical little girl obsessed with all animals, especially horses. She knew one day she would become a veterinarian. She did everything she needed to do to get into college at Virginia Tech to start her undergrad education as an animal and poultry science major with an interest in equine studies. Life happened, and instead of finishing her degree at Virginia Tech, her path changed to lead her to Martin Community College in Williamston, NC. In 2011, Katie obtained an AAS in Equine Technology, even having to take an extra year when she broke her arm riding at school. While attending MCC, Katie became certified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy and Canine Massage Therapy, combining her love for horses and interest in alternative medicine. After graduating and getting married, Katie returned to her hometown of Stafford, VA and began her dream job (second to being a veterinarian) as an equine technician at a mixed practice in Purcellville, VA. Life happened again, and Katie found out that she was going to be a mother! The drive to Purcellville was no longer reasonable, so she was able to obtain a veterinary assistant position at a local small animal and exotic practice. This is really where Katie started to learn and to grow her veterinary nursing skills. Katie moved back to North Carolina and has worked at two other small animal practices, one being an integrative medicine practice, before finally landing a position at Island Pet. She could not be more proud to work with such an amazing team. Katie now lives in Swansboro with her two children, dog (Mideez) and a cat (Mrs. Wolowitz) that she fosters through Colonial Capital Humane Society. In all the spare time she has as a single mother, she enjoys trips to the beach, reading, and sleeping! Someday soon she hopes to go back to school to become a registered veterinary technician.

In her free time you’ll find Christina spending time with her family whether it’s at the beach, in the backyard or just hanging out watching movies together.

When asked why she loves being an Island Pet team member, Esquina responded with “There is just so much love and compassion here. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else or with anyone else.”