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.
Dr. Jenifer Hope
DVM
Dr. Hope, owner of HOPE Animal Medical Center, graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania with a BS degree in Geology. She was commissioned in the Army and served in the Corps of Engineers. Upon completing her military obligation she graduated with honors from West Virginia University with a BS degree in Animal Science. She graduated from UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. She enjoyed working in multiple practices and emergency hospitals and in April 1999 fulfilled her dream of building Hope Animal Medical Center.
For over 20 years, HOPE Animal Medical Center’s philosophy of “Providing Exceptional Care For Exceptional Pets” has been a goal of Dr. Hope. Her primary interest is in surgery and she has over 25 years of experience in laser surgery and endoscopic procedures.
In 2008 she joined the US Army Reserves and proudly serves in the Veterinary Corps. She has been activated to serve on several missions and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Dr. Jeni’s most recent deployment was to Central America with Joint Task Bravo as the JTF-Bravo veterinary officer in charge.
Dr. Sarah Clifton
DVM
Dr. Sarah Clifton was born in Norfolk, Virginia and raised in Blythewood, South Carolina. She attended University of South Carolina and received her Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. Following graduation, Sarah moved to Atlanta, GA where she entered a vigorous management training program at the prestigious Atlanta Athletic Club. During this time, she managed over 30 employees in planning and executing business and personal events.
After several years within the hospitality industry, Sarah had excelled within her position but felt that passion was lacking from her career. After careful consideration, she decided to make a drastic career change. Sarah had always had both a love for animals and medicine. Veterinary medicine instantly intrigued her and she set off to pursue this new career.
Dr. Clifton was accepted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2016. While attending veterinary school, she excelled in all of her studies and received yearly scholarships for her stellar GPA. She wore many hats during her studies including the title of Student Ambassador, Small Ruminant Club Treasurer, Large Animal Research Technician, Oconee Regional Humane Society Volunteer, wife, and mother. During her final year, she was inducted into the Phi Zeta Honor Society. After 4 years of hard work, Sarah graduated magna cum laude and also received a certificate of proficiency in clinical pathology.
Although she enjoys all facets of veterinary medicine, she most enjoys ultrasonography, cardiology, dermatology, and complex internal medicine cases. Dr. Clifton focuses her annual continuing education on improving her ultrasound abilities of the chest and abdomen. She impresses upon her clients the importance of screening ultrasounds as a form of preventative medicine along with thorough yearly wellness examinations and complete blood work analysis.
As most veterinarians do, Dr. Clifton has a big spot in her heart for animals. She provides a loving home to 7 dogs, 4 cats, and 2 chickens. When she is not working up a challenging case at Hope Animal Medical Center, she enjoys spending time at home with her husband and children.
Dr. Nicole Duncan
DVM
Dr. Nicole Duncan was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She attended Newberry College in Newberry, SC, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. After her graduation in 2015, she and her husband moved to Athens, GA, where she worked as a Veterinary Assistant at the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital. During her time there, she worked in many specialty services but spent most of her time with the Ophthalmology Service. One of her favorite memories is participating in free eye exam screenings for service animals.
Dr. Duncan’s love for animals started at an early age, and she always dreamed of being a veterinarian. In 2017 that dream turned into reality when she was accepted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2021. While attending veterinary school, she was a mixed animal emphasis, completing classes and clinical rotations with both small and large animals. She enjoyed the opportunity to work with a variety of species. Dr. Duncan’s special interests within the veterinary field are client education, dermatology, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and surgery.
In her spare time, Dr. Duncan enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking up new recipes, being outdoors, and caring for her animals. She has a border collie mix named Vinci, a kitty cat named Stanley, a pig named Ziggy, and 11 chickens. She and her husband plan to add more critters to their family in the future.
Dr. Duncan is excited to be a part of the team and looks forward to building life-long relationships with clients and their four-legged family members.
Dr. Regan Smith
DVM
Bio Coming Soon
Teri
Practice Manager
With 19 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Teri Jordan is dedicated to ensuring that every client and pet who walks through the doors of Hope Animal Medical Center feels like family. As Practice Manager, she takes pride in fostering an environment where both pets and their owners receive compassionate, top-quality care.
Teri earned her degree from Eastern Illinois University and has spent nearly two decades committed to supporting pets through every stage of life—from their very first visit to their golden years. Her passion lies in making sure clients know they are appreciated and that their beloved companions are in expert, caring hands.
Outside of work, Teri cherishes time with her family and is actively involved in serving her community through The Jefferson Church.
Leah
Lead Client Care Associate
With 12 years of experience in veterinary client care, Leah Jensen is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every pet owner who walks through the doors of Hope Animal Medical Center. She takes pride in providing compassionate care—empathizing with clients during difficult moments and celebrating with them during the joyful ones. And, of course, playing with the patients is always a highlight of her day!
Leah studied at Athens Tech and has dedicated her career to ensuring that every client feels valued and understood. Her warm and friendly approach helps make visits to Hope Animal Medical Center a positive experience for pets and their people alike.
When she’s not at work, Leah loves spending time with her five dogs, hiking, running, and enjoying movie nights with her family. She also has a passion for vintage shops and bookstores, always on the lookout for hidden treasures. Her dream is to travel to the places she’s read about and experience them firsthand.
Julie
Client Care Associate
For the past five years, Julie Hunter has been dedicated to making every client at Hope Animal Medical Center feel truly welcomed and valued. She takes pride in ensuring that pet owners know their beloved companions are in caring, capable hands.
Julie studied at Athens Tech and brings warmth and compassion to every interaction, helping to create a supportive environment for both pets and their people.
Outside of work, Julie loves spending time with her children and fiancé, Matt. She has a soft spot for rescuing animals, spoiling her pets, and enjoying the outdoors—especially fishing. She also makes time for the gym, balancing her love for animals with a commitment to staying active.
Nicole
Technician Supervisor
For Nicole Laws, every day at Hope Animal Medical Center is an opportunity to make a difference—for pets and their people. With six years of experience in veterinary medicine and ongoing studies at Penn Foster, she is passionate about providing exceptional care while educating pet owners. She loves keeping her knowledge sharp and finds true fulfillment in those “Wow, thank you so much for your help!” moments from clients.
Outside of work, Nicole is always up for an adventure. Whether she’s hiking with her pitty, Stella, napping with her cat, Mr. Mango, or trying out new restaurants, she embraces life to the fullest. Originally from the North, she happily avoids the cold whenever possible and prefers spending time outdoors when the weather is just right. You might even find her skydiving—because for Nicole, life (and veterinary medicine) is all about embracing new experiences!
Taylor
Technician Assistant
How long have you been practicing: 6 yrs
Where did you go to school?: Lander University- bachelor’s in biology Penn Foster- associates in veterinary technology
What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?: Treating other people’s pets how I would want my own treated. Educating clients and helping owners feel comfortable with treatment plans. Always being observant and advocating for the patient.
What do you like to do in your free time?: I enjoy relaxing with a good movie or show, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my dog. 125% Details File Properties
Michaela
Technician Assistant
Michaela is a dedicated animal lover from Jackson County who began her journey in animal care during middle school through volunteering at shelters and adoption events. To expedite her entry into the field, she chose online schooling and graduated early. Michaela’s dream is to create an expansive animal rescue farm dedicated to senior and special needs pets. She shares her life with her Chihuahua, Daisy, whom she has had since childhood, and three rescue cats: Pumpkin, Harley, and Josie. Outside of work, Michaela enjoys shopping, doing photo shoots, and driving around with music. At her job, her primary focus is ensuring that every pet and client feels both comfortable and well-cared for.
Liz
Veterinary Assistant
For Liz Milner, every day at Hope Animal Medical Center is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners. With six years of experience and a degree from the University of Georgia, she is passionate about providing compassionate care, educating pet parents, and offering a comforting presence to those in need. Liz finds deep fulfillment in helping animals—especially because they can’t ask for help themselves.
Outside of work, Liz loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s taking her dogs for walks or simply enjoying nature. She also cherishes moments with family and friends, making the most of every opportunity to connect with the people (and pets) she loves.
Jae
Technician Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Ami
Kennel Technician Assistant
Where did you go to school?: I graduated from Newnan High School in 2023, and am currently in my undergrad at the University of Georgia with an expected graduation year of 2027.
What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients: Well, patient safety is my number one priority. Keeping their areas clean and monitoring their condition while they stay with us is one of the most important tasks of my job.
What do you like to do in your free time?: I spend most of my time outside of work doing school, but when I’m not doing homework or studying, I enjoy taking my dog, Zeus, to the dog park and spending time with my sorority sisters from Sigma Alpha Omega. Go dawgs!
Callaway
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Callaway Champion brings passion and dedication to her role at Hope Animal Medical Center. A graduate of the University of Georgia, she is eager to expand her knowledge and provide the highest standard of care to every pet she encounters. She takes pride in not only treating animals but also educating pet owners, ensuring they feel informed and supported in their pet’s care.
Outside of work, Callaway stays active by running, volunteering at local shelters, tutoring students in ACC, and traveling whenever she gets the chance. Her commitment to both learning and helping others shines through in everything she does.
Ilaina
Groomer
Athens, Georgia native Ilaina Burns has been grooming pets professionally for over 10 years and specializes in breed-specific trims, Asian Fusion styling, and creative grooming. She is certified with the National Dog Groomers Association of America in the AKC Terrier and Non-Sporting groups and is working towards earning the National Certified Master Groomer title. She is AKC S.A.F.E. certified and loves working with dogs and puppies through grooming-related behavioral issues.
In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, sculpting, training for dog sports, and hanging out with her 3 dogs, 2 cats, 5 chickens, and pet pigeon.
All breed grooming for DOGS ONLY is offered at Hope Animal Medical Center. Ilaina Burns joined the Hope team in February of 2024 and has over 10 years of professional grooming experience. Each grooming service includes two shampooings, conditioning treatment, blueberry facial, ear cleaning, anal gland expression, and nails cut and filed. Ilaina specializes in breed-specific trims as well as Asian Fusion styling. She offers full-body haircuts, maintenance trims (face, feet, and sanitary areas), de-shedding, or just a bath and brush-out.
Harry
HCIC
Bio Coming Soon