Meet the Andrews Veterinary Hospital Team

Dr. Shanna Baker is originally from Eastern North Carolina and has been a dedicated part of the Western North Carolina veterinary community for several years. With more than 30 years of experience in both large and small animal medicine, she brings a depth of knowledge, steadiness, and perspective that shapes the care provided at Andrews Veterinary Hospital. Veterinary medicine is not just her profession — it is a lifelong calling.

Dr. Baker’s professional interests center on internal medicine and diagnostics, where she excels at problem-solving and managing complex cases. She has a strong passion for preventive care, geriatric medicine, and hospice support, and is deeply committed to helping pets live comfortable, meaningful lives at every stage. Known for her compassionate yet straightforward communication style, Dr. Baker is a trusted advocate for both patients and their families.

Outside the clinic, animals remain at the center of Dr. Baker’s life. She lives on a small farm and shares her home with three French Bulldogs, two mixed-breed dogs, five cats, a horse, two miniature horses, two goats, and a variety of reptiles — a reflection of her lifelong dedication to animals of all kinds.

In her free time, Dr. Baker enjoys kayaking, gardening, spending time outdoors, and exploring the mountains in her Jeep. She embraces the mountain lifestyle and the natural beauty of Western North Carolina and is proud to serve the Andrews community while leading Andrews Veterinary Hospital with experience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her patients and the people who love them.

Hospital Administrator / Clinic Owner / Registered Veterinary Technician

Leah grew up just over the mountains in a small town in East Tennessee. She attended Hiwassee College on a full basketball scholarship, graduating in 1997, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Wesleyan University in 2000. Pursuing her passion for veterinary medicine, she later completed her degree in Veterinary Technology at St. Petersburg College and became a Registered Veterinary Technician.

With over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Leah is highly skilled in patient care, with special interests in behavior, dentistry, and hands-on nursing. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional and is committed to making every veterinary visit as low-stress as possible for both pets and their owners.

In 2014, Leah moved to Andrews, NC, after purchasing Andrews Veterinary Hospital. She now serves as co-owner and Hospital Administrator, working closely with her wife, Christine, to manage both the medical and operational sides of the hospital. Her mission is to ensure AVH remains the most compassionate and trusted veterinary clinic in the region.

Outside of the hospital, Leah feels most at home in the mountains. She lives in Murphy, NC with Christine and their 7 dogs, 7 cats, and array of tropical fish tanks and spends as much time as possible outdoors. Trail running through the mountain terrain is her favorite way to recharge, and she rarely passes up an opportunity to get out on the trails. Whether pushing long miles or simply enjoying the quiet of the mountains, being outside is an essential part of her life.

Whether she is managing a clinic day or out on the trails with her dogs, Leah brings focus, energy, and compassion to everything she does. She is proud to serve the Andrews community and to help lead AVH with integrity, dedication, and heart.

Beth has over 18 years of experience in the veterinary industry and has been a valued member of the AVH team for more than 15 years. Originally from Florida, she moved to the mountains in 2008 and now lives in Murphy, NC.

Beth is cross-trained in small animal, large animal, and exotic pet care, bringing versatility and depth to our practice. Her calm presence, clinical knowledge, and love for animals make her a trusted and appreciated part of our daily operations.

At home, Beth shares her life with one cat, Merlin, and three dogs- Sally, Nemaria, and Barf. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, and curling up with a good book.

We’re grateful for Beth’s continued dedication and the heart she brings to AVH every day.

Dillon began his career in veterinary medicine in 2010 at age 15, bringing over a decade of experience and passion to the field. While he’s often recognized as “the guy with the super cool car” (thanks to his head-turning Ford Bronco), there’s much more to Dillon than his love of vehicles. Originally from Florida, he has lived in several Southeastern states before settling in Western North Carolina, where he’s embraced the mountain lifestyle.

Dillon earned a degree from Haywood College in Natural Resource Management with a specialization in Forest Management Technologies, reflecting his deep love for the outdoors and nature. When he’s not working, Dillon enjoys spending quality time with his family, reading, hunting, and fishing. His appreciation for the natural world extends to his home life, where he cares for a unique and diverse group of pets: Fletcher, an African Grey Parrot; Freyja, his beloved Rottweiler; and Loki, his mischievous cat. Dillon’s dedication to animals, combined with his expertise and care, makes him a valued member of the AVH team. Whether he’s at work or enjoying the great outdoors, Dillon brings enthusiasm and knowledge to everything he does.

Abby is a Reidsville, NC native who grew up on a small farm surrounded by dogs, cats, goats, and horses, which sparked her lifelong passion for animal care. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2015 and brings a strong foundation of experience and dedication to the AVH team.

She studied agricultural and animal sciences at North Carolina State University, where she also met her husband, Nick. They now live in the Topton area and share their home with a full and lively group of animals. Their crew includes two cats, Pancake and Dexter, an Alaskan Malamute and Husky mix named Chinook, an Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix named Dahlia, a growing flock of chickens, and several goats.

Abby has a special love for Arctic dog breeds and is a passionate advocate for adopting rescue animals. She also has a deep love for horses and enjoys any chance to be around them. When she’s not at work, Abby spends her time horseback riding, painting, reading, and being outdoors. Whether she’s hiking with her dogs, tending to her goats and chickens, or enjoying the mountain scenery, she finds joy in staying active and connected to nature.

Abby worked closely with Dr. Baker for more than four years in Eastern North Carolina and was excited to continue that partnership here at AVH. She is proud to be part of the team and is committed to providing thoughtful, compassionate care to every patient.