Meet the Andrews Veterinary Hospital Team

Clinic Owner / Medical Director

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.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Grady Hester brings more than 40 years of diverse veterinary experience to Andrews Veterinary Hospital. A native of Virginia’s Tidewater region, he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech. He and his wife, LuAnn, have called North Carolina home since he graduated from veterinary school.

At Andrews Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Hester sees patients for medical appointments in addition to performing scheduled surgeries. Throughout his career, he has worked in many areas of veterinary medicine, including emergency and trauma care, intensive care medicine, general practice, and multi-practice ownership. He has also pursued extensive training and developed particular expertise in CO₂ laser surgery.

Dr. Hester has a special interest in using CO₂ laser technology for a variety of soft tissue surgical procedures. This advanced surgical tool allows for exceptional precision while helping control bleeding and minimize trauma to surrounding tissues. Dr. Hester’s experience with CO₂ laser surgery expands the surgical options available locally and gives pets in Andrews and the surrounding mountain communities access to technology that is not commonly available at veterinary practices in our region.

After more than four decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Hester remains deeply committed to the relationships at the heart of veterinary care. He believes in treating patients and their families with compassion, empathy, and respect. Throughout his career, he has formed lasting relationships with clients, many of whom have continued to seek his guidance long after moves and life changes have separated them by distance.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Hester and LuAnn share their mini-farm with a lively collection of animals they consider family. Their menagerie includes two Bernese Mountain Dogs, two Tennessee Walking Horses, three cats, six koi, and an assortment of wildlife and feral animals that have found their way into the Hesters’ care.

Dr. Hester is also active in his community. He serves on several community boards, is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, and serves as president of his homeowners association. Away from the hospital, his interests include firearms training and gunsmithing, ammunition development and reloading, maintaining the family’s mini-farm and koi pond, and tackling an ever-growing list of home and property projects, often from the seat of his Kubota tractor.

Dr. Hester is proud to bring his decades of experience, surgical skills, and relationship-centered approach to Andrews Veterinary Hospital. Whether caring for a patient in the exam room or performing surgery, he looks forward to serving the pets and families of Cherokee County and the surrounding mountain communities.

Julie is often one of the first people clients connect with when they walk through the doors of Andrews Veterinary Hospital or call the clinic. As a Customer Service Representative and Receptionist, she helps create a calm and compassionate experience for both pets and their owners through thoughtful communication, empathy, and attention to detail. She enjoys helping clients feel informed, supported, and comfortable throughout every stage of their pet’s visit.

Originally from Chicago, Julie brings a diverse professional background that includes veterinary medicine, animal welfare, hospitality, and administrative support. After spending many years in Chicago and later California, she recently made Murphy home and was excited to join a practice that shares her appreciation for AAHA-accredited standards and Fear Free care. Her experience working in both veterinary hospitals and animal welfare organizations has given her the ability to connect with clients during both joyful and difficult moments while always maintaining compassion and professionalism.

Julie is known for her strong work ethic, adaptability, creativity, and sense of humor, all of which make her a valued part of the Andrews Veterinary Hospital team. She especially enjoys building relationships with clients and helping create a welcoming atmosphere within the hospital.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, traveling, and exploring nature with her husband. At home, they share life with Phoebe, a special needs senior cat and former Andrews Veterinary Hospital clinic cat whom Julie welcomed into her home.

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.

Mincey grew up in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, where her love for animals started early and never stopped growing. While she cares for animals of all shapes and sizes, she has a special affection for big dogs.

Mincey is a flexible and dedicated member of the AVH team. She primarily serves as a Veterinary Assistant but also steps in at the front desk when needed, always willing to support wherever she is most needed.

She lives in Murphy, NC, with her husband, Gage, and their lively crew of animals. Their dogs, Belair, Monte Carlo, and Tons, are all named after classic cars, reflecting Mincey and Gage’s shared love for all things motorized. Belair is a heeler and hound mix with endless energy and a love for toy tires. Monte Carlo is a Catahoula, Australian Shepherd, and hound mix who is always up for an adventure. Tons is an 80-pound gentle giant who completes their pack. They also keep several chickens and roosters that add even more character to their home.

When she is not at the clinic, Mincey enjoys spending time outdoors, working on motor projects, and soaking in the mountain scenery with her family and dogs by her side.

Ashley is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant and occasional Customer Service Representative at Andrews Veterinary Hospital. A lifelong resident of Murphy, NC, she grew up surrounded by animals, which sparked her early passion for veterinary care.

She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology at Appalachian State University, building on her long-standing love of animals. Ashley shares her home with three dogs named Cookie, Willow, and Amy, along with a green tree frog. Cookie is a playful Australian Shepherd mix who loves the water, Willow is a spirited feist, and Amy is a gentle collie mix.

Ashley is known for being a quick learner and a hard worker. She enjoys all aspects of her role at AVH and takes pride in helping patients and their owners. When she is not at the clinic, she can often be found hiking with her dogs, working on her Jeep, or cooking and baking at home.

Her friendly nature, strong work ethic, and love for animals make her a valuable part of the AVH team.