Veterinarians

Dr. Joe Lee Gaston owns both Crabapple Knoll Vet Clinic and Veterinary Medical Center. He is a native Georgian and attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship graduating with a B.S. in General Management.  On his way to becoming a Veterinarian he taught English and coached football, and served as a Behavioral Management Consultant.  He attended Georgia State and served as Senior Class President at the College of Veterinary Medicine.  His work experience as a Veterinarian includes service at Emergency Clinics in North Carolina in 1980 and Director of the Cobb Emergency Vet Clinic in Marietta GA from 1980-1987.  He served as Vice-President of the Cobb Veterinary Medical Association in 1983 and President in 1984.    Dr. Gaston opened Veterinary Medical Center in 1982 and Crabapple Knoll Veterinary Clinic in 1987.   He and his wife Cindy have 4 children, a son Ryan and triplet daughters Lindsay, Ashley, and Brittany.  The Gaston's share their home with 2 Boston Terriers, Donnie & Amy, and a cat named Sarah.

 Dr. Susan Haight graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine  in 1997.  She received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1980 from Oglethrope University.  She and her husband share their home with 2 cats named Stella and Toby, and a Springer Spaniel named Patches.  Dr. Haight enjoys gardening, fishing, traveling, running, and cooking.   Her special interests in Veterinary Medicine include Geriatric Medicine and Internal Medicine.     

Dr. Holly Marrinson graduated from Brevard College with a B.A. in Ecology.  She graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 and completed her Small Animal Internal Medicine and Surgical Internship at Georgia Veterinary Specialists in 2007.  Dr. Marrinson also studied public health issues abroad at the University of Ghent in Belgium. She served as a member of the USDA Task Force helping to erradicate exotic Newcastle Disease from the USA.  She and her husband and son share their home with a Labrador named Maple, a Boxer named Laila, and a cat named Monet.  Dr. Marrinson enjoys working in the yard and spending time with her family.  Her special interests in Veterinary Medicine include Oncology, Surgery, and Ultrasonography. 

Dr. Donna Carson attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate studies in biology from 1999-2002.  She decided to forego a bachelor's degree in order to pursue early acceptance into veterinary school.  She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 2006.  Dr. Carson's professional interests include Behavioral Medicine and Internal Medicine.  She enjoys pilates, softball, reading, and spending time with her husband and their daughter. They share their home with a cat named Larry and a Miniature American Eskimo dog named Vixen.  Dr. Carson also participated in the Komen For The Cure Breast Cancer Awareness 3-Day Walk as part of the clinic team "Joe's Angels" in 2008.   

Dr. Melissa Harford graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.  She received her Bachelor's of Science in Biology at UGA as well.  Her special interests in veterinary medicine include Internal Medicine and Surgery.  Dr. Harford is an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, and enjoys gardening, cooking, scuba diving, and spending time with her family.  She and her husband and son share their home with 2 cats, Marla and Charley and a little pooch named Scruffy.

  Bio coming soon

Dr. Heather Duncan completed her undergraduate degree receiving a BS in Biology from Georgia Tech in 1996 "with highest honors".  She attended Auburn University and earned her DVM in 2000, graduating summa cum laude.  Her special interests in veterinary medicine include Internal Medicine and Dermatology.  Dr. Duncan enjoys traveling, scuba diving, reading, sudoku, bird-watching, and especially spending time her husband and daughters.  They share their home with a handsome Golden Retriever named Eli and an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spanile named Winnie. 

 Dr. Stephen Tkac is a native of Atlanta and began his college career with a scholarship to play baseball at Berry College. During his time at Berry College he participated in civic groups including "Athletes Better The Community" a non-profit organization aimed at restoring communities and helping less fortunate families.  Dr. Tkac earned his Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science at the University of Georgia and then earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 2010.  His professional interests include Neurology, and Soft Tissue and Orthopedic Surgery.  Dr. Tkac loves spending time outdoors, fly fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.  He also enjoys watching college football and loves watching the Georgia Bulldogs marching to victory. 

 Dr. Brittany Kaufman graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Animal Science in 2006 and from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.  Her special interests in Veterinary Medicine include Surgery and Wildlife Rehabilitation.  D.r Kaufman shares her home with her Golden Doodle Maya and 2 cats, Ernie & Frankie.  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.