Our Team

Linda Sands, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Linda Sands grew up in the South, spending most of her childhood in Florida. Some of her favorite memories as a child include climbing huge Live Oaks, fishing in the St. Johns River, picking blackberries, and showing her Irish Setters and riding horses bareback. She attended UGA, where she met and married her husband, Steve, and has been married to him for over 40 years. They have two adult children and six beautiful grandchildren. They recently lost their beloved Dobermans to cancer and are looking forward to getting two new Doberman pups soon. They typically have anywhere between 8-12 chickens that provide great entertainment, as well as yummy eggs.

Dr. Sands received two college degrees from UGA, BS in Agriculture and MS in Medical Microbiology. While the children were young, she had several different careers from being a microbiologist, piano teacher, college professor, catering and balloon business owner to driving a pink car with Mary Kay Cosmetics. After their children were older, Dr. Sands attended NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian. She is one of the original owners of Dogwood and opened in 2007 with a desire to have a veterinary practice that offered a unique experience for people and their pets. Dr. Sands’ passion is developing client relationships and strengthening the human-animal bond. She also has a special interest in chronic ear conditions, infectious diseases, dentistry, and preventive health care.

Dr. Sands holds memberships with American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.

Kristina Douthett, DVM

Veterinarian

Originally from a small town in Western North Carolina, Dr. Douthett realized that she had a deep love and respect for animals, whether she was caring for her family pets or for stray animals in the neighborhood. However, she never dreamed that this love of caring for animals could turn into such a huge part of who she is.

She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Biology. Unsure of where she wanted to go next, she began working for Duke Medicine in a human medical laboratory. As she began to feel something compelling her to work with animals in some capacity, she took a job as a veterinary assistant at a small animal hospital in Raleigh, NC, where she discovered a deep passion for the exciting and fulfilling world of veterinary medicine. She began working towards a graduate degree in animal science at North Carolina State University. She also continued exploring different careers working with animals, including research, and she ultimately decided that she was meant to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Douthett completed her pre-clinical curriculum at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and returned home to North Carolina to complete her clinical rotations at the North Carolina School of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated with the distinction of highest honors. Following graduation in May 2016 she had been working as a small animal veterinarian, providing care to beloved pets throughout the triangle, and joined the wonderful team at Dogwood Veterinary Hospital in 2019.

Dr. Douthett’s special interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and palliative/hospice care. Additionally, she is a huge advocate of preventive care to preserve the health of our furry family members for as long as possible. Additionally, as a fear-free certified practitioner, she strives to provide an individualistic approach to working with every pet, minimizing stress, and working towards happy veterinary visits!

Dr. Douthett and her husband, Dennis, have two Shih Tzu’s named Frankenstein and Banjo, and two cats named Winston and Abigail. And in 2020, Dr. Douthett’s family grew even more with the addition of twin baby boys! When there is free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with friends and family, as well as DIY crafts and re-purposing projects.

Rachel Herwehe, DVM

Veterinarian

Corisa Cheston, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Corisa Cheston grew up in a small town about 20 minutes outside of Dallas, TX. As a little girl, Dr. Cheston always loved animals and dreamed of owning lots of pets. She and her best friend talked about becoming veterinarians when they grew up and in 2012, she completed her undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelors in Zoology. At that time, she thought her path was going to be in zoo animal medicine, however, after taking a few years off and working as a veterinary assistant she decided she wanted to pursue large animal medicine in rural parts of NC. When Dr. Cheston graduated from NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019 that’s exactly what she did. Dr. Cheston worked as a large animal veterinarian for 2 1/2 years with some amazing doctors and staff.

Dr. Cheston’s love of small animals’ and her keen interest in internal medicine and providing palliative care for those older pets at home led her to Dogwood Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort. Dr. Cheston spends most of her free time at home on her farm with her husband, two kids, and their chocolate lab, Brody. She would love to have more animals at home and is planning to get ducks soon!

Kimberly

Practice Manager

Kimberly was born and raised in Northern Virginia where she attended George Mason University and graduated with a BA in English. Her professional career in animal care began 20 years ago when a stray dog wandered into her yard and she took it to a local animal shelter in the hopes of reuniting him with his owner. Since that time, Kimberly’s passion for animal welfare grew stronger as her experience and knowledge became more diverse.  Kimberly has held just about every job there is at an animal shelter – Animal Caretaker, Animal Control Officer, Deputy Chief of Animal Control, Volunteer Coordinator, Adoptions Manager, and as Shelter Director for a high-volume shelter in Washington, D.C.  Kimberly has also worked at The Humane Society of the United States where she was the Animal Sheltering Manager; a position where she focused on creating best practices for animal shelters across the nation. After her son was born, she worked at an emergency veterinary hospital as both a client care representative and nursing assistant in the ICU/Critical Care Department.

Kimberly recently moved to Chatham County with her husband, son, and two dogs; Henry, a boxer and Lucy, a pitbull mix.  In her free time she enjoys watching her son play baseball, spending time with friends and doing just about anything outdoors.

Beth

Pet Resort Manager

Beth came to Dogwood in October 2010 as a Pet Resort Specialist, and has since moved up to Pet Resort Manager. She has a passion for all animals and couldn’t ask for a better place to call her second home. Beth has a knack for taking photos of animals and takes many of the photos you see on our Facebook page. One of her favorite accomplishments has been our very successful paint daycare day.

At home, Beth has been happily married to her husband, Mike, for 14 years. They have 5 cats and a Saint Bernard named Bernie. She has also been a part of the Carolina Tiger Rescue organization for the past 10 years as a volunteer and adoptive parent. In her downtime, Beth likes to make wreaths, binge watch Netflix, and read. She is very fascinated with watching and reading true crime stories. Someday, Beth hopes to move to Florida where it is always warm and sunny, but not until she has spent many more exciting years here at Dogwood!

Laurin

Medical Supervisor

Laurin was born in New Jersey but has spent most of her life in North Carolina, from the sands of North Topsail Beach to the verdant forests and hills of central NC, which she loves to explore on day-trips and hikes with her husband, Chris. They live with their best friend, Franny, a black American shorthair angel.

Joie

Registered Veterinary Technician

Twelve years ago, I was working as the assistant to the Vice Principal in a high school. On a whim, I applied for the veterinary receptionist job at Dogwood. I eventually became a veterinary assistant, and then attended veterinary technician school while working full time, pregnant, and with a toddler! I have lived on my 7-acre spot in Hillsborough with my husband, two children, two cats, and two dogs for the past 15 years. I became a RVT in 2017 and have a special interest in working with senior pets. I also work part time as a consultant for an animal toxicity service. In my spare time I like cooking, baking, and eating, crafting (especially costumes and mini dioramas), and reading. I am a huge fan of Prince and UNC basketball, and a lifelong animal lover. Tell your dog (and cat) I said hi!

Jeremi

Registered Veterinary Technician

Bio coming soon!

Rishjaun

Veterinary Nurse Assistant

My name is Rishjaun Minor. I was born and raised in Durham, NC but my family is originally from Newark, New Jersey.  I am the father of two boys and a girl. My hobbies are traveling and playing Call of Duty: Warfare. My favorite place to visit when I travel is Florida because I am a big fan of beaches. I have been working for Dogwood for a few months now and it has been such a great experience. Before working in the veterinary field, I worked at Duke University for about six years. I plan on going back to school soon so I can become an RVT. I have had a deep passion for cars since I was young especially the ones that go fast. Every so often, I like to go to car meets in the Triangle area.

Jordan

Client Services Supervisor

Jordan is a graduate from UNCW with her bachelors degree in Business Administration and a focus in Entrepreneurship. She has worked with animals since the age of 17 at several different animal care facilities and has loved every minute of it. Her free time is mostly spent with her hound dog, Rango, and pitbull, Chance. They can usually be found on a trail somewhere when the weather is gorgeous! She is looking forward to growing with Dogwood and expanding her knowledge in pet care!

Aiyja

Client Service Specialist

Aiyja is from Maryland, but occasionally enjoyed strolling the busy streets of Washington D.C. She grew up around various breeds of dogs and loves all dogs. However, recently she decided to make a life change by getting a feline companion named Milia. Aijya recently attended NC State and has experience not only as a customer service representative, but as a doggie day care attendant. Aiyja enjoys spending her free time with Milia and relaxing at home.

Grace

Client Services Specialist

Grace is a 26 y/o Carolinian that lives with her feline fur baby Olivia. Grace loves taking day trips to the beach and increasing her massive sea shell collection.

Diane

Client Services Specialist

Bio coming soon!

Anyelin 'Angie'

Client Services Specialist

Angie has lived her whole life in North Carolina, born and raised in Chapel Hill. Some of her hobbies include trying new foods and experiencing new adventures. Angie loves visiting her family in Asheville where the mountains and waterfalls are beautiful. She loves working at Dogwood because it gives her a chance to help and get to know our clients pets, as well as play with them.

Heather

Pet Stylist

Heather grew up in Hickory, NC, surrounded by pets. As the daughter of a veterinarian, she enjoyed a childhood with dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, horses, geese and goats. She is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and graduate of UNC-Greensboro with an Masters of Science in Exercise Science. Her first career was as an exercise physiologist , but her overwhelming love of animals and innate creativity led her to her current career as a pet stylist. She attended Nanhall School of Grooming where she learned AKC breed standard grooming and pet style grooming as well as how to groom cats. She loves caring for dogs and cats and creating a positive, calm and safe grooming environment. Her favorite aspect of grooming is taking the the unique characteristics of each pet and bringing out his/her best attributes. Heather lives in Durham with her fur kids. She spends her spare time doing home improvement projects, gardening/landscaping her home, hiking with her dogs and practicing yoga.

Kristen

Pet Stylist

Kristy recently moved from Michigan to North Carolina with her husband of 10 years, her Shih Tzu, Walter, and her cat, Lentil. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Arts Education. However, she found her true passion was working with animals. She was a dedicated dog groomer for over 7 years. She later became a Surgery Assistant at Blue Pearl Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital. Kristy’s other passions include nutrition, playing at the beach, and all things yoga. In 2015, she completed over 200 hours of training to become a certified Yoga Instructor.

Alyssa

Pet Resort Coordinator

Alyssa was born and raised in Pittsboro, North Carolina. She has a basset hound and two cats named Max, Amos, and Socks. Alyssa also hopes to one day have more pets, and maybe even own or work at a rescue. She has owned and loved animals her whole life so she is very excited to be apart of the staff here at Dogwood.

MaKenna

Pet Resort Specialist

MaKenna originally grew up in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; a small town about two hours east of Pittsburgh. All her life, MaKenna was surrounded by animals of many different sizes. Her grandparents owned a small farm with horses, chickens, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, ducks, fish, and dogs that she would help to take care of. MaKenna and her family moved to Mebane, North Carolina in 2016, and her first job was being a children’s birthday party host at a family friend’s bowling center. After Covid hit, she left the bowling center and longed to work with animals since that was what she previously knew. After a few months of looking, she came across Dogwood, and has since loved her job here and her coworkers. In her spare time, MaKenna bowls in bowling leagues on Saturday mornings, sings in her school’s choir, and likes to relax at home with her fourteen-year-old dog, Belle, and six-month-old cat, Smokey. MaKenna’s future career goals are to either work in Pharmacology & Toxicology or be a veterinarian for large animals.

Cadence

Pet Resort Specialist

Cadence grew up surrounded by animals and currently has a dog, two cats, and is in the process of adopting a leopard gecko. After graduating high school in Spring 2022 with an Associate’s in Science, Cadence plans to enroll in CCCC’s Veterinary Medical Technology program with the hopes of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. Cadence absolutely loves spending time with animals of all shapes and sizes and couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the staff here at Dogwood!

Phoenix

Pet Resort Specialist

Phoenix was born and raised in Pittsboro, North Carolina. She is currently a Junior studying biology at UNC Chapel Hill. Phoenix loves cooking, hiking, video games, and most importantly—animals! She currently has four cats and enjoys the company of her sister’s ferret. Phoenix is a cat person at heart but loves every animal and is excited to get to meet yours at Dogwood!