Veterinarians

Nathan C. Batts , DVM

Dr. Batts was born in Wilmington. He is an alumnus of E.A. Laney High School and attended North Carolina State University for all eight years of his post high school education, graduating from N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. Dr. Batts began working at Needham Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant when he was a junior in high school. After receiving his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Batts took part in a year long internship at the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio. At this specialty practice he studied surgery, internal medicine, radiology, and oncology under board certified specialists. Following his internship, Dr. Batts spent the next five years in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia practicing emergency veterinary medicine. In August of 1997, he returned to Wilmington as an associate veterinarian here at Needham Animal Hospital, buying the practice in the spring of 2005. His primary areas of interest are surgery, ultrasound, and internal and referral medicine. Dr. Batts and his wife Heather share their home with their children Stephanie, Layla Faith and Asher, and their pets, Hilary, (a cat whose main goals are to eat, sleep and be petted) Chewy, a Wheaten Terrier, and Princess Leia, a Morkie. When not working, Dr. Batts enjoys spending time with his family and friends, fishing, scuba diving and playing soccer. He and his family attend College Acres Baptist Church, where he is active as a Life Group leader and usher, and part of the men's ministry as well as various other committees.

Matthew Gentile, DVM  

Dr. Matthew Gentile, originally from North Haledon, New Jersey, received his Bachelor's in Biology from The University of North Carolina Wilmington and his DVM from Ross University of Veterinary Medicine.  He worked for Needham Animal Hospital back in 2011 as an assistant and re-joined our team in 2018 as a veterinarian.  He worked for a small animal practice in Las Vegas before re-joining our team.  He shares his home with his Rottweiler, Klaus, and two labs Walker and Boomer.  On his off time he enjoys cars, motorcycles, surfing and hiking. 

Dr. Stacia Thompson, BVSc  

Dr. Stacia Thompson, originally from Minnesota, received her Bachelor's in Marine Biology from UNCW in 2004.  She worked at Needham Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant from 2004 to 2008, where she found her true calling and pursued her veterinary career.  Dr. Thompson graduated in 2012 from the University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.  While in Australia, she enjoyed working with the local wildlife, providing veterinary support to the Aboriginal communities and exploring the outback.  Her veterinary interests include ultrasonography, dermatology, internal medicine and marine animal medicine.  She re-joined her Neehdam family in June of 2014, and she is excited to be back!  Dr. Thompson enjoys the beach, playing tennis and cooking in her spare time.  Dr. Thompson was our employee of the month in January of 2018!!

Laura Elliott, DVM

Dr. Laura Elliott is a native of South Carolina and has moved around the United States before settling down in Wilmington in December 2018. She has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1995. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University. Dr. Elliott's professional interests include internal medicine, dentistry, surgery, and exotic animal medicine. She shares her home with her husband, Jeff, her miniature Bull Terrier, Princess Buttercup, and four prehensile tail skinks (lizards).  In her free time, she enjoys growing orchids, cooking, and astronomy.  She was our employee of the month in April of 2019!

Amber Merrill, DVM

Dr. Amber Johnson joined the Needham family in June of 2020.  She grew up in a rural area of North Carolina, where her love for animals began at an early age. From assisting on the farm to coordinating enrichment activities for wildlife, Dr. Johnson knew she wanted to provide the best care possible to animals in need. Dr. Johnson received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Campbell University. Shortly after, she moved to Wilmington, NC to pursue a master’s degree before she went on to earn her DVM at Western University of Health Sciences in Southern California. While she loved the California weather, scenery, and cultural diversity, she was ready to reconnect with her Southern roots and family. After completing veterinary school, she practiced in Charlotte, NC for 2 years. She was happy to return back to Wilmington to be with her fiancé. Dr. Johnson enjoys many aspects of small animal medicine, however, her special interests includes gastroenterology, dermatology, and endocrinology. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cockapoo, Sharlott. She also enjoys traveling and relaxing with a good book by the lake or ocean. 

Michael Rowe, DVM

Dr. Rowe joined the Needham family in 2022.  He was born and raised in rural North Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree from East Carolina University. Then went on to receive his DVM from St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies, finishing with a clinical year at LSU in 2019. As a Veterinary student Dr. Rowe spent a summer working and learning at Needham in 2015. After graduation he moved to Wilmington, NC where he began practicing and after 3 years decided to join the Needham family. Dr. Rowe's veterinary interests include surgery, imaging and dermatology. When out of the office, Dr. Rowe enjoys sports, life on the water and spending time with his wife Brittany, sons Jaxon and Grayson, daughter Peyton and of course their 2 dogs Dixie and Scout. Dr. Rowe is excited to provide quality care for the pet community of Wilmington and looks forward to meeting you!

Stephanie Crow, DVM

Dr. Stephanie Crow is originally from King, North Carolina. She attended North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2006. Upon graduation, she was awarded the Portia Milbradt Scholarship for Veterinary Geriatrics. She practiced in Raleigh, NC for several years before moving to the beach. Her veterinary interests include senior care, internal medicine, and wellness & preventative care. She shares her home with her husband, two sons, and several four legged children... Pea, Tony, and Captain Noodles. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering at her sons' schools, collecting sea shells, cheering on the Wolfpack, and spending time with her family.

Management

Carly Foster, Practice Manager

Carly, who started with the Needham family as a receptionist in March of 2004, became our practice manager in late 2007.  She attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 2003 with a B.S. in Animal Science.  When not working, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband Josh and her friends, traveling and going to the beach.  Carly and Josh share their home with Brody and Vada, her 2 mixed breed dogs, and her 4 horses.  She also has backyard chickens, which provide some very delightful eggs to the Needham staff. Carly was our employee of the month in April of 2018!!

Christina Lopez, Office Manager

Christina, our Office Manager, has been with the Needham family since April of 2013.  She graduated from Framingham State College in Massachusetts with a Bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Management. Christina's interest is in wildlife and marine animals.  She has worked in law enforcement, veterinary hospitals, zoos, humane societies, and as a herpetologist educating children on reptiles and amphibians.  She was a board member for the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project and the Sea Turtle Stranding Team Coordinator for almost 6 years.  Aside from her love of animals, Christina loves photography and scuba diving, and currently volunteers at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher as a scuba diver.  Christina shares her home in Carolina Beach with her husband, Julio, her two beautiful daughters, and her fur babies Kira (German Shepherd), Toby (lab mix) and Tyler (kitten).  Christina was our employee of the  month in July of 2021!

Samantha Pollere, Reception Manager

Sam joined the Needham Family in December of 2021. She is from the Jersey shore and moved to Wilmington in April 2021. She shares her home with her boyfriend, Jack, and their rescue dogs: Jetty (Beagle/Treeing Walker Coonhound mix) and Lilo (Beagle). In her spare time, you can find her surfing in Wrightsville Beach, painting, or thrift shopping. She LOVES hound dogs!!!  She was our Employee of the Month in October of 2022!!

Amanda Hufton, RVT, Medical Team Manager

Amanda joined the Needham family in 2016. She is from Annapolis, MD.  She graduated from the Vet Tech program at Cape Fear Community College in May 2019.  She shares her home with her husband and daughter, along with two purr-fect pups, five awesome kitties and a few chickens! She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and traveling to the mountains. She was our employee of the month in October of 2019 and April of 2021!

Registered Veterinary Technicians

Jennah, RVT  

Jennah has been a part of the Needham family since January of 2009. She is originally from Tarboro, NC.  Jennah began work in the veterinary field in 1994, and graduated from Central Carolina Community College with a degree in Veterinary Medical Technology in 1999. After a 4-year stint in Richmond, VA to work in emergency and critical care, Jennah moved back to NC and helped establish a new veterinary emergency clinic in eastern North Carolina. She returned to general practice in 2007, and moved to Wilmington a couple of years later. Jennah’s career has spanned emergency and critical care, radioactive Iodine treatment, general practice, management, oncology, exotics, surgery, radiology, and much more. She has experience teaching at a veterinary technicians school and teaches hands on skill for students in online vet tech programs. Jennah is Fear Free Certified (all 3 levels), as well as certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in Basic and Advanced Life Support.  She is a former NC Association of Veterinary Technicians board member (President and Vice-President), and a previous advisory board member for Central Carolina Community College’s Veterinary Medical Technology program. She is an active volunteer and board member with Island Women, a non-profit organization on Pleasure Island.  Jennah, and her daughter, Cooper, enjoy travelling, movies, going to the beach, and shopping.  They share their home with Kion, their Pitbull, and their cats, Jake from State Farm, Peppermint Sparkles, and 2 Robovorski Dwarf  Hamsters, Robo D. Mouse and Dash O'Pepper!  She was our employee of the month in April of 2021!

Stephanie, RVT

Stephanie joined the Needham family in 2021.  She is from Rocky Mount, NC and moved to Wilmington in 2020.  She attended Miller-Motte College for Veterinary Technology and graduated in December of 2019.  She has experience at other local veterinary hospitals.  She and her boyfriend, Isaac share their home with their two dogs Milo (beagle) and Forrest (Treeing Walker Coonhound).  In her off time she enjoys kayaking, going to the beach, sea shell hunting, and when she doesn’t have sand between her toes she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.  She was our employee of the month for May of 2022!

Veterinary Assistants

Emily 

Emily joined our Needham family in April of 2018.  She is originally from right here in Wilmington.  She currently attends Cape Fear Community College for Veterinary Medical Technology and is set to graduate in August 2023. She shares her home with her family, her two dogs Faith (Pomeranian) and Coco (Shih Tzu) and her two cats Ellie Belle and Willow Rose.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, Netflix, and traveling. She was our employee of the month in April of 2020!

Casey 

Casey joined the Needham family in 2020.  She is originally from High Point, NC and moved to Wilmington in 2013.  She attended Cape Fear Community College for general education and graduated in 2016.  Prior to working here she worked as a receptionist and tech assistant at Cape Fear Diagnostics for sleep studies and EEGs).  She shares her home with her boyfriend, Michael and best friend Stephanie and her dog EmmyLou.  On her off time she enjoys DYI projects, skiing, fishing and anything she can do with Emmy.  She LOVES the Panthers and country music.  She was our employee of the month in November of 2020 and August of 2022!

Milena 

Mila joined the Needham family from all the way in Saint-Petersburg Russia!  She moved to Leland this year.  She attended Saint Petersburg Academy of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2013, so she is actually a veterinarian in Russia.  She has specialized in surgery since 2010.  Prior to working here she worked at the Animal Hospital of San Luis Obispo, CA as a head tech and Watford City Vet Center in North Dakota as a surgery intern.  She shares her home with Bubbles, her Great Pyrenees/Aussie mix and Marsya and Mufasa, her cats that came with her from Russia.  In her off time she enjoys hiking, yoga, the beach, guitar, cooking, music concerts, reading, studying, and Netflix.  She would like to one day return to being a veterinary surgeon and is currently working on obtaining her American Veterinary License.  

Korri 

Korri joined the Needham family in 2021. She is from Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Wilmington in 2019.  She came to us with prior animal hospital experience.  She shares her home with her family and dog, Saber.  In her off time she enjoys doing digital and traditional art.  She was our Employee of the Month for November of 2022!

Alyssa

Alyssa is from Connecticut and moved to Wilmington 5 years ago.  She would like to become an RVT specializing in surgery one day.  She shares her home with 2 dogs, and 3 cats and enjoys anything involving the outdoors and reading.  She also enjoys kayaking and taking the dogs hiking.  

Lyric

Lyric is from Winston-Salem, and moved to Wilmington in 2020.  She has been at UNCW and AppState and will be returning to AppState in the fall and is expecting to graduate in 2025 as a registered veterinary technician.  She would one day like to go to school to become a veterinarian.  She currently shares her home with her roommate and their pets as well as her own two dogs, Dutch Shepherd mixes.  In her off time she enjoys hiking, dancing, drawing, swimming, paining, reading, training her dogs and pretty much anything outside.  

Caitlyn

Caitlyn is from right here in Wilmington and graduated in the spring of 2022 where she studied animal science.  Prior to working here she worked at Mote Marine Aquarium and would one day like to be a marine veterinarian.  She shares her home with her family, 2 dogs, 3 fish tanks (she cut back, haha), 1 leopard gecko, and one Cuban tree frog.  In her off time she likes to do puzzles and go to the beach.   

Erin

Erin is from Silver Spring, Maryland and moved to Wilmington 4 years ago to attend UNCW. She is currently in school and looking forward to graduation this year with a Biology degree. For her future goals she would like to continue working with animals and medicine and would like to maybe incorporate nature and genetics. She likes to spend time outdoors, hanging out with friends, camping, hiking, running, reading, playing guitar and traveling. She loves reptiles, music, and just went on her first backpacking trip in the mountains. She is looking forward to learning new skills and growing as a professional in a supportive work environment. 

Receptionists  

Kerrigan

Kerrigan is from right here in Wilmington and went to Coastal Christian High School and is currently attending Cape Fear Community College.  She is getting her Associates of Arts and is looking into the Vet Tech Program.  She shares her home with her cat, Apollo and her dog, Rio.

Ana

Ana is from Belgrade, Serbia and moved to Wilmington about 20 years ago. She attends UNCW for Pre-Med /Biology and is hoping to add a minor of animal studies. She is planning to graduate in May of 2025. She hopes to one day be an oromaxillary surgeon. She shares her home with her family, significant other, her dog Lucca and a ton of koi fish. In her off time she rides horses, reads, enjoys hunting and fishing, snorkeling and hiking. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and breweries. 

Madeline  (Reception for Daycare and Boarding) 

Maddie joined our Needham Family in 2019 as a Daycare and Boarding Team member.  She works now as the receptionist for the Daycare and Boarding Building.  She is originally from right here in Wilmington. She shares her home with her mom, stepdad, grandmother and dog Ollie.  On her off time she enjoys movies, the beach and traveling!  She was our employee of the month in February of 2020!

Courtney 

Courtney joined the Needham Family in February of 2019.  She moved from Temecula California to Wilmington in 2014.  She enjoys spending time with her husband and her golden retriever, Whiskey and her awesome cat Garfield! She was our Employee of the Month in November of 2021!

Alix 

Alix joined the Needham Family in February of 2021.  She is from right here in Wilmington!  She attends Cape Fear Community College for Nursing while also attending Hoggard and is expected to graduate from Hoggard in 2021.  She shares her home with her mom, Charlie Beach (Shih Tzu), Daisy (yellow lab), and Bagel (hamster).  On her off time she enjoys going on the boat, hanging out on the beach, painting and playing soccer.  She was our employee of the month in June of 2021!

Lillian 

Lillian joined the Needham family in April of 2021.  She is originally from Smryna, NC (Beaufort) and moved to Wilmington in 2017.  She shares her home with her family of 5 and 3 dogs, 2 turtles, 1 cat and lots of fish!  On her off time she enjoys music, car rides, and the beach.  She was our Employee of the Month in June of 2022!

Sabrina

Sabrina is from Queens, NY and moved to Leland in 2005.  She graduated from North Brunswick High School.  Her career goals in life are photography, graphic design and working with animals.  She shares her home with her family and three dogs.  She loves to draw, sleep, spend time with her family and friends and she loves volunteer work. 

Tristyn

Tristyn is from Monroe, NC and moved to Wilmington in 2021.  She would one day like to go to cosmetology school and she loves working with makeup, hair and nails.  She eventually wants to own a farm as well.  She shares her home with roommates and her partner.  He has a cat named Smokey that is a Russian Blue.  She loves anything artistic, whether makeup or music.  She enjoys writing and is an avid scary movie watcher.  Her favorite holiday is Halloween by far!  She loves adventure, watching Dance Moms, napping or taking the cats out for a walk!  

Owen

Owen is from Wilmington and is expected to graduate Hoggard High in 2023.  His career goals include finding a job that he can enjoy daily and in his off time he enjoys playing lacrosse.  He shares his home with his family, cat, and dog. 

Haley

Haley works for both our Daycare and Boarding Team as well as our Hospital Helper Position.  She is from Oak Island and Alexander, NY.  She currently lives in Leland and moved there in May of 2022.  She graduated Cazenovia College in May of 2022 for Biology and Management with a specialization in equine business management.  She also works with Broken Dog Farm and would one day love to work in the equine breeding industry or as an entrepreneur.  She shares her home with her family, friend, and cat, Ralphie.  In her off time she enjoys horseback riding, reading, and crafts.  

Raven

Raven is from Leland originally and still resides there.  She attended Wilmington Christian Academy.  She would one day love to work with venomous reptiles and currently shares her home with two snakes and three tarantulas (along with her grandparents and their dog).  She loves horror movies, traveling and modeling occasionally.  She is also part of a non-profit rescue specializing in reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.  

Annie

Annie  would one day love to own her own rescue.  She shares her home with her two dogs, Rosebud and Goose.  In her off time she spends a lot of time with her dogs.  She loves weight lifting and movies.  

Lilly

Lilly is from Maryland and moved to Wilmington in 2019.  She would love to one day be an esthetician.  She shares her home with her family and dog, Ginger.  In her off time she enjoys painting, reading, and writing.  

Doggie Daycare Playcare Team

Noah

Noah is from right here in Wilmington and he joined us in 2022.  He is homeschooled and expected to graduate in 2024.  He shares his home with his family and mini-Golden doodle and enjoys soccer.  

Madeline

Maddie is from Guilford, Connecticut and moved to Wilmington in 2016.  She attends Cape Fear Community College and is expected to graduate in 2022.  She shares her home with her family and her two dogs Truman and Kacy.  In her off time she enjoys spending time with her family and boyfriend and watching college basketball (UConn Huskies!)

Lindsey

Lindsey resides in Leland and moved there when she was two.  She currently attends Penn Foster and is studying Veterinary Technology to become a vet tech.  She currently lives with her family and two cats, Leo and Simon.  She is interested in yoga, the beach, art, and anything outdoors.  In her off time she is either with friends or family or doing school work. 

Tyler

Tyler is from Columbus, Ohio and moved to Wilmington in 2007.  He is going to Cape Fear Community College and is expected to graduate in 2023 with an Associate in Arts.  From there he would like to transfer to UNCW and graduate from UNCW’s Clinical Research Program.  He shares his home with two dogs, Milo and Roscoe.  He enjoys playing sports, outside activities, traveling and playing piano.  In his off time he enjoys going to the beach and hanging out with friends and family. 

Carly K

Carly is from Youngsville, NC and moved to Wilmington for school.  She attends UNCW and Cape Fear and is expected to graduate in 2025.  She is studying Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Planning.  She would one day like to own her own event company and venue.  She shares her home with roommates and 1 cat.  She has many animals that live back home or elsewhere in Wilmington:  2 dogs, Auggie and Leo, 2 cats, and 4 chickens.  She loves to work out and go to the beach.  She is a people person so she loves to hangout with people and watch TV.  She is known as the “mom” of her friends group always caring about everyone in her group and making sure she’s a person you can trust. 

Mikhaela

Mikhaela is from New York and moved to Hampstead in 2012.  She attended Pender Early College High School and graduated in 2022.  She shares her home with her family and her dog, Yoda, and kitten Mango.  She enjoys crafts, video games, marvel, and music.  

Grooming

Jessica 

Jessica joined the Needham in July of 2021 as our full time groomer!  She is originally from Montana and moved to Wilmington in 2018.  She comes to us with lots of experience in grooming and animal shelters!  She shares her home with her Standard Poodle, Winnie, and in her off time enjoys doing anything outdoors.  

Leif 

Leif joined our Needham team in October, 2019 after moving to Wilmington from Starkville, Mississippi. She holds a master's degree in animal physiology from Mississippi State University and has worked in the veterinary field since 2011. Leif is currently attending classes to obtain her degree in veterinary technology and is on course to become a NC Registered Veterinary Technician.  Her long term goal is to become a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner through the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Leif shares her home with her cat, Mogli, and enjoys reading in her spare time.  She was our employee of the month in March of 2020!