About Us

Janet L. Ackerman, D.V.M

Dr. Janet Ackerman opened Animal Medical Center in 1986, with the goal of promoting the health and well-being of companion animals and horses. Her two adult sons both grew up in FFA. Jared now works in the agriculture industry and Dustin is a Firefighter and Medic. Dr. Ackerman has two cool horses- Lucas and Jay, who love to go trail riding, and a mini (Boo) who's full of mischief. She has bred and raised Australian Shepherds, Dachshunds, and Labs in the past and presently has a mixed-breed rescue dog named Hooligan. Boy did she earn her name! Outside the office, Dr. Ackerman enjoys time with her husband, her horses, nature photography, hiking, anything on the water, and home improvement projects.

Bonnie Smith

Bonnie takes care of the bookkeeping and business needs of the practice. She and her husband, Rickey, have two daughters, Jennifer and Kerri, who are close by. Both have children of their own, and grandsons Justin, Jakson, Jaken and Jesse along with granddaughter Jemma are the lights of Bonnie's life! Occasional orphaned birds, puppies, or kittens are her extended family. Doodle Bug is her most famous pet; he came to our office after being abandoned and near death in a dumpster. Bonnie's TLC saved him, and he became a happy, healthy member of her family for many years.

Lori Ashe

Lori has over 40 years of grooming experience and can turn your scruffy pet into a runway model! Her work is beautiful and she has a wonderful touch with all kinds of animals. Lori has also taught our canine obedience classes in the past. She has had countless pets, including Agility Champion Toot the Papillion, squirrels, and a potbelly pig. Presently her family includes two Papillons, Cheeky and Flynn, two Golden Retrievers, Champion Antione and Walter, Tonks, a Smooth Coated Collie, two horses, chickens, and last (but not least!) husband Duane. Lori and Duane spend their free time training and competing successfully in Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Rally, Agility, and Conformation.

Crystal Cromer

Crystal began as a receptionist in 2021 and now is picking up even more skills assisting Dr. Ackerman with hands-on patient care. She is a mother to 3 beautiful girls, Angel, Bella, and Ashtyn. She is also the mother to 2 very spoiled pitties, Gunner and Chi and recently rescued her new kitty, Peachy. She is pursuing her lifelong passion, love, and dream of working with animals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, spoiling her fur babies, and crafting. She will always greet you with a smile and will love and care for your fur babies as if they were her own.

Julee Whitehead

Julee volunteered at the office as a teen and quickly climbed the ranks from Kennel Tech to Veterinary Assistant, and now plays a vital role with Public Relations. She is the proud mom of an adorable son named Lincoln. Julee loves nature and was raised around animals, from exotics to household pets. They have always sparked her curiosity and held a special place in her heart. Her own pets include Ozzie, the Dachshund, Paisley, the mixed breed, and Ziva, a brown tabby. Julee brings a special light and energy to the office and is known to keep everyone laughing!

Brittany Knight

Brittany recently relocated from Tallahassee to Cairo to be closer to family. She's the proud mother of 3 adult children. Brittany loves animals and anything pertaining to them. For six years, she participated in raising puppies and service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence where she provided early training and socialization for canines destined to assist their owners with various special needs. She enjoyed every minute of it! Brittany enjoys family time, playing softball, and fishing. She is very excited about her opportunity to work at Animal Medical Center and make new furry friends!

Amber Dorpinghaus

Amber brings many years of valuable experience as a receptionist to our team. She and Daniel, her wonderful husband of fifteen years, share their home and live with two cats (Zelda & Zie) who are spunky & sassy. She also has an amazing Standard Poodle puppy (Antonio), who she is training to be her Service Dog. She loves the outdoors and helping animals in need, especially orphans, and has a passion for crocheting small things & drawing. Amber wholeheartedly believes in giving animals with a Ruff start, the Purr-fect family life.

Kit Stroud

Kit is the part-time receptionist who will meet you at the door with a smile and cheerful greeting. She lives on a 90-acre hay farm in Grady County along with her husband, daughter and their animal menagerie: Tucker, the mixed terrier; William, the spoiled-rotten Burmese cross cat; Willa and Nebo the barn cats (“the girls”); and 3 box turtles. Kit and her family have a special propensity for turtles and have rescued many turtles from North Carolina to Georgia. She has assisted NC State University’s turtle rescue team and participated in their turtle rehabilitation program. She has also had the privilege of being able to follow the entire process of the laying and hatching of turtle eggs. In her spare moments, Kit knits, teaches crochet lessons, shells pecans and travels.

Melissa Thomas

Melissa is one of our kennel techs here at AMC. She takes great care of your pets while they are at the hospital, whether they are recuperating or boarding with us. Melissa has 2 dogs of her own- Finn, a Boykin spaniel that she adopted when he was 12 weeks old, and Dolly, her Springer spaniel cross that she rescued at six months of age. She loves both dearly! Melissa strives to do the best she can and to learn more about the fields of animal care and veterinary medicine.