Meet Our Team

Dr. Douglas Ruff is a small-animal practitioner who has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1997.

A native of Madison Florida, Dr. Ruff says that as a young boy he always had a special interest in animals. Becoming a veterinarian allowed him to pursue what has been a lifelong interest and passion for animal care and helping people.

In 1990, Dr. Ruff entered the University of Florida where he undertook a pre-veterinary curriculum. By 1993, he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Animal Science.

Concurrent to Dr. Ruff's senior undergraduate year, he entered the University of Florida' College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. His areas of particular professional interest include internal medicine as well as soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.

After graduating, he pursued a teaching internship at Kansas State University for one year. After completing the internship he moved to Okeechobee Florida and practiced large and small animal medicine for two years. In 2000 he moved to the lake Park area and practiced for 6 years. In September 2007 he built and opened Hahira Veterinary Clinic.

Dr. Ruff and his wife Jann have four children, Ellie, Ruby, Lyla and Fisher. Beyond his veterinary duties and spending time with his family, Dr. Ruff enjoys fishing and hunting. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and an active member of Hahira United Methodist Church.

Dr. Kelly Barrett is a small animal practitioner who has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2009.

Dr. Barrett is a native of Auburn, AL and is a second generation veterinarian. Growing up in rural Alabama, she developed an interest in veterinary medicine working with her father on the family farm. A great deal of her childhood was spent being actively involved in 4-H showing cattle.

Dr. Barrett entered Auburn University in 2000 and received a Bachelor's of Science in Animal Sciences in 2004. She then attended Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2008 with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

Upon graduation Dr. Barrett worked on both small and large animals in Fayetteville, TN for 2 years before returning home to Auburn, AL to practice for the past 3 years. She has a general interest in all small practice but is particularly interested in internal medicine and wound management.

Dr. Barrett is married to Valdosta native and Veterinarian, Dr. Jay Barrett. The live here with their handsome sons and dogs (Linus & Josie) and three cats (Ajax, Squash, and Chigger). She enjoys spending time with her family and watching Auburn football.

Dr. Tanner Branham began his journey to becoming a veterinarian in 2013 when he was accepted to the University of Georgia for his undergraduate studies. Four years later, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science. In May of 2021, Dr. Branham received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Branham was born and raised in Kathleen, Georgia and attributes his initial interest in veterinary medicine to his high school’s FFA program, where he was an active member of the show cattle team. His professional interests now include small animal medicine, orthopedics, and anesthesia. He was drawn to the South Georgia area by his wife, Annelise Brown, who is a teacher at Valwood School in Hahira. The two were married in June 2021 and reside in Annelise’s hometown of Homerville with their two dogs, Rafe and Mae. In his spare time, Dr. Branham enjoys hunting, fishing, playing golf, and rooting for the Dawgs in Sanford Stadium.

Dr. Danielle Dispenza is a small animal practitioner who has recently graduated veterinary school from Mississippi State University. Dr. Dispenza was born and raised in Boca Raton, FL, and had a love for animals from a young age. She spent many weekends as a teenager at a trail riding stable working with horses and learning animal care. She attended the University of Florida where she obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Animal Sciences in 2016. During her undergraduate career, she worked at a wildlife rehabilitation center, spent a summer working with large animals in Belize, and she worked as a veterinary technician for several years. All of these experiences solidified her desire to become a veterinarian, and she graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 from Mississippi State University. She has an interest in all areas of small animal practice, but has a special interest in ophthalmology, dentistry and clinical pathology.

While at Mississippi State University, Dr. Danielle Dispenza met her future husband and fellow veterinarian, Dr. Dave Dispenza. Together, along with their 2 dogs (Mannix and Juniper), 5 cats (Linda, Thomas, Sophie, Madelyn, and Pete), and guinea pig (Calvin), they have recently moved to the area. Outside of work, Dr. Dispenza loves spending time with her family, cooking, and working on DIY projects.

Jenny began her career at Hahira Veterinary Clinic as our bookkeeper in February 2011. For a couple of years, she also filled in as one of our receptionists in the afternoons. In September, Jenny took over the role of Practice Manager. Jenny and her husband Brian along with their 3 dachshunds (Hamilton, Jango and Klaus) live in Valdosta. When she’s not working, Jenny enjoys reading, painting, and visiting with her family.

Melissa started with us December 2019 as one of our Receptionists. She lives in Adel with her 2 children. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her daughter watching her compete in gymnastic meets and watching her son play soccer. She loves to make jewelry and working in her yards.

Rachel joined the team in 2021 as a receptionist. She believes mindfulness and caring in the workplace are keys to success. She has always had a love for animals and is looking forward to getting to know each and every one of your fur babies. She is a Mama to a very astonishing little boy. Together they enjoy spending time with family, going to the beach, having pool days at home and playing with their rescue dog, Buck! He found his forever home with them in 2019!!

Lacey joined our team in August 2021. She lives in Hahira with her husband, daughter, 2 dogs and 2 cats. She is originally from Louisiana but moved to Georgia when her husband was stationed at Moody AFB. In her spare time, she watches crime documentaries and Saints football. WHO DAT!

Megan joined our team in January 2020 as a receptionist. She and her husband have a farm in Missouri with goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys and is a dog mom to Bohannon the Pyrenees and Nico the Shepherd. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her 6 kiddos, hunting, fishing, reading, exploring new places and art.

Andrea started working for us in August 2020 as our Medical Records Technician. She lives in Hahira with her Cocker Spaniel, Luna, her sister's cat, Ellie, and roommates Golden, Lily. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing outside with Luna, anything Disney related, and rooting for the Florida Gators.

Kerri started working with us August 2019 as our Pharmacy Tech. She resides in Valdosta with her husband, 2 of her 3 children and 2 Bull Mastiffs. Her oldest daughter is attending college in Montana. Her husband retired from over 21 years in the Air Force, and they have made their roots here in Georgia.
As a military spouse, living in many places, Kerri has collected a variety of specialties that bring special qualities to her employment here at Hahira Veterinary Clinic.

Jodee has been a Vet Tech since 2012 and started with our team in August 2014. She is our Vet Tech supervisor and hopes one day to pursue her dream of getting a license to be a wild life rehabber and have a rehab center for students and people to learn about animals. She lives in Hahira with her German Shepherds (Zephyr and Zepellin) and cat (Edgar Allen Poe) which she has adopted through the years. She is very adventurous through her travels, loves going to the gym and spending time with friends.

Ashlin started working with us December 2013 as a Vet Tech. She started as a vet tech in 2006 and could not imagine doing anything else.As a young child she knew she would be working in the veterinarian field. One of her favorite jobs in the vet clinic is dental hygiene. She lives in Valdosta with her husband and 2 children. Ashlin has rescued and fostered many furbabies throughout her career and continue to do so when able. She hopes to one day provide hospice care for shelter pets.

Billie began as a vet tech in 2017 and joined Hahira Veterinary Clinic in 2021. Billie and her husband moved to Moody Air Force Base from Guam with their two dogs, Kovu and Ash. In her free time, she enjoys art and spending time with her husband and friends.

Becca joined our team in August of 2021 as a Veterinary Technician. She began her vet tech career after graduating vet tech school in 2015. Becca is originally from Cairo though now resides in Hahira with her husband Justin, twin boys Rivers and Reed, newborn son Huck, and two dogs Roscoe and Eulee. She loves everything to do with vet medicine, especially reproduction and surgery. In her time off she enjoys spending time with family, along with fishing, hunting and going to the lake with her dad.

Lindsey joined our team in May of 2022 as a Veterinary Technician. She attended Southern Regional Technical College in Thomasville, GA., where she earned her Veterinary Technician license. Lindsey lives on her family farm in Pavo with her two dogs, Layla and Po Boy, and her Water Buffalo, Lucy. She has always wanted to care for animals and loves that she gets to do that at our clinic.

Ceilidh joined our team in July of 2022. She has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2019, with her interest in emergency medicine. She is originally from Illinois and moved here with her husband Zak, who is in the Air Force. Ceilidh and her husband share four dogs named Layla, Milo, Rivet and Lulu, one cat named Bolt, and one Bearded Dragon named Khaleesi. In her free time she enjoys reading, cooking and fostering animals.

Haley joined our team in September 2016 working in the kennels and is now one of our Vet Techs. Haley lives in Lakeland where she graduated from Lanier County High School. She plans on becoming a Veterinarian specializing in Radiology. She enjoys taking x-rays, riding horses, traveling, hiking, spending time with friends and spending time with her horses, dog(Czar) and 3 cats(Thelma, Blaze, and Ember).

Haley joined our team in January of 2022 as a Veterinary Assistant. She lives in Valdosta with her boyfriend, Ben, and three fur-babies: Athena, Bear and Yogi. In her free time she enjoys watching and going to sporting events, spending time outdoors and just being with her family and friends.

Skyleigh joined our team in March of 2022 as a veterinary assistant, while attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where she is majoring in Animal Science. After graduation she plans to attend veterinary school. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Sara joined our team at then end of 2017 working in our kennels. She attends Valdosta State where she is majoring in Biology. After graduating she plans on going to Veterinary School. Sara enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pets.

Tillman joined our team in 2018 as a kennel assistant and has worked his way up to Veterinary Assistant. He has a French Bulldog puppy named Raphael and attends GMC college where he is earning his Business Degree. Tillman enjoys golfing and spending time with his friends and family.

Payton joined our team as a veterinary assistant intern in July of 2022 and has now joined us full-time. She is currently working to complete her Veterinary Assistant Certification. She moved to Hahira from Iowa with her boyfriend, who is currently stationed at Moody Air Force Base. They share a dog, Poncho, a kitten, Sylvie and have recently adopted two more dogs, Pippy and Bubba. In her spare time she enjoys drawing and traveling.

Erica began working with us May 2021 in our kennel taking care of your pets while they are here in the clinic. She lives in Hahira with her three sons and their cat Mipha. She is currently attending Wiregrass Technical College studying medical billing and decoding. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her sons, friends and family. She also enjoys baking and crafting.

Angel joined our team October 2019 working in our kennels. She and her husband along with their 3 sons live in Quitman. They have 4 dogs, cats and many chickens. In her spare time she loves hiking and camping with her family.

Bree started working with our team in August 2018 working in our kennels. She is the friendly face that your pets see every morning. Her dream is to become a veterinarian. She attends VSU for her Pre-Vet classes and will transfer out of state to complete her major. Bree lives in Hahira with her 2 dogs, Maverick & Kahlua. In her spare time she enjoys painting and photography.

Ashlyn started working in our kennels May 2021 taking care of your pets as they stay here in the clinic. She lives in Hahira with her dog, Aspen, and cat, Ellie. She is attending Valdosta State University and plans on transferring to Southern Regional Technical College to get her degree as a Vet-Tech. In her spare time Ashlyn enjoys swimming and hanging out with family.

Rhett began working in our kennels July 2021. He attends Lowndes High School and once he graduates plans to attend college to become a Veterinarian. He has always loved animals and is excited to work here and meet your pets. He enjoys playing baseball and soccer. In his free time he loves hanging out with his three brothers and friends.

Kayla joined our team as a kennel assistant in February 2022. She is currently enrolled at ABAC and wants to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian. She has 2 dogs named Chewy and Mason. When Kayla is not working, she rides horses and spends time with her family.

Kiley joined our team in May 2022 as a kennel assistant. She is a student at Lowndes High School and is a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA). She has a Corgi mix dog named Bruce Wayne. When Kiley's not working, she enjoys watching movies and going to Wild Adventures.

Carlie joined our team in August 2022. Carlie is a student at ABAC pursuing a degree in Animal Science. She has 2 dogs, Rocky and Remi. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family.