Meet Our Veterinary Team in Smithville, TN
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Dekalb Animal Clinic! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Since first opening our doors in 1987, building personal relationships with pet owners in our community has been at the heart of this practice. At Dekalb Animal Clinic, we are a team of animal lovers, and we want to partner with you to keep your pets healthy and happy throughout their lives.
Our Doctor
Dr. Amanda Dempsey, DVM, PhD
Dr. Dempsey is a DeKalb county native. After graduating from the University of Tennessee Martin with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Dr. Dempsey attended Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated with a PhD in bovine reproduction in 2016 and he Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2018. For the next two years, Dr. Dempsey practiced both large and small animal medicine in Utah and Colorado. In July 2020, Dr. Dempsey became a full-time member of the DeKalb Animal Clinic team. She enjoys providing both medical and surgical care for her patients. In her spare time, Dr. Dempsey enjoys hiking and kayaking with her two children and her husband, Montgomery.
Patrick A. Kelly, DVM
Dr. Patrick A. Kelly is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico where he lived for the first 10 years of his life and where he became fluent in Spanish. Dr. Kelly knew he wanted to be a veterinarian since he could pronounce the word. He was raised on a 200 acre tropical paradise family compound. His parents were animal lovers and his family shared shared their compound with all sorts of animals, from dogs and cats, to horses and monkeys. Dr. Kelly’s parents shared with him an early memory when they walked into the kitchen and found 2 year old Patrick on his hands and knees gathered around the dog food bowl, sharing the meal with his canine brothers and sisters.
Dr. Kelly has always had a way with animals. One of the most interesting childhood experiences occurred when a male baboon escaped a traveling circus and ended up in his front yard. He befriended the dogs, wrestling with them just like he was one of them. His mother took videos of 6 year old Patrick showing no fear and walking up to and hand feeding the full grown baboon. The videos survive to this day and Dr. Kelly has shown his 4 kids the origins of his love of animals and the sparks of his veterinary career.
He then moved to Milford, Massachusetts where he lived for 8 years. He attended Milford High School, before moving to Port St. Lucie, Florida in 1976. He attended Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce where he earned an Associate in Arts degree in 1978. He went to the University of Florida’s College of Agriculture and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1981. He attended the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. He has practiced in Port St. Lucie since his graduation.
Dr. Kelly sold Kelly’s Animal Hospital in 2022 and his last day at KAH was April 30, 2024. Dr. Kelly and his family moved to Walling, Tennessee with their 5 horses, 4 dogs, 4 cats, 2 pigs, and 3 parrots to be closer to their 2 daughters, son in law and new grandson who live in Franklin, Tennessee. Dr Kelly was blessed to have been offered an associate veterinarian position at the DeKalb Animal Clinic in Smithville and will be starting September 3, 2024. He is looking forward to be working with a talented and caring staff led by Dr. Amanda Dempsey.
Amanda Dempsey, DVM, PhD
Veterinary Care Team
Tia Adcock
Assistant Practice Manager
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Alyssa Patterson
Tech Assistant
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Carlye Hackney
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Hannah Riley
Tech Assistant
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Lindsey Jernigan
Tech Assistant
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Laura Parsley
Vet Technician
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Customer Service Representatives
Lindsey Jernigan
Tech Assistant
Hello, my name is Lindsey Jernigan. I am a veterinary assistant here at Dekalb Animal Clinic. I went to Tennessee Tech to obtain a bachelor’s degree in animal science. I am currently in school at Penn Foster to get my license to become a veterinary technician. When I’m not at the clinic, I love to read, go on hikes, snuggle with my dog Willow, and go camping. I am excited to meet your fur babies!
Dr. Melinda Morency, DVM
Dr. Morency grew up in Lebanon, TN. When she was eight years old, she first realized she wanted to be a veterinarian when her Basset Hound, Humphrey, got sick. Dr. Mike’s veterinarian saved his life, and from that point on, Dr. Melinda knew that’s what she wanted to do too. After graduating from the University of Tennessee—Martin with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Dr. Melinda attended the University Of Tennessee College Of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2003. For the next five years, Dr. Melinda practiced in a small animal clinic and an emergency clinic in East Tennessee. In 2016, Dr. Melinda moved back to Middle Tennessee with her family. In the fall of 2017, Dr. Melinda started working a few days a month with Dr. Little at DeKalb Animal Clinic. She enjoys discussing preventative medicine services for her patients, including routine dental care. At home, Dr. Melinda has four cats: Darth Vader, Sassy Sue, Apollo Blaze, and Charlie May. In Dr. Melinda’s spare time, she loves to read, play board games with her family, and travel.
Laura Parsley
Vet Technician
Laura has been with DeKalb Animal Clinic since March 2024. In 2020, Laura graduated from Vol State with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Since childhood, she’s been an advocate for homeless animals, and this passion has fueled her career in animal shelters and clinics in Middle Tennessee, culminating in serving DeKalb Animal Shelter as Assistant Director. After becoming a mom, Laura wanted a position that allowed more time at home but still enabled her to continue to serve the animals in our community. Laura lives with her husband, daughter, and their rescues (three cats and one dog). When Laura isn’t at the clinic she is with her family, out enjoying nature, or reading a book.
Dr. Amanda Dempsey, DVM
Dr. Dempsey is a DeKalb County native. After graduating from the University of Tennessee Martin with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Dr. Dempsey attended Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated with a PhD in bovine reproduction in 2016 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2018. For the next two years, Dr. Dempsey practiced both large and small animal medicine in Utah and Colorado. In July 2020, Dr. Dempsey became a full-time member of the DeKalb Animal Clinic team. She enjoys providing both medical and surgical care for her patients. In her spare time, Dr. Dempsey enjoys hiking and kayaking with her two children and her husband, Montgomery.
Nikki
Nikki has been with DeKalb Animal Clinic since 1988. These days you can find her smiling face behind the front desk, providing exceptional client care and doling out treats and love for all the pets. When she’s not at work, she enjoys everything outdoors, traveling, volunteering in her community and spoiling rotten her adoring dog Rags and her regal cat Binx.
Tia Adcock
Assistant Practice Manager
Tia has been with DeKalb Animal clinic since August 2008. She has worked in all facets of the clinic, but her passion is surgery and she enjoys leading the surgical team in ensuring safe, efficient surgical procedures. Tia recently became the Assistant Practice Manager for the clinic and is enjoying her new roles. Tia has been married for 18 years and has 2 children. Tia and her husband also own 2 small businesses in Dekalb County. In her free time, Tia enjoys gardening, playing with her 2 dogs Woody and Mars, and spending time with her children and friends.
Alyssa Patterson
Tech Assistant
Hi, I’m Alyssa! I have been working as a veterinary assistant at Dekalb Animal Clinic since February of 2016. I love being part of a team that helps pets live happy, healthy lives. I spend most of my time here focusing on diagnostics, and client education. One of my favorite parts of the job is helping our clients feel confident in their care of their pets.
I am currently working toward becoming a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT), and I am always excited to learn more and grow in the field. When I am not at the clinic, you’ll usually find me out hiking with my dogs or spending time with my family. I am so glad to be part of a place where I can make a difference every day!
Hannah Riley
Tech Assistant
My name is Hannah, and I joined the DeKalb Animal Clinic team in 2023. I have been working in the veterinary profession since 2021 and I am currently pursuing my Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) certification through Penn Foster. I am dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and skill set in order to provide the highest standard of care for both clients and their pets. Outside the clinic, I love spending time with my family and dogs, as well as hiking, fishing, and getting lost in a good book. I’m very passionate about delivering compassionate, high-quality care to every patient, and I’m so excited to meet you and be a part of your pet’s health journey.
Kim Fox
My name is Kim and I’m your customer service rep that will greet you when you come to the clinic or call. I’ve been at DeKalb Animal Clinic for 3 years now and hope to be here for many more. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband Dan for 18 years and we have an amazing and smart 17-year-old daughter, Lilly, who attends the local high school. We have 3 very spoiled cats that we love to pieces despite the chaos and shenanigans they cause. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially in the great outdoors, reading as much as my free time allows and crafting around the house. Fun fact: I grew up in Florida playing golf since the age of 7 and still enjoy hitting the driving range when I can. I love being a part of your pet’s well-being and lives, giving the good boys and girls all the pets, love and attention and being there for my pet parents for whatever the situation may call for. Thank you for allowing me the privilege.
Carlye Hackney
Tech Assistant
For 8 years I have been a reliable and friendly Veterinary Assistant whose focus is providing quality Veterinary care. Joining the Dekalb Animal Clinic team in the summer of 2023, I aim to extend the longevity and quality of life for my patients. I believe in empowering clients through education and support, especially through difficult diagnoses and treatments. Currently I am enrolled in Penn Foster Veterinary Technology program continuing my education. I look forward to learning and growing with Dekalb Animal Clinic.
Alley Sykes
Tech Assistant
My name is Alley Sykes. I am from Smithville, Tennessee. I live with my wonderful fur baby, Nala. I have been in the veterinary field for five years. I received my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree with a concentration in pre-veterinary science from Tennessee Technological University in 2023. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Lincoln Memorial University. My goal is to make a positive impact in the lives of pets and their owners.