Meet Our Veterinary Team in Smithville, TN

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!

Hannah Redmon

Vet Assistant

My name is Hannah Redmon, and I joined the wonderful team here at DeKalb Animal Clinic in the fall of 2025. I have always had a passion for helping animals for as long as I can remember. I have rescued all sorts of animals, even wildlife, and rehabilitated them back into the wild. I can’t wait to learn and grow with the amazing team here. When I am not in the clinic you can find me reading a book, getting into something crafty, spending time with my goats, and going on hikes with my Australian Shepherd, Ace. I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies and assisting with their needs!

Sierra Williams

Vet Assistant

Hi, I’m Sierra! I am new to the Dekalb Animal Clinic team, recently joining the team in the middle of August 2025! I have been working in veterinary medicine since December of 2024. I am so excited to meet you guys and your pets! When at work, I am extremely passionate about educating owners on preventatives to keep your pets happy and healthy! I strive to treat every pet like my own, so everyone comes out with a positive experience! When I am outside of the clinic, I enjoy taking care of my corgi Oakley Mae, my horse Lexus, and my two goats Mac and Cheese. I enjoy all things livestock and everything to do with animals. I am constantly learning and I am so excited to be apart of your pet’s medical journey!

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. Sheila Wakeman, DVM

Dr. Wakeman is originally from Dickson County TN, where she grew up on a homestead farm. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and biology from Austin Peay State University, she attended Lincoln Memorial College of Veterinary Medicine to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2025. Dr. Wakeman is joining the team at Dekalb Animal Clinic as an associate veterinarian and is so excited to meet her new clients and patients! Dr. Wakeman is joined by her husband, Kevin, two dogs, and two cats to enjoy the beautiful Smithville area.

Dr. Abigail Huffman, DVM

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Abigail Huffman earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Huffman’s favorite part of veterinary medicine is the endless opportunity to learn and grow. She enjoys taking on new challenges each day, whether that means diagnosing an unfamiliar condition, performing a new surgical procedure, or caring for a species she hasn’t worked with before. This variety and continued growth are what make veterinary medicine such a rewarding career for Dr. Huffman.

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

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 Walker

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.