Our Team
Dr. Zak Vrono | Co-Medical Director
Dr. Vrono grew up in Atlanta and graduated from Riverwood High School in 2006. At the university of Georgia, he recieved his undergraduate degree in Animal Science, graduating Magna Cum Laude from their College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. His professional interests include internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Vrono shares his home with his wife, their son, and their dog, Chelsea Belle. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, fly fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Dr. Erin Horner | Co-Medical Director
Dr. Erin Horner grew up in the Atlanta area and graduated from Marist High School. She graduated in 2004 from the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!) where she rode for the NCAA Varsity Equestrian Team. Dr. Horner then continued on at UGA and earned her DVM in 2008. She has a special interest in animal rescue and geriatric medicine.
In her free time, Dr. Horner enjoys horseback riding and spending time with her family, including her husband Jon, son Luke and her menagerie of animals: Reese, Champ, Sammy, Grey Grey, and Ninja.
Dr. Kate Izlar | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Izlar was born in Atlanta, grew up in Eads, Tennessee, right outside of Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences from Auburn University in 2011, the same year the Auburn Tigers won the National Championship. She stayed four more years to obtain her degree in veterinary medicine from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2015. War Eagle!
Dr. Izlar enjoys dermatology, specifically helping patients with atopic dermatitis, a common problem among pets in Atlanta. Her interests also include internal medicine and ultrasonography.
Outside of work, Dr. Izlar's family consists of her loving husband, David, their three kids, Wright, Julia, and Anne Bowen, her two dogs, Pepper and Rooster, and last, but not least, her cat, McStuffins. If she could be anywhere, she would spend the day snow skiing or fly fishing out west with her family and wrap up with a good meal and fine wine with her husband.
Dr. Corinne Dillard | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Corinne Dillard grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend Emory University. There, she pursued a degree in psychology and was part of their varsity swim team. Following her graduation from Emory University, she then obtained her DVM degree from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!).
Dr. Dillard's special interests include surgery and internal medicine. In her free time, she can be found spending time with her husband, Will, and their dog, Finley.
Dr. Sydney Carr | Associate Veterinarian
Meet Dr. Sydney Carr, a dynamo hailing from Chattanooga, TN, whose journey is a whirlwind of excellence. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Kentucky set the stage for her ascent. With her veterinary degree from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, she embraced Atlanta as her canvas for healing, specializing in soft tissue surgery and ultrasound.
When not in a white coat, you'll find Dr. Carr in the embrace of nature, hiking, kayaking, and globetrotting. A die-hard Braves fan, she infuses the same fervor into every facet of her life. With her canine companion Livvy tagging along, Dr. Carr weaves excitement into every step of her inspiring journey.
Dr. Thomas Edward Wier | Associate Veterinarian
| Dr. Thomas Edward Wier is a native of Athens, Georgia, where he attended the University of Georgia as an undergraduate. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 1972. Following graduation, Dr. Wier worked in a mixed practice in Westminster, Maryland, for three years before returning to Georgia, where he practiced at in a local animal hospital for over a decade.
In 1985, Dr. Wier acquired Lawrence Animal Hospital from Dr. Bob Lawrence upon his retirement. For 37 years, Dr. Wier diligently operated his practice, primarily as a solo practitioner. Dr. Wier's approach to veterinary care was rooted in providing exceptional patient service while nurturing personal connections with his clients, all centered around a shared concern for their pets' welfare. In 2023, he transitioned into a new chapter, merging his practice with Brookhaven Animal Hospital. This shift has reignited his passion for veterinary medicine, as he now collaborates with and has the company of bright veterinarians and is free from the burdens of business management. Dr. Wier eagerly anticipates many more years of serving both people and their beloved pets. Dr. Wier has been married to his wife, Lynda, for 41 years. They reside in their North Georgia lake home with their three Labrador Retrievers, Bailey, Macallan, and Daisy. Dr. Wier enjoys reading, boating, paddleboarding, and biking, especially with their cherished pups. And, of course, he's a dedicated fan of UGA football (Go Dawgs!). |
Our Veterinary Support Team
Elscherrie Conway | Practice Manager
Before coming to Georgia, Elscherrie lived in California, where she graduated from veterinary technology school in 2001. Since she was a child, she was always finding animals to “fix” or take care of. At 14 years old, she learned the basics of teaching obedience to pets, later landing a job in a facility that taught Shutzhund to protection and police dogs. In 2002, Elscherrie served as a registered veterinary technician for five years, where she found that dentistry was the most rewarding skill since it not only cleaned teeth, but improved the lives of her patients. After five years, Elscherrie moved to Georgia and started her career in veterinary management.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and baking. If she wasn't our practice manager, Elscherrie would pursue her culinary passion and open her own restaurant.
Carlesha Crawford | Assistant Practice Manager
Carlesha is our nursing manager and has been a technician for over 15 years. She is an Atlanta native and an alumni of State University Alumni. She is a strong advocate for continuing education and is continously seeking new, innovative ways to provide efficient patient care within the veterinary community. At home, she is a master snuggler to two puppies and two senior kitties. Carlesha is also a loving mom and wife and enjoys spending family time on RV adventures from coast to coast exploring different climates and cultures.
