Brandon Dixon

DVM, Practice Owner

Dr. Brandon Dixon graduated from The University of The South with a degree in English Literature, in 1990.

He then studied at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1996, with a doctorate in veterinary medicine.

He came to work, at Volunteer Veterinary Clinic, in 1999 and liked the place so much he purchased the practice in 2006!

He lives in Hendersonville with his family; Mary, his moon and stars; “Huckleberry, the oldest Clumber Spaniel that is graceful and kind; Churchill, the youngest of the Clumber Spaniel brothers; a rambunctious boy that has brought the family great joy, if not a great deal of peace, and their latest addition, Poe; a fiery, confident, lovable Maine Coon, that the entire family is crazy about!

He, from a glad kindness cannot take his eyes. His heart in hiding, stirred for a bird.

Hannah Saenz

Associate DVM

Hannah Sáenz graduated from Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine before taking a rotating internship in internal medicine, surgery, and emergency work in Miami, Florida. After her year long internship, she stayed in Miami for 6 more years doing mostly emergency work in all species. She also participated in a 6 month exotic only internship where she worked on all species including small exotic mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, primates, and wildlife.

Hannah and her husband moved to Tennessee in 2020 to start a family and be in a more nurturing environment than Miami could provide. Hannah has been with Volunteer Veterinary Clinic since the move. She greatly enjoys performing surgeries on a variety of species and getting to work with all animals.

In her free time, Hannah loves to read classic novels and murder mysteries and work on arts and crafts such as sewing and painting. She has two pets at home, an American Eskimo named Eleanor, and a black cat named Emma. She hopes one day to have a bunny.

Mary Benet-Davis

RN, Practice Manager

Mary has worked for VVC since 1991.

She is a Registered Nurse that “went to the dogs” (so to speak:), many years ago! She was a bone marrow transplant nurse, prior to that, and found her life’s work and true love when she entered into veterinary medicine.

She and her fiancé have 3 beautiful, four legged boys that generously share their home with them! 

Mary is also a certified “barre” instructor and loves working out, playing and walking with the dogs, spending time with her family and finding “joy” in each and every day.

Whitney Demonbreun

VA, Lead Receptionist

Whitney has worked in veterinary medicine since 2007 and is the only job she has ever had!  She completed the Vol State Veterinary Technician Program in 2018 and has years of experience as both a Veterinary Assistant and a receptionist.

She is happily married to the love her life, with whom she has three beautiful children; two boys and a little girl.  Her family is rounded out with three spoiled dogs and two beautiful cats.

The entire family are avid campers, but when left to her own devices, Whitney is an avid crafter and loves anything related to organization.

Amy Pater

Licensed VMT, Lead Technician

Amy has worked in Veterinary Medicine since 1999. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology from Miami University (Ohio) and an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University. She obtained her technician's license in 2015.

She has been with VVC since 2011 and you will usually find her with our exotic animal patients or in surgery, but she always comes out to say hi to all of our canine and feline patients!

When she is not working, you will find her at home with her own pets, crafting, and attending to all the things her teenage daughter is into!

Lori Smith

Licensed VMT

Lori joined VVC in the spring of 2019. She is a graduate of Purdue University Veterinary Technician School in 1983. She has over 30 years of experience as a Licensed Veterinary Technician with only a break to be a stay-at-home mom.

Her greatest passion is loving people and their pets. In her spare time, she loves riding her Paso Fino, Cruz. Her rescue kitty Cosette demands her daily lap time, and her Australian Shepherd, Tucker loved being a therapy dog (retired).

Her greatest joy is being with family whether by Skype or in person which means traveling to Minnesota or South Africa.

Tammy Waynick

Veterinary Assistant

Tammy brings 15 years of experience to our team! She started at a small veterinary practice (2008-2014, TVC) and went onto working in spay/neuter services (2014-2020, SSNA).

In 2020, Tammy joined our team, working with small animals and has been working with exotics since 2021.

When at home with her husband, she loves being on the couch and snuggling their 3 dogs. And, sometimes their cat will even make an appearance!

Lisa Cantu

Veterinary Assistant

Lisa has been a Veterinary Assistant for 3 years at Volunteer Veterinary Clinic.  She takes great pride in giving outstanding care to all animals and she truly loves what she does, unconditionally loving every "wag and purr".

When I am not caring for your fur babies, you will her training for her next marathon.  She loves to tackle big challenges and enjoys all things outdoors, such as kayaking and hiking with her husband.

She is the mother of two awesome kids, one who is a Marine and one a fabulous cheerleader.

She has 5 dogs (yes, 5!), 3 sweet chihuahuas and 2 lovable Goldens/

Alyx Sanderson

Veterinary Assistant

I would consider myself lucky.

Since my introduction to the work force, I’ve worked with all sorts of animals.

After assisting a dog groomer, I worked at the New England Aquarium, preparing food for the Giant Ocean tank.

From there I took over for a Pet Care department, at a pet store.

All those experiences brought me to the real thing.

I’m so happy to work alongside other passionate professionals, caring for “the darlings.”

Jada Wood

Veterinary Assistant

Jada has been working in the Veterinary field since 2022.  The majority of her time has been spent in general practice, but she is excited to learn to work with exotics!

When she is not at work, you can find her hanging with her husband and her dogs.

Alice Clayton

Receptionist

Alice has been a receptionist with Volunteer Veterinary Clinic for a year now.  She really enjoys getting to greet and see all the pets that come in, as well as their owners.

During her free time you will find her hanging out with her family; either on the lake with her husband, softball fields with her daughter or JROTC Raiders competitions with her son.

She has a very handsome American Bully who may or may not be more spoiled than her kids!