Meet the Team

Owners/Doctors

Dr. Ward

Hello, I’m Dr. Michael Ward, the youngest of six children, born in southern New Jersey where I aspired to be a “Rodeo Star” and a veterinarian.  Upon graduating from high school I moved to the Cowboy state of Wyoming to start college and to learn more about rodeo.  After several bruises and broken bones I decided that I would rather study hard and admit animals to the hospital instead of them putting me in there.  Then I moved to the “Big Sky” country of Montana to get serious about my veterinary studies at Montana State University.  In 1994, an opportunity arose to transfer to North Carolina State University to complete my studies.  I took it and I have never looked back.  I met my lovely wife, Kathy, who is also a veterinarian, while attending NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and I graduated in 2000.

After graduation I moved to Johnston County and I worked as a mixed animal veterinarian for the next eight years.  In May of 2008, my family of four including Kathy, Brier, Ellie and I, drove to Alaska.  I was privileged to work for the summer with sled dogs, reindeer, bears and musk ox and also to enjoy the wonderful sights that Alaska has to offer.  This adventure has allowed me and my wife to come closer to our goal of “50 by 50.” “50 by 50” means we want to travel to all 50 states by the time we are 50 years old.  Feel free to come in and ask me which states we are missing!

I enjoy participating in Cub Scout adventures with my son and riding lessons with my daughter. My hobbies include traveling with my family, backyard farming, and enjoying the outdoors.  My interest in chickens began as a child and I still proudly display the Cape May County 4-H Fair Best Egg Award which I won in 1986.

I purchased Johnston Animal Hospital in February 2009.  I am serious about preventative health care and I believe in open communication with my clients about their pets.  I enjoy all types of surgery and medicine and especially meeting new people during their appointments.  Stop by to say hello, get a tour and see some interesting “Rodeo Star” pictures in the reception area.

Dr. Kathy

Hi, I’m Dr. Kathy Ward, Dr. Michael Ward’s wife and the inventory manager of Johnston Animal Hospital.  I was born & raised in Northeastern North Carolina in the town of Ahoskie.  My educational background includes an Associate of Arts degree from Peace College, a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from NC State & a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine.  I have worked as a private practice veterinarian and as an anatomy professor at the veterinary school.  These jobs were enjoyable, but my best career move was becoming a stay-at-home Mom when our son, Brier, was born.  Brier and our daughter, Ellie, are true blessings from God!  Our 4-legged child is a geriatric Lab Mix named Grace who was adopted from the shelter.

We are a homeschooling family.  I love to teach!  After enjoying several years of training as a children’s leader in Bible Study Fellowship, my favorite thing to teach is the Bible.  Other hobbies I enjoy are traveling, reading, gardening, raising laying chickens & picture framing.  I owned & operated my own frame shop, Tranquility Framing.  In 2008 our family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. While Dr. Ward worked his summer vet job the kids & I did a hands-on unit study of AK.  When Dr. Ward was off we drove, hiked & camped our way around the largest state in the US.  It was a grand adventure!  I am a firm believer in the saying, “If you don’t know where you are going any road will take you there.”  I have several life goals.  One of my goals is to have an organic beef farm. Another is to raise awareness of orphans and foster children.  Also Dr. Ward & I share a goal of “50 by 50.”  We want to travel to all 50 states by the time we are 50 years old.  Currently he’s in the lead. Be sure to suggest to him that he plans a family trip to Rhode Island so I can catch up!

Registered Veterinary Technicians

Virginia

Hello, my name is Virginia Patterson.  I am a 2001 graduate of Central Carolina Community College with an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology and a Registered Veterinary Technician. Since graduation I have worked at both large and small animal practices, but have spent most of my working career here at JohnstonAnimal Hospital after joining the team in 2001.

Ashley

My name is Ashley Worley. I was born in Orlando, FL, but have lived most of my life in Johnston County, NC. Currently, my husband Jake and I live in Angier, NC and have an Australian Cattle Dog named Hank.

I graduated in 2010 with a degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from Central Carolina Community College.  In May 2010, I began an internship at Johnston Animal Hospital and joined the team full time later that year.  I completed the national and state exams to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in February 2011.

In my spare time, I enjoy attending concerts with my husband and friends, going to the movies and taking Hank for walks at a park.

Support Staff

Angie – Animal Caretaker

I am Angie, an Animal Caretaker at JAH. I live in Pine Level with my significant other Mike who works for the North Carolina Forestry Service as County Ranger, my step daughter Caitlin, our 10 year old Pomeranian Lexi and new kitten Kelby.  I am originally from West Virginia, but have lived in North Carolina since 1988 and consider this home. I have two children, Amanda and Chad, and a granddaughter Maryanna.

My past jobs include Teacher Assistant for children with Autism and special needs and Animal Care Attendant at our local animal shelter. I have worked with a local animal rescue group and have fostered quite a few animals through them.

My love for animals and the outdoors came from my grandpa who I followed around relentlessly. He could never go out to the woods walking, hunting or fishing without towing me with him. I learned to care for the lost, hurt, sick or young creatures he always seemed to find that needed help.

I enjoy my job very much whether it’s comforting a sick animal, caring for one that’s here for a routine exam or giving some extra attention to ones that are staying with us while their families are away.

Some of my hobbies and interests are, camping, cooking, reading, horses, animal rescue and classic cars.  I enjoy spending time with my family, visiting the mountains and especially relaxing at the beach.

Kameron – Receptionist

My name is Kameron Wood. I am originally from Lake Wylie, South Carolina, but have lived in Johnston County most of my life. I graduated from Johnston County Middle College High School May 2011. I attend Johnston Community College, where I am a student ambassador. I am finishing up my Associates in Arts, and plan on transferring to a university. My goal is to attend East Carolina University to obtain a psychiatry degree.

I have worked as a Receptionist at Johnston Animal Hospital since 2010. In my free time I love to hunt and fish with my boyfriend and spend time with my family. I also enjoy being out on the lake, boating, and wakeboarding. Some of my other hobbies include reading and dancing. I have one pet, a Chihuahua named Zoey that is spoiled rotten.

Katy

My name is Katy and I have worked at Johnston Animal Hospital caring for pets and helping the Veterinary Technicians since 2011. I have always had a passion for animals since I was little. My dream is to attend NC State veterinary school and go into the veterinary career to care for peoples’ pets.

I have lived in Smithfield all of my life and I am currently attending Smithfield-Selma High Schoo. During the fall I am in marching band and I am just as passionate about music as I am animals.  I also love to spend time with my friends and family.

I have two cats, Natalie and Tiger, which I love to spend time with. Just 15 minutes with them and my spirits have been lifted!

Nicole – Head Receptionist

Hello, my name is Nicole Collier, and I was born and raised here in Johnston County.  I am a 2004 graduate of North Johnston High School. I attended Johnston Community College.  I am a homebody, so I did not want to go too far off.  I married my childhood best friend, Spencer, in May of 2006.  We have two outdoor dogs, named Roxy and Brutis. Roxy is our five year-old Golden Retriever, who loves to run through the woods and swim in creeks.  Brutis is our four-year-old St. Bernard who is very lazy but the sweetest ever.  We were blessed in August of 2010 with a wonderful baby boy named Karson. We could not be any happier.

I have been a part of the staff at Johnston Animal Hospital since 2008. However, I took 15 months off to stay home with my son. Being a full time mommy has been wonderful and hard work. I have just recently come back to work at Johnston Animal Hospital. I have had the opportunity to work in the back with the doctor assisting with animal health care as well as up front as a receptionist.  I am now the head receptionist and I really enjoy my job.

Spencer – Technical Assistant

My name is Spencer Blake Edwards and I am one of the Technician Assistants at Johnston Animal Hospital.  I joined the JAH healthcare team in January of 2011, on my birthday. The best aspect of being a Technician Assistant is the feeling of accomplishment when I see an animal make a full recovery.  Also, I like to see patients come in for a check up bright eyed and bushy tailed. I look forward to caring for your animal in the future!!

I am currently going to school for Nuclear Medicine at Johnston Community College. I am an outgoing person, who loves life.

In my free time, I enjoy singing and playing guitar with my friends. I have a 9 year old cat named Sassy, she loves snacks. Also, I have a beagle puppy named Duke.  He’s a handful!

Valerie – Office Manager

Hey there! I am a Johnston County native and a graduate of Smithfield Selma High School.  I completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Barton College in Wilson, NC and my background includes human resources, recruiting and office administration.  Johnston Animal welcomed me as the hospital’s Office Manager in 2009.

I have a spoiled-rotten Labrador Retriever named Bailey who enjoys walks to the river so she can swim and play fetch.  I am a member of Wilsons Mills Baptist Church where I lead the Interpretive Dance Team and serve with the Prayer Partners.  I recently enjoyed eight years of service as a Children’s Leader with Bible Study Fellowship in Smithfield and still consider teaching the Bible to children to be one of life’s greatest privileges.  God has given me a heart for foster care children and orphans who are waiting to be a part of families forever so I speak on their behalf whenever the opportunity arises. Also, in 2011 I participated in my first short-term mission trip to serve with Caroline’s Promise in Guyana, South America.  Returning to Guyana looks to be an annual highlight for me!

Outside of work I enjoy living a simple life that includes time outdoors, gardening, cooking & baking, reading and frequent trips to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.  One day, I look forward to enjoying the mountains as much as the coast!