Meet Our Team

Dr. Ward – Veterinarian

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. 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. 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 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 allowed me and my wife to come closer to our goal of “50 by 50” – we  travelled to all 50 states by the time we were 50 years old!

I enjoyed participating in Boy Scout adventures with my son. My daughter and I like going on trail rides with our horses.  My hobbies include traveling with my family, backyard farming (I call this “diesel therapy”), and being 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.

We purchased Johnston Animal Hospital in February 2009 from Dr. Booker, the hospital founder and long-time great veterinarian of Johnston County. I am serious about preventative health care and I believe in open communication with my clients about their pets. I enjoy challenging and complicated surgeries and difficult medical cases. I have fun meeting new people and talking to long-time friends during their appointments. Stop by to say hello, get a tour, and see some interesting “Rodeo Star” pictures.

One last thing… People always say, “You must have a lot of pets since you are a vet!” In our home we have two Brittany Spaniels and a medium-haired kitty.  On our farm, we have two horses, some cows, chickens, a periodic pig, and a kennel of Foxhounds. Now you know what pets this vet has!

Education and Training

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Certificate of Excellence in Clinical Neurology

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

Wood Badge Leadership Training

Dr. Kathy – Hospital Administrator

Hi I’m Dr. Kathy Ward. I’m Dr. Michael Ward’s wife and the Hospital Administrator of Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born & raised in Northeastern North Carolina. 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. Along with over a decade of experience as a Hospital Administrator, I have worked as a private practice veterinarian and as an anatomy professor at the veterinary school. I also enjoyed my many years of homeschooling and several years of teaching as a children’s leader in Bible Study Fellowship. I love to teach! Being a lifelong learner is important to me. I became a Fear Free Certified Professional in 2016 and Heroes for Healthy Pets certified in 2018 and I participate in a variety of continuing education classes regularly.

Hobbies I enjoy are reading, gardening, raising laying chickens, spending time outside, & loving on our pets: 2 Brittany Spaniels, 1 spoiled cat, & lots of farm animals. Our family loves to spend time together, especially traveling, and we achieved our goal of “50 by 50” – visiting all 50 states together by 50 years old. I love to learn new things and I try to frequently engage in novel experiences. Amidst my curiosity for fresh ideas & experiences, I am grounded in my relationship with God. My faith in Jesus is an integral part of my life.

Education and Training

Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Purina Daily Nutrition Matters Education Program

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

AVMA Small Animal Restraint & Bite Prevention

Dr. Potter – Veterinarian

Dr. Potter is a native of East Tennessee, where he attended East Tennessee State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organic Chemistry. Upon graduation he was active duty service and achieving the rank of Major, Dr. Potter left the military and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology. He then attended the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2000 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

For the past 19 years, Dr. Potter has held positions as Associate Veterinarian, Managing Veterinarian, and Relief Veterinarian in East Tennessee and in the Carolinas. Dr. Potter lives in Dunn, NC with his wife Mona and their two dogs. He has two adult children, a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Nikki. He enjoys outdoor activities, fishing, motorcycling, the beach, and spending time with his family and pets.

Education and Training

Bachelor of Science in Organic Chemistry

Bachelor of Science in Zoology

Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

US Army Commission, 2nd Lieutenant, Field Artillery

US Army Certification, VFMED Tactical Messaging and Fire Support Training Computer

US Army Promotion to the rank of Captain, US Army Field Artillery

US Army Certification, TACTIRE Fire Direction Computer System Certification

US Army Certification, Nuclear and Chemical Target Analysis and Planning Officer

Graduate, Dale Carnegie Human Relations Course

US Army Promotion to the rank of Major, US Army Field Artillery Reserves

Jodee – Practice Manager

Hey y’all! My name is Jodee Langdon, I am the Practice Manager here at Johnston Animal Hospital. I originally joined JAH in 2017. I was born on November 1st and raised in Selma, NC on my family’s farm, Boswell Farms. I am an alumnus of North Johnston High, FFA, and the Johnston County 4-H. I spent 11 years showing livestock with the Johnston County 4-H. I started showing lambs, then transitioned to goats, cows, and lastly hogs. 4-H was a huge part of my life and is something I hope to continue into my children’s life when they are of age! In 2014 I met the love of my life DJ and we got married in 2017. We were blessed in 2019 with our son Finley, who is alllll boy, obsessed with dinosaurs, and loves playing with his 4-legged sister Teal. I’m just a southern girl who loves sweet tea, Dunkin iced coffee, dogs, taking photos for my part-time business “Jodee Langdon Photography”, and spending time with my family!

Education and Training

Associate in Business Administration: Concentrated in Human Resource

AVMA Small Animal Restraint & Bite Prevention

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Infection Prevention Leader Certified

Nicole – Head of Client Care

Hello, my name is Nicole Collier, and I am the head of client care. I originally joined the Johnston Animal Hospital team in 2009. I was born and raised in Johnston County and am a 2004 graduate of North Johnston High School. After graduation, I attended Johnston Community College. I married my childhood best friend in 2006. We have been blessed with three wonderful children: Karson, Lucas, and Madelyn. We also have two golden doodles, Moose and Maui. Our life is full of chaos, and we love it.

God is a very important part of who I am and what my life is. I am a church going girl who loves the Lord. My family started attending Temple in Selma in 2016 and we have been going there ever since. I love going on adventures and trying new things. I absolutely love tropical places. I would be fine being stranded on a tropical island somewhere, with my family of course! But, since that might not be practical I try to visit the beach as much as possible. I also enjoy listening to music, fishing, and just spending time with my family. Family is very important to me, and my kids are my world.

Education and Training

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

Cindy – Client Care

Bilingual Team Member

Hello, my name is Cindy Macias & I am a full-time Client Care team member at Johnston Animal Hospital. I joined the JAH family in December 2018. I’m the middle child in a large family with 6 siblings. I was born in the “Windy City” of Chicago, Illinois, but my family relocated to Johnston County when I was 6 years old. I have family here, in Mexico, Illinois, & South Carolina. You might say that I have plenty of places to travel too now!

I live in Four Oaks with my fiancé, Richard, and our 3 fur babies. Suzy is our sassy Chihuahua, Sampson is our overprotective Chiweenie, and Nala is our friendly Pekingese. I can hardly recall a time growing up when I did not have a pet as a member of my family. I love seeing the different personalities that a pet can bring into the household.

I graduated from South Johnston High School in 2012 and have taken some courses at Johnston Community College towards my associate degree in business administration. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting my family and friends, listening to “oldies” music, dancing, and creating makeup looks. I will forever be thankful for having the opportunity to work with the JAH team and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me!

Education and Training

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

Sarah, CVT, RVT – Client Care

Hello! My name is Sarah. I am originally from Vermont; I moved to North Carolina to be closer to my family. I graduated from Vermont Technical College in 2000, became a Certified Veterinary Technician, and worked at a small animal hospital for almost 22 years.

I am the oldest of 5 kids & growing up my family has always had pets- ranging from pocket pets to horses. Currently, I live with 7 shih tzus and 2 cats. 3 of my dogs are certified therapy dogs. Before moving, we enjoyed going to our local schools to visit students and teachers; providing emotional support, a dog to curl up with for a few minutes, or a pup to read to. In my down time sewing, scrapbooking, paper crafts and reading keep me busy.

I am looking forward to this next chapter, and to meeting the clients and beautiful pets that come to the Johnston Animal Hospital. Thank you for having me!

Education and Training

Associates in Applied Sciences

Earned VT CVT in 2004

Earned NC RVT in 2022

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Purina Daily Nutrition Matters Education Program

Controlled Substance Management in Veterinary Medicine

AVMA Small Animal Restraint & Bite Prevention

AVMA Bloodborne Pathogen Safety

Yuly – Client Care

Bilingual Team Member

Hello, my name is Yulisa Otero, but you can call me Yuly. I am a part-time Client Care Representative at Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born in the mountains of North Carolina, in 2020 I relocated to Johnston County. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also have a spontaneous and energetic German Shepherd named Lobo. He loves to be outdoors and go swimming yet hates to shower. I am excited to be part of the JAH team.

Education and Training

Associate in Applied Science in Community Spanish Interpreting

Licensed Notary Public

Tom – Registered Veterinary Technician Extern

Hello, my name is Thomas Lamson and I am a full-time Registered Veterinary Technician Extern at Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born in New England, but I have lived in North Carolina since 2003. I have a wonderful Border Collie named Maddy, who loves to go to Jordan Lake. I am extremely grateful to work with animals and to learn and grow here at JAH.

Education and Training

Associates in Veterinary Medical Technology

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

AVMA Small Animal Restraint & Bite Prevention

AVMA Bloodborne Pathogen Safety

Haley – Veterinary Assistant

Hello, my name is Haley. I am a full-time Veterinary Assistant at JAH. I was born and raised in North Carolina. I was a police officer in Goldsboro, NC from 2019-2021. My boyfriend, Hunter, is currently a K9 officer. My heart has always been with animals and being able to help them is where I wanted to be. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family during my free time. I am glad to be a part of the team at JAH.

Education and Training

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Purina Daily Nutrition Matters Education Program

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

Certificate of Completion in AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Selena – Veterinary Assistant, Cross Trained

Bilingual Team Member

Hello! My name is Selena, and I am a full-time Veterinary Assistant at JAH.  I have been part of the team here since 2018 and I love helping the amazing veterinarians and team to take care of all of the wonderful pets that come to visit the hospital.  I have been a part of the Smithfield community for most of my life and I graduated from Johnston Community College.  I have two dogs named Cookies, and Laguna.  In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing volleyball, watching a movie, or being outdoors.

Education and Training

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

Certificate of Completion in Veterinary Assisting: Anesthesia and Surgical Assisting

Certificate of Completion in AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Alania – Veterinary Assistant – RVT Student

Hello! I am Alania and I am a full-time Veterinary Assistant at Johnston Animal Hospital. I originally joined the team in 2018, took a break to teach middle school, and decided to come back and join RVT school.
I was born in West Virginia but spent most of my life in Johnston County. I am a 2018 graduate of Neuse Charter. After graduation, I attended North Carolina State University and graduated in 2021 with majors in Animal Science and Agriculture Business Management. When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a veterinarian. My passions have changed and shifted over the years, but my love for animals has always brought me back to the veterinary field.
In my free time I enjoy doing CrossFit, reading, watching Marvel and Harry Potter, and spending time with my 2-year-old lab, Caine, my senior English Bulldog, Annabelle, my Frenchton, Cash, and my Siamese, Smeagle.

Education and Training

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

Michelle – Pharmacy Assistant, Inventory, Cross Trained

Hi! My name is Michelle Fenske.  I originally joined the team at Johnston Animal Hospital in 2013.  My husband’s Air Force career took us to Fairbanks, Alaska for the last few years, but I am so happy to be back in North Carolina and working with some of my favorite people once again!

I grew up on a small family farm in eastern Pennsylvania where my love for animals (especially goats) began.  I attended college at Kutztown University and graduated in 2010 with a degree in sports management, professional writing, and public relations.  I always dreamt of going into the sports media field, however since my husband is in the Air Force, I had to find a career that I could do wherever they sent us.  When the veterinary field first found me, it was the perfect fit.  Since graduation, I have lived all over the country, spending time in Colorado, Florida, and Alaska.  I love being a part of the Air Force community and getting to experience so many different places and adventures.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and our golden retrievers, Lyla and Nora.  I am a huge Philadelphia sports fan and watch every Phillies, Sixers, and Eagles game that I possibly can.  I also enjoy reading, running, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.  I am beyond thrilled to be back “home” at JAH and can’t wait to see what this next chapter has in store!

Education and Training

Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, summa cum laude 

Minors in Professional Writing and Public Relations

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Certificate of Completion in “Stayin Alive” – CPR in Veterinary Medicine (AAHA)

Mariana – Team Lead of Animal Care, Technician Assistant, Cross Trained

Hello, my name is Mariana Ortiz. I am a full-time Animal Caretaker here at Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born in Ellicott City, Maryland and in 2001 moved to my hometown of Selma. I graduated from North Johnston High School in 2014 and later attended Johnston Community College. I have always loved animals and am so grateful that I am able to provide care for animals in need. I have a Yorkie of my own named Tobi, which I consider my full-time job. In my free time I enjoy being in nature, traveling, and meeting new people!

Education and Training

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Janey, AVA – Approved Veterinary Assistant

Hey y’all, my name is Janey. I was born and raised in Carlisle on a farm in the hills and hollers of KY. I have always had a love for animals. Thanks to my dad, I have learned quite a bit about animals and growing/providing crops for them. In Kentucky I had a farm full of animals. We had goats, chickens, ducks, horses, cows, dogs, cats, and donkeys – so when I say I love animals, I love animals. I’m very pleased to be a part of Johnston Animal Hospital. I am ready to grow and learn everything I can. I earned my Approved Veterinary Assistant certification in May 2023. Now I’m looking forward to studying for my Registered Veterinary Technician certification so I can become a licensed RVT.

Education and Training

Approved Veterinary Assistant

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

Infection Prevention Leader Certified

Matthew – Animal Caretaker

Hello, my name is Matthew. I was born in Johnston County, and I am a graduate of Clayton High School (CHS). While attending CHS, I participated in the Future Farmers of America. I have always enjoyed animals so this job seems like a great fit. In my free time, I enjoy spending time fishing along with other outdoor activities. I am excited to be a part of the JAH Animal Care team and I look forward to meeting both clients and their pets.

Education and Training

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

AVMA Small Animal Restraint & Bite Prevention

Lanie – Animal Caretaker

Hello! My name is Lanie, I am a full-time animal caretaker at Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born and raised in Washington state on my family’s farm. I moved to North Carolina in January 2023. I have three beloved pets: my dog Reyna and two tuxedo cats, Anakin and Mando. I love hiking, traveling, and my family. I have worked in animal rescue, which caused me to have a deep passion for working with animals. I am on a mission to give the best quality care and love to every pet I care for. They are my whole world, and I am excited to be here at JAH!

Education and Training

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control

Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases

AVMA Small Animal Restraint & Bite Prevention

Allison – Animal Caretaker

Hello! My name is Allison, I am a part-time animal caretaker at Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born and raised in North Carolina! I am a graduate of North Johnston High school; I have had a love for animals since I was four. During my free time I love spending time with family and friends! I love meeting new people and their fury friends. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to work with such an amazing team at JAH.

Education and Training