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 along with many others allowed me and my family to complete our goal of “50 by 50” – we travelled to all 50 states by or before the time we were 50 years old!
I enjoyed participating in Boy Scout adventures with my son for many years as an Assistant Scoutmaster. 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 horses, cows, chickens, a periodic pig, and a kennel of foxhounds and beagles. Now you know what pets this vet has!
Education and Training
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
Certificate of Excellence in Clinical Neurology
Human Animal Bond Certified
Fear Free Certified Professional
Companion Animal Laser Therapy Training – American Institute of Medical Laser Applications
AAHA’s Anesthesia Safety and Monitoring Guidelines Certificate
Member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
Wood Badge Leadership Training
Dr. Kathy, CVBL
Hospital Administrator, Certified Veterinary Business Leader
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, an anatomy professor, and as a professional picture framer. I also enjoyed 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 2019. In 2023 I earned the designation of Certified Veterinary Business Leader. I value participating in a variety of continuing education classes regularly. This year I’m looking forward to giving back by serving among the first cohort of Alumni Mentors with the newly launched NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Mentorship Program.
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
Certified Veterinary Business Leader
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer Training – American Institute of Medical Laser Applications
Purina Daily Nutrition Matters Education Program
Controlled Substances Management in Veterinary Medicine
Attended Community Narcan Training
Dr. Potter
Veterinarian
Dr. Potter grew up in East Tennessee and attended East Tennessee State University, graduating with a Bachelors’ Degree in Organic Chemistry. He also was a member of the Corps of Cadets in US Army ROTC and was granted a Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery Corps. While serving on active duty for over 12 years Dr. Potter achieved the rank of CPT, US Army, and was then promoted to the rank of Major in the US Army Reserves.
After the military Dr. Potter attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Zoology. He then was accepted into Veterinary School at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2000 with a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Potter has over 29 years of experience in Veterinary Medicine, both as support staff and as a DVM. In his 23 years as a DVM he has held positions as Associate Veterinarian, Managing Veterinarian and Relief Veterinarian. He participates in frequent Continuing Education courses such as Fear Free Veterinarian Certification, CPR Certification, Human Animal Bond Certification, and Controlled Substance Management in Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Potter lives in Dunn, NC with his wife Mona and their 3 very active dogs (terriers). He has two adult children, a son Jesse and a daughter Nikki, who works as a highly skilled Veterinary Assistant. He enjoys outdoor activities, fine cooking and dining, fishing, motorcycle riding, the beach, and spending time with his family and their pets. He also enjoys building, repairing, and customizing electric guitars (the fun stuff!)
Education and Training
Bachelor of Science in Organic Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Zoology
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
Human Animal Bond Certified
Fear Free Certified Professional
Cat Friendly Veterinarian
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
Graduate, Leadership Lawton (OK), Business and Community Leadership and Management 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 lives when they are of age! In 2014 I met the love of my life D.J. and we got married in 2017. We were blessed in 2019 with our son Finley, who is constantly keeping us on our toes with his passion for the outdoors, bugs, and dinosaurs. He also loves playing with his 4-legged sister Ellie who is a miniature Aussiedoodle and chameleon named Nikita. I’m just a southern girl who loves sweet tea, 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
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
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
Attended Community Narcan Training
Cindy
Client Care | Blingual Team Member
Hey, 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 six siblings and currently have eighteen nieces and nephews. I was born in the “Windy City” of Chicago, Illinois, but my family relocated to Johnston County when I was about five years old. I have family here, in Mexico, Illinois, & South Carolina.
I almost always have eventful weekends with family, but I do enjoy relaxing a bit at home when I can, too.
I currently reside in Four Oaks.
I was blessed with fraternal twins, Atreus and Davina, in late September 2023. It’s amazing to see how similar they look, but also how much of a difference in personalities they are starting to show. I never would have guessed that I’d be a twin momma, but here we are, and I am loving every single day I get to see them grow and learn. My day-to-day lifestyle may have gotten a little topsy-turvy since the twins were born, but I am learning to embrace the chaos that comes with raising children. I also have two fur babies in our home. Suzy is the sassy chihuahua and Nala is the friendly Pekingese. I can hardly recall a time growing up when I did not have a pet included as a member of my family.
I graduated from South Johnston High School in 2012 and have taken some business administration courses at Johnston Community College. For now, my focus is on my children reaching milestones in their early years so they can be as prepared as they can be when they’re old enough to enter the education system. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with and talking to the twins, visiting family and friends, listening to “oldies” music, and dancing. I am eager to see what shared interests the twins will have with us as they grow up.
I will forever be thankful for my team here at JAH and for working alongside of them. I always look forward to meeting new clients and servicing your pets.
Education and Training
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
Sarah, CVT, RVT
Client Care
Hello, my name is Sarah Hahn. I am part of the client care team at Johnston Animal Hospital. I have been working with animals & their people (in and out of the veterinary world for over 25 years. I graduated from Vermont Technical College in 2000 and started working at a small animal hospital. In 2004, I became a certified veterinary technician in Vermont, and in 2022, I passed the exam in North Carolina to become a registered veterinary technician. I enjoy being able to help owners with understanding their pets’ world. Questions about a visit, medication, or diet… or just want to share some cute photos or stories… it’s all part of the bonds we have created within our team and your family.
I love the working and trusting bonds that people and animals can share. I have worked closely with my own dogs and a pet therapy group- going to schools primarily to support students and staff. I also worked closely with the Vermont State Police Canine Assoc. helping to maintain the overall health of my local K9s, as well as being a foster parent for their puppy program and a general volunteer for several of their public events.
I am the oldest of 5 kids and have always loved animals. Over the years, there have always been dogs and cats- but we snuck in the occasional fish, pollywogs, a parakeet, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, a mouse, ferrets, a chinchilla, horses, and for 18-20 long hours, a donkey that did not like staying in our fence. In my down time, I enjoy reading, scrap booking, card making, sewing, and spending quality time with my family and pets.
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
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
Purina Daily Nutrition Matters Education Program
Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional
Controlled Substance Management in Veterinary Medicine
AVMA Small Animal Restraint & Bite Prevention
AVMA Bloodborne Pathogen Safety
Stefanie
Client Care | Blingual Team Member
Hi, my name is Stefanie Esquivel, I am a full-time bilingual Client Care team member at Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born & raised in Johnston County with my 2 older sisters and little brother. I graduated from Smithfield Selma High School class of 2021. Shortly after I went into the beauty field and received my Esthetician License. I don’t have any children but I do have 3 dogs (Charlie, Arlo, & Kazzan) and 1 parakeet (Peter) that keep me on my 10 toes. I’m also blessed to have my niece and 2 nephews that drive me crazy but love so much. They remind me every day to slow down and enjoy the moments. My favorite things to do in my free time are spend time with my family, travel, and exercise. I am very grateful to be a part of Johnston Animal Hospital and excited to see what the future holds for me.
Haley
Veterinary Assistant & RVT Student
Hello! My name is Haley, and I am a Veterinary Assistant and RVT student. I was born and raised in North Carolina.
Prior to working at JAH, I worked in law enforcement. I completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and was a law enforcement officer for a little over 2 years. I learned a lot about myself while working in law enforcement and I met my now husband, Hunter. As much as I enjoyed working in law enforcement, I realized that nothing could compare to my love for animals and so I decided to enter the veterinary world.
My favorite thing about my job is treating pets and helping them recover from sickness or injury. When you see a sick pet come in, you see their owner on one of their hardest days. Being able to put owners at ease and help their pets is a very rewarding part of the job. I am in this field to make sure that your pets receive all the love and care that they deserve.
In my free time, I like to spend time at the beach and with my family which of course includes my Boston terrier, Strider, and my Boykin spaniel, Teal. I also have 4 crazy cats. Between the dogs and cats, Hunter and I never have a dull moment at home.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Proverbs 31:9
Education and Training
Laser Therapy Training – American Institute of Medical Laser Applications
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
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 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
Selena
Veterinary Assistant & RVT Student | 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 in the Smithfield community for most of my life and I graduated from Johnston Community College. I have three dogs named Chico, Cookies and Laguna. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing volleyball, watching a movie, or being outdoors.
Education and Training
Associates in Sciences
Associates in Arts
Associates in Accounting
Laser Therapy Training – American Institute of Medical Laser Applications
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
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
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 as an animal caretaker.
I was born in West Virginia but have spent most of my life in Johnston County. After graduating high school, I attended North Carolina State University and graduated in 2021 with majors in Animal Science and Agriculture Business Management. I decided to enroll into RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) school in 2023.
My favorite thing to do at the hospital is being able to help with all of the ICU patients and nursing them back to health. It brings me a lot of joy to help animals at their lows and being able to see them walk out of here healthy again. I also enjoy using my skills in phlebotomy and lab diagnostics as well as applying my education to everyday situations.
In my free time I enjoy doing CrossFit, reading, watching movies, sewing/crocheting, and spending time with my Lab, Caine, English bulldog, Annabelle, Frenchton, Cash, and Siamese, Smeagle.
Education and Training
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management
Laser Therapy Training – American Institute of Medical Laser Applications
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 & RVT Student
Hi, my name is Janey Denton, I was born and raised in Carlisle, KY with my parents and older brother. I have always had a love for animals ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Thanks to my dad I have learned quite a bit about animals including growing and providing crops for them. In KY I always had a farm full of animals; we had goats, chickens, ducks, cows, horses, donkeys, cats, and dogs. So, when I say I love animals, I love animals! My hobbies are hunting, fishing, and riding horses. I am very grateful to be part of Johnston Animal Hospital. Since working here, I have grown so much as a Veterinarian Assistant with the help of my team. I love helping care for the dogs and cats, and watching the sick ones nursed back to health. I earned my Approved Veterinarian Assistant certification in May of 2023, I am now looking forward to furthering my education and going to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.
Education and Training
Approved Veterinary Assistant
Laser Therapy Training – American Institute of Medical Laser Applications
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
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
Controlled Substances Management in Veterinary Medicine
Tim
Veterinary Assistant
Hello, my name is Tim Lavery and I am a full-time veterinary assistant at Johnston Animal Hospital. I was born and raised in northern New Jersey up until I left for college. When I moved down to North Carolina to attend NC State University, my immediate family decided to move down with me, and we began a new life change together!
While at school, I worked at the Equine Education Unit of NCSU where I learned to love horses and their management. During my senior year, I decided to add in small animal experience and began working in Creedmoor as a veterinary assistant. Since graduating in 2019, I have worked as a barn manager for the YMCA and returned to Creedmoor to continue to learn as much as I could in the veterinary industry.
I adore the opportunity to work closely with animals every day. Whether I am spending time connecting with clients or cleaning teeth during a procedure, I always like to have fun. I also pursue every opportunity to learn in-hospital so that I can improve my skills and value to others.
In my free time, I enjoy camping by the fire, lifting weights at the gym, and spending copious amounts of time with my family. Although I do not personally own any pets, I have access to 7 at any given moment, thanks to family ties. One day, I hope to get back into the equine field by owning a few of my own!
Education and Training
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Minors in Nutrition and Ag. Business
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
Purina Daily Nutrition Matters Education Program
Hannah
Technician Assistant
Hey!! My name is Hannah Collins. I am a Technician Assistant here at Johnston Animal Hospital. I am originally from this area. I was raised on a farm with cows, pigs, chickens, and donkeys. I have always had a passion for animals. Loving everything from small to large animals! Fun fact about me, a future goal of mine is to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I have one dog of my own, a Staffordshire Terrier named Wiley. In my free time, you can catch me at the beach with Wiley, spending time with family and friends, or just relaxing!
Education and Training
Purina Daily Nutrition Matters Education Program
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
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 a few years, but as soon as we returned, I couldn’t wait to re-join the team!
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 Eric, our daughter Cara, and our golden retriever, Nora. I am a huge Philadelphia sports fan and watch every Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers game that I possibly can. I also enjoy reading, running, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Education and Training
Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, summa cum laude
Minors in Professional Writing and Public Relations
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Effective Infectious Disease Control
Heroes for Healthy Pets Certificate of Completion in Understanding Infectious Diseases
Allison
Animal Caretaker
Hey! My name is Allison Murray, I am an Animal Caretaker here at Johnston Animal Hospital. I started working here in June of 2023. I was born and raised in Kenly, NC my whole life. I graduated from North Johnston High School in 2023, I am currently going to JCC for my Associate in Science Degree. I have a wonderful, loving Shih Tzu named Yogi. He loves to play and snuggle all the time. Working as an Animal Caretaker comes with many perks. I would say being able to spend time with everyone’s animals, getting to know them better, and making them feel comfortable during their stay are the best parts about my job. I am the middle child between 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and just catch up with one another.
Education and Training
AVMA Bloodborne Pathogen Safety
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
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program
Lanie
Animal Caretaker
Hello! I’m Lanie, an animal caretaker at Johnston Animal Hospital. Animals have been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up on my family’s small homestead in Washington State, I had the joy of raising goats, chickens, pigs, and a horse. After graduating high school, I jumped straight into animal rescue, where I worked for two years. In early 2023, my husband’s Air Force career brought us to the beautiful state of North Carolina, and I started my role at Johnston Animal Hospital.
In my free time, I enjoy camping, traveling, listening to music, creating art, and hiking with my husband Trey and our Presa Canario, Reyna. Our family also includes a corn snake named Terry, a chameleon called Rango, and four cats: Anakin, Mando, Basil, and Nea. I feel privileged to care for your beloved pets and am committed to ensuring they have a gentle, comfortable, and compassionate experience while they’re with us.
Education and Training
Fear Free Boarding & Daycare Certification
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program