Meet Our Veterinarians in Blue Ridge, GA

In January 2025, Dr. Gantt earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. While studying in St. Kitts, he met his girlfriend, Angelica, who is also a veterinarian. During his time at school, he developed a strong interest in small animal surgery and cardiology. Outside of his studies, he enjoyed playing beach volleyball.

Dr. Gantt has long been familiar with the Blue Ridge area, having built a friendship with Dr. Patterson during his time at UGA. When he’s not at the clinic, you can find him exploring local restaurants, hiking, or cheering on Georgia football (Go Dawgs!). He and Angelica share a dog and a cat, both rescues from their time in St. Kitts.

Dr. Gantt is thrilled to have joined Cohutta Animal Clinic and looks forward to providing excellent care for the community’s beloved pets.

Dr. Will Patterson was born and raised in Blue Ridge, GA, and is beyond excited to be the new owner and veterinarian at Cohutta Animal Clinic. He’s proud to be a “double-dawg,” earning both his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in Athens. Dr. Patterson completed his undergraduate degree in just three years before entering vet school.

Following graduation, he knew he wanted to return to the Georgia mountains, so he packed up and came back home to Blue Ridge. While in school, Dr. Patterson gained diverse experience in both large and small animal medicine, but ultimately developed a passion for small animal practice, where he could work more closely with both pets and their families. His special interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and preventative medicine.

Dr. Patterson previously worked in several small animal practices throughout North Georgia and looks forward to continuing to serve the pets and people of his hometown.

Outside of veterinary medicine, he enjoys beekeeping, raising Hereford cattle, gardening, and cheering on Georgia football. On fall Saturdays, if you don’t see him at the clinic, he’s probably watching the Dawgs play! He lives in Blue Ridge with his wife, Dr. Grace Murray Patterson (who you may see at the clinic too), and their three dogs and one cat.

Dr. Jim McClearen lives on a farm in Morganton, GA, with his wife Laurie. Their family includes several dogs, horses, and a commercial herd of cattle. They have two grown children and three grandchildren—one of whom aspires to be a veterinarian like her grandfather.

Dr. McClearen earned his DVM from the University of Georgia in 1974, following a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1971. He founded and owned Bells Ferry Veterinary Hospital in Acworth, GA, until selling it in 2007. He also co-founded and served as project manager for the Cobb and Cherokee Emergency Veterinary Clinics, as well as a state-of-the-art facility for Bells Ferry.

Dr. McClearen has been deeply involved in the veterinary community, serving with state and local associations and as past president of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus by the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 and GVMA’s Veterinarian of the Year in 2013. His outreach work includes 12 years of volunteer service with Habitat and veterinary work on the Zuni Indian reservation. Most recently, he worked for 13 years at Tri-County/Murphy Animal Clinic and part-time at Project Chimps, a chimpanzee sanctuary. He has mentored many aspiring veterinarians and staff throughout his career.

Dr. McClearen’s passion for learning and helping others continues to drive his work—being a veterinarian, for him, is a lifelong calling.

Rachel has been a veterinary technician for 17 years. She attended school in Rochester, Minnesota, as a student in the Veterinary Technology Program. She received an AAS degree and moved to Florida, where she received her veterinary technician certification. While in Florida, she was selected to go to Australia and represent the veterinary technician profession for Rotary—an experience she will always remember.

Rachel has now been in the North Carolina/Georgia area for just over 2 years and is loving it. She has a Shih Tzu named Schatzie, a rescued Shih Tzu named Fritzie, and a cat named Cricket. She is grateful for helping pets and their families along her journey and is looking forward to meeting you and your furry children.

Justin has been a Vet Tech for over 20 years! He is passionate about his job and loves working with both animals and their humans. When Justin isn’t working, you will most likely find him fishing, hunting, camping, or enjoying anything outdoors.

Justin has two biological children and a blended family with three more. He is very knowledgeable and personable, and can help you with all of your pet needs.

Christy grew up in Ellijay, GA, and graduated from Gilmer High School. She has one daughter named Paisley and a fiancé. She also has two chihuahuas named Gracie and Goliath, plus a couple of kitties.

Christy has been a veterinary assistant for 4 years and has always been passionate about animal care and health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, fishing, and hunting.

Nikki grew up in Ellijay, GA, and now lives in Ball Ground with her wife, Rosa, their five dogs, and a bunny. She has been a veterinary assistant for six years. Nikki is passionate about animals and one day hopes to own her own rescue.

Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her family.

Jaden has worked as a veterinary assistant for three years and has gained valuable experience in that time. She lives in Murphy, NC, with her family and pets, which include a Great Dane named Buddy and a kitty named Ashy.

In her spare time, she enjoys being on the lake and hanging out with her boyfriend and friends. She’s always had a passion for helping animals.

Trinity’s favorite breed is a pit bull because they have loving and goofy personalities. Her current heart throb is a blue-nose pit named Murray that she rescued from Gilmer County Animal Shelter when he showed up at the clinic with medical needs. She also lives with three Rottweilers, all from different shelters. She is a therapy dog handler with her Rottie Jacob and attends places like the boys and Girls Club, nursing homes, and anywhere needed.

A fun fact you may not know about Trinity: she is a grandmother!

I am Chloee Cantrell. I have worked in Vet-med for 4 years, and currently in school to become an RVT. I have 2 fur babies who go everywhere with me. For fun, I love to travel, kayak, and hike!

Hey Mary here! Just a little bit about me, I live in Murphy, NC, where my husband and I have our own little slice of Heaven. We have chickens, ducks, and pigs on the outside, and we have 3 dogs and 6 cats on the inside. I’d like to say I’m crafty, but I think it’s more that I like to craft. I love being outside, camping is one of my favorite things to do, especially in the fall. I love flowers and nature! I like to think that I have a kind soul, but I know that I have a big heart. I love watching Horror Movies or listening to 90s Grunge, but I also like a good love story and Country music.

My name is Katherine, and I am married to Lenneth (his name is Lenn, but Lenneth is better).  We have been together for 6 years.  We have 7 cats and a rat dog. He builds houses, and that’s what brought us to NC 5 years ago. I love it here, but I wish there were a Trader Joe’s. We like to go rafting, hiking, you name it, and yes, we bring it.

Outside of work, you can usually find me with a coffee in hand, laughing at my own jokes, or spending time with mine and my fiancés 3 fur babies, always looking for ways to bring joy (and maybe a little goofiness) into the day.