Kristen M. Lewis, CEO

Kristen Lewis graduated Magna Cum Laude from Piedmont College with a BA in Sociology in 1999 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2000 with top honors. She began working in the veterinary field in 2004 when she and her husband, Dr. Lyn Lewis, first bought into Appalachian Animal Hospital in Ellijay, GA. With experience in administration, Kristen began focusing on learning the veterinary management side, while Dr. Lewis remained focused on providing high-quality medicine. In 2008, they became the sole owners of Appalachian Animal Hospital, together leading a five-doctor practice with approximately 30 support staff. Then, in 2009, they purchased a second practice, Wayside Animal Hospital in Jasper, GA. In 2010, Kristen assisted Dr. Lewis as he became the Founder of the North Georgia Animal Emergency Hospital in Blue Ridge, GA, now called Mountain Emergency Animal Center. Together, she and Dr. Lewis won the UGA Top 100 Fastest Growing Business Award for their success with Appalachian Animal Hospital. Later, in 2010, Dr. Lewis and Kristen sold Appalachian Animal Hospital to focus primarily on Wayside and the Pickens County community. Then in 2015, Wayside Animal Hospital was named Small Business of the Year for Pickens County. In 2017, Kristen changed her focus from Wayside Animal Hospital to Express Vets. Express Vets is a concept that originated from Pet Shots Express in Canton, GA, a new concept in veterinary medicine created by Kristen in 2013. After years of being a working mother in the veterinary field, Kristen saw the challenges faced by veterinarians, trying to be the perfect parent, the perfect veterinarian, and the perfect employee. It was a constant struggle for veterinary employees. She wanted a place for veterinarians and veterinary staff to focus on the work they love, practicing medicine, in a family-friendly, supportive work environment, with convenient hours, and in a well-managed clinic. At the same time, Kristen wanted a place for clients to receive high-quality veterinary medicine, at affordable pricing with same-day appointments. With the focus on Primary Care for Pets, Kristen’s goal is to expand Express Vets to other communities so that other veterinarians, staff, and clients can benefit from all that Express Vets has to offer. Kristen is excited about all the potential for Express Vets.

Kristen has served on the State Board of Directors for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia for 3 years, along with the State Advisory Board for 3 years. Kristen has also served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of North Georgia. She is a member of the Piedmont College Torch Club, and she also received the Piedmont College Pacesetter Award in 2009. Kristen is also a member of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. In her free time, Kristen enjoys volunteering at her children’s schools, helping local charities, boating, swimming, and spending time with her children, family, pets, and friends.

Dr. Lyn Lewis, Medical Director

Bio coming soon!

Nicole Troche, Operations Manager

Nicole is our Operations Manager. After starting her career in Veterinary Medicine as a receptionist in 2003, she continued her career path and earned her Veterinary Practice Management Certification in 2019. Nicole has a passion for helping others and ensuring that all pets receive quality medicine at an affordable price. Nicole was born and raised in Florida and moved to Georgia in 2001. She enjoys traveling to the beach, being outdoors, and enjoying time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Julie Levy, Area Coordinator

Julie is our Area Coordinator at the Buford and Cumming locations. Julie has enjoyed a lifetime of being in the company of animals and began her professional career in animal care in 2014. She is committed to providing skilled and compassionate service while ensuring that pet owners are educated on how to keep their companions safe, happy and healthy. Julie enjoys spending time with her husband and three children participating in community events, traveling and watching movies. Their household is made complete by three mischievous kitties and a faithful canine.

Myia Griffith, Area Coordinator

Myia began her career in Veterinary Medicine as a kennel technician when she was 15. She quickly discovered her passion for veterinary care and animal welfare and has been in the industry ever since. She has years of experience working in numerous positions in day practice as well as emergency medicine and animal toxicology. Myia has also been very involved in helping Georgia’s homeless pets. Prior to joining Express Vets, she helped manage a non-profit dog shelter and fostered over 50 animals. Her favorite fosters are neonatal orphans and fearful dogs who need to learn how to be loved by humans again. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and going on adventures with her three dogs- Chai the Catahoula, Nigel the Frenchie, and Bella the Chowsky Sheptriever.

Nina Drumm, Controller

While most people find accounting and human resources to be a bit dry and boring. Nina knew from an early age there was nothing more she wanted to do, thus it became the focus of her education and long-standing career. She was born in Long Island, NY, raised in Orlando, FL, and relocated to Canton, GA in 2018 with her 2 children (Matthew and Taylor). She and her husband live on a small farm with 3 dogs (2 Australian Shepherds – Gunner and Layla and 1 mini-Dachshund – Roxy), 2 goats – Snickers and Oreo, 5 chickens, and 3 ducks. In her time away from work, Nina’s hobbies are fitness, spending time with friends, and traveling to new places around the world.