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

Dr. Thomas “Lyn” Lewis, Jr. is from coastal Beaufort, South Carolina. He attended Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. for his Bachelor of Science in Biology, where he graduated with honors. In his 4 years there he played college tennis and was nationally ranked his senior season. In 1998, he began Veterinary School at the University of Georgia. In 2002, Dr. Lewis had the pleasure of presenting his grandfather, Dr. George Radford, his 50-year medallion honoring his graduation from UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 1952. Soon after graduation in 2002, he started his career at Appalachian Animal Hospital in Ellijay, GA. He quickly became a partner and then purchased the hospital outright in 2008.  In 2013 Dr Lewis and his wife Kristen founded their first primary care practice Pet Shots Express and really fell in love with the concept of primary care.  Dr. Lewis loves bringing lower-cost medicine to our clients and providing a great working environment for our veterinarians and staff.  We have now founded multiple Express Vets locations in the Atlanta area and look forward to growing the concept larger over the next few years.  Bringing high-quality medicine at prices that are affordable is the driving force behind Express Vets.

 Dr. Lewis has extensive experience with both dogs and cats but has also worked with Gorillas, Kangaroos, Raptors, Cougars, Black Bears, and other wildlife. He loves internal medicine and dermatology and has specialized training in physical therapy/rehabilitation. However, he especially loves spending time with our clients in both the exam rooms and the lobby. Dr. Lewis has authored over 100 articles for various newspapers such as the Pickens Progress and the Ellijay Times Courier. Dr. Lewis stays active in the community with his involvement in the Pickens Chamber of Commerce, he works with local classrooms, and with the Youth Apprenticeship Program hiring high school students each year with a passion for Veterinary Medicine. He is the Founder and serves on the Board of the Mountain Emergency Animal Center, an after-hours veterinary hospital in Blue Ridge, GA. In his spare time, Dr. Lewis loves playing tennis and spending time with his wife Kristen and their children Addison and Patrick.

Myia Griffith, Operations Manager

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, Chief Financial Officer

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.