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KAREN OERTLEY-PIHERA, DVM
Dr. Oertley attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, then earned a Master's degree in Parasitology at the Wildlife Disease Center at UGA. She has practiced in or near Atlanta since that time and was thrilled to open Cohutta Animal Clinic with Janice Hayes in October 2008. Dr. Oertley is also one of the founding shareholders of the North Georgia Animal Emergency Hospital. Karen raises llamas and currently has a herd of 19. She enjoys showing, packing, and camping with her llamas. Dr. Oertley also volunteers for The Dolphin Project which monitors the Georgia coastal dolphin population as a sentinel species for pollution in our rivers and ocean. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling and Zumba. In addition to her llamas, Dr. Oertley has two half-Pyrenees dogs, a Puggle, two cats and free-range peacocks. |
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JANICE W. HAYES, BS, RVT
Janice comes with 17 years in the corporate world working for AT&T in the data communication field. Her childhood passion of being around and working with animals led her to seek further education in working with cattle. She completed her bachelor of science at the University of Georgia in 2002 specializing in beef cattle. While working with her own herd and working for another rancher was satisfying and hard work, she very much enjoyed when the veterinarian came to the ranch for annual herd health checks. She went back to school at Gwinnett Technical College and earned a degree in Veterinary Technology which allowed her to pass the Georgia State Board Exam and become a registered veterinary technician. Her dream while in school was to become the best she could be at her job and someday be part owner of a private veterinary practice. The opportunity availed itself when Dr. Karen Oertley phoned stating she would be opening a practice and would like for her to come and work with her. They struck a deal and a dream came true. Janice enjoys riding her motorcycle and is current President and Ride Captain of the Georgia Mountain Riders. Simon, her Schnauzer, will sometimes ride with her strapped in his crate. He likes the luxury of her Honda Gold Wing. Janice and Simon also enjoy kayaking on the lake or rivers; yep, he has his own life jacket. Janice enjoys many outdoor activities including hiking and scuba diving. The arts are a favorite as well, whether at the theatre or an art museum. Janice acquired a new schnauzer named Heidi. Simon says, "I am still getting used to the idea." |
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TAMMY DONALDSON, CNMT, MT, VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Tammy was born and raised in Nürnberg, Germany where she started volunteering at a local animal clinic on weekends and after school at the age of thirteen. Inspired by her early passion to care for animals, she attended a 2 year vocational school for Veterinary Technology immediately after high school graduation from 1991 through 1993. Though she has worked in the veterinary field, including emergency and practice management for over twenty years, she pursued a secondary career path and earned a certification in Neuromuscular Therapy after graduating from Gwinnett College in 2017 to become a Licensed Massage Therapist and business owner.
She is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program to continue growing and advancing in her career field of choice. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys the great outdoors, traveling, books, painting, tiny living, music and loves spending time with her family, friends and her pet ferrets Loki and Panda.
Maureen Roeland, Client Care Specialist
Maureen started her work career as a school teacher and later pioneered the role of the first female bank loan officer in the state of Florida. She owned a boutique in Palm Beach, after which she decided to join her husband Dwight's car sales business from which both retired in 2018.
She has served as the Director of Crisis Resources for the North Georgia region for 5 years, where she supported and counseled many victims of sexual assault for over 26 years.
Maureen and her husband Dwight hosted 35 foreign exchange high school students from 1984 through 2004 and still remain in contact with many of them. They share their home with a Lowchen named "Heidi" and a Biewar named "Luie".
In her spare time, Maureen enjoys reading, car shows, needle work and socializing with friends and loved ones.
Maureen started her work career as a school teacher and later pioneered the role of the first female bank loan officer in the state of Florida. She owned a boutique in Palm Beach, after which she decided to join her husband Dwight's car sales business from which both retired in 2018.
She has served as the Director of Crisis Resources for the North Georgia region for 5 years, where she supported and counseled many victims of sexual assault for over 26 years.
Maureen and her husband Dwight hosted 35 foreign exchange high school students from 1984 through 2004 and still remain in contact with many of them. They share their home with a Lowchen named "Heidi" and a Biewar named "Luie".
In her spare time, Maureen enjoys reading, car shows, needle work and socializing with friends and loved ones.
