Meet the Team

Dr. Candace is a native of upstate South Carolina. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University. She then attended the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary medicine graduating with honors. Following veterinary school she completed a year long equine internship at Carolina Equine Hospital. After her internship she went on to work at an equine only practice in eastern NC before moving back to call the Piedmont Triad home.

Dr. Candace’s professional interests include preventative and emergency medicine, ophthalmology, and lameness. She is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA).

Horses have always been an interest and passion for Dr. Thrift from an early age. She still enjoys spending time with her Quarter Horse gelding, Ebony, who she has had from birth. Her other interests include cooking, and spending time with her corgi, Rhett.

Dr. Melissa Sheppard was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at Villanova University, and graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a year-long equine internship at Carolina Equine Hospital prior to joining SEVS, and joined our team in July 2020. Her professional interests include lameness, emergency medicine and reproduction.

Dr. Sheppard began riding at a young age, and primarily rode off the track Thoroughbreds at home in Trinidad, where her favorite discipline was the jumpers. When she is not working, Dr. Sheppard enjoys spending time doing anything outdoors. She especially enjoys hiking, spending time in the mountains or at the beach, and relaxing with her family, friends and two dogs.

Kelly was raised on a cattle farm in East Tennessee. Whenever they had the chance, she and her twin sister could be found in the mountains on horseback. Kelly continues to trail ride as much as she can. She has her bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology from Lincoln Memorial University, and has worked in the veterinary field for 18 years - at small animal day practices, small animal emergency clinics, mixed animal practices and equine clinics. Kelly lives with her husband and daughter in Pinnacle.

Megan joined the SEVS team in the Summer of 2021, after working in small animal clinics since 2007. An adventurer and horse enthusiast since the age of 2, Megan always found a way to volunteer at local stables growing up, learning as much as possible about horse care. When not at work, Megan loves to express her love of animals through art and is currently in the process of writing her first book. She lives in Kernersville with her husband, two kids, dog, two parrots and a chinchilla. Her horse, Amelia, lives at a fantastic place in Germanton.

Caroline joined SEVS in May of 2022 as our veterinary assistant. She is a recent graduate of NC A&T University, with a major in Animal Sciences, and is in the process of applying to veterinary school. She has always had a passion for working with animals, but equines hold a special place in her heart. Currently working in Yadkinville, Caroline enjoys baking, outside activities such as hiking, and spending time with her German Shepherd named Koda.