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.

Dr. Miley is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and attended undergraduate and veterinary school at Louisiana State University. She was awarded the large animal proficiency in surgery award, the proficiency in theriogenology award, and multiple awards for leadership and dedication to equine practice. Following veterinary school, Dr. Miley pursued further training through an equine rotating internship at North Carolina State University. She has a shepherd/husky mixed breed dog named Roxy, and a cat named Remi who torments her. In her free time, Dr. Miley spends time with her husband and kids, playing soccer and cheesy board games.

Fun fact: Dr. Miley took care of LSU's live tiger, Mike VII, during veterinary school!

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.

Bridget Sumeracki (soon to be Fallin) is a native of the Charlotte, NC area. Bridget has been riding horses since the age of three. She started off riding hunters, jumpers and eventing, but has ridden many different disciplines. She has currently been showing in ranch riding. She studied equine training and business at Martin Community College where she got her associates degree in 2016. She is currently enrolled at St. Andrews University Online where she is studying equine business management. She is set to graduate in the Spring of 2024. When she's not working or doing school work, Bridget enjoys any type of barn or saddle time, reading and hiking with her dogs.

Fun fact: Bridget had a total hip replacement in April of 2017.

Emily is a central Florida native who grew up in the cow/calf ranching, Timber & Citrus industry. Emily has been riding horses since she was 5. She grew up riding western, helping her family work cattle. She started competing in hunter/jumpers in middle school and was on an IEA team through high school. She attended the University of Florida, and graduated in 2017 with her Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences, specializing in Equine Sciences. She loves helping all furry friends and has previous experience working in small animal medicine ranging from general practice, shelter medicine, and surgery- but her passion has always been with horses! 

When she is not working, she enjoys riding, hiking and exploring the outdoors, hunting, reading, finding new coffee shops, and spending time with her husband and two dogs, Sig & Lugnut, and her horse, Laredo.  

Fun fact: She and her husband have a Bearded Dragon named Gator.