R. Todd Hurst, DVM

Dr. Hurst was raised in Ohatchee, AL where he graduated from Ohatchee High in 1985. He then moved to Tennessee and attended The University of the South in Sewanee, TN where he graduated with a BS in Biology in 1990. After working as a musician in Nashville for 4 years, Dr. Hurst attended The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine where he earned his DVM in 1998. He has worked at several veterinary hospitals including Hillsboro Animal Hospital, Hermitage Animal Hospital and Nashville Pet Emergency Clinic where he served as President of the Board of Directors for 2 years. Dr. Hurst purchased Harpeth Valley in August, 2005. He and his wife Dr. Laurie Blanco were married in 2001 and they have 2 daughters; Taylor, born in 2007 and Emma Rose, born in 2009. They have two Boston terriers, Lily and Buttercup, two cats named Milo and Ruby. When away from the office, Dr. Hurst enjoys running, playing golf, coaching softball and hanging out with his family. He is an avid Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide and Chicago Cubs fan.

Alaine Gerughty, DVM

Start in January 2025
Dr. Gerughty grew up in Louisville, KY and attended the University of Kentucky where she graduated with an Animal Sciences degree in 2017. From here she attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2021. She moved to Tennessee shortly after and spent three and a half years practicing at a mixed animal practice seeing farm animals, small animals, and exotics. She joined our team to focus on her small animal and allow her more time to focus on each client and patient. When not working she enjoys spending time with their two dogs (Nyla and Davey), chinchilla – Freddie, and hedgehog – Lil J. She and her husband, Ian, love to enjoy new restaurants around Nashville and spend free time traveling.

Hopper

Hopper is our patient coordinator that gives 110% every day.

Pogo

Pogo is a new addition to our team and is Hopper’s apprentice.

Lori Cross

Started in May 2016
Lori has been one of our loyal receptionists for years and has enjoyed being a part of every patient’s journey. One of her favorite things about this job is learning new things everyday. When she is not upfront keeping us organized, she is at home reading and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chris, have two children; Jaxon and Lexi. One of their many activities is being on the lake and kayaking. She also stays busy with her two labs (Charlie and Colbi) and three cats (Baxter, Yeti, and Ollie).

Lana Carnevale

Started in October 2023
Lana is one of our busy receptionists that enjoys spending time talking to our clients and helping them take care of their fur babies. She has three miniature schnauzers named Lily, Lydia, and Lucia. When home she enjoys watching women’s college basketball, Texas Tech University, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She also spends her time decorating for Holidays.

Candace Chappell

Candace joined us the fall of 2019. She came to us with 10 years’ experience caring for animals. She was born in Virginia and raised in Tennessee. Candace attended MTSU and majored in Psychology. She enjoys reading, doing jigsaw puzzles – and living life with her dog, Tanner and cat, Razi.

Kortney Norvell

Started in October 2023
Kortney is a busy bee that enjoys the fur babies she meets at work and the ones she goes home to after work. She takes care of her dogs (Odin and Daisy), cats (Luke, Alice, and Oliver), and her lizard (Zoey). She enjoys reading, swimming, hiking, and taking pictures of nature. She also spends her time with her beautiful daughter who also shares her love of animals.

Margret Dobbs

Started in June 2024
Margret is one of our many kennel workers that works to keep the boarding pets healthy and happy. She enjoys interacting with all the animals that come through the door and playing with her orange cat Cooper at home. She has many hobbies, such as cooking, singing and painting. Currently she is studying psychology and aims to work with service animals in training.

Emmie

Elaine Hazelwood

Megan Wilson, LVMT

Started in February 2025
Megan has been in the veterinary field for many years; in 2023 she became a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician. Through her position she has loved meeting all the fur babies and educating clients. She has a special interest in dental cleaning. She currently has two pets; a dog named Brady and a cat named Toby, whom she is fostering for her brother. When not here Megan stays busy gardening, reading, cooking, and hanging out with her husband, Gage.

Danielle Rieselman

Started in January 2024
Danielle is currently in school to become a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician. She has picked this career because she loves to make a positive impact on the lives of the animals she sees. She has a special love for Blue Heelers, especially her girl Brandi. When she has some free time she will be outdoors hiking or scuba diving to take a look at some exotic creatures.

Derek Putthoff

Started in January 2025
Derek started here on his birthday because his passion is taking care of animals. He spends a lot of time assisting our veterinarians in surgery and monitoring our patients to make sure they are doing well. When not here taking care of your pets, he is taking care of Emma Clover a Pyrenees mix, and two cats (Milo and Mr. Cat). To keep busy he loves to play guitar and be immersed in music.

Morgan Wood

Started in August 2021
Morgan started here with us as one of our Kennel Assistants. Currently she is training to become an Assistant for our appointments. Through both these positions she has enjoyed meeting the patients and learning their unique personalities. Her chocolate lab, Pixie, is one of our patients and is an especially good girl. When not with the animals she enjoys crafting and sewing at home.

Tiffany Ramsey

Started in October 2024
Tiffany is currently attending an online masters program with the University of New England. She has been working hard with her education to get closer to her goal of attending veterinary school. She is a hard worker that enjoys helping people with the care of their pets. When not working she is working out, cooking, or catching up on reading. She currently has three dogs (Beans, Chicken, and Fitz) and two chickens (Marshamellow and Montana).