Dr. Nicole B. Harris, DVM
Owner/Veterinarian

Since her earliest memory, Dr. Nicole Harris was driven to become a veterinarian. Her early experiences with animal care made a deep impression, and her love of medicine and problem solving grew. For Dr. Harris, a career in the world of animal care was simply the only choice! 
Dr. Harris opened Avenue Animal Hospital in the fall of 2012 to provide her own brand of modern diagnostics and client-centered services to the pet owners of the area. She has special passions for ultrasound, dentistry, and interacting closely with clients to develop personal and meaningful relationships. Dr. Harris and her husband, Eric, a software engineer, have two children and share their home with four pets of their own: Leon, a rescued French bulldog with a BIG personality; Bayla, a Boxer whose tail never stops wiggling; and two loveable black-and-white cats named Rhett Butler and Saki. When she isn’t caring for pets here at the clinic or enjoying the company of her family’s own four-legged companions, Dr. Harris enjoys reading, cooking, listening to music, and spending time around horses. She’s also an avid traveler, and loves experiencing new cultures across the globe.

Dr. Bethany Tyler, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Bethany Tyler grew up in Sistersville, WV and knew even at a young age that helping animals was her passion. Bethany grew up with animals of her own including dogs, cats, and several cows. She loved to go to her Grandmother's house as well and play with Sylvester and Bonnie, her two cats. She began shadowing at a local veterinarian's office in the 8th grade and the rest is history. Dr. Tyler completed her undergraduate work in 2015 at Freed-Hardeman University in Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Tyler says that her success would not have been possible without the support of her husband, parents and other family members, and her beloved dog Sherlock. Sadly, she had to say goodbye to Sherlock in May of 2019, but his memory will always remain in her heart. Dr. Tyler enjoys the challenges of internal medicine and also has an interest in ophthalmology. She believes the greatest reward is to see her patients get better and live healthy and happy lives. Dr. Tyler lives in Mt. Juliet with her husband, Dylan, her beautiful baby girl, Emory and their two cats, Leo and Orbit. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching and crafting.   

Dr. Allison Erkman,DVM
​Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Erkman is a native of Mount Juliet, TN, and knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian.  She completed her undergraduate degree in Animal Science, with Minors in Biology and Spanish, at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, and graduated from veterinary school in 2015 from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She bleeds orange – GO VOLS! Following veterinary school, Dr. Erkman completed a mixed animal (large and small animal) internship in Rochester, NH. 
She is very excited to meet all of the new clients and patients at Avenue! Her interests include soft tissue surgery and ophthalmology, and loves being in the surgery suite to perform or help with procedures! Dr. Erkman resides with her husband, Sebastien, and her three dogs, April (Am. Staffordshire Terrier), Mae (Am. Staffordshire Terrier), and June (Treeing Walker Coonhound). Not living in her house, is another true passion, her Quarter Horse, Puddin’, who resides in Shelbyville, TN. In Dr. Erkman’s spare time, she enjoys riding her horse, going to horse shows, reading true crime books, and traveling with her husband (as time allows). 

Dr. Brittany Dawes, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Brittany Dawes was born in South Florida but spent most of her childhood in High Point, North Carolina. Growing up, Dr. Dawes always had a love for animals and had a variety of pets including dogs, cats, a chinchilla, hamsters, a corn snake, chameleons, turtles, and a variety of fish. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology at East Carolina University. While in undergrad, she worked at a veterinary clinic as a veterinary technician where she focused on learning as much as she could about veterinary medicine prior to starting veterinary school at Auburn University (War Eagle). Her interests include dentistry, feline medicine, internal medicine, preventative care, client education, and palliative care. In Dr. Dawes’ spare time she likes to read, garden, spend time with friends and family, and hang out on the couch with her two cats, Moonshine and Mimosa. She is very excited to be joining the Avenue team. She is especially looking forward to meeting her future clients and can’t wait to help their fur babies live happy and healthy lives! 

Dr. Kristen Kohler, DVM
Associate Veternarian

Dr. Kristen Kohler was born in Montana, but then moved to Wisconsin, but calls Winchester, TN, her home. At five years of age, after a visiting veterinarian cared for a mare and foal at a local ranch, she knew that she wanted be a veterinarian. Since that age, her life has revolved around the care of animals. To achieve her dreams, she attended Berry College with her Bachelor's in Animal Science and a minor in Chemistry. She then went on to Ross University to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2011. Dr. Kohler is excited to be a part of the Avenue Animal Hospital team, and is looking forward to meeting all of the clients and their pet family members. Her interests include internal medicine and dentistry. In her spare time, Dr. Kohler enjoys traveling, knitting, and outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife photography. Dr. Kohler resides with her 14 year old cat, Leeu, who she adopted during veterinary school in St. Kitts.
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Linda
​Practice Manager

​​ With over 17 years' experience in the veterinary industry, Linda proudly joined the Avenue Animal Hospital family in October 2016. She first met Dr. Harris in 2007 when she began working at another local veterinary clinic. Over the years, the two maintained a friendship and were excited when the opportunity to work together presented itself. She started working here as one of the clinic's receptionists and is now our Practice Manager, making sure the business runs smoothly on a daily basis so that the doctors and staff can focus on patient care. Linda enjoys the relationships she gets to build with the clients and their pets. She has three grown children and six grandchildren that is her pride and joy. In her free time, Linda loves spending time with her grandbabies, reading, being on the lake and traveling with her husband Darrell. Linda has one Chihuahua named Charlie. 

Margie
​Lead Receptionist

​ ​​ Margie joined our team in October 2018 as a receptionist. She has worked with rescue animals in the past, has been a receptionist and also a veterinary technician. She brings over 17 years of experience to us and also has a degree in Animal Science. Taking care of animals has been a passion of Margie's since she was a little girl. Margie loves the relationships and strong bonds that she is able to build by having the interaction with our clients and pets.  She and her husband Tony live in Lebanon, TN. They love spending their free time with their three grandchildren, Blakely Grace, Presley Kate and Walker Ray. Margie also has 4 dogs and 3 cats of her own.

Kylie
Receptionist

Kylie joined our team in September 2024, bringing over 10 years of experience in the veterinary field. We are very excited that Kylie is a part of our Avenue team.  She is passionate about building strong relationships with both clients and their pets, which is a key part of what she loves about her work. 
In 2023, Kylie and her family made the move to Nashville, where they now live with their three pets: Maeve, Nemo, and Miss Priss. Outside of work, Kylie enjoys reading and is always on the lookout for great book recommendations.​

Victoria
​Receptionist

Victoria was born and raised in Mt. Juliet, TN. She has worked in customer service for 11 years and we are so excited that she is a part of our awesome customer service team. She has always had a special love for animals since she was a little girl. Victoria's empathy, care and compassion for her clients and their pets is a great asset to our Avenue family.  She also has a great love for reptiles, cats and bunnies. In Victoria's spare time she loves spending time with her daughter Charlotte, watching her favorite tv show friends, attending car shows and reptiles expos. She especially loves spending time with family and friends. ​

Desteney
​Receptionist

BIO COMING SOON!!!

Kasey Savage
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Kasey was born and raised in Gladeville. She was previously enrolled in the Vol State Vet Tech Program in which she was the president of this program and has now successfully graduated and is a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She has such a love and compassion for animals that is overwhelming to all of us. We are so lucky to have her and so glad that she is part of our team. If you ask Kasey about her career choice, she will say that she is living her dream by becoming a veterinary technician. She has four pets of her own, Yota, Chewy, Delilah and Lucky Onyx. She enjoys taking her dog to the lake, riding bikes, traveling to new places and going hiking.

Tracie
​Veterinary Assistant
​

​Tracie joined us in October 2018. She has worked in the veterinary field for 28 years and truly views this job as her calling. She has a true passion for all animals and takes even a greater interest in fear free handling and our senior patients. We are excited to have Tracie's compassion and knowledge to contribute to our Avenue family.  Tracie is married and has two children. She has five pets of her own which include three cats, one Golden Retriever and one Irish Setter. In her spare time, she likes riding motorcycles with her husband Keith and loves Crimson Tide.

Keri
Licensed Veterinary Technician

 Keri joined us in February 2020. She was anxious in becoming a part of the Avenue family to help as many pets as she can. She has a true passion for the veterinary field but especially special needs pets. Having a precious pet of her own that requires extra attention and has special needs is what got her into wanting to become a Veterinary Technician. In Keri's spare time, she enjoys watching movies, crocheting, needlepoints and spending time with her family. She is excited beyond words to become a part of our Avenue family and continue to learn each day.​

Samantha Perkins
Veterinary Assistant

Samantha is from Rochester, NY and moved to Mt. Juliet when she was very young. Growing up, Samantha and her family knew that she had a great love for animals and would probably eventually end up in the veterinary field. In her spare time, she loves anything spooky! From Halloween to haunted houses and all scary movies. She currently has two pets, a Labrador Retriever named Bear and a Snowshoe Siamese Cat named Nala. Samantha has a huge heart, so much compassion and loves helping animals in every way possible. We are very excited that she is a part of our Avenue family. 

Holly
Veterinary Assistant

Holly was born in Norfolk, Virginia but spent most of her time growing up in Mount Juliet. She received her bachelor’s in biology from Cumberland University and after working in wildlife rehabilitation, she decided to explore a career in veterinary medicine. She has a Black and Tan Coonhound named Bruno, Lab/Greyhound mix named Lily, and a Pineapple Cinnamon Greencheek Conure named Bea. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, crocheting, anything outdoors and loves curling up with a good book.

Jennifer
Groomer

​​Jennifer first worked as a hairdresser out of high school but has been grooming dogs and cats since 1993. She lives in Mount Juliet with her husband and youngest daughter, and her oldest daughter is in college. She specializes in scissor trims but can perform any desired groom. Jennifer is a wonderful groomer and absolutely loves the bond that comes from her clients and their pets. She has been a part of Mt. Juliet's Best Groomer for many years. Jennifer also enjoys cooking and spending time with her family on the lake.

Kayla​
​Veterinary Assistant

Kayla began working with us in 2023. She has over 15 years of experience in the veterinary field. Her knowledge, care and compassion are a wonderful addition to our Avenue team. She thoroughly enjoys dentistry, being able to take care of our sick patients and loves the bond that she is able to make with our clients and their fur babies. Kayla has two dogs and four cats of her own, Puppy, Alister, Chessie, Bunny, Meep and Fat rat. Some of Kayla's interests are gardening, home reno, kayaking and she loves music. 

Alivia
Grooming Assistant

​​ ​Alivia was born and raised in Tennessee. While growing up, she loved and enjoyed playing softball for many years. She has always had a soft heart and love for animals since she was a child. So, it only makes sense that she has been working with animals for the past two years. Alivia lives on a farm, so she is around lots of animals on a daily basis. She has a Great Pyrenees name Osce. ​

Brenna
Veterinary Assistant

​​Brenna joined our team in March of 2020. She was born in Arizona and was raised in Mt. Juliet TN. Brenna was an avid dancer for 14 years but has always had a great passion and interest in animal care. She currently is an assistant to our Groomer, Jennifer, and plays a big part in helping your pets look amazing from their daily Spa appointments. She has 5 pets of her own which include 3 dogs and 2 cats. ​

Taylor Hudson
Veterinary Assistant

Taylor is a Nashville native, who shares an immense amount of love for all animals. Her care, compassion and positivity are just a few traits that we love about Taylor and also makes a wonderful addition to our Avenue family.  She has been in the customer service field since she was 15 and has always had a love for helping others in all aspects. When Taylor is not giving exceptional care and customer service to all of our clients, she loves outdoor adventures, karaoke and spending time with family and friends. Taylor has 2 children and one furbaby. ​

Rhett Butler
​In Memoriam

Rhett Butler was a part of Dr. Harris' family since 2006 and also a part of each person's life that has ever worked at Avenue Animal Hospital. He was always up front and greeted everyone that came through our doors with his spunkiness and wonderful personality. When he wasn't saying hello to you or laying on the keyboard while helping our receptionist's out, then you could find him walking around the hospital taking care of our technicians. Sadly, due to his health conditions, we had to say goodbye to this precious baby in January 2019.    

Ava-Nu
​In Memoriam

​Ava was part of Avenue Animal Hospital since opening in 2012. She was the official greeter of the practice and when she was not walking around helping the technicians in the back, you could find her sleeping in her favorite window sill. Sadly, due to age and a returning tumor, the doctors and staff at Avenue decided to lay Ava to rest in September 2017.

Athena
​In Memoriam

 This precious girl technically belonged to Staci, our Head technician, who was lucky to have been her momma for 14 years. Athena was here to greet our clients and patients each and every day. Her sass, spunk and overall personality made you fall in love with her from the minute you met her.  She was the Queen of the clinic and did her job well. Her favorite things were snacks and bossing people around.  We all loved her so much and will miss her dearly. She will forever be in our hearts. 1/12/2024​

Rusty

Crusty Rusty came to Avenue Animal Hospital originally for his routine neuter and to take a look at a bad neck laceration. Following his surgeries, Rusty was hospitalized with us for two months, where the entire hospital staff soon fell in love with his big, grumpy face. Following is recovery, he returned to the shelter. Our own Dr. Erkman adopted Rusty and has been officially named Dr. Crusty Rusty Erkman by the hospital staff. Although he is Dr. Erkman's cat on record, the entire hospital will say that he is everyone's cat. He rules the clinic and looks for anyone that may give him his favorite treats.