Meet Our Team
We pride ourselves on our AAHA accreditation and the high level of medicine that we are able to provide to our patients.
Dr. Stacy O’Quinn: Partner, Veterinarian
Education: North Georgia College, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Joined Team: July 2000
Pictured with “Pocket”
I made my home in the Lowcountry in 2000 when my husband, Shannon, and I moved here to create Riverwalk Animal Hospital with my then business partner, Sybil. We were also creating a life here, as it seems we blinked and over 20 years went by! Now empty nest is pressing on us as our son prepares for college. Hobbies of rodeo and barrel racing have given way to general aviation and home gardening. Shannon has morphed from a landscaper to a professional fly fishing guide. Our son, Austin, who introduced us to aviation, helped his father build an airplane and moves off to develop his career as a pilot.
The constant has been Riverwalk Animal Hospital. It’s a cliche, but my work team is my second family. I love them all. I also love my patients and many, if not most of my clients. They say you never work a day if you love your work. I disagree – I work hard! But I truly love my work. Treating my patients with the same care I would treat my own makes my work life rewarding. I find incorporating the whole team into management makes that part of the job equally fulfilling. I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years brings!
Dr. Joshua Mitchum: Partner, Veterinarian
Education: Clemson University, Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine
Joined Team: April 2007
I grew up right here in the Lowcountry, and I have always enjoyed the outdoors. Spring time on the golf course and Summer time on the river with my family are two of my favorite pastimes. During college football season, I will be cheering for the Clemson Tigers! My wife, Emily, is an ambulatory veterinarian and cares for large animals.
Our lives changed for the better in 2014 when our son, Charlie, was born and again in 2017 when our daughter, Katie, arrived. If there is one thing that I love more than being a veterinarian, it is being a father. We share our home with three dogs, three cats, two horses and a pony. Charlie and Katie enjoy helping to take care of our pets, and I am proud to see them developing a respect for and love of animals.
I have always known, even in kindergarten, that I wanted to spend my life caring for animals. One of the greatest feelings is when I am able to help a sick or injured animal to get well. I understand how important the bond is between doctor, client and patient. This relationship is something to be cherished. Seeing people and their pets grow and change before my eyes is a very rewarding experience. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful clients and patients.
Windi: Lab Tech, Veterinary Assistant
Education: University of South Carolina
Specialties: Dog Training
Joined Team: April 2001
Pictured with “Vamp”
I have always loved animals from a very young age so working at an animal hospital where I can make their lives better was a great choice for me. I owe a lot to my very strong and awesome grandmother, Mary Ann Morningstar Morris, who even has an animal shelter in South Carolina named after her. I come from an amazing line of strong animal loving women.
I am a big proponent of annual bloodwork for dogs and cats of all ages. Routine bloodwork diagnosed one of my cats with diabetes and another with renal failure. Because bloodwork caught these diseases early, I was able to prolong both of their lives with proper treatment. We are lucky to have so many resources available in the veterinary field to keep our pets happy, healthy and well cared for. The doctors and staff of Riverwalk continue to learn to give your pets the best possible care. Many of our staff are long termers just like me.
In my time off, I teach agility classes, and compete/travel with my dogs all over the US in agility, dock diving, barn hunt, lure coursing, herding, etc. My life revolves around my pets. I also enjoy photography, mainly focusing on dog sports and insects (especially spiders). Whenever there is a spider or insect in the clinic that needs to be relocated, I run to the rescue.
I share my life with a very patient husband and son, along with two cats (Mia and Bob Cat) and eight dogs: Crush, Freedom, Spider, Tommy & Mick (Border Collies); Biggie Smalls (Chihuahua), Vamp (Terrier) and Feta (Border Collie/Whippet).
My life is very busy, but animals are my passion, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Nikema: Head Receptionist
Joined Team: June 2004
My name is Nikema, but my co-workers call me “Kema”. I have been working at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since 2004, and I really enjoy my job. I am originally from Philly, but now I live in Bluffton. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends or traveling (especially on a cruise.) My primary passion, however, is honoring the memory of my son, Dwon Fields Jr. (DJ) every day (#LiveLikeDJ #Team55) and specifically through events such as DJ’s Day of Giving and the Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship.
Nadine: Receptionist
Specialties: Feline Behavior and Care, Neonatal Care
Joined Team: December 2004
The time spent with my pets at Riverwalk Animal Hospital naturally led to my working here. This is a fulfilling job that I wish had come into my life sooner. My animal tribe consists of one dog, numerous cats and two horses. I make my home in Okatie along with my husband, son and all of our furry friends.
Lora: Head Veterinary Technician
Education: Millersville University
Specialties: Surgery Nurse, Dentistry
Joined Team: January 2007
Pictured with “Luke” and “Jack”
I grew up on a farmette in Pennsylvania, and I have always loved animals. I cannot imagine working in a field other than veterinary medicine. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biology from Millersville University, and I enjoy continuing my education and expanding my knowledge through online classes. I love to learn! Prior to moving to South Carolina in 2005, I was a member of the Nursing Department at New Bolten Center, the University of Pennsylvania’s Large Animal Hospital. I currently live in Bluffton with my husband, Tony, our son, Owen, our dogs (Jack and Loki), our cats (Dunkin and Donuts) and our Guinea pigs (Bugsy and Peanut Butter). When I am not working, I can be found sweating it out at Burn Bootcamp or running. I also enjoy hiking, camping and kayaking.
Deb: Veterinary Assistant
Specialties: Pet Nutrition and Weight Management
Joined Team: April 2008
Pictured with “Cubit” and “Mylo”
When I began working at Riverwalk Animal Hospital, my animal background was primarily equestrian related. The transition to dogs and cats has been a smooth one. The doctors and staff are wonderful, and or days are always interesting. I love my job, and I learn something new every day!
I grew up in a beautiful area of New England. I mostly lived in Connecticut where there were dirt roads, open fields and horse farms. My two children are grown, and I was blessed with my first grandson a few months ago. I have two little dogs that get to come to work with me every day. I am interested in nutrition, and I enjoy educating our clients about the best way to feed their pets. I look forward to meeting new clients every day, so come in and say “hello” to the Riverwalk Animal Hospital team!
Lynne: Receptionist
Joined Team: December 2008
Pictured with “Lucie”
I moved to the Bluffton area in order to be closer to my daughters and grandsons. I have three furry rescued friends, two Pointers and one cat. It would easy for me to become a collector of Dalmatians and Pointers, but fortunately my neighborhood limits pets to three per household. I love working at Riverwalk Animal Hospital because we are like one big family, and we extend that feeling to our clients with the love and care that we give their pets.
Yvonne: Office Manager
Education: Clemson University
Joined Practice: July 2010
I grew up in a small town in the upstate of South Carolina. In 1998, I moved to the Lowcountry to work for a landscape company after graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Horticulture. I continued to work in the landscape industry for twelve years, but along the way I realized that a career change was in my future. My love for and experiences with my pets developed into a desire to seek out a job in the veterinary field.
Riverwalk Animal Hospital opened for business in July 2000. Around this time, I was looking for a vet for my cat. One of my co-workers at the landscape company told me about the animal hospital that his wife (Dr. O’Quinn) had just opened. Fast forward to 2010 when I became an employee of Riverwalk Animal Hospital. I feel blessed to be able to work at the same hospital that I grew to love as a client, and I am proud to be part of such an amazing team of doctors and staff.
Erin: Veterinary Technician, LVT
Education: Ogeechee Technical College
Joined Team: August 2015
Pictured with “Pixie” and “Thor”
I am originally from Savannah, but I currently live in Rincon with my two dogs (Pixie and Thor), two cats (Spike and Jet) and rabbit (Snickers). I have always loved animals, big or small, and knew that I would have a career working with them. In May 2015, I graduated from Ogeechee Technical College with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. I am so glad to have found a place where I can work with what I am passionate about and continue to further my knowledge and skills.
Julie: Veterinary Technician
Specialties: Surgery Nurse, Dentistry
Joined Team: January 2018
Pictured with “Goose” and “Rosie”
I moved to Sun City in December 2017 and began working for Riverwalk Animal Hospital not long after that. I love my new home in Sun City and my new family at RAH! I am the proud Mom of two Boston Terriers, Goose and Rosie. I am obsessed with giving them (and our patients) manicures/pedicures using the dremel. Outside of work, my interest include: photography, kayaking, attending Washington Redskins games and attending Jimmy Buffet concerts. I am also a foodie and enjoy watching Top Chef, Hell’s Kitchen and other TV reality shows. I look forward to meeting you and your furry kids!
Courtney: Veterinary Technician
Joined Team: March 2021
Pictured with “Clutch”
My name is Courtney and I originally joined the Riverwalk Animal Hospital team in 2017 after I graduated from high school. I ran into Yvonne, the office manager, at a local festival and she encouraged me to give veterinary medicine a try as a career. I took some time off after my daughter was born in March 2020 and returned to work in March 2021. There are so many things that I love about being a part of Riverwalk Animal Hospital. I really enjoy working with our clients and their pets during appointments. I love that there is always something new to learn and that there are so many ways to grow in my role at RAH. When I am not at work, I am most happy spending time with my family and friends. My daughter is very “busy” and keeps me on my toes!
Pamela: Marketing/End of Life Team
Joined Team: October 2022
Pictured with “Billie””
In 2021, my husband and I moved here to the area where we had vacationed for decades, fulfilling our longtime dream after raising five children.
I definitely hit the jackpot joining the Riverwalk Animal Hospital family as their social media guru! I love posting adorable pics of your fur-babies and coming up with witty captions. I also enjoy capturing the action-packed moments within our hospital that make our staff smile.
Offering grief support to families following a pet loss is both the most challenging and rewarding aspect of my role as it involves handling a wide range of emotions and providing highly valued support to our clients during their difficult time. We’re still reeling from saying goodbye to Skip, our beloved Labrador of 11 years, but our mini Sheepadoodle sidekick, Billie, is doing her best to fill the void with her goofy charm and constant cuddle demands.
Other than golfing, swimming and cooking, we love nothing more than hosting family, friends and their pets for good times and great memories!
Emily: Receptionist
Joined team: July 2023 Pictured with: “Nala”
My name is Emily. I have worked in the veterinary field for about 12 years. I joined Riverwalk Animal Hospital in July 2023, and I wish that I had found them sooner. I am a Beaufort Native. My husband and I have a son, Kolton. We also share our home with our Pitbull, Nala, who we adopted from Beaufort County Animal Services in 2020. Kolton was 8 months old when we adopted Nala, and she has been such a great fur friend for him to grow up with. We have had may dogs over the years and even some reptiles.
When I am not at work, I am creating art for my business, Lowcountry Fluid Art. I enjoy the beach, gardening, cooking and just being home with my little family. I am excited to meet you and your furry family members!
Would You Like To Join Our Team?
Apply for a job now!
We accept applications at the hospital during business hours or by email anytime. An application can be printed by clicking the link below. Email applications to info@riverwalkvets.com.
