Staff

After growing up in the Atlanta area, Dr. Wayne Rush attended the University of Georgia and obtained an undergraduate degree in Animal Science.

He completed his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Dr. Rush practiced at Roswell Animal Hospital for 10 years before purchasing Dekalb Animal Hospital in 1996.

Dr. Rush lives nearby in Lilburn with his wife Kathie, and their 2 children. His son, Alex, attends middle school, and his daughter, Krystal, will be attending UGA starting in the fall of 2010.

Dr. Rush enjoys running and playing soccer in his free time. He has shown and bred English Bulldogs for over 20 years, and has a special interest in canine reproduction.

Dr. Carla Courtney grew up in the Oak Grove community, graduating from Lakeside High School, a lifelong member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, moving to North Carolina to become a Tarheel during college before coming home to graduate from veterinary school at the University of Georgia.

She enjoys gardening, travel, and spending time outdoors with her husband, their 3 children, and their plethora of pets.

Family pets are Spirit, a Border Collie, Buddie, the smiling Australian shepherd, and Mo, the tuxedo cat who rules the roost.

Dr. Courtney has a special love for geriatric patients, especially cats, and also enjoys solving the challenging puzzles of internal medicine.

Dr. Carla Awalt joined our staff in January of 2000. She grew up in Decatur, Georgia, but has lived in Tucker with her husband and three children since 1991.

She obtained her bachelors degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988.

Her professional interests include critical care, dentistry, and feline medicine. Her personal interests include photography and scrapbooking.

Dr. Roberts grew up in the local community graduating from Lakeside High School in 1980. He went on to attend the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine graduating in 1987.

He has practiced in the area since that time and has been at Dekalb Animal Hospital for the past five years. He has a special interest in geriatric medicine and surgery.

Dr. Roberts’ wife and their two children live in Gwinnett County with their four dogs. He enjoys running and hiking with the dogs and family.

Vicki Cates became a member of the staff in 1997. She served as front office supervisor until 1999 when she was promoted to office manager.

She and her daughter live in Walnut Grove with their two rescue dogs. Gigi is a Dachshund and Griffon is a very unusual mix between an Italian Grey Hound and a Brussel Griffon. Vicki is involved in her church and enjoys singing, reading and scrapbooking.

Mark Jackson is our groomer, joining our staff in March of 2007.

Our devoted and talented support staff is also here to assist you with your pet’s needs and is happy to answer any of your questions.