Meet Our Talented, Experienced Veterinarians & Staff
Owners
Dr. Katie Ebers, Veterinarian
Dr. Katie Ebers graduated from Mississippi State University and has been practicing for more than 12 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, a Master’s degree in public health equivalency, and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, all of which are from Mississippi State University. Go Dawgs! Dr. Ebers is a member of the AVMA and MVMA, to which she currently serves as the Alternate Delegate for the AVMA House of Delegates. She prides herself in developing a relationship with the pet and the clients. She believes that we are a team that together makes the best decisions about the pet’s health. And who doesn’t love pet snuggles?
She loves to run and tries to run a race every few months. She also loves to travel (especially to Disney) and is always up for an adventure. She loves spending time with her family. Her family includes her husband, Eric, who is a college baseball coach, son Enoch and daughter Ellie.
Dr. Kirk Frazier, Veterinarian
Dr. Kirk Frazier graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989; he has a special interest in canine/feline dermatology and allergies as well as canine knee disorders. Growing up, Dr. Cecil Boswell and Dr. Bill Canon encouraged Dr. Frazier with helping them with the cattle on his family's farm in Columbus, MS. From then, Dr. Frazier knew he wanted to help animals and their owners.
When not working, Dr. Frazier's hobbies include amateur radio and being an Eagle Scout. He has also received the Pine Burr Area Council Silver Beaver Award.
Dr. Mary Hannah Lawrence, Veterinarian
Dr. Mary Hannah Lawrence is a native of Hattiesburg, MS. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at William Carey University in 2017 and completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Mississippi State University in 2021. Shortly after graduation, she began working as a Veterinarian at Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital and Kennel.
Dr. Lawrence’s veterinary interests include companion animal orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, ultrasound, exotics, and equine reproduction.
In her free time, she enjoys taking care of her own animals including three horses (Chip, Angel, Socks), two rescue dogs (Ophelia and Rio), and cat (Delphi). Her hobbies include trail riding, camping, traveling, and spending time with family. She is married to Josiah Lawrence and they have they have two sons, Judah and Jennings. They attend First Baptist Church of Petal and reside in Hattiesburg, MS.
Dr. Sara Lott, Veterinarian
Dr. Sara Lott and her husband, Jeff, live on a farm with 3 cats and 4 dogs, and beef cattle. Dr. Lott is a graduate of Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys that every day of her job presents a different challenge. Combining science and medicine with the ability to help the pets who provide so much joy to us is the perfect career for Dr. Lott. In her spare time, Dr. Lott loves to travel, taking care of her many houseplants, and reading. She is a member of AVMA, MVMA, and GHVMA, where she serves as the treasurer for the organization.
Dr. Jennifer Sellers, Veterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Sellers is a native of Picayune, MS. She attended Mississippi State University, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Animal/Dairy Science in 2004 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Upon graduation, she began working at Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital and Kennel.
Dr. Sellers primarily practices small animal medicine and has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and small mammal exotics. She also enjoys equine medicine.
She divides her time between Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital and her farm in Purvis, MS where she has horses, three cats, two rabbits, two dogs, and a goat. She is married to Jed Sellers, and they have two daughters. She attends St. Thomas Catholic Church in Hattiesburg. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, fishing, and horseback riding.
Associate Vets
Dr. Ember Backstrom, Veterinarian
Dr. Ember Backstrom is a native of Sumrall, MS. She attended Mississippi State University where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Poultry Science in 2020 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. She began her career as a Veterinarian at Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital and Kennel shortly after graduating.
Dr. Backstrom primarily practices small animal medicine, but loves to see production animals as well. Her interests include soft tissue surgery, cardiology, avian medicine, and emergency medicine.
Dr. Backstrom is married to Andrew Backstrom, and they have a Miniature Pinscher (Titus), a Labrador Retriever (Ruthie), and a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier (Skip). They live on a farm in Richton, MS where they raise hair sheep, beef cattle, and Bluetick Coonhounds. They attend Venture Church at the Hunt Club Campus in Hattiesburg. When she is not at Pine Belt Vet Hospital, Dr. Backstrom enjoys spending time outdoors. She especially enjoys fishing, hunting, gardening, and birdwatching.
Dr. Amanda High, Veterinarian
My name is Amanda High and I am located in Picayune, Mississippi with my loving husband, Brent, two daughters, Niece, Nephew, our 4 dogs and 2 cats. I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine for 12 years and I am a proud graduate of Mississippi State University - Go Dawgs!
I am passionate about creating a safe and comfortable environment for your 4 legged family members to receive the care they need to live a happy life. I look forward to caring for your furry family members with the same attention and affection I would give my own.
Dr. Christine Loughman Gibson, Veterinarian
After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1987, Dr. Christine Loughman Gibson worked at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, completing her internship with small animals and her residency in clinical pathology. She enjoys the challenge and variety of issues she faces and animals she works with being a vet. She and her husband have four children and many pets, including five dogs, five cats, three pot-bellied pigs, two Amazon parrots, two mini donkeys, and three goats.
Dr. Gordon R. McCloskey, Veterinarian
Dr. Gordon R. McCloskey is a graduate of Mississippi State University. He chose veterinary medicine as a result of his love of science, medicine, and animals. He loves interacting with pets and their owners and enjoys educating them on caring for their pets. Dr. McCloskey and his wife, Kelli, and son, Max, have one dog, Marley. He expresses the high level of responsibility for excellence in veterinary care by saying, "I pride myself on treating clients and their pets like I would want to be treated."
Dr. Ashley McFrederick, Veterinarian
Dr. Ashley McFrederick is originally from Port St. Lucie, a sunny spot in southeast Florida. Her lifelong love for animals began early, and she’s proudly been saying she wanted to become a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. That passion deepened when she worked at a chimpanzee sanctuary in Florida, where she was mentored by two incredible veterinarians who helped shape her path in veterinary medicine. Dr. McFrederick earned her veterinary degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada. She has special interests in dermatology and preventative care, and she’s passionate about helping pets live their healthiest lives.
When she’s not at the clinic, you might find her hiking, trying out a new restaurant, or heading to the coast for a little getaway.
Dr. Chip Nodurft, Veterinarian
Dr. Chip Nodurft went into veterinary medicine as a result of his passion for animals and their care and his love of math and science. He enjoys the fact that his job gives him an opportunity to work with his hands and to be of service to animals and their families. He likes the different challenges and personalities that come through the door daily. Dr. Nodurft, his daughter, Madison, and his son, Mason, have two horses, Will and Red; a black lab, Peanut; a terrier mix, Sarah; and a lab mix, Harry. In all situations, Dr. Nodurft tries to do his best to tailor each treatment to give the best possible care for the animal and the family that cares for it.
Dr. Natalie Sanderson, Veterinarian
Dr. Natalie Sanderson is a new is a new graduate from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Sumrall, MS, she new she wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. She worked her at All Animal Clinic during the summers while she was in college and is excited to be back her as a doctor to further her knowledge and pursue her passion. Dr. Sanderson has a special interest in soft tissue surgery and preventative medicine. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys hanging out with friends, family and her pets-Hank a miniature dachshund; Teddy, a Shi-poo; and Sketti, a ball python.
Dr. Kayla Starling, Veterinarian
Dr. Kayla Starling is a 2010 graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is an Oak Grove native and returned to the Pine Belt to practice in 2013. Dr. Starling has special interests in wildlife and exotic medicine. She is a member of the AVMA and MVMA. Dr. Starling and her husband, Justin, currently reside in Oak Grove with their three children.
Dr. Brenda Sumrall, Veterinarian
Dr. Brenda Sumrall has a huge soft spot for homeless dogs and cats and loves shelter medicine as well as general small animal practice. She always wanted to be an animal doctor and enjoys watching her patients grow from puppies and kittens into family members. Dr. Sumrall is a graduate of Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her husband and five children have three dogs, ten cats, a turtle, a lizard, ducks, and nine horses.
Staff
Robin Babbidge, Veterinary Technician/Office Manager
Robin Babbidge felt that loving animals was not enough. She wanted to learn about them "inside and out," so she earned her animal medical technology degree from the University of Maine – Orono. Robin firmly believes that owning a pet is a responsibility, and she feels it is a privilege to be in the position to help pets and their owners in their time of need. In discussing the need to spay, neuter, and provide preventive health care for pets, Robin says, "What a small thing to provide for the unconditional love and joy they give to us." Robin and her husband have four grown children and one grandchild, as well as one dog and three cats.
Mary Smith, Lead Receptionist
Mary started working with Emergency Vets in 2020 during the height of COVID 19. She has a long history of customer service under pressure and wanted to expand her skillset. She fell in love with the work of veterinary medicine. Through it all her favorite animal to work with has always been the humans. She finds purpose in helping people through all their emotions when they bring pets to our doors. Mary lives in Laurel, MS with her husband Dylan and two dogs and two cats. When she's not working in the yard fighting off the kudzu, you will usually find her with a book in her hand.
Livia Stouffer, Lead Receptionist
Livia joined Evets in November 2025, and working full time at the Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital since March of 2025 but has been no stranger to being involved with animals and their care. She previously worked part time at the Hattiesburg Zoo as a diet technician/commissary assistant, and had been volunteering there since she was 16.
Livia also was raised as a volunteer at Worthy Stables for therapeutic horsemanship and gained her experience with hoofstock!
Livia has a small herd of goats, some bunnies, and all sorts of poultry on her family's homestead, and a very special cat named Dexter.
Sarah Ann Spruill, Certified Veterinary Technician
Sarah Ann Spruill lives with her husband, Jimmy, and her mom, Vickie, in the Shady Grove Community of Laurel, Mississippi. She earned her national certification as a Veterinary Technician in February 2012. Sarah enjoys everything about her job and especially that is it not routine so you never know what kinds of situations you will be getting into. She has always had a strong connection with animals, and her mom recalls that, as a child, she used to like to sleep with the family dog in her kennel. Sarah is very passionate about her work. She treats all of her patients as she would want someone to treat her own fur babies. Even after she leaves the office for the day, Sarah carries her concern for patients with her and often calls the clinics that they transfer to just to make sure that they are doing well.
Wendy Waltman, Veterinary Technician
Wendy McBeth has been with Emergency Vets since it opened in 2003. She decided on her career because of her love for animals and the special connection she has felt with them. She enjoys the variety of cases that she sees and the fact that she is always learning something new. Wendy loves all animals and has a special love for dachshunds. She also enjoys volunteering with a local wildlife rehabilitation organization. Wendy and her husband and several furry friends reside in the Lumberton area.