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Our Story
At Lanier Animal Hospital, our team is the heart of everything we do. Since opening in 2002, we’ve worked hard to build more than just a veterinary clinic—we’ve built a community centered around compassion, teamwork, and a shared love for animals.
Our core values guide how we care for pets and support each other. We believe in creating a positive, respectful, and uplifting environment—for our clients, their pets, and our staff. That means practicing high-quality medicine, treating every animal like our own, and making sure our hospital is a place where both people and pets feel welcome and cared for.
As we’ve grown over the years, so has our team, and we’re proud to be a place where talented, dedicated people love coming to work. Whether it’s a routine check-up, a stay in our boarding suites, or a spa day in grooming, our goal is always the same: to provide thoughtful, attentive care in a supportive and friendly setting.
Scroll down to meet the people who make it all happen.
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Mavis McCormick-Rantze, DVM, VDP, CVA
Owner & Medical Director
Dr. Mavis has been the heart of Lanier Animal Hospital since 2006, known for her warmth, expertise, and deep dedication to pets and their families. A 2003 graduate of UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine, she also holds degrees in Animal Science and Zoology, with special interests in dermatology, exotic animal care, dentistry and soft tissue surgery.
She is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture through the Chi Institute and has completed the Veterinary Dental Practitioner program* through the International Veterinary Dental Institute (IVDI), a year-long course designed to enhance oral surgical skills in general practice.
From rescuing tadpoles as a child to caring for everything from kittens to bearded dragons, Dr. Mavis has always been guided by compassion. She especially enjoys seeing patients grow from playful puppies and kittens to beloved seniors and helping families keep their pets healthy through every stage of life.
Dr. Mavis lives in Suwanee with her husband, two daughters, three dogs (including Ruger, her quirky “dino-sounding” rescue), and five very unique cats. Outside the clinic, she loves hiking, hosting movie nights, and planning her next Disney trip—ideally with a peanut butter cup in one hand and a Disney Dooney & Bourke bag in the other.
*The Veterinary Dental Practitioner program provides additional study, training, and assessment to enhance a GP veterinarian’s knowledge and skills in veterinary dentistry but does not confer board-certified specialist status.
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Dr. Hannah Fearing
Dr. Hannah Fearing joined Lanier Animal Hospital right out of vet school in 2016 after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a background in biology and a sharp interest in neurology and ophthalmology. She loves a good medical mystery and the satisfaction of solving tricky cases for both pets and their people.
Inspired at a young age by her cat-loving babysitter, Dr. Hannah has a special fondness for feline patients and a soft spot for longtime clients who return with new companions. She’s always happy to see the amazing care people provide for their pets and feels honored to help with that care from puppy/kittenhood through to their golden years.
At home in Buford, she shares life with four quirky cats (Penelope, Zucchini, Crouton, and Dandelion) and a horse named Willow. Outside the hospital, you might find her running trails, making pottery, playing music, or watching a weekend concert with friends.
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Dr. Ashley Gambon
Dr. Ashley joined Lanier Animal Hospital in June 2024 after graduating from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (Go Dawgs!) and from day one, she’s felt like part of the family. With years of industry experience before vet school, Dr. Ashley brings not only medical expertise, but also a deep passion for the human-animal bond that inspired her to pursue this second career.
She loves the challenge of internal medicine, the hands-on satisfaction of surgery, and meeting new clients (especially the big dogs!). One of her most rewarding moments? Helping a very sick cat recover after performing a successful foreign body surgery.
When she’s not at the hospital, Ashley is on the move. She’s a race enthusiast who runs 5Ks, obstacle courses and has even done a triathlon. She also enjoys crocheting, baking, and spending time with her husband and son. Fun fact: she has a twin and once went skydiving!
While she doesn’t have any pets yet, we all agree—it’s only a matter of time.
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Judi Bailey, CVPM
Hospital Administrator
Judi grew up on a farm in Missouri and started working in a vet clinic at just 15, knowing early on she wanted a life with animals. After earning her degree in Veterinary Technology, she spent several years as a tech before discovering her passion for practice management.
She’s led teams in everything from ER to corporate, but her heart is in small business. Judi founded the Georgia Veterinary Managers Association (GAVMA) and led it for nearly two decades before retiring the group in 2023. Mentoring others in the field remains one of her favorite parts of the job. She joined Lanier in 2021 to continue doing just that, alongside her longtime friend Dr. Mavis.
Outside of work, Judi enjoys reading, working out, cheering on Alabama football, and spending time with her husband, son, and two senior poodles—Champ and Cisco.
Fun fact: she used to barrel race in rodeo circuits!
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Monica
Client Service Manager
Monica has been a cornerstone of Lanier Animal Hospital since 2012 - back before the new building and long before most of us knew where the coffee maker was! With over two decades of veterinary experience, she’s known for building lasting relationships with our clients and their beloved pets, making everyone feel like part of the LAH family.
She lives with her son Jackson and their dog Roo, a lovable goofball with a big heart and some storm anxiety, and the one-and-only Momma Kitty, who showed up in Monica’s backyard during a cold winter and never left - rightfully claiming her throne as queen of the house.
Outside the hospital, Monica loves beach and mountain getaways, local festivals, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. She’s a fan of both coffee and tea, a little bit night owl, and always ready for a snack - especially Goldfish or Cheez-Its!
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Jessica
Client Operations Manager
Jessica joined Lanier Animal Hospital in 2021, bringing a unique blend of veterinary experience, customer service savvy, and a lifelong love for animals (well - most animals ... no roaches, please). She's passionate about supporting both pets and their people and thrives on building strong relationships with our clients and their furry (or feathered!) family members.
At home, Jessica and her husband share life with Reese, the kiss-giving cuddle pup; Odie, a plush-toy-loving road rescue; and Coco, their 32-year-old cockatoo with toddler energy and a lot to say.
When she’s not at the hospital, Jess is likely conquering Comic Cons, hiking, traveling, or showing off her Mario Kart skills (she will win). Christmas is her favorite time of year, and she’s known around here for her legendary weekly snack drops - always keeping the team well-fed and smiling.
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Melissa
Melissa joined Lanier Animal Hospital in 2021, bringing with her a heart for animals, a calming presence, and a resume that includes everything from EMT training to funeral services (yes, really!). Her love for animals started early and has only grown stronger - especially when she gets to greet them (and their humans!) at the front desk. Whether she’s soothing nerves, sneaking the patients a treat, or celebrating a pet’s recovery, Melissa is all about creating connection and comfort.
At home, she shares life with three pups - Ellie, Jessie, and Jackie - each with their own quirky personalities. When she’s not at the hospital, you can find her spending time with her husband, two grown kids, and adorable grandsons, cheering on Penn State football, or getting hooked on true crime shows.
If Melissa were an animal? A raven, no question - clever, curious, and just a little mischievous.
(And if the phones could talk? They’d tell you she’s an absolute delight.)
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Jessianne
Jessianne joined our CSR team in October 2025, bringing with her a lifelong love of animals and a background that includes barn management—and even a season fighting wildfires! She’s calm, friendly, and always ready to make clients feel at home.
Her favorite part of the job? Tiny kittens, hands down. She also loves connecting with clients through genuine conversations (and the occasional thank-you card never hurts).
At home, Jessianne lives with a full-on animal crew: four bunnies, three dogs, a talkative cat named Box Box, a leopard gecko (Chicken Strip), and a snake (Roadmap). When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her watching YouTube, taking riding or Spanish lessons, or snacking on salt & vinegar chips.
Fun fact? She’s chainsaw certified and once felled trees for a season. If the phones could talk, she’s pretty sure they’d say: “This girl freaking loves her cat!”
We’re so glad to have her on the team. Jessianne brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of furry love to everything she does.
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Cara
Technical Operations Manager
Cara joined Lanier Animal Hospital in 2017 to follow her passion for helping animals - and she’s been loving it ever since! As our current Technician Manager, she’s always learning new ways to provide the best care, especially for her own crew of 5 dogs and 3 snakes.
She loves building trust with nervous pets, cheering them on through appointments, and yes - puppy breath totally counts as a job perk. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her hiking with her pups, grilling out with her husband Michael, or rooting for the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Roll Tide!)
Fun fact: she travels with her dogs and has a soft spot for both mountains and beaches.
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Genesis S.
Head Surgery Technician
Genesis joined Lanier Animal Hospital in 2022, driven by a deep love for animals and a passion for being their voice and advocate. Since then, she’s become a vital part of our surgical team, earning a promotion to Head Surgery Technician and currently pursuing her Veterinary Technician Certification through Ashworth College.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Genesis brings warmth, grit, and a love for learning to everything she does - whether it's mastering a surgical procedure or helping her favorite patient, Crosby, feel right at home.
She shares her life with three beloved companions: Dominic the goofy Golden, Kiarabella the fearless Yorkie mix, and Tango the chill Bearded Dragon. Outside of work, she's either cruising on her motorcycle, adding to her book collection, or dreaming of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator someday. And if she could be any animal? A killer whale - strong, intelligent, respected, and, in her words, "bad ass."
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Alyssa
Technician Manager
Alyssa has been with Lanier Animal Hospital since 2019. She has been in the veterinary field since 2015 and received on the job training at a hospital in her home state of Utah before moving to Georgia in 2017. Alyssa worked at a small animal hospital in Milton, GA until an opportunity to be closer to home with Lanier Animal Hospital opened up.
Alyssa and her amazing husband Jacob, are newlyweds, having just gotten married in October 2021. Their family consists of Alyssa’s pride and joy, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named Winston Bishop and a very vocal cat named Leia.
Alyssa loves working with animals and especially being able to provide them with the best health care to help them to live a long, happy, and healthy life!
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Kyla
Kyla joined our LAH family in May 2022 after a chance encounter with one of our team members encouraged her to apply - and we're so glad she did! She's always known she wanted to work with animals, and now she gets to do just that every day.
Her favorite parts of the job? Making new animal friends, learning something new every day, and sharing lunch breaks with our resident cat, Peewee. Kyla especially enjoys helping in exam rooms and during surgeries, where she gets hands-on experience and continues growing her skills.
At home, she lives with her mom, grandma, siblings, and her sweet but mischievous dog, Baby - who's always ready to dish out hugs and kisses.
When she's off the clock, Kyla loves watching The Vampire Diaries, singing (she was in chorus for years!), painting, and the occasional fishing trip. She's also a big Marvel/DC fan and never turns down a bag of Hot Cheetos.
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Daniela
Daniela joined LAH in February 2023. She was looking for a job in the veterinary field close to home with a friendly environment and she feels like she hit the jackpot! She was a babysitter for more than 6 years but got the itch to pursue the veterinary field and will start in the Veterinary Technology Program at Gwinnett Technical College.
Daniela is bilingual and enjoys watching youtube videos, working out and shopping! Her two dogs, Buttercup and Rocco have to put up with 4 cats that were added to the family when Daniela rescued them from behind a church.
Even though Daniela will just be with us seasonally once she starts school, we are so lucky to have her on our team!
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Abbey
Abbey joined Lanier Animal Hospital in July 2025, bringing with her a lifelong passion for animals - and a big dream of becoming a veterinarian. Growing up, she was active with the humane society and even served on its junior board, laying the foundation for her future in veterinary care.
She loves the variety of personalities she meets every day (especially the cats!) and has a soft spot for nervous pets who just need a little extra love - like sweet Taffy, who snuggled her after a tough moment.
At home, Abbey has two Standard Poodles, Sadie Jane and Adeline, who love swimming and hunting more than fancy haircuts. When she’s not at the hospital, she’s likely gardening, enjoying a Caprese salad, or soaking in the beachy breeze - with coffee in hand, of course.
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Amy
Amy joined our team in November 2024, bringing with her a lifelong love of animals and a deep appreciation for the bond between pets and their people. She especially enjoys helping anxious or nervous pets feel safe and loved, and finds joy in watching them grow more confident over time.
At home, Amy has two cats - Tuni, her “fat black cat,” and Juni, her little rescue from a Dunkin’ dumpster. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her husband, Andrew, and has a major sweet tooth. Fun fact: Amy speaks Mandarin Chinese and spent seven years living in China and Taiwan!
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Lindsay
Lindsay has been a valued part of our LAH team since June 2018, and she's been passionate about working with animals ever since she was five years old. As a technician, she thrives in fast-paced environments - especially during emergencies - where she can jump into action and help save lives.
One of her absolute favorite things? When a Chihuahua walks through the door! Lindsay also shares her life with three unique pups: Pixie, who launches like a missile to deliver kisses; Zoey, her adventure partner; and Malcolm, the grumpy old man of the group. She and Zoey even take on 6-mile, 40-obstacle courses together!
When she's not at the hospital, Lindsay enjoys reading, creating dot art, hiking, and running with Zoey. She's a night owl at heart, always up for a beach day, and never says no to a Reese's.
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Alexis
Alexis joined us July 2025 and has always felt a special connection with animals—she believes they understand us in ways people sometimes can’t. That bond inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary care, where she loves being part of a team that shares her passion.
Her favorite parts of the job include puppy and kitten visits, learning new skills, and memorable moments (like the time a dog successfully vomited up a whole towel—cue the team cheer!). At home, she’s a proud dog mom to Zaccaria, Delilah, and Godiva, each with their own quirks and queen-like attitudes.
When she’s not at the hospital, Alexis enjoys karaoke, reading romance novels, and snacking on Hot Cheeto Puffs. She’s also a night owl, coffee lover, and has a special interest in surgery.
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Brook
Resort Manager
Brook joined Lanier Animal Hospital in 2020, bringing a mix of veterinary experience, strong leadership, and a heart full of cat love. Though she originally earned a degree in dental assisting, it didn’t take long for her to realize her true calling was in animal care - and she’s been with us ever since, growing from veterinary assistant to manager of our resort team.
She loves helping pets feel safe during scary moments and is affectionately known as “Mom” to our clinic cats, PeeWee and Bully. At home, she has four cats of her own - Cali, Roxy, Bailey, and Noodle - all full of personality (and great nicknames).
When she’s not at the hospital, you’ll find Brook hiking in the mountains, visiting family in Tennessee, or catching up on some well-earned sleep. A former show truck competitor who traveled the country, she's now enjoying a slower pace - coffee, cats, and Hot Frys included.
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Sarah M
I started an internship at Lanier AH as a senior at Forsyth Central High School in August 2022. After graduation, I loved it so much I was able to be hired on as a Resort Assistant.
I have always loved animals and nature and although my pets include chickens and lovebirds, I really enjoy taking care of all the dog, cat & exotic guests that stay in our resort.
In my free time, I enjoy working with resin, crocheting and other crafts. I also have 3 beehives and enjoy collecting honey from them. I am fluent in ASL (American Sign language) and although I am deaf, I wear hearing aids to assist in my daily life.
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Phoebe
Phoebe joined LAH the summer of 2024 because she has always been surrounded by animals, so it was only natural for her to turn that love into a career.
As a Resort Assistant, she enjoys making sure every pet in her care feels safe, happy, and loved - especially during group playtime, which is her favorite part of the day.
At home, Phoebe has two pets with swapped personalities: Trotter the dog, who acts like a cat, and Leo the cat, who acts like a dog! Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and friends, trying new restaurants, watching movies and TV shows, and occasionally playing video games.
She’s a proud cat person, a night owl at heart, and you’ll usually find her with a cup of coffee in hand.
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Nicole
Nicole joined LAH in January 2025, inspired by a family friend who shared the many opportunities the hospital offers to support future career growth. With a passion for animal care, she knew this was a chance she couldn’t pass up.
Nicole’s background includes working at another animal hospital and a canine rehab facility in Savannah during her college years. At the rehab center, Nicole honed her skills in providing comfort and care to animals recovering from surgery, as well as operating rehabilitation equipment for injured pets.
Currently living with her mom and brother, Nicole leads a fun life of meaningful activities. She enjoys walking their dogs, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and making the most of summers by heading to the lake - an activity close to her heart, having grown up on the water.
Nicole has two beloved dogs: Molly, a black lab mix, and Cody, a very sweet pit bull.
With a lifelong love for animals, Nicole is set to attend school in fall of 2025 to become a veterinary technician. We’re excited to her as part of the team!
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Sophie
Sophie joined Lanier Animal Hospital in November 2024 and quickly became a favorite among both the pets and the people. Originally on track to become an EMT, her heart led her to animal care - a field where she could be a voice and protector for those who can’t speak for themselves. She’s now preparing to start the Veterinary Technology program at Gwinnett Tech in fall 2025, with a special interest in behavior and dentistry.
From cats and dogs to snails and gouramis (her favorite fish!), Sophie has a soft spot for animals of all kinds. She loves caring for our boarding guests, especially repeat visitors like Crosby and Calvin, making sure they’re cozy, calm, and showered with snuggles.
Outside of LAH, Sophie enjoys pet sitting, concerts, collecting oddities, and watching House MD. She’s a night owl, a mostly-vegan foodie, and has an impressive array of fish tanks - complete with a snail-powered cleaning crew.
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Addie
Addie joined our resort team in July 2025 and quickly became a favorite among our furry guests (and their humans too!). With a heart for animals and a soft spot for making every pet feel safe and loved, she believes all animals are perfect—and it’s up to us to care for them like family. Whether she’s making a pup’s suite extra cozy or giving the world’s best ear rubs, Addie brings warmth and joy to every interaction.
When she’s not at the hospital, you’ll likely find her curled up with a good book (she read 68 last year!), painting, or binging Gilmore Girls and The Office. She’s a coffee-loving early bird who dreams of living like her spoiled dogs, Moose (a gentle giant lap-dog wannabe) and Tilly (a cat soul in a dog body).
Her favorite part of the job? Being surrounded by fellow animal lovers—and getting to help with the occasional blood draw like a total pro.
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Milbrey
Grooming Manager
Milbrey joined Lanier Animal Hospital in 2024 as our very first Grooming Manager, bringing over 10 years of pet industry experience and a passion for making pups look and feel their best. She’s a certified Advanced Professional Groomer (IPG) and has a special talent for terrier trims and breed-specific styles.
She fell in love with grooming the moment she tried it—and now loves seeing the transformation from scruffy to stunning. Whether she’s singing to nervous pups or learning each pet’s unique quirks, Milbrey makes every visit feel personal and kind.
At home, she enjoys family time with her husband, daughter, their sweet Shepherd mix Arby (a howler!), and lap-loving cat Liam. Off the grooming table, she recharges with reading, video games, and beach days—with a cup of coffee and some chocolate, of course.
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Aprile
Aprile has been grooming since college and hasn’t looked back since! Though she originally pursued a degree in social work, her lifelong love for animals and passion for hands-on care led her right back to grooming. Since joining Lanier Animal Hospital in 2015, Aprile has become a beloved part of our team, known for building lasting bonds with pets and their people—and for turning grooming into a positive, tail-wagging experience.
She especially loves helping nervous pups gain confidence on the grooming table (one even relaxed so much, he fell asleep mid-groom!). She’s worked with dogs of all ages and stages, and nothing brings her more joy than seeing familiar wagging tails return over the years.
Aprile shares her busy, love-filled life with her husband, three amazing kids, and four pups: Daphne and Dixie the Boston Terriers, Georgia the Aussie mix, and Mabel the mischievous Frenchie. She’s also passionate about rescue work and spent 8 years volunteering with the Gwinnett County Jail Dog Program.
When she’s not grooming, Aprile is on the go—cheering on her kids in baseball, dance, soccer, and equestrian, shopping, traveling, or singing along at country concerts. Her go-to snack? Chili cheese Fritos, of course.
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Lyric
Lyric joined our team in August 2025 and brings a heart full of compassion and a deep connection to animals. Inspired by a childhood spent exploring nature and collecting animal toys, Lyric always knew she was meant to care for animals in a big way. She loves seeing each pet's unique personality shine through during their grooming sessions - especially when they leave looking and feeling their best.
Her calm, intuitive approach (and a little canine psychology) helps even nervous pups relax and trust her. Lyric's proudest moment so far is gaining the trust of a "difficult" pup and helping him enjoy the grooming process for the first time.
When she's not pampering pets, you'll find Lyric swimming with her sweet chihuahua mix, Millie, collecting rocks for her aquarium, or dancing at music festivals. Oh - and she can start a campfire in the rain!
We're lucky to have Lyric's creativity, patience, and passion on our team.
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Isabel
Isabel joined our team in November 2025, bringing with her a lifelong passion for animal care and a loyal "protect the pack" spirit. For Isabel, the most rewarding part of her work is the patient connection, and she especially loves earning the trust of our more nervous dogs. One of her favorite memories at the hospital was caring for a puppy with Parvo and witnessing the pure joy of seeing him finally get his energy back.
At home, Isabel is a proud mom to a beautiful daughter and manages a lively pack of her own: Autumn, an energetic German Shepherd, Squirtle, a shy "dumpster kitty," and Eevee, her resident snuggle bug cat. When she isn’t at the hospital, you’ll likely find her hiking in the mountains, solving a complex puzzle, or settling in with a good murder mystery. A true night owl, she loves both cats and dogs equally, and her snack cabinet is always stocked with a mix of Twizzlers and Cheez-Its.
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Erick
Erick joined the Lanier family in February 2026, bringing with him a deep love for medicine and a passion for educating pet parents on animal wellness. Being bilingual in English and Spanish, he loves being able to help a wide range of clients feel comfortable and informed.
His animal experience goes way back—he grew up with horses and livestock and even served as the President of his high school FFA! These days, Erick is especially interested in surgery and learning the ropes of exotic care. At home, he cares for a "pack" of his own, including Mira, Tabatha, Po, and Blight—all former strays that luckily found him.
When he’s not at the hospital, Erick stays busy traveling, trying out new local restaurants, or hanging out with friends and family. A true night owl and mountain lover, he’s a fan of both cats and dogs, and he’ll never turn down a cup of coffee.
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5700 Cumming Highway
