Our Team
Our Mission is to provide the highest quality care to our clients and patients through our devotion to client communication, commitment to excellent medical care, and use of innovative diagnostics. We strive to continually increase our treatment success though continuing education and constant communication between our veterinarians and support staff. Through these efforts we can provide a progressive, beneficial, and effective impact on your pet’s health and all those of our community.
Our highly-trained staff of lab technicians have over 30 years of combined experience working with all types of pets and animals. They are skilled in ensuring that both you and your pet are comfortable before, during and after your visit with our doctors. They are very knowledgeable and they take the time to explain the whats and whys of the tests that they perform for your pet. All of our techs are animal lovers and you can rest assured that your pet will be treated with the same respect, affection and care in which they treat their own pets.
Our front desk staff is the face of our business. You and your pet will always be greeted with a smile! They are friendly and ready to help with any questions you may have about medication, procedural pricing, billing and follow-up appointments. They are very compassionate and caring during emotionally difficult visits.
Our wonderful kennel staff ensures that your pet is provided with the highest quality of comfort and care during their boarding stay. They feed, bathe and walk your pet along with administering medication if needed. They also ensure that your pet has a clean place to live and sleep during their stay. All of our kennel staff are animal lovers who show much love and affection for your pet. They understand how difficult being away from you and your home can be for your pet and they work hard to ensure that your pet is happy and comfortable.
OUR VETERINARY TEAM
Steve Copeland, DVM | Medical Director
Dr. Copeland is a native of the Upper Cumberland and has been in practice over 41 years. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Tennessee Technological University and then received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University in 1970. He returned to Cookeville and established his private practice immediately after graduation. Copeland Veterinary Hospital began as a small clinic and has grown to accommodate our growing community. Dr. Copeland has been an active member of the community and has served in several capacities. He served a 7 year term on the CRMC board of trustees, an 11 year term on the Cookeville City Council, one term as Cookeville Vice-Mayor and also a 5 year term as a member of the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. He is currently a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents which oversees 6 state universities, 13 community colleges and 27 technological centers throughout the state of Tennessee. He is also an active board member of the First National Bank of Tennessee. He is the proud father of two sons, Steve, who is the owner and director of Cumberland Insurance Group and Scott, who is a physician and surgeon at CRMC.
Kelsey Wright, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Bio coming soon!
Cody Gibson, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Cody Gibson joined the team at Copeland Veterinary Hospital in the summer of ‘19. Originally from a small coal mining town in southwest Virginia called Appalachia, he and his wife moved to Cookeville to begin working in general practice. He attended Lincoln Memorial University for his undergraduate studies in veterinary technology before pursuing his D.V.M. at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. In his spare time, Dr. Gibson enjoys weightlifting, watching movies, and playing games. He has two handsome cats named Winston and Ferguson. Dr. Gibson and his wife are also happily expecting their first child early this spring.
Francis Seth Baker, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Baker is a native of Cookeville and graduated from Cookeville High School in 1999. After moving to Knoxville, he earned his degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee in 2004. He attended Ross Veterinary School in St. Kitts where he earned his D.V.M. in 2012. Dr. Baker completed his clinics at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. His professional interests include orthopedics, neurology, critical care, and ophthalmology. Recently, he completed an externship in ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a sports enthusiast and enjoys being outdoors.
Jayme Burnett, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Jayme Burnett is a 2010 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She has lived in Cookeville, Tn for the past 6 year, and is happy to call Copeland Veterinary Hospital her professional home.
Her medical interests include internal medicine, dentistry and care for geriatric pets. Dr. Burnett spends her free time chauffeuring her three young daughters and one son around town, volunteering her time as a foster care advocate for the Upper Cumberland, and enjoying them myriad of events that the community has to offer.
Nicholas Robbins, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Nicholas Robbins was born in Auburn, but grew up in Mobile, AL. Growing up, he wanted to be what all young boys wanted to be: a firefighter, a police officer, an astronaut, or even a racecar driver at one point. It wasn't until high school that he developed a passion for helping people and animals.
Dr. Robbins attended Auburn University in 2015. In between undergrad classes, he found jobs in a small animal clinic, then with the Parasitology Department at Auburn University Vet school. He was then accepted to Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 and graduated by 2022.
As clinic involvement increased, Dr. Robbins fell in love with veterinary medicine and the joy the field brings to animals and people.
"This field is unique and special because we get to see the beauty of the human-animal bond, everyday."
Dr. Robbins' special interest is radiology, specifically ultrasounds. He has future plans to strengthen his skills in the field of ultrasonography and imaging.
During his free time, Dr. Robbins can be found outdoors enjoying woodworking, hikes, climbing, canoeing, and skydiving. He even hopes to obtain a skydiving and piloting license soon!
Montana Oliver, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Montana Oliver, a Cookeville native, attended the University of Tennessee for her undergraduate degree in Animal Science. She then attended the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine for her doctoral degree. As a new grad, Dr. Oliver is excited to start working in her hometown!
Her special interests are in dentistry, internal medicine, nutrition, and dermatology.
When not at work, she can be found spending quality time with her husband at Dale Hollow lake, watching UT athletics, and playing or coaching lacrosse.
OUR SUPPORT TEAM
Kristin Gunnels | Hospital Administrator
Bio coming soon!
