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
Jayme Burnett, DVM | Medical Director
Dr. Jayme Burnett graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and values the wide variety of cases she encounters each day, with particular passions for internal and emergency medicine. What Dr. Burnett appreciates most about her time at the hospital are the lasting relationships she builds with her patients and their owners.
Outside of work, Dr. Burnett loves going on adventures with her family and introducing her five children to new experiences, three of whom joined their family through adoption, a cause close to her heart. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and reading whenever she has the chance.
“I believe in doing small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa
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.
Jason Wilton, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Jason Wilton earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Lincoln Memorial University–College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM). He is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to every patient he treats.
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.
Kelsey Wright, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Kelsey Wright joined the Copeland Veterinary Hospital team after graduating from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a veterinary assistant at Copeland, where the compassionate care provided to animals inspired her to return as a veterinarian.
Her professional interests include internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Wright enjoys traveling and spending time on the lake with her husband, Josh, and their two German Shepherds, Copper and Louis V.
She is honored to continue serving the pets and people of Middle Tennessee with the compassion, skill, and dedication that Copeland Veterinary Hospital is known for.
Montana Oliver, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Montana Oliver is a Cookeville native with a deep-rooted passion for animal care. She attended the University of Tennessee for both her undergraduate and doctoral degrees. After graduation, Dr. Oliver returned home to join the Copeland team in 2022.
Her medical interests include surgery, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. However, she is committed to supporting pet owners through each phase of their animal’s health journey, from puppy visits to end-of-life care.
Dr. Oliver and her husband welcomed their first child, a daughter, in early 2025. Her Standard Poodle, Blu, is a loving older brother who keeps their lives exciting. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband at Dale Hollow Lake, playing pickleball, or watching Tennessee athletics.
Dr. Oliver is also steadfast in her Christian faith, which guides her both personally and professionally. She is pleased and excited to serve the community she calls home!
Nicholas Robbins, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Born in Auburn and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Nicholas Robbins’ path to veterinary medicine began with a simple love of helping others—both people and animals. He earned both his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, graduating in 2022.
While working at small animal clinics and within the Parasitology Department at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Robbins discovered the joy and fulfillment that comes from caring for pets and supporting the families who love them. His favorite part of veterinary medicine is seeing the difference he makes in his patients’ and clients’ lives every day.
Dr. Robbins has a special interest in radiology, particularly ultrasound, and plans to continue advancing his skills in imaging and ultrasonography.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Robbins enjoys spending time outdoors—whether hiking, exploring national parks, woodworking, or skydiving. At home, he and his wife stay busy chasing their daughter and caring for a lively crew of four dogs, one cat, and an axolotl.
Michael Foget, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Michael Foget is originally from New Port Richey, Florida, but moved to Cookeville, Tennessee, while he completed his undergraduate degree at Tennessee Technological University. Dr. Foget received his master’s degree in Veterinary Biomedical Science and D.V.M. from Lincoln Memorial University.
Dr. Foget has a special interest in soft tissue surgery and emergency medicine. He has a passion for providing high-quality care for every animal and pet parent he interacts with.
When he’s not practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Foget enjoys playing guitar, getting together with friends, and spending time with his wife and young daughter.
Steve Copeland, DVM | Founder, Retired
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.
OUR SUPPORT TEAM
