Meet Our Staff

Dr. Stephen E. Newton is a 1985 graduate of the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. As a new vet fresh out of school he spent three years in a rural community practicing primarily on farm animals. Originally from Columbus, he came back to Bartholomew County in 1988. During his 30 plus years with the Hope Veterinary Clinic he has developed interests in oncology and chemotherapy, management of diabetic dogs and cats, geriatric care and internal medicine. He and his wife Lisa live in the Rockcreek area with two dogs, cows, sheep and too many cats. They have three grown children, Margaret, Len,and Katie and two grandsons.

Dr. Nicole D. Witt graduated from Purdue University Veterinary School of Medicine in 2010 with a special interest in small animal medicine.She earned her undergraduate degree from Union University in Tennessee where she was also privileged to play for their volleyball team.

Originally from Columbus, Dr. Witt moved back home with her husband and two children in 2013 when she joined as an associate with the Hope Veterinary Clinic. She has been excited to give back to her community through the care of your pets. She is passionate about all areas of general wellness but with a special interest in surgery, dentistry , and wellness education. 

Dr Deena Stoner graduated from Purdue in 1988.After graduation, she practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hershey, Pennsylvania, and most recently in her hometown of Columbus, Indiana. Dr. Stoner has advanced training in ophthalmology and also enjoys dermatology, internal medicine and  preventative care. When she is not treating patients, she enjoys spending time on the family farm, where they raise corn, soybeans, and Angus cattle.

Dr. Robin Driggers is a graduate of the University of Illinois 20 years ago. She has practiced veterinary medicine in Oregon, as well as Colorado. She has recently returned home to her Midwest roots and has a small farm in Barthomew County. At home, she and her husband, daughter and son have horses, goats, chickens, ponies, dogs and cats! Dr. Driggers greatly enjoys all parts of companion animal medicine and surgery, and internal medicine.

Originally from Indianapolis, she and her husband Dan live in the Edinburgh area. They enjoy camping and hiking with their dog Otis. She is a recent graduate from Purdue, and enjoys surgery and helping your dog live its best life!

Hi! My name is Jane Haza, CVPM. I'm the practice manager for the Hope Veterinary Clinics. A lifelong love for animals prompted me to come to work for the clinic back in 1999. Every day I get to see the furry faces coming in to seek our care. I enjoy seeing the bond between the pets and their owners- the strength of love there is amazing! I graduated from St. Petersburg College, and am a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. I have three rescued greyhounds. I also like to collect fossils, enjoy reading and history.

Hello there, my name is Hillery and I am a Registered Veterinary Technician at the HVC. I am a graduate of Purdue University and grew up in the Flatrock area. I am excited to come to work every day to help the pets, and help their family. I have many special interests, including nutrition, small animal surgery and emergency medicine. At my house, my family includes my Rottie, chickens, ducks, and 3 wonderful boys! If you have any questions, please call and ask for me! 

Hello everyone, thanks for stopping by our website. My name is Brittany Purtlebaugh, RVT and I am a graduate of the International Business College in Indianapolis, with a degree in veterinary technology. My special interests are small animal surgery, and geriatrics. At home, my husband and I have a wonderful son and daughter, and several pets, including a lovable rescued cat and three wonderful dogs. Stop by and ask me any questions you have concerning your pet care!

Hi everyone, I am Brianna, a Registered Vet Tech here at the Hope Vet Clinic. I graduated at the IBC Vet Tech Institute in Indianapolis in 2018, and worked as an exotic animal vet tech for a few years before joining the HVC team. My fiance, my stepdaughter and I moved to Columbus about a year ago. We have a Chihuahua, 2 cats, ferrets and reptiles at home!

Hello, my name is Sarah Cox, and I am an RVT, a Registered Veterinary Assistant at the HVC. I have been working at the clinic since high school. In my spare time, my husband and I like to ride horses and be outside, and lavish attention on our children!  I love all animals so this job fits me perfectly! 

Welcome, welcome. My name is Ashlynn and I am a Registered Veterinary Technician! My duties here at the clinic include helping to take care of the precious pets that are coming in to see the doctor, and helping the doctors in surgeries. I am currently finished up at IBC College and have passed by Indiana boards to become an RVT. Let me know if you need help!

Hello, I am Danielle, a Registered Vet Tech at the Hope Vet Clinic. I have worked here for several years since graduating from college. My husband and I have a wonderful daughter, and a herd of Great Danes! I love all aminals so this is my chosen life, I get to do what I love every day and take the best care of YOUR precious pet!

Savannah is a Registered Vet Tech who has been at our clinic for about a year. She enjoys being the advocate, or the Voice for the animals! At home she lives on a farm with donkeys, chickens, cats and dogs.

Welcome to Hope Vet Clinic! I am one of the newer faces you will see after recently graduating from Vet Tech School! I love all animals and my goal is to help you keep your pets healthy and happy!

Welcome to HVC! My name is Sereta, and I have been a part of the the team since 1995. I am one of the senior veterinary staff.  I enjoy working here for several reasons, but my most favorite is being surrounded by other team members and the clients who love animals as much as I do! My family includes two daughters, two sons, one stepdaughter, one cat, one husband and two dogs!

Hello, I'm Sandy. I joined the HVC team as an office technician in 1992, and I have never felt the gratification at any other job that I feel here! I enjoy helping and educating our clients to raise healthier pets. My husband Tony and I have a son named Cole, and a cat named Jovi. Outside the clinic I enjoy spending time with friends, family and traveling. And of course, FOOTBALL!

Hello and welcome to our website. My name is Paytonn, and I am a veterinary assistant here at the Hope Vet Clinic since I was in high school. In my spare time, I just hang out at home with my boyfriend, three dogs, a cat and my exotic pets!

Welcome to our clinics! I am Lindsey and I have been here for over 10 years. I enjoy meeting people and their pets! I am the friendly voice you hear on the phone! At home, my husband and I have a dog, cats and a wonderful daughter Emma. Thanks for checking our website out!

Hi, I am Melissa and I am one of the friendly faces you see up front and the helpful voice you hear answering the phone! I enjoy working here and love people and pets! I have four wonderful children, one wonderful husband and one wonderful dog at home!

Thank you for looking us up on our website, and I hope you come to see us soon. I am Claire, and I am a veterinary assistant here at the HVC. I completed Veterinary Technician school and am working on becoming an RVT. My husband and I have several pets at home, including cats and dogs. Come in and see us!

Hello my name is Shania, and I attended college in Indianapolis to further my vet tech career. I especially enjoy being here and learning from all the other technicians, there is always something new every day. Stop by to visit us sometime!

My name is Macey Palmer, and I am a vet assistant here at the clinic.  My husband Kevin and I have dogs, cats and some exotic pets, we love every living creature! Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to our website! Be sure to check out our Facebook and follow us on Twitter! I am Hailey, and You may remember me from 10 or 15 years ago as I worked here through high school. Now I have been back for a while and plan to stay forever. Stop by and say hi! If I am not here, I am out running around with my husband and stepdaughter! 

Hello! I am Katie Davidson, and you may recognize me from working at the clinic a very long time ago. My father is Dr David Davidson, one of the original vets here. I enjoy working with pets and their people and have been in this field for many years. I have one handsome son in college, a great boyfriend, and one wonderful dog at home that keep me busy.

My name is Brenda Christy and I am one of the client service reps at the clinic. I enjoy being here and learning something new every day. I have one dog at home, as well as my super husband and our son. Call me with any questions!

 I love my job at the clinic, where I can help animals and help people! My name is Shelby, and I can help you schedule that surgery, or get your food and medicines for you! I am currently being trained as an assistant and plan on being here for a long time. At home I have both cats and dogs, a super fiancee, and three children.  I love every creature!

Hello from the East clinic! I am Emma Jordan, and I am one of the client service reps here. I love to see new people and I love to meet pets, so this is the perfect job for me. I am attending a local college to become a psychologist. My husband and I have several cats at home but I also love dogs too! 

My name is Ashley, and I grew up on a farm where I learned to take care of all different animals!!  When I am not working at the clinic, I am usually working at home- but don't worry I leave time to run around with my wonderful  husband and our new daughter!

Hello everyone, I am Sydnie. I joined the team here in 2021 after graduating from college. I plan on going to school to become a registered veterinary technician, as this is my dream career!