Dr. Sara Gonzalez
Clinical Associate Professor, Assistant Hospital Director
Dr. Gonzalez is board-certified (DABVP) in both canine and feline practice and is a Fear Free Certified Professional. She has professional interests in veterinary dentistry and vaccinology and is an advocate for the Spectrum of Care initiative in veterinary medicine. Throughout her experiences, her passion for honoring the human-animal bond remains constant, consistently offering compassionate, clear communication and experienced care to enhance the lives of her patients and their families. Dr. Gonzalez grew up in North Lauderdale, Florida, graduating from the University of Florida with her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology in 2005, Master of Science in Animal Science in 2007, and finally her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Before joining the PHC team, she worked for several years as an associate veterinarian in small animal practice in Kansas and then as an emergency clinician at Kansas State University. In her free time, Dr. Gonzalez enjoys spending time with her family, including their Basset hounds (Sugar Loaf & Hermione), cats (Minerva & Minina), cockatiel (Puffins), guinea pigs (Chloe & Maya), and saltwater aquarium.
Dr. Elizabeth Busch
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Busch earned both her B.S. in Biology and her DVM from the University of Georgia. After working as an associate veterinarian in Ann Arbor, MI, she returned to Georgia and started her career with VCA clinics. She holds certification as a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and has specific interests in veterinary preventative care, internal medicine, nutrition, cytology, and radiology. Dr. Busch is passionate about helping every family through the journey of pet care and ownership, and helping them find the best care for her clients and their pets. In addition to her PHC patients, Dr. Busch cares for her own two dogs and two cats.
Dr. Jennifer Sims
Clinical Assistant Professor
A proud Double Dawg, Dr. Sims earned her Bachelor’s in Avian Biology and her DVM from the University of Georgia. Before joining the PHC team, Dr. Sims has worked as a small animal general practitioner with professional interests in internal medicine and heartworm disease. Dr. Sims is excited to help teach the next generation of veterinarians, especially at her alma mater. Outside of the PHC, Dr. Sims loves cheering on the Dawgs with friends, family, and her two senior beagles, Mona and Betty.
Dr. Mary Songster-Alpin
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Songster’s hometown of Frewsburg, NY sits just outside of Buffalo. She earned her B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from State University of New York College at Cortland and her DVM from North Carolina State University. Dr. Songster joined the PHC with a wealth of experience in veterinary medicine, having worked in several veterinary practices in NY as well owning her own clinic, Pioneer Paws Veterinary Clinic. She additionally served as an assistant clinic professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Songster has focuses in dentistry, anesthesia and pain management, behavioral medicine and low stress handling, and collaborative care. She is passionate about both client and student education and is excited to bring her experiences and passion to UGA. At home, she enjoys spending time with her family, 3 cats, and 3 horses.
Dr. Jude Thornton
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Thornton earned his DVM from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine and has particular interests in client education, internal medicine, and dermatology. Before joining the PHC in 2025, he worked as a veterinarian at South Athens Animal Clinic in addition to working with Athens-Clarke County Animal services and providing relief work at clinics throughout Georgia. While his patients always come first, Dr. Thornton is passionate about teaching our veterinary students the importance of patient care. When not providing care for his patients and clients, Dr. Thornton enjoys spending time with his family and his cattle dog, Zuri.
Dr. Destiny Prezzano
Assistant Professor
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Dr. Prezzano, earned her BS and her DVM from the University of Florida. With 20 years of veterinary experience, she has strong interests in soft tissue surgery, client and student education, and providing spectrum of care medicine. Dr. Prezzano has experience working in large general practices, feline-only clinics, and personally owned her own small animal hospital with her husband in Dacula, GA. In addition to helping care for patients at the PHC, Dr. Prezzano is passionate about teaching the next generation of veterinarians and helps teach the clinical skills course at the CVM. At home, Dr. Prezzano spends time with her family, rough-coated collie, Chelsea, and golden retriever, Louise.
Cynthia Lewis, LVT
Practice Manager
Our practice manager, Cynthia, has been a part of the Pet Health Center family for over a decade. Starting as a licensed veterinary technician, she transitioned into the role of nursing manager, and now serves as the practice manager. In each role, Cynthia has gained a broad perspective of veterinary care and clinic operations, strengthening her commitment to providing exceptional patient care, creating a supportive and positive workplace culture, and enhancing the client experience- all while contributing to the education of future veterinary professionals. She is Fear Free Certified and is our resident pet travel expert, helping our clients navigate the requirements for domestic and international pet travel. Outside of the PHC, Cynthia loves spending time outside with her family, snake, Shadowman, and cat, Forest.
Allyssa Lee, LVT
Veterinary Technician
Allyssa joined the PHC after working at several general practices in her hometown of Warner Robins, where she also offered local in-house dog-sitting. She completed her pre-Licensed Veterinary Technician internship at the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital and recently passed her Veterinary Technician Nursing Exam. She has personal interests in veterinary dentistry and surgery. When not helping care for patients, Allyssa loves on her own menagerie of pets including two Pomeranians and a Weimaraner.
Sydni White, LVT
Veterinary Technician
Syndi has been with the PHC since 2015, having earned her technician certification from San Juan College and a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from UGA. Sydni is a feline friendly practitioner and is Fear Free Certified, with professional interests in veterinary dentistry, behavior, large animal, and exotics. She has volunteered with a variety of animal organizations such Paws Atlanta, Classic City Clydesdales, and Planned PetHood and hopes to attend vet school in the near future.
Kaitlyn Ball
Client Care Services
Our front desk associate, Kaitlyn, earned her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from the University of Georgia in 2022. Before joining the PHC team, she worked at several horse and dog kenneling facilities and most recently as a front desk associate with the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Emergency & Critical Care service. Kaitlyn is passionate about animal behavior and raises and trains horses with her family on their farm. In addition to her horses, Kaitlyn cares for 3 dogs, 2 cats, an Amazon parrot, a cockatiel, and a lively flock of chickens and geese.
Join Our Team!
Take your career to the next level with UGA VetMed! At the UGA Pet Health Center, you would join a compassionate and experienced veterinary team ready to help you grow professionally and achieve your career goals. Our expanded Stanton Spectrum of Care facility offers a dynamic and unique environment where you can develop your veterinary skills while simultaneously helping to train the next generation of veterinarians.
