Meet The Team Caring For Your Pets
Our team combines expertise, passion, and a genuine love for animals to deliver exceptional care to every patient.
DVM, DACVECC Veterinary Criticalist
Dr. Whitley is a board certified specialist in emergency and critical care and is excited to join the team in Swansboro as the medical director. She obtained her DVM at North Carolina State University in 2014 and completed a small animal rotating internship and residency at BluePearl Georgia in Atlanta. In between internship and residency, she practiced emergency medicine in Wisconsin while her husband completed his residency in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Whitley enjoys complex cases that involve multiple body systems, sepsis, blood disorders, trauma and respiratory distress. She thoroughly enjoys teaching, has multiple publications and has lectured with Vet Vacation CE.
Currently Dr. Whitley and her family reside in Wilmington on the coast of North Carolina. This is where she grew up and she enjoys being back by the beach raising her children. She has two golden retrievers named Albie and Annie, a beagle named Beau, five cats named Wilson, Edie, Hattie, Tommy and Ralphie. She enjoys traveling, watching and playing sports, going to concerts and being outdoors!
DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) Veterinary Internist
Practice Manager
Susan graduated from Cazenovia College with a degree in Architectural Interior Design. Her career path took a meaningful turn after her cat was injured, sparking a deep passion for the veterinary industry. She began her journey as a receptionist in a small animal hospital, where her dedication quickly stood out. During this time, she founded a lost-and-found animal hotline that was later sponsored by a local television station in Central New York.
Susan soon advanced to the role of Hospital Manager and has since made animal care and hospital operations her long-term career. In 2015, she and her husband, Bob, relocated to Coastal North Carolina. She has been an integral part of Swansboro Animal Hospital Emergency and Trauma Center since its opening in 2019, initially serving as Office Manager and now as Operations Manager.
Outside of work, Susan enjoys spending time with her family and her two Golden Retrievers, Bhodi and Bella. She has a love for decorating, sailing, and exploring coastal communities.
Clinical Support Manager
With 11 years of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician, Autumn has built a well-rounded career in general practice, integrative medicine, and emergency veterinary care. Throughout her career, she has developed a passion not only for providing exceptional patient care, but also for supporting and mentoring fellow team members. She believes that a strong, collaborative team is the foundation of excellent medicine and is committed to fostering a positive work environment where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed.
As Clinical Support Manager, Autumn is dedicated to empowering her team through open communication, hands-on leadership, and continuous education while ensuring the highest standards of patient care.
Outside of the hospital, Autumn enjoys spending time with her seven dogs and can often be found relaxing and reading by a large body of water.
Specialty Referral Coordinator
As the Referral Coordinator for our Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Hospital, I enjoy helping pets and their families navigate the referral process with compassion and care. I know that seeking specialty or emergency care can be stressful, and I strive to make each experience as seamless and supportive as possible while working closely with our clients, referring veterinarians, and hospital team.
I love being part of a profession that combines my passion for animals with the opportunity to help people during important moments. Building relationships and ensuring every patient and family feels cared for is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
When I’m away from the hospital, you’ll usually find me with a good book, enjoying a beach day, exploring new places with my daughter, or spending time with my two Shih Tzus. I’m proud to be part of a team dedicated to providing exceptional care and making a difference for pets and the people who love them.