Meet the Team at 2nd Avenue Animal Hospital
Your Trusted Veterinary Team in Columbus, GA
Our Doctors
Dr. Carly Bowen
Dr. Bowen’s professional interests include small animal general practice, surgery, ophthalmology, and preventative medicine. She also has a special interest in wildlife and zoo animal medicine, reflecting her lifelong love for animals and dedication to their health and well-being.
Her journey to veterinary medicine was inspired by childhood days spent watching Animal Planet, sparking a dream that would later lead her to change course from design school to pursue her true passion. Since then, she has never looked back, embracing the challenge and reward of veterinary medicine.
In her free time, Dr. Bowen enjoys being outdoors, relaxing with her beloved dogs, working out, and exploring her creative side through crafting. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in the Columbus area with her soon-to-be husband, who is stationed at nearby Fort Moore. Their family includes Solana, their loyal German Shepherd/Pitty mix.
Dr. Bowen is thrilled to join the team at 2nd Ave Veterinary Clinic, where she looks forward to building strong relationships with clients and their pets, providing high-quality care with a personal touch.
Dr. Jennifer Taft
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Stephanie Lees
Our Managers
McKenzie Getskow
Meet McKenzie! 🥰
With many years of experience in animal care—and proudly part of the 2nd Avenue team since 2020—McKenzie brings both skill and heart to every aspect of her work. From veterinary assistant to rescue liaison to inventory manager, her journey reflects a deep dedication to animals and the people who love them.
Her home? Think of it as a cozy, happy zoo—filled with beloved cats and dogs that mirror her passion for furry companions.
At the clinic, McKenzie is known for creating a warm, supportive environment. Whether she’s easing the nerves of a worried pet parent or keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, she’s always ready to help—with a smile and, more often than not, a well-timed dad joke.
Caring, reliable, and just the right amount of quirky, McKenzie truly loves what she does—and it shows in every tail wag, purr, and grateful grin. ❤️🐾
Charlotte
Nova
2nd Avenue Animal Hospital & 2nd Home Pet Resort Staff
Jessica
Veterinary Assistant
Jessica joined the clinic in 2023, starting out as a receptionist before transitioning into her role as a veterinary assistant. She’s truly a jack-of-all-trades! You might still spot her up front, greeting clients or lending a hand in the kennel. Her favorite part of the job is watching patients heal and seeing the joy on their owners’ faces when they go home happy and healthy.
At home, Jessica’s heart (and house!) is full. She’s a proud fur mama to six dogs: Precious, Muffin, Itty Bit, Flower, Delilah, and Waylon, and three cats: Luna, Arunika, and Ophelia. She’s also a loving mom to her sweet son, Kendreck.
When she’s not at the clinic, Jessica enjoys spending time with her horses and going trail riding. Her favorite animal is the horse! She loves their majestic beauty and swears they’re basically giant dogs with hooves.
Laura
Laura has been part of the 2nd Avenue family since 2012! She started as a kennel tech for five years before becoming a veterinary assistant, giving her that extra loving touch and a deep understanding of patient care. One of her favorite parts of the job is assisting in surgeries and making sure every patient feels safe and cared for.
At home, Laura’s love for animals shines just as brightly. She shares her life with her dog, Roxy, and five fabulous cats: Ceaser, Mittens, Lou, Julius, and Duncan. She’s also a proud mom to two adult sons, Ryan and Dylan.
When she’s not at the clinic, you can find Laura hiking, walking, and enjoying the outdoors. Her favorite animal? CATS! (Big or small, she loves them all.) Laura swears she can relate to them on a deeper level and is pretty sure she must have been a cat in a past life.
Kelle
Kelle is a proud mom to a wonderful daughter who is a nurse, and a grandmother to an amazing granddaughter who is both a Disney Intern and a SCAD student!! Accomplishments she couldn’t be prouder of! At home, she’s also a devoted fur mama to two cats, Lucy and Dennis, and one dog named Max.
Outside of work, Kelle enjoys reading mysteries and knitting cozy socks. When it comes to her favorite animal, she can’t choose between dogs and cats! She loves them both for the one-of-a-kind personalities they bring into the world.
Taylor
At home, Taylor shares her life with her fiancé, Josh, and two adorable pups: Mila the Shih Tzu and Atlas the Jack Russell. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading, coloring, and diving into cozy Nintendo Switch games.
Her favorite animal is the bunny! She believes we don’t deserve these intelligent, affectionate, and often misunderstood companions.
Ty
Outside of work, Ty is all about staying active and curious, you might catch him playing sports, watching scary movies, or diving into something new to learn. His favorite animal in the world is a dog, and he loves that they come in so many breeds, shapes, and sizes. For Ty, meeting all the different kinds is one of the best parts of the job.
Larae
Larae has been part of our kennel team since 2015, and in that time she’s cared for countless pets and built lasting bonds with their families. Her favorite part of the job is the animals, of course, but also the sweet, amazing clients she’s met over the years — many of whom feel like part of her own family now.
At home, Larae is a proud cat mom to Alex, her oldest and most laid-back boy who’s definitely a daddy’s cat, and Max, her playful “wild child” who acts more like a dog when it comes to chasing toys.
Outside of work, Larae loves spending her days off with her mom, whether it’s shopping or going out to eat. Family means everything to her. As for her favorite animal? She loves them all. Around here, when you bring your pet to the clinic, they all know exactly who “Mama Larae” is!
Chris
Chris has been part of our team since early 2024, caring for our kennel guests with dedication and patience. His favorite part of the job is spending time with the dogs — making sure they’re happy, healthy, and even teaching them a few fun tricks along the way!
Known for always being willing to lend a hand, Chris is an extremely helpful and dependable part of our team, making each day better for both pets and people.
At home, Chris is a proud fur dad to three pups: Rusty, Bubba, and Red. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming and hiking, balancing his love for the indoors and the great outdoors. His favorite animal is the sloth! He appreciates their laid-back, slow-motion lifestyle.