TEAM
Meet our experienced team of
veterinary professionals
Come meet our compassionate and caring veterinary staff. We are excited to meet your furry family member
Dr. Kencade Sumner
OWNER/VETERINARIAN
Dr. Kencade Sumner
Dr. Kencade Sumner grew up locally, particularly around Rocky Face and Trion areas. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor in Animal Science in 2013. Before applying to Vet School, Dr. Sumner worked for us as an assistant for hours toward his application. Dr. Sumner then went on to get his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2018. He worked locally before joining our team in May 2019, and later became a partner in the practice in January 2022. Dr. Sumner enjoys both large and small animals, and is available for in-office appointments and farm service calls. He and his wife, Brittni, have 2 girls: Hadley and Kennedy, and 2 dogs: Luke and Tuff. In his spare time, Dr. Sumner enjoys hunting, fishing, and Georgia Football.
Dr. Ava Talmage
ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN
Dr. Talmage
Dr. Ava Talmage is a 1993 graduate of the University of Georgia’s School of Veterinary Medicine. She has been practicing large and small animal medicine for more than 40 years. Her experience with farm animals and companion animals is an asset to VAC. She is also experienced in herbal medicine and is a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Dr. Talmage’s experience and wealth of knowledge are a testament to the quality of medicine VAC provides its patients.
Dr. Talmage enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandchildren and rides the trails on her trusted gaited pony, Levi.
Dr. Courtney Landers
ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN
Dr. Courtney Landers
Dr. Courtney Landers grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. She graduated from Berry College with a Bachelors in Animal Science in 2020 and University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. Before vet school, she worked as a technician with Dr. Sumner at VAC. Dr. Courtney loves small and large animal medicine. She has two dogs: Denny and Tux. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, reading, and horseback riding.
Kaitlyn
ASSISTANT
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn attended the Animal Science Program at Berry College in Rome, Georgia for two years. She joined our team in 2011, and later went on to take courses in the Veterinary Technology Program at Chattanooga State in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Along with her general technical duties, Kaitlyn plays a major role in inventory maintenance, practice organization, and training new employees. Her special interests include reading, bingeing on Netflix, and spending time with her husband, Adam, as well as their two kids, Clara and Boyd.