Richburg, SC
Meet our team
At Dogwood Veterinary Clinic, our team is the heart of everything we do. Get to know the dedicated veterinarians and staff who will be caring for your pet.
Get to know our team
We believe the best care starts with trust. Our veterinarians and support staff are committed to building lasting relationships with every pet and owner who walks through our doors.
Veterinarians
Dr. Melissa Privette
Dr. Melissa Privette was born and raised in Rock Hill, SC, and completed her undergraduate studies at Clemson University — where she became a lifelong Clemson Tigers fan. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.
Now based in Richburg, SC, Dr. Privette has a special passion for surgery, pain management, and expanding her expertise in farm animal and exotic species care. Her hands-on approach extends beyond the clinic — at home, she and her husband, Will, are raising three children, Hazel, Dixon, and Wyatt, on a small hobby farm where the family grows and raises much of their own food.
Dr. Kandace Koukoutsis
Dr. Kandace Koukoutsis is a small animal general practice veterinarian with over 20 years of clinical experience. Originally from Reading, Ohio, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Microbiology from Miami University in 2001, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 2005.
Following veterinary school, Dr. Koukoutsis completed both an internship and an emergency medicine clerkship at Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, MI, where she gained advanced training in complex and critical cases. She has since built a career dedicated to comprehensive, compassionate small animal care.
Her professional interests include pain management, emergency medicine, and general small animal medicine. She has been certified in veterinary acupuncture since 2013 and takes pride in incorporating integrative therapies into her patients’ overall care plans.
Outside of work, Dr. Koukoutsis stays busy with her husband John, their two children Annasofia and Peter, and a household full of pets — including cats, a dog, and a bearded dragon. In her free time, she reads as much as she can and loves to bake. She is truly thrilled to be a part of your pet’s care.
Meet Our Support Team
Rachel
Rachel is originally from Blackstock, SC, and has been in veterinary medicine for 8 years, with a brief break to enjoy life as a stay-at-home mom. When she’s not caring for pets, you can find her singing with the York County Choir, getting lost in a good book, or planning her next magical trip to Disney World. At home, she shares her life with Nutella (“Tella”), the Catahoula, Tootle, Smee, Nibs, and Peter (all Peter Pan-inspired cats!), plus six backyard chickens.
Fun fact: she has a sweet tooth for desserts, anything peanut butter, and juicy watermelon — so don’t be surprised if she sneaks a treat or two!
Val
Valerie was born in Georgia and has been working in veterinary medicine since 1990, bringing decades of experience and care to every patient. When she’s not at the clinic, she’s surrounded by hobbies — from horseback riding and painting to sewing baby blankets and burp cloths, reading, and family vacations. At home, she shares her life with Noah, a leash-loving grey cat, Ron, another laid-back grey cat, and five backyard chickens.
Fun fact: she can never resist chocolate!
Nina
Nina hails from The Bronx, New York City, and joined us nearly two years ago as a receptionist when Dogwood Vet opened. She loves getting creative in her free time — from reading across genres and writing creatively, to scrapbooking, home organization, and enjoying music. At home, she shares her adventures with Colette, a clever grey-and-white cat who knows tricks like a dog, and Luci, a 70-pound Dutch Shepherd lapdog who loves Halloween and handing out candy to the neighborhood kids.
Nina has a few treats that would make her day, some being brownie brittle, Albanese gummy bears, chai lattes, Canada Dry ginger ale, and mandarin Jarritos!
Rosemary
Rosemary was born and raised in Chester, SC, and has dedicated 20 years to veterinary medicine. She’s newly married and loves spending time with her husband, family, and of course her four-legged (and feathered!) babies. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find her thrifting or antique shopping for unique treasures. Her home is full of personality thanks to her two Great Danes, Dabo and Oakley Grey, Heaven the sweet doxy mix, Suzie and El the kitties, roosters Ol’ Red and Conway, and chickens Betty Boop, Miss Martha, and Thelma.
She’s especially happy when there’s chocolate nearby, along with mixed nuts and a trusty iced coffee to keep her going.
Halle
Halle Moss is a Rock Hill, SC native, born and raised! She’s been in the veterinary field for almost a year, bringing with her nine years of reception experience, where she learned how to make everyone feel welcome. Outside of the clinic, Halle enjoys reading, playing computer games, and spending time with her family, friends, and her fur babies.
At home, she has Tucker, an 8-year-old Blue Heeler, and Charlotte, her 11-year-old kitty. If you’re looking to make her day, Halle is always happy with a cup of coffee or some sour candy!
Bree
Bree is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and has been a veterinary receptionist for 9 years, joining the field with plenty of experience and a no-nonsense approach to keeping things running smoothly. She’s a proud new mom and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, walking around her pond, and managing her busy hobby farm. Her crew includes Toast the indoor cat, Sadie the shepherd mix, Ryder the yellow lab, Rein the pit bull, and three Great Pyrenees — Maple, Winston, and Goose — plus countless goats, chickens, Highland cows, and
barn cats. With that many animals, she’s basically running her own zoo at home!
Ariel
Ariel was born and raised in Rock Hill, SC, and has been a veterinary assistant for 10 years. These days, most of her hobbies revolve around being a mom to her two-year-old daughter, but she also loves getting lost in a good book, spending time with her husband and family, and anything Disney — especially trips to Disney World. At home, she has a crazy house with Astro, the best blue heeler, Luna, the German Shepherd mix, Dipper, the Australian Shepherd mix, and Sprout, the resident chaos kitty.
Her go-to fuel to survive busy clinic days and mom life includes original Slim Jims, donuts, and, admittedly, a very good Dr. Pepper.
Danielle
Danielle Husted is a Rock Hill, SC native who has dedicated an incredible 32 years to veterinary medicine. Her passion for caring for animals and supporting their families shines through in everything she does. Outside of the clinic, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and antique shopping. At home, she shares her life with Gibbs, her Australian Shepherd, and Fern, her Blue Heeler.
If you’re looking to brighten her day, Danielle is always happy with anything chocolate!
Grace
Grace is originally from Kannapolis, NC, and has been working in veterinary medicine for three years. Outside of work, Grace enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art. She’s an animal lover through and through, caring for dogs, cats, fish, and even goats! If you’re looking to make her smile, chocolate is always a great choice.
Sophie
Sophie Hammer is originally from Ohio and has been working in veterinary medicine for nearly a year. As a receptionist, she enjoys helping clients and their pets feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. Outside of work, Sophie loves reading, writing, and playing the piano. She shares her home with her long-haired cat, Clarence, who keeps her entertained with his curious personality. If you’re looking to brighten her day, Sophie loves Ferrero Rocher chocolates, vanilla lattes, and salt and vinegar kettle chips!