About Us!

A short history of our company

Founded in 2018 by Griff and Heidi Holland, Lowcountry Vets embarked on a journey to elevate pet care standards in South Carolina's coastal region. With a vision of providing unparalleled veterinary services, the Hollands established a humble clinic serving the communities of Bluffton, Hardeeville, and Ridgeland. Through unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence, Lowcountry Vets quickly gained the trust of pet owners across the Lowcountry. 

 As the demand for their compassionate care grew, so did the Lowcountry Vets family. What began as a two-person operation blossomed into a thriving practice, boasting a team of nine skilled doctors and over 30 dedicated staff members. Together, they continue to uphold the founding principles of integrity, expertise, and genuine love for animals.

Through the years, Lowcountry Vets has remained at the forefront of veterinary medicine, embracing innovation and expanding their services to meet the evolving needs of their community. From routine check-ups to advanced surgical procedures, they have become synonymous with excellence in pet care.  

Today, Lowcountry Vets stands as a beacon of compassion and expertise, enriching the lives of countless pets and their families across the region. With a proud history of service and a bright future ahead, they remain steadfast in their mission to provide the highest standard of care for every furry friend that walks through their doors.

Our Doctors

Dr. Heidi Holland, Owner

Dr. Heidi is a 2012 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. After her graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Heidi served as a Large Animal Field Services Intern and Instructor for the University of Georgia for two years. Upon completion of her internship, Dr. Heidi began a residency and PhD in Comparative Theriogenology, learning reproduction techniques in both large and small animals. Dr. Heidi is an avid equine enthusiast and enjoys riding her horse, Rupert, throughout the beautiful countryside of the Lowcountry.

Dr. Griff Holland, Owner

Dr. Griff Holland is a 2014 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Griff received his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University in 2008. Following completion of his veterinary degree, Dr. Griff worked in private practice for four years, including one year in emergency practice. After visiting some friends in the Lowcountry, he and his wife Heidi decided to make the move to Bluffton to start Lowcountry Vets. Outside of practice, Dr. Griff is a die hard fly fishing enthusiast, spending much of his free time wading the local flats.

Dr. Laurel LeGoullon

After serving in the United States Air Force for 24.5 years, Dr. Laurel pursued her veterinary degree through the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Laurel is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and coffee enthusiast. Outside of work, she loves to travel both domestically and internationally. She is excited to be a part of the Lowcountry Vets team.

Dr. Kristen Starnes

Dr. Kristen is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in Biological Sciences and Animal Science from the University of Georgia. Dr. Kristen loves spending time out on the lowcountry waterways and enjoying quality time with her husband, three dogs, two horses and a cat.

Dr. Lauren Senn

Dr. Lauren Senn graduated from St. George’s University and completed her clinical year of veterinary school at Louisiana State University. She received her undergraduate degree from Centenary University in Biological Sciences with a principal in Environmental Science. Dr. Senn loves spending her time kayaking, fishing and long walks with her Basset Hound, Wilma, and rescue dog, Sisko. She is also a feline enthusiast and aquarium hobbyist.

Dr. Meera Gullapalli

Dr. Meera is a graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and received her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences from The University of Maryland, College Park in 2019. She loves to travel and is a food enthusiast! Outside of practice, Meera loves spending quality time with her family and two crazy cats, Pinot and Wilson.

Dr. Anna Shaw

Dr. Anna is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her Bachelor’s of Animal Science from Clemson University in 2018 and is an avid Clemson fan. Dr. Anna enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and plans to incorporate small ruminant medicine into the Lowcountry practices. Outside of veterinary medicine, Anna enjoys baking, reading, and spending as much time as possible at the beach. She also enjoys hanging out with her pets!

Dr. Katie Hutchins

Dr. Katie Hutchins is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Georgia. Outside of practice, Dr. Katie loves visiting local coffee shops, walking her three dogs, and cooking for her friends and family.

Dr. Gabi Hamilton

Dr. Gabi is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as Clemson University. In addition to small animals, Dr. Gabi also shows an interest in small ruminant, bovine and camelid medicine. Outside of Veterinary Medicine she enjoys cooking and spending time outside with her family and two dogs, Willow and Briggs.

Our Staff

Windy Williford

Practicing Manager

Windy Williford is originally from Perry, Georgia. She is a 2015 graduate of Athens Technical College with an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. She enjoys being outside and hanging out with her dog, Mally. Windy has a strong passion for both large and small animal medicine.

Agustina Cardozo

Clinic Coordinator

Agustina, originally from Uruguay, moved to South Carolina in 2000. She has had a love for animals her whole life. At home, she has 4 dogs and 4 cats. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her best friend and her dogs. Agustina is fluent in Spanish and is thrilled to be a part of the Lowcountry Vets family.

Ryan Sweet

Head of House

Ryan, originally from Washington State, moved to South Carolina in 2015. He has always had a passion for animals, and has 4 dogs and 4 cats of his own. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his dogs and best friend.

Tiffany Sonn

Tiffany, is originally from Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in biology. Her passion and love for sea turtles drove her to continue her education at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Tiffany’s education then continued at the Miller-Motte College in Raleigh, NC and graduated in 2014 with a diploma in Veterinary Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys baking and pet sitting.

Hilary Roach

Hilary is originally from Overland Park, Kansas and moved to Hilton Head Island in 2020. She has always been passionate about working with animals and has two dogs and four cats of her own! In her spare time, Hilary enjoys taking long walks on the beach with her dogs.

April Reynolds

April was born and raised in Hampton, South Carolina. Her love for animals started when she was a small child! April has three Goldendoodles, one Labrador and a coop full of chickens. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors with her family and pets.

Caitlyn Meece

Caitlyn, is originally from Kathleen, Georgia. She is a graduate of Fort Valley State University obtaining her bachelors of science degree in Veterinary Technology. She loves spending time with her Labrador Retriever, Letty. In her free time, she loves to relax outdoors and enjoys the Lowcountry atmosphere.

Stephanie Smoll

Stephanie is originally from California and graduated from San Diego Mesa with an associates degree in Animal Health. She started her journey in the Veterinary field after serving in the United States Navy. Stephanie spends her free time outdoors with her dog, Hendrix.

Melaina Brown

Born in Hawaii, Melaina grew up around the world with her military family. She adores animals, especially aquatic, and has a Golden Retriever and Ragdoll of her own. Melaina also enjoys running, going out with friends, and being out on the water.

Victoria Mitchell

Victoria is a Lowcountry Native! She has always had a passion for animals and has been expanding her Veterinary Medicine experience the last few years. She is very excited to be a part of the Lowcountry Vets team!

Bobby McNaughton

Bobby is originally from Long Island, New York and has lived in the Lowcountry for a few months. He has always had a love for animals as he grew up surrounded by dog, cats, turtles and even birds. In his free time, Bobby can be found on the water or hiking.

Jasmine Clouse

Jasmine is a Bluffton Native who has always loved all types of animals. At home she has 2 dogs and 1 snake! In her spare time Jasmine likes to be poolside with her family and pets.

Amber Fernandez

Amber is originally from Fort Myers, Florida. She has always had a love for animals and has a dog of her own, Samara. In her free time she enjoys beach days and exploring new places. Amber is excited to be a part of the Lowcountry Vets team!

Martha Dunaway

Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, but has called the Lowcountry home now for over 10 years. A degree in Commercial Travel and Tourism from Appalachian State University first brought her to the Lowcountry in 2003. After spending many years in the snow out west, it was time for a move to the beach. Martha's love for animals started at an early age with fish and cats always in the family home. In her free time Martha loves to travel with her family and watch her kids enjoying all of the recreational activities that they are involved in.

Carmela Mazzella

Carmela is originally from Brooklyn, NY and comes to us with 26 years of experience in the Veterinary Field. A lifelong New York Mets fan, she enjoys watching baseball as well as cooking, baking, relaxing at the beach and spending time with her family and two cats. Carmela strives to provide compassionate care to all animals and build meaningful relationships with clients.

Hillary Guzman

Hillary is originally from Long Island, New York. She graduated from SUNY Delhi with her associates in Veterinary Science. Hillary has been passionate about animals since she was very young! At home she has a chihuahua named Hilo. In her free time, Hillary can be found going on walks or shopping!

Katie Knight

Katie is originally from Hawaii but has lived most of her life in the beautiful Lowcountry. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2014! Katie enjoys spending time with her kids and fostering animals through local shelters. Outside of work, she can be found cruising the May River, on the beach, or attending any of Bluffton’s multiple festivals throughout the year.

Sophia Herbst

Donovan Sanchez

Donovan was born in Paris, Tennessee and moved to Hilton Head Island at the age of 5! His passion for animals led him to pursue his education in Veterinary Technology. Donovan graduated from Ashworth College in 2019 and continues to extend his education whenever possible! In his free time, Donovan enjoys spending time outdoors with his own animals at home. His best pal is his Boxer, Lexi! Donovan also has a few Goats, Chickens and Guinea pigs.