Our Techs & Receptionists

RJ (Large Animal)

Ronald “RJ” Palmer was born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences in 2019. 

As a large animal technician, RJ’s responsibilities include maintaining a clean environment within the barn and assisting the large animal veterinarians with their procedures, the former in which he especially takes great pride. 

He and his wife, Emily, live in Hattiesburg and are proud parents of three cats. 

Heidi (Small Animal)

Heidi Miller was born and raised in Starkville, MS, where she later attended Mississippi State University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree Fall 2020 in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, and Management. 

Heidi moved to Hattiesburg shortly after graduation and joined the Pine Belt family December of 2020. She is currently enrolled at San Juan College in the Veterinary Technology Program to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. 

She has three dogs (Fawn, Zeppelin and Nelly) and a guinea pig (Peanut). 

Laura (Small Animal) 

Laura Lucas is our Lead Veterinary Technician from Seminary, MS. She was born in Flowood, MS, but primarily grew up in Madison, MS.

Laura attended Hinds Community Colleges Veterinary Technician program directly after high school. She is currently enrolled in Penn Foster to complete her certification. Laura knew from a young age that she wanted to be in the veterinary field. She joined the Pine Belt Family May 2015 after moving from Brandon, MS.

Laura has 5 dogs (Theodore Riley, Titan, Maizey Kate, Zouri, and Smiley), 4 cats (Bunnie, Meow, Tiny, and Wallace), and 1 horse (Max). She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jake Lucas. In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time on the river with friends and family, traveling (especially to Branson, MO), and spending time with her fur children.

Makaylia 

Makaylia was born and raised in Jackson, MS. She has her associates degree in Veterinary Medicine and has worked with animals for 10 years and has loved every minute of it. 

Makaylia and her fiance, Matthew have one son, Mason and they enjoy spending time outdoors and taking their Chiweenie, Lainey with them everywhere they go. 

She has always had a passion caring for animals and she thrives on making sure they have the best experience and feel comfortable when they come for either a visit or boarding.

Jessy 

Jessy Daniels, originally from Southaven, MS moved to Hattiesburg, MS in 2015 along with her husband and son. 

She worked at Forrest General Hospital as a Emergency Technician and Patient Accountant Assistant for 4 years. Knowing her calling was in animal medical care, Jessy began work at Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital August of 2020. 

She is the proud mom of not only her son, but a dog named Cayde and 3 cats named Tuna, Cup and Shaker. 

Ashley

Ashley Neal, originally from Mandeville, LA, joined the Pine Belt Family in 2022, as a small animal client and later began working as a receptionist. 

She attended both the University of Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana University, graduating with a B.A in Strategic Communications. 

Ashley lives in Ovett, MS, and spends her free time showing and raising chihuahuas on the family farm! 

Linda Trussell Trammell 

Bio Coming Soon!