Meet Our Doctors

Dr Amy Edwards

Emily Worthy, DVM/Owner

Small Animal Veterinarian

Dr. Worthy grew up in the Catskill Mountains in NY where she fell in love with all creatures from the cats at home to the cows at her friend’s dairy farms. Dr. Worthy earned her B.S. in Biology from Siena University in 2000 and her Master’s Degree in Forensics Science from National University in 2005. In 2012, Dr. Worthy earned her Doctorate of Veterinary medicine from Michigan State University.

After Living in 6 different states and visiting 6 different continents, Dr. Worthy knew she wanted to return to Northeastern NC to live and work near her family. She spent 5 years in small animal general practice in Chesapeake, VA before fulfilling her goal of practice ownership. In 2017, she partnered with The Vets Pets to purchase Eastern Shore Animal Hospital.

Dr. Worthy’s professional interests include dentistry, surgery, geriatric care, client education and leadership. When she is not wearing her scrubs, Dr. Worthy enjoys her time at home with her husband Jason, her children Olivia and Jack, her stepchildren Caroline and Jude, and all of their local cousins, Billy, Adlai, Stella, Lulu, Lily, Noah, Henry and Elise. The Worthy family pets currently include the cats: Geraldine, Sweet Dee, Charlie, Chompers, Fat Mac and Nelson and their two dogs: a crazy Beagle/Jack Russel mix named Indiana, and the sweetest little Chihuahua, Layla. Looking down on us from heaven and forever in our hearts, is the best dog ever, Coletrane, the yellow Lab/Golden Retriever mix who crossed the Rainbow bridge at 15 years old in February of 2019.

Dr Amy Edwards

John Harvey, DVM

Small Animal & Exotic Veterinarian

Dr. Harvey grew up in Larchmont, NY where he enjoyed scouting, sports, singing, church fellowship, and working with all creatures great and small in any way possible. John earned his B.S. in Biology at St. Lawrence University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. He earned his DVM in at NC State in 1990, while there he also performed disease surveillance in the Caribbean, Montserrat, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines. He has been published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association for his work with Atlanta Center for Disease Control and Prevention. John has also been awarded the National Award in Veterinary Public Health. His professional commitment to “One Health” remains strong today.

Before settling in the Outer Banks with his wife, Annie, he previously worked in Roanoke Rapids, NC for 11 years and in Chesapeake, VA for 18 years. Dr. Harvey thanks divine inspiration for leading him here to Eastern Shore Animal Hospital. Outside of his professional activities John enjoys walks on the beach with wife and their Chi-weenie/ pug mix Butter bean. He also enjoys a range of outdoor activities and singing bass in the KHUMC church choir and the Outer Banks Choir. Dr. Harvey’s family consists of his two sons; Cal and Drew, his daughter Sarah, and his two grandchildren Daniel and Elizabeth who enrich his life immensely. Dr. Harvey is thankful for his relationships with his community; his clients, patients, and colleagues. These relationships continue to inspire his passion for providing compassionate care to all of our beloved animals, family members, and his commitment to faith, grace, and God.

Dr Amy Edwards

Leigh Rigler, DVM

Dr. Rigler graduated from NC State in 2009 with a B.S in Science with pre-vet focus. She graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She worked in Elizabeth City, NC for 7 years before coming to Eastern Shore Animal Hospital. She also serves as the Veterinarian for the VA FEMA search and rescue canines. She particularly enjoys working with special needs pets, 3 of her own pets are special needs. Her family consists of her husband Jason, son Owen, 5 dogs; Addison, Callie, Aemon, Kanga, and Roo. She also has 4 cats; Boots, Tormund, Katniss, and Frodo. Outside of the hospital she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, to the movies, and horseback riding.

Meet Our Staff

Melissa

Brittany, RVT, Practice Manager

Brittany started working in Veterinary medicine in 2011 in Suffolk, VA. It was there when she decided to become a veterinary technician. Brittany graduated from Blue Ridge Community College with her Technician’s License in 2018 and became registered in NC that same year. Her passions are wildlife, exotic medicine, and client education. She lives in the Outer Banks with her husband Thomas and their rescued Great Pyrenees Jackson. In her spare time she enjoys reading Jane Austen, hiking and riding her beach cruiser bicycle.

Melissa

Miranda, RVT

Miranda is one of our Registered Veterinary Technicians. She graduated from Rockford Career Collage in 2017 and took the national exam shortly after. She is from a small town in Illinois and has moved to North Carolina to be with her Fiancé Brice. Miranda has always been passionate about the animal field since owning cats and dogs as a child. All she wants to do in life is drink coffee and save animals. When away from the clinic Miranda enjoys scrapbooking, spending time with family and playing with her 4 (very spoiled) kitties; Luther, Dante, Rader, and Mochi.

Melissa

Samantha, Veterinary Assistant

Samantha is a Certified Veterinary Assistant who has been in the field for over 10 years. She joined the ESAH team in 2020 and currently manages our social media pages. Originally from East Tennessee, Samantha first came to the area when she was stationed here by the U.S. Navy. While serving her country, she earned her assistant certification and began her veterinary medicine career in Virginia. Her passion for animals came while working for a non-profit zoo and rescue throughout high school, and she has continued to volunteer her time to other rescues since then. Samantha is currently attending school and working towards becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She and her husband share their home with their pup Leonidas.

Melissa

Jessica, Veterinary Assistant

Jessica is a lifelong resident of Eastern NC and has been one of our assistants since 2003. She is passionate about client education and loves “absolutely everything” about being an assistant! In her time away from the hospital she enjoys lounging at the beach and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their pets; Taco the orange tabby, and Angel the yellow lab.

Katie A

Katie, Veterinary Assistant

Katie has been working in Veterinary medicine since 2019 and has been passionate about helping animals since she was a little girl. She lives in Grandy with her husband and their rescued Pitbull, Captain. When Katie is not working she loves spending time with her family, watching Netflix, and hanging out on the beach.

Taylor

Taylor, Veterinary Assistant

Taylor graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Biology. Following graduation, she started her career as a wildlife biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. After 6 years, Taylor and her husband, Jordan, were moved to North Carolina where she decided to start a new endeavor in veterinary medicine!

At home, Taylor enjoys managing their small ranch and riding her horses. On the ranch they have a flock of sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, a turkey, three horses, four dogs and two barn cats. She has big plans for the ranch and looks forward to continuing her education with Eastern Shore Animal Hospital!

Jessica

Jessica, Veterinary Assistant

Jessica grew up in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, VA and now lives in Elizabeth City with her 2 daughters. She previously worked as a veterinary assistant with animal dermatology and general practice before moving to San Diego where she worked in animal rehabilitation. She then changed gears and went into child education where she worked as a pre-k teacher until recently when she decided to get back to her true passion in veterinary medicine. Jessica enjoys spending time with her two girls, their Dachshund named Dottie, and their cat Blu. In her spare time she enjoys watching college football (go Bucks!), long distance running, exploring local eatery and OBX in the summer. Jessica is excited to be a part of our community and getting to know all of our wonderful clients and their fur-babies!

Melissa

Alycia, Veterinary Assistant & Kennel Attendant

Alycia is one of our kennel technicians/ veterinary assistants who loves working with animals and is passionate about making sure all pets feel at home here. In her free time she enjoys taking her dog Hunter to the park, and cuddling with her 5 cats; Paul, Tigger, Bob, Luna, and Cosmo.

Melissa

Kaitlyn, Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Attendant

Kaitlyn is also a resident of Currituck County, and soon to be graduate of Currituck County High School. She loves all animals large and small and plans to continue her education in the veterinary field, aspiring to become a Veterinary Technician. During her time off she enjoys being in the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, and hanging out with her dogs Bandit and Hazel.

Stacie

Stacie, Groomer

Stacie attended Nash Academy of Animal Arts in 1999 and has been grooming dogs and cats for the last 18 years. Grooming is her passion and she could not imagine doing anything else. Stacie owned a mobile grooming business in NJ called “Bubbles to Bows” before moving to NC in 2016 to be closer to her family.

She enjoys spending her free time with her cousin and her children, as well as the rest of her family. Stacie also enjoys reading, knitting, nature, and playing with her dog, Plexie, and cat, Niomia. During the summer, Stacie can be found enjoying her days off on the beach with family and friends.

She is so excited and looking forward to this new adventure with ESAH!

Melissa

Angie, Veterinary Receptionist

Our receptionist Angie has lived in Dare County for 35 years, though she says her heart is split between here and Tennessee. She is the mother to two grown children, 1 son and 1 daughter. She loves antiques, motorcycles and getting tattoos.

Brandy

Brandy, Veterinary Receptionist

Brandy grew up in Currituck County. She graduated from Bryant and Stratton, with an Associate’s degree. She then went on to ECSU for a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary education. Brandy has been married for 11 years and has 4 children, 3 grandchildren and one fur baby, named Leo. In her spare time Brandy enjoys going to the beach, scrapbooking, and hanging out with her family.

Melissa

Janine, Kennel Attendant

Originally from Massillon, Ohio, she moved here with her family in 1996 and began volunteering at local animal shelters in 2003. She enjoys caring for the pets of our community as a kennel technician here at Eastern Shore Animal Hospital, a position she started in 2008. In her time away from the hospital she enjoys swimming, country music and spending time her rescued terrier mix, Scrappy.

Melissa

Emma, Kennel Attendant

Our kennel technician Emma is a Currituck resident and high school student. She loves that she gets to aid in animal care and learn animal husbandry while working here at ESAH. In her spare time she loves going to the beach, and watching Netflix with her pets; Thomas, Sadie and MoMo.

Eastern Shore Animal Hospital

6421 Caratoke Hwy
Grandy, NC, 27939
Phone: (252) 453-8200
Fax: (252) 453-2298
Email: [email protected]

Hospital Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Urgent Care Hours:
Saturday - Sunday:
8:00 am - 8:00 pm