Meet Our Veterinary Team

DVM

Dr. Nickels is a Manchester native. She attended the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with her DVM in 1990. After practicing in Johnson City, TN for eight years, she and her husband Bill, decided to move back to Manchester with their two children, Will and Anna. Dr. Nickels practiced part-time for several years after their third child, Cooper, was born. She opened Pet Medical Center in September of 2004. Her husband owns Bill Nickels’ Insurance in Manchester. Her son Will graduated from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and now owns a local business with his wife, Kristin. Their precious son was born in February 2023. Her daughter Anna welcomed an adorable baby girl in January 2020 with her husband Daniel. Their youngest son Cooper graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg in 2021 and now lives in Jersey City and is a project manager for a set design company.

DVM

Dr. Alicia Gray is a 2007 graduate of The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently lives in Lynchburg with her husband Daniel and their two sons and daughter. Growing up and currently living on a farm, Dr. Gray loves all animals. She especially enjoys small animal medicine. Dr. Gray is excited and ready to meet you and your furry family!

Practice Manager
Ashley was born and raised in Manchester, Tennessee, and has been a dedicated part of Pet Medical Center since 2005. She began her career as a Veterinary Assistant, where she spent two decades providing hands-on care and support for both patients and clients. In 2025, Ashley transitioned into the role of Practice Manager, bringing her deep knowledge, leadership, and passion for veterinary medicine to the forefront of the clinic’s daily operations.

Ashley is the proud mom of her daughter, Briley, who was born in June 2010. Their family also includes Tinker, a miniature schnauzer who keeps life fun and full of personality.

With a genuine love for animals and a strong interest in the diagnostic side of veterinary care, Ashley is committed to ensuring every pet receives the highest level of attention and compassion. Outside the clinic, she is an avid sports fan and coaches her daughter’s travel softball team—something she considers one of her greatest joys.

Ashley’s dedication, experience, and heart for both people and pets continue to make her an invaluable part of the Pet Medical Center team.

Veterinary Assistant

Shelby grew up in a small, rural town in West Tennessee called Puryear. She graduated from Murray State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology and is currently studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician! Shelby joined the Pet Medical Center team in February of 2020. She and her husband, Andy, currently reside in Hillsboro with their sons, Titus, who was born in January of 2022, and Miles, who was born in October of 2023. Their furbabies include a German shepherd, Zeke, an Australian husky, Zorro, and a Corgi named Buster. She comes to work every day prepared and excited to do what she loves, help and care for animals!

Practice Manager

Veterinary Assistant

Shelby grew up in a small, rural town in West Tennessee called Puryear. She graduated from Murray State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology and is currently studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician! Shelby joined the Pet Medical Center team in February of 2020. She and her husband, Andy, currently reside in Hillsboro with their sons, Titus, who was born in January of 2022, and Miles, who was born in October of 2023. Their furbabies include a German shepherd, Zeke, an Australian husky, Zorro, and a Corgi named Buster. She comes to work every day prepared and excited to do what she loves, help and care for animals!

Veterinary Assistant

Chelsea started working for the Pet Medical team in May of 2015, Since her start, she married her husband, Nick, in October of 2015, then gave birth to their son Blanton in May of 2017, and their daughter Caraleigh in December of 2019! Chelsea grew up in Manchester, where she and her husband purchased their first home. Her fur babies include a golden retriever, Lady, two poodles, Daisy and Lilah, and horses! She comes to work to do exactly what she loves, help animals!

Veterinary Assistant

Christa is our resident cat enthusiast and has been part of the Pet Medical Center team since April 2019. She grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and has called Tennessee home since 2014.

Christa married her husband, Richie, in October 2019 and is proud to be part of a blended family with five wonderful step-children. Together, they share their home with five beloved cats. She has a passion for animal dentistry and is thrilled to be back in the veterinary field, supporting families and their fur babies every day.

In her free time, Christa enjoys camping, going to concerts, and watching her kids participate in wrestling.

Veterinary Assistant

Taylor was born in Albertville, Alabama, and has always dreamed of helping animals in any way possible. She moved to Tennessee in 2006, growing up surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. Taylor began living her dream professionally from 2017 to 2021 as an Animal Control Attendant and Animal Control Officer in Tullahoma.

Eager to expand her knowledge and skills, she joined Pet Medical Center in October 2021. Taylor shares her home with four dogs, two cats, and several chickens, ensuring that life is never boring. She loves hiking, spending time outdoors, and enjoying quality moments with her family. Taylor is honored and excited to be part of the Pet Medical Center team, continuing her passion for caring for all our four-legged fur babies.

Veterinary Assistant

CSR

Gina is a McMinnville, Tennessee native who moved to Decherd with her husband, Ron. They were married in October of 2021! She attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Nutrition. She has been working in the field of veterinary medicine for over 30 years as a receptionist, veterinary assistant, and as an office manager. In August 2008 she joined Pet Medical Center as office manager after having worked with Dr. Nickels 20 years earlier in McMinnville. Her pet family includes Winston, a blue heeler mix, and two Yorkies, Paris and Putter. She enjoys listening to music and playing the flute. She is also an AVID golfer.

Lead CSR

Jess grew up in Schererville, Indiana—just 40 minutes outside of Chicago. She relocated to Manchester in June 2014 and joined the Pet Medical Center team shortly after. Jess graduated from Motlow State Community College in 2023.

A lifelong animal lover, Jess shares her home with two rescued mixed-breed dogs, Palmer and Lundy, as well as two cats—Eagle and Wren. She and her husband, Joey—who she met in the lobby of Pet Medical Center—were married in 2022.

In her free time, Jess enjoys traveling, kayaking, playing disc golf, and making trips to Costco with Joey.

Practice Manager

Gina is a McMinnville, Tennessee native who moved to Decherd with her husband, Ron. They were married in October of 2021! She attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Nutrition. She has been working in the field of veterinary medicine for over 30 years as a receptionist, veterinary assistant, and as an office manager. In August 2008 she joined Pet Medical Center as office manager after having worked with Dr. Nickels 20 years earlier in McMinnville. Her pet family includes Winston, a blue heeler mix, and two Yorkies, Paris and Putter. She enjoys listening to music and playing the flute. She is also an AVID golfer.

Lead CSR

CSR

Courtney is a North Carolina native brought here by her spouse’s assignment to Arnold Air Force Base. Having previously worked at a mixed animal hospital that saw livestock, small animals, and exotics, she is elated to have found her place at Pet Medical Center! Courtney graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Science from Wayne Community College with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in event planning. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, camping, video games, comic books, concerts, and is a well-seasoned Dungeons and Dragons player!