Staff

Jennifer Hancock, RVT – Senior Technician & Owner

Jennifer Hancock, RVT, is a senior veterinary technician as well as a founder and owner of South Paw Veterinary Surgical Specialists. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Animal Science from Hinds Community College, completed the Veterinary Technology program at Mississippi State University and is a Registered Veterinary Technician in the state of Louisiana.

Jennifer began her work in the animal care field in 1996 and says that South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists is the realization of a dream shared with her husband Bob, the Chief Surgeon and Hospital Director of South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists. The two wanted to open a clinic where the focus was not only on treating the patient with respect and compassion, but also on providing continuing support to the client well after their pet goes home. South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists fulfills that dream while also providing a warm, familial atmosphere that is welcoming to clients and a relaxed and fun work environment for its team of professionals.

Outside of work, Jennifer and Bob welcomed their daughter Madison into the world in 2006 and share their home with an 8–year–old hound mix named Rudy and a 12–year–old German Shepherd named Nikita. Jennifer also says that she enjoys spending as much time as possible with her large, extended family as well as cooking, shopping, traveling, and being an avid New Orleans Saints football fan. The family also loves vacationing in Florida and manages to spend time in Destin, Florida, each year.

Amanda Foster, CVPM – Practice Manager

Amanda Foster, CVPM, brings more than 15 years of professional experience to her work as South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists’ practice manager. She is also a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.

Amanda is also a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Practice Association.

When asked what she likes most about her work at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists, Amanda quickly replies that it is working with a group of highly trained, experienced individuals that are exceptional at what they do. She appreciates that the staff are adept at working together as a cohesive unit that considers one another as family.

She also says that the staff are committed to upholding many of the same ideals when it comes to the care of animals such as treating each patient as they would their own pets, spending time communicating and educating clients on the care of their pets, and being compassionate and respectful in all of their interactions. She adds that the facility is tranquil and serene, which lends itself to an optimal working environment where the staff can focus on what is important–taking care of our patients and their people.

When not at work, Amanda shares her home with Gizmo, a 15–year–old Tibetan Spaniel; Maya, a 10–year–old Rhodesian Ridgeback that she rescued; Kagan, a 7–year–old Anatolian Shepherd; Kibu, a 3–year–old Rhodesian Ridgeback show dog; Siri, a 1–year–old Rhodesian Ridgeback show dog; Loki, a 6–year–old Maine Coon cat; and Ozzie, a 4–year–old Siamese.

She also enjoys reading, writing, traveling, spending time with family and friends and volunteering for Rhodesian Ridgeback and Anatolian rescue groups as well as the Veterinary Relief Foundation.

Amy Bailey – Financial Manager

Financial manager Amy Bailey earned her BS in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University and has more than 15 years of experience in the animal care field.

Her years of animal care experience mean that Amy is thoroughly attuned to the ebbs and flows of a busy veterinarian practice making her well suited to meet the ongoing needs of our many clients. Asked about her work at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists, Amy says she appreciates the friendship among the staff and their dedication to client service and individualized care for our patients.

Caring for animals is also something of a family affair as Amy’s husband August is the head surgical technician here at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists. Additionally, the Baileys–with their children Augie and Adelyn–provide a home for two dogs, a German Shepherd named Cosette and a Schnauzer mix named Molly; a domestic shorthair cat named Jumpy; three sheep, Sniffles, Tweed and Curly; and three ducks, Burrito, Chalupa and Enchirito.

Beyond her various animal care related activities, Amy enjoys making jewelry, gardening and playing paintball.

August Bailey – Head Surgery Technician

Head surgery technician August “Augie” Bailey has been in the animal care field since volunteering at a local shelter at age 9 more than 25 years ago.

While his love of animals and desire to help with their care is
long–held, Augie finds that his work at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists is enhanced by the family–like atmosphere created among his coworkers. He says they all share a common interest in providing the best care possible for the animals that come to them as patients as well as ensuring that clients receive the most attentive service available.

When not spending time with his family or taking care of animals, Augie is a classical pianist that enjoys providing private instruction to children.

Timothy McCarthy – Surgery Technician

Timothy McCarthy is a surgery technician that has been in the animal care field since 1991. He is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, a consultant for the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians, and teaches to prospective veterinary technician students.

When asked what makes South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists unique, Timothy emphasizes that it is the quality of care provided by the staff and particularly Dr. Robert Hancock, the Chief Surgeon and Hospital Director of South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists. Timothy adds that he also enjoys working with the other professionals at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists and appreciates the clinic’s open door policy, which allows clients to see the inner workings of the clinic. Lastly, he says he enjoys the ability to practice a trade that he truly loves.

Timothy’s love for animals does not end at the clinic’s doors as he has a range of pets he cares for. These are Narf, an 8–year–old Golden Retriever; Celina, a 10–year–old Border Collie mix; Jet, a 5–year–old Lab mix; What’s-Her–Name, a 15–year–old domestic shorthair cat; and at last count, 12 chickens. Except for the chickens, all of his pets are rescued animals.

When not working, Timothy enjoys camping, traveling, teaching, and just generally being outdoors. He also is a photographer with an appreciation for candid photos.

Melissa J LaPuma – Registered Veterinary Technician

Melissa J. LaPuma, RVT, is a Registered Veterinary Technician for South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists with more than five years of professional experience. She has a degree in Organismal Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences–Veterinary Technology from Delgado Community College.

She is also a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America.

While Melissa has long been interested in the sciences and animal care, she also takes great joy in her work with South Paws Veterinary Specialists. She and the rest of the team, she says, truly strive to provide the patients with the best care possible as well as create a positive and enjoyable work environment.

Melissa also enjoys spending time with her assortment of pets, which include Roux, a 4–year–old male Chocolate Lab; Lucy, a 6–year–old Pitbull mix; Gus, a 3–year–old Poodle mix; Louie, a 2–year–old Birman cat; and four goats, Tucker, Cabri, Dexter and Pearl. She also likes to spend time running, shopping, being with family and friends, gardening and doing anything outdoors.