About Us

Dr. Carrie Talley was born and raised in Blount County.  After graduating from Agnes Scott College (c/o 1997), she earned her DVM at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001.  She and her high school sweetheart/husband, Josh have two sons who keep them very active.  The Talley family also includes Otis, (a crazy-lovable Llewellin Setter), and Bingo, (a sassy, fluffy, cuddly orange boy-kitty).  She loves being outdoors with her family, traveling, and curling up with a good book.

“Being a veterinarian fulfills my love for animals, my fascination with science & medicine, and my joy at experiencing long-term connections with my patients’ families.  At Big Springs we’ve been blessed with a superstar team of coworkers and an unbelievably loyal and supportive clientele.  As we grow as a practice into our beautiful new hospital, we are dedicated to continuing the top-notch veterinary care and personal, long-term approach that has been crucial to our success (and job satisfaction) thus far.  I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our long-term families (as well as those that are new to us) in the years ahead!”

A 1987 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Walker has been practicing in the East Tennessee area her entire career. After marrying her college sweetheart (and Blount County native) John, they moved back home to the family farm near Friendsville to live and work and raise a family. In addition to 3 grown kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats, the Walkers have beef cattle and a geriatric sheep!

I have always loved what I get to do for a living! The challenge of diagnosing and treating diseases and the gratification of helping pets has always meant a great deal. My journey as a veterinarian has evolved from a focus on the animal to a passion for both the animals and the people who love them. I have a deep respect for the relationship between pets and their people, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our patients and their families .

After growing up in Los Angeles, California, Sheryl moved to East Tennessee in January of 2011. She graduated from Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California in 2007, where she focused on theatre set design and stage management. She then attended Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, taking classes in animal science and veterinary technology. Outside of the office, Sheryl enjoys watching her hockey games (Go Kings!), running her Etsy shop, camping, cooking, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with Elizabeth. She and her husband live in Maryville with their dog, Layla, and their cat, Doodle.

Elizabeth grew up in Peoria, Illinois, which is where she developed her passion for animal care. After attending the University of Illinois and obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 2010, Elizabeth moved to Knoxville with her husband (and high school sweetheart). She pursued some graduate studies in Animal Science at the University of Tennessee before joining the Big Springs team in 2014. Throughout her education and work experience, she has enjoyed working with cattle, sheep, pigs, and elephants, but she still loves working with dogs and cats the most. Her house in Knoxville is full love for her two goofy dogs, Topher and Charlie, and her two troublemaking cats, Buddy and Luna. When she’s not at Big Springs giving love and care to patients, she is likely cooking, singing, hanging out with her animals, or playing Dungeons and Dragons with Sheryl.

Kaitlyn recently relocated from Connecticut. Before starting her career in veterinary medicine, she completed three years of General Studies at Connecticut State University. At that point she decided to follow her passion of caring for people’s pets. She has worked five years in general practice and one year in emergency and specialty medicine. She hopes to continue to learn and grow in this field so she can give the best possible care to all patients. Kaitlyn has three children with her other half, Grant, and a golden retriever named Oakley. They enjoy spending time as a family, whether that  means watching a movie on the couch or going to the park.

Cody is local to Vonore, Teneessee. He attended school at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina where he majored in Wildlife Biology and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Cody has had the privilege of working with a wide variety of species, from baby hummingbirds to arctic wolves. Today he shares his home with three dogs, Tip, Sheby, and Tink; two parrots, an African grey named Asha and Roshi the pineapple conure; Goku the leopard gecko; Yoshi the Pacman frog, Agripa the veiled chameleon, and Lou, the mini-pig. When not at Big Springs, he is a cave guide at the Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Cody is learning a lot working at Big Springs and looks forward to continuing his education.

Dr. Beth Crump was raised on a small farm in Northwest Tennessee. She spent many cold mornings bottle feeding orphaned calves! Dr. Beth received her B.S. in Agriculture: Animal Science from the University of Tennessee at Martin, and her DVM from The University of Tennessee. Her special interests include ophthalmology, emergency medicine and internal medicine. She moved to Oxford in June of 2014 with her husband Joe, their son Logan, their two dogs Ladybug and Barley. After practicing in Oxford for 5 years, the Crumps knew it was time to move home. Now with another son ( Peter) and two more dogs (Teddy and Bailey), Dr. Beth and her family are happy to be back in East Tennessee.

Leah was born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee. Before she started working at Big Springs, she volunteered at the Blount County Animal Shelter. She has a German shepherd who endlessly fetches, hikes, and chases squirrels, and a calico cat who watches birds, plays with rubber bands, and indulges in the finer things. The guinea pig lives for salad and salad time alone. Leah is currently pursuing further education at Appalachian Training Center for Healing Arts for massage therapy.

Amy, originally from East Tennessee, settled in Oak Ridge in 2014 with her husband, two children, and three very spoiled dogs. Amy’s love for animals was fostered by her mother who was compelled to bring all strays home for a bed and a bite. She enjoys restoring old furniture and loves Halloween! Amy is committed to her continued education regarding how to provide the best care for clients’ beloved pet families.

Jennifer was born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, as well as an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Lincoln Memorial University. She has worked in general practice for a year and in emergency medicine for 5 years. She and her husband and stepson have three dogs and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.