Veterinarians

Providing advanced medical, surgical and wellness care to our patients and superior customer services to our clients.

Dr. Bert Parker is a native of Gates county, NC and grew up on a farm that raised one of our state’s favorite crops: peanuts. Dr. Parker has a B.S. in Agronomy (Crop and Soil Science) from North Carolina State University, and in 1986, he received his veterinary degree from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Parker is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, North Carolina Veterinary Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. He is quite skilled and adept at treating all types of large animals, from horses and cows to sheep and pigs, but his particular area of interest lies in equine and bovine reproductive services.

Dr. Parker is an enthusiastic supporter of NCSU football, and during the fall, you may spot him and his wife Mary cheering in the stands or tailgating with friends somewhere around Carter Finley stadium. They also appreciate the country life on their local farm; actually, Dr. Parker says with a smile that his main hobby is “money pit projects on the farm.” He and Mary have a 20 year old American Quarter horse named Tanner Bob and boarding buddy TC.  They also have four cats Sybil, Lizzie, Bobby and Occhi.

 

Dr. Jonathan Featherstone graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.  He joined Rocky River Large Animal Veterinary Clinic June 12, 2000.  Dr. Featherstone works on all large animal species often, but especially enjoys equine dentistry and reproduction.  

Dr. Featherstone has a lovely wife, Stephanie Featherstone of 5 years.  He has two beautiful daughters (Jadyn 12 & Sadie 10) and a handsome young son (Archer 3).  He also has a beautiful stepdaughter (Addison 10) and a handsome stepson (Griffin 7). 

Dr. Featherstone enjoys spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing and playing sports.  He loves to support the N.C. State Wolfpack!!

 

                   
Dr. Kristi Pierce-Shupe grew up in Colerain, NC, on the Chowan River near Edenton, North Carolina. She obtained her B.S. degree in Biology from North Carolina State University in 1998, and completed her veterinary training at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Upon receiving her DVM, Dr. Shupe served an equine internship at Virginia Tech, concentrating in large animal surgery and equine field service. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Equine Practitioners. Her areas of special interest are lameness, musculoskeletal disorders, and ultrasound.
She is married to Eric Shupe and together they have two children Hannah Josephine Norah Jeanne Shupe. Dr. Shupe and her husband have a wide variety of interests and hobbies, including hunting and fishing, singing in the choir and playing the piano for the children’s choir, and wine tasting. Not surprisingly, she and Eric are accomplished riders, and very much enjoy time spent on some of the excellent horse trails found around our state, especially in the very beautiful Uwharrie Mountains nearby. The Shupe family presently has seven faithful animal companions: McKenzie, a Border Collie; Jolene, a mix breed,  Ria,  QH cross, Josie, April and Dee all  Quarter horses and Biscuit a mini.
Dr. Mitch Mills  I grew up in Maryland on a small hobby farm which included horses, cats, dogs and other food animal species. Horses were what first piqued my interest in veterinary medicine. I grew up riding horses and showing in 4-H, and was active in other 4-H clubs, including shooting and fishing. I played many sports which included lacrosse, baseball, and golf. I remain active in 4-H, as an adult volunteer, and have a passion for teaching today's youth.
 

I attended Frostburg State University, where I got a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. Subsequently, I attend Virginia- Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where I got my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school I gained a strong interest in the food animal species. My large animal interests include Food animal and Equine reproduction, as well as equine podiatry work. I practiced for a year in Northern Virginia, at a mixed- animal veterinary practice.  In my spare time I enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing and boating. 

 

 

 

our staff

Julie Coats, RVT is originally from Ohio and obtained her degree in veterinary technology at Columbus State/Ohio State Veterinary School. She was employed at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine for 20 years, first working for 9 years in the anesthesia dept. specializing in large animal anesthesia. From there she was the head technician in the cardiac metabolism laboratory, researching cardiac drugs for all species of animals. When her husband relocated to Charlotte she called Dr. Parker whom she knew from vet school and he hired her.

She has had horses all her life and attends endurance rides whenever she can, successfully finishing several 50 mile rides. She also has Shetland Sheepdogs and several cats along with her four horses that keep her busy when she is not at Rocky River Vets.

Jackie Hart is originally from China Grove, NC.  She began working with Dr. Parker and his associates in January 2010.  Jackie enjoys the mountains, beach and spending time with her family, husband Jeff, three sons, Justin, Adam, Andrew and grandson Austin.  They have 5 dogs, Boo Boo a mixed breed, 2 labs, Bonnie & Clyde and 2 Shih Tzu, Scooter & Deuce.   

 

Megan Bost is originally from Mt. Pleasant NC. She grew up on a family farm where she still resides.                          

Megan has a range of hobbies including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, beekeeping, soap making, and kayaking.

Her best friend is her Australian Cattle Dog, Lily. She also has two horses, cattle, pigs, and chickens. 

 

Hattie Rinehardt, RVT is originally from Millingport, NC where she still resides. She obtained her degree in veterinary technology from Gaston College in 2014. She has worked in mixed animal practice as well as small animal specialty practice where she was a surgery technician before following her passion and coming back to large animal medicine here with us at Rocky River.

She grew up on a farm, riding horses and showing sheep for her high school FFA. She is married to her very best friend, Chase, and they have 2 beautiful Children, Sawyer and Cora. Hattie and her husband have a wide variety of hobbies including trail riding, showing in local ranch horse shows, traveling, kayaking, and fishing. On the weekends you will surely find them spending time with their family which also includes 5 horses, 5 dogs, 3 cats, and numerous cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. It’s always a “zoo” around their house but they wouldn’t have it any other way.