Our Story
About Creekside Veterinary Hospital
our hospital’s mission
At Creekside Veterinary Hospital we know that pets are family. We believe you deserve compassion, integrity, and collaboration with each step of your pet’s life. We strive to provide your pet the best care and to give you the improved Veterinary experience that your whole family deserves. Founded on the principles of integrity, compassion, collaboration, and advancement, we have a clear vision of how we want to treat you and your pets. We’re here for you, doing what we do and how we do it because pets are family. Our plan is to have you help us grow. We’re starting small, with a small staff and one doctor. The more you support us, the more we plan to be here for you, extending our hours for your convenience and for the safety of your pets. Come meet us! We can’t wait to help you.
Meet our Founder
Denise Radford, DVM
Dr. Radford cannot remember a day in her life in which she didn’t want to be a veterinarian. The first tangible proof she has is a picture of her face peering out from behind a “Veterinarian” standin at the county fair.
Her best friend growing up was a Rough Coated Collie named Sundance, and her love for him shapes the way she cares for your pets to this day. Dr. Radford graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2014 from the University of Illinois.
She’s traveled many places since her graduation, but you may recognize her most recently from being an Emergency Clinician at Veterinary Care & Specialty Group in Chattanooga, TN. Dr. Radford was thrilled to work with the amazing specialists and team at VCSG, but knew that caring for the pets and people in the Cleveland, TN area was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She founded Creekside Veterinary Hospital in 2021 with the motto of “Because Pets are Family,” so that pet owners who were in search of modern, compassionate, honest pet care would know right where to find it. When she’s not at work, you can find her hanging out with her 4 dogs (Gunner, Remi, Boogie, and Kenobi), 2 cats (Tiki and Isla), and her husband or working on various animal welfare coalitions. She also enjoys enjoying nature and hiking in her free time. She invites you to come see how Creekside and our team is just what you’ve been looking for!
MEET THE Dream Team
Nancy P.
Hospital Manager
Meet Nancy
Years of Experience: 30+
Born in California, raised in Northern, IL, Nancy’s career in healthcare management has given her opportunities in many hospitals and clinics. She’s most proud of her work with a large network of clinics in Wisconsin and then with Comprehensive Spine Institute in Chattanooga. Nancy P. retired, and then decided she missed helping others and always loved animals, so she joined us!
When not working you can find her spending time with her daughter and grandson, at church, or at the gym. She loves rock and roll, country, and disco music and once she won a disco dance competition! She dreams of visiting Steve Irwin’s zoo in Australia and owning an island because she considers the beach her happy place.
When asked “Why Vet Med?” she said: I liked the idea of a new challenge and new opportunity after my doctors closed their spine practice
When asked “Why Creekside?” she said: The organization creates a sense of belonging and I feel like I can make a difference
Nancy has already helped Dr. Radford and the team so much and she is an indispensable part of the Creekside team!
Christa P.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Christa
Years of Experience: 10
Christa was born and raised in East TN and lived in Michigan for 7 years before coming back home to attend UTK for Animal Science with a Pre-Vet emphasis. She has had a passion for animals and their well-being since she was little. When not working with animals, she can be found spending time with her big family full of sisters, nieces, and nephews. She lives locally with her husband, son, and 3 fur babies (2 cats and a dog). She would love to get the opportunity to work with zoo and marine animals in the future, loves mystery books, comedy movies, and classic rock music thanks to her parents. She wants to find time for cooking classes and travel. Italy is on her bucket list!
When asked “Why do you work in Vet Med?” she said: I want to do whatever I can to help animals feel their best. It makes me so happy. I get the opportunity to be their voice when they can’t tell us themselves what’s wrong. Their gift of unconditional love melts my heart every time!
When asked “Why Creekside?” she said: Being able to call your boss an amazing person, teacher, and friend – I think is rare anymore. The moment I found out Dr. Radford was building her own practice, I knew it would be an amazing place to work.
Christa, we are so happy you’re here!
Julie M.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Julie
Experience: 13 years
Julie was born and raised here in the Chattanooga area. She attended UTC for Pre-Veterinary classes and started working in an animal hospital at the same time. When not at work, she likes to read Romance Thrillers but mostly you can find her outdoors with her family. She loves to play sports and adventure with her young son and also spend fun quality time with her husband, 2 step-children, horses, 3 dogs, and her cat. She dreams of diving in the Great Barrier Reef and visiting Australia!
When asked “Why Creekside?” she said: “Dr. Radford! She is a veterinarian like no other. She cares about your animals and will go above and beyond for them, and she also cares about the owners. Dr. Radford is a great friend and I’m excited for her to be my boss!”
When asked “Why Veterinary Medicine” she said: “I love learning new things, helping all animals from birth to end of life, and teaching pet owners about the health of their pets. I love Veterinary Medicine.”
Julie, we’re so lucky to have you!
Kara S.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Kara
Experience: 9 years
Kara has lived in states across the country but recently settled here in East, TN to be closer to her family. When not working, you can find her spending time with family including her husband & son and their pets: 3 horses, a mini donkey, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Her favorite TV show is The Office (U.S.) and in fact, you may catch her quoting Michael Scott at any moment. She’s a leftie, and her favorite book is A Court of Thorns & Roses.
When asked “Why Vet Med?” she said: I am very passionate about animal welfare. I love helping animals feel their very best so their owners can feel their best as well!”
When asked “Why Creekside?” she said: The standard of care is Gold Star, bar none, with animals’ comfort always a priority.
Kara – thank you for being part of the Dream Team!
Lisa C.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Lisa
Years of Experience: 30+ years
Lisa is a proud Chicago Bears & Notre Dame football fan that spent many years in Chicago prior to moving to Cleveland, TN in 2022 to start her next chapter. In addition to her 3 adult kids (of whom she’s very proud!), Lisa’s family is full of pets: One Bloodhound and a collection of Boston Terriers. Someday, she hopes to add a small donkey to the crew! In her spare time she can be found pushing herself to new heights (literally) with her Hiking Group and plans to hike Mammoth soon. She dreams of traveling to Greece & Sicily and would love to have land so she could have her own rescue for senior dogs, where unwanted seniors could experience a sanctuary during their golden years.
When asked “Why Vet Med?” she said: I love being the voice for animals. They love you unconditionally no matter what your background is: I love being their advocate. I also love learning new things on the medical side. I’m very passionate about spay/neuter and leash laws. Our shelters are so overpopulated. I feel my spicy personality can stand up for pets in need!
When asked “Why Creekside?” she said: The calmness. You walk in and you see Angie’s big smile! It’s a very Zen place. I love the Low Stress Handling approach – I have a stubborn bloodhound of my own! The Grief room and patio also hit home for me. Knowing that hospital was built so that when the time comes, we will have a private space where we all can be treated with respect and dignity means a lot.
Jaida H.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Jaida
Years of Experience: 2 years
Jaida is a Cleveland local with a heart of gold. She joins our team with a peaceful, respectful, calm energy and a big desire to always learn. She has just completed her Certificate in Veterinary Assisting from Cleveland State and wishes to continue learning right away by becoming Low-Stress Handling Certified and then continuing to get her Veterinary Nursing degree! Outside of veterinary medicine, she dreams of traveling, stating it would be an honor to see the grand beauty of our earth. Her favorite TV shows are Gilmore Girls and New Girl, and her favorite book is “Dear Love” by Sarah Bahbah. She lives locally with her cats, Aspen & Amelia, four geckos, a ball python & a tree frog.
When asked “Why Vet Med” she said: I believe animals have the purest, most genuine souls. Anytime I needed comfort or a friend to keep me company, an animal was there. What better way could I repay them? We are so lucky to have them.
When asked “Why Creekside” she said: I love the quality of care that is provided to the pets, clients, and staff. I love the team atmosphere and shared values of integrity and compassion.
Jaida, you are a perfect fit for Creekside! Thanks for being here!
Sarah C.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Sarah
We are overjoyed to welcome Sarah C. to our team! She’s in the middle of chasing her dreams and has moved recently from her home area of Indiana down to Tennessee, which she adoringly calls her “favorite state”! She made the move here with her fiancé and also has 2 brothers in the Army in Germany, a sister-like best friend in Florida and a German Shepherd named Xena that she calls family.
When not at work, she loves Jeeping, collecting rocks & stones, and plants. Though moving to TN is her most recent adventure, she dreams of going climbing out West and going to Greece some day. Her favorite musical is Wicked, her favorite music genre is Country and she is a Disney movie lover at heart.
When asked “Why Vet Med?” she said: “I loved Steve Irwin and watched him every morning. He is the reason I do what I do. I love working with those who cannot speak for themselves.”
When asked “Why Creekside?” she said: “Everyone is so helpful and willing to teach. The team has good, positive attitudes, and that is what I want in my life!”
Sarah C, thank you for choosing us! We hope we can play a part in helping you achieve your dreams!
Macie W.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Macie
Years of Experience: 2 years
Macie grew up in Etowah, TN and graduated from Chattanooga State in 2022 with an associate’s degree in applied science for Veterinary Technology. Animals are a big part of her life, and when not working in Veterinary Medicine, she spends time with her cat Stella and her dog Percy. She loves to bake (and we’re excited to reap the benefit of that occasionally!), hike, camp, and spend time with friends and friends. She loves all music, with Stevie Nicks being one of her all-time favorites.
When asked “Why Vet Med?” She said: Pets are one of the biggest parts of our lives, being able to care for them is incredibly rewarding. Working in veterinary medicine allows me to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
When asked “Why Creekside?” She said: the quality of care everyone at Creekside provides is amazing. It is a calm and welcoming environment for patients, owners, and the staff.
Macie – we know you are going to great as a member of this team! Thank you for joining us!
Angela B.
Client Care Representative
Meet Angela
Years of Experience: 1 year
Angie has joined our team as a Client Care Representative. She has decades of experience in client service and customer care but is a new member of the Veterinary World. She realized that all of her passions could collide as a CCR in a vet hospital and thought that Creekside would be a great environment to learn and grow.
She was born and raised in North Carolina, moved to South Carolina, and then settled here in Tennessee 3 years ago with her husband Aaron and their dog, Grayson. Her favorite book is Where the Crawdads Sing and she dreams of traveling to Greece and Israel someday. We love having her on our Dream Team because she exudes hope and positivity. She is eager to learn, believes in Creekside’s Mission, and comes to work every day ready to make a difference for the people around her.
When asked “Why do you work in Vet Med?” she said: “To help people and pets by giving them the best care possible.”
When asked “What is different about Creekside that you love?” she said: “They give true care and compassion from their hearts.”
Valeria M.
Patient Care Representative
Meet Valeria
Years of Experience: 1 year
Valeria was born and raised in Chatsworth, GA, where she enjoyed driving up to Fort Mountain to take in the views, hiking, or taking a relaxing swim in Holly Creek. She lives with her significant other and their puppy, but she cherishes any time she gets to spend with her mom and brother. She loves watching Disney movies, especially the Fox and the Hound, which she states makes her emotional (girl, same.) She dreams of exploring all of Mexico’s pueblas magicos (magical towns) and getting to visit the National Parks of the U.S.
When asked “Why Vet Med?” she states: because I’m passionate about helping animals. I’m fascinated by how each animal has its own unique way of being and I believe they can teach us valuable lessons in our daily lives.
When asked “Why Creekside?” she states: the pleasant, welcoming workspace environment. Everyone is always willing to help each other, creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
Valeria – you are a blessing to us and to those around you and we are so excited to help you grow your skill set! Welcome to the team!
MEET OUR Alumnis
Kiana H.
Alumni
Meet Kiana
Remi Radford
Office Manager
Meet Remi
Paige W.
Patient Care Representative
Meet Paige
Years of Experience: 1.5
Paige was born in Ohio but has lived in Cleveland most of her life. She graduated from Cleveland High School and now attends the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She’s majoring in biology and plans to apply to veterinary school and/or medical school. When home from school she lives with her parents, her brother and sister, and her fur family. Lexi & Katie are young Golden Retrievers and Clara & Kiki are her cats. She loves all music, is eager to travel to Europe; Spain – to use her Spanish, and Switzerland – to take in the scenery and find connection with her heritage & ancestors.
When asked “Why Vet Med?” she said: I want to work in Vet Med because animals play such an important role in our world, and I believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure their best welfare. My passion for animals & STEM drive my desire to work in Vet Med.
When asked “Why Creekside?” she said this: I love Creekside’s passion. I love the way everything is intentional & compassionate. Everything, and I mean everything, is done to ensure animals have a comfortable experience & desirable outcome.