BluePearl Pet Hospital
Johns Creek, GA
Our Vets

Dr. Ellen Belknap’s particular ophthalmology interests include corneal surgery and diseases of the eye related to systemic illness or infectious disease. Well published in professional literature in both of her specialties, she is in constant demand as a speaker at professional forums and other continuing education programs.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
• Residency, Veterinary Ophthalmology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Large Animal Internal Medicine)
• Residency, Large Animal Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Master of Science, Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Belknap and her husband enjoy playing tennis, spending time on the lake, hiking, gardening, and hardscaping. Although they spend time with their four adult sons, most often they are seen being entertained by Rocksey (Labrador puppy), Lindy (Cavalier King Charles), and Maggie (matronly Brittany Spaniel).

Dr. Nicole Block knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a young girl. Throughout high school and college, she worked at a very busy small animal practice, which solidified her love for veterinary medicine. She is excited to offer compassionate neurology care for pets in the Atlanta area. Her clinical interests include diagnosing and managing intervertebral disc disease, head trauma, inflammatory brain and spinal conditions and seizures.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
• Residency, Neurology, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Internship, Neurology, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, Norwalk, CT
• Clinical Rotation, The Ohio State University, Columbus
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Asian Studies, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Dr. Block grew up on Long Island, New York. She served as captain of the women’s tennis team during her junior and senior years at Vassar College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two dogs (Bowser and Bucky). She loves playing tennis, being active and going to see live music.

In addition to emergency medicine, Dr. Amanda Brown is interested in neurology.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Clemson University, SC

Dr. Brown enjoys relaxing with her boxer mix, Adeline, and pet Hereford cow.

Dr. Sarah Carr became a veterinarian to help bridge the communication gap between pets and their owners. She likes the excitement of the emergency service and that she never knows what type of case will come through the door next. Experienced in all aspects of emergency medicine, she particularly enjoys treating trauma cases and surgical emergencies.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus NJ
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Berry College, Mt. Berry GA

Away from the hospital, Dr. Carr enjoys riding horses, playing softball and traveling. Her furry family member is a cat named Beans.

Dr. Morgan Garrow is particularly interested in coagulopathies, toxicities and infectious diseases.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Garrow has two cats, Luna and Bella, a chihuahua named Pepita and one son. In her free time, she enjoys having family time playing board games, puzzling and reading.

Dr. Kristen Hamilton enjoys internal medicine because it allows her to solve puzzles and see a variety of cases each week.  She loves treating endocrine cases and performing urinary system procedures.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
• Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Hamilton enjoys scuba diving, traveling, reading and playing board games. She has a cattle dog named Zeke that she’s obsessed with.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, SC

In her free time, Dr. Harwell enjoys reading and music. She and her husband (both a schoolteacher and coach!) share two dogs, a Great Pyrenees named Scout and a hound mix named Dixie.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Fellowship, Orthopedics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Annapolis Junction, MD
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan
• Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Georgia, Athens

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

• Internship, Zoology, J. Duque Zoological Park, Bogotá, Colombia
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Avian Biology & Biological Science, University of Georgia, Athens

The son of a veterinarian, Dr. Drew Nelson has always been drawn to veterinary medicine, particularly surgery. He feels proudest and most accomplished when he can repair a fracture, heal a wound or stabilize a patient in a life-threatening situation. He enjoys all types of surgery but is especially enthusiastic about orthopedic and thoracic procedures.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Animal Specialty Group, Los Angeles, CA
• Internship, Surgery, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Atlanta, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Zoology, Auburn University, AL

Dr. Nelson and his wife, also a veterinarian, enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, backpacking, bicycling, kayaking, rock climbing, water skiing, snow skiing and more. They share their home with their Labradors, Wegl and Athena, who love to hike, swim and clean up any food that falls to the floor, and their cats, Amora and Tux, who spend their time being lazy and curling up on the couch.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX

Dr. Mary Schick is particularly interested in diagnostic intradermal skin testing for inhalant allergies and performing diagnostic laser surgery for various skin defects and neoplasms. She has helped develop new medications and has published many articles in professional journals. In addition to serving on the executive board of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, Dr. Schick has lectured at many local and national meetings on veterinary dermatology. As a certified radiation safety officer, Dr. Schick offers radioiodine I-131 treatments for cats with hyperthyroidism.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology
• Residency, Dermatology, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station

Dr. Schick enjoys spending time with her twin boys as well as her horses, chickens, cat and dog. She also enjoys giving back to the community. When she’s not at the gym lifting weights with one son, you can find her riding on challenging horse trails or playing polo with her other son.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience, Davidson College, NC