Meet Our Team
Meet the veterinarians and team at Friarsgate-Ballentine Animal Hospital We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to Know Our Team
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Jeffrey Mundell
Veterinarians/Owners
Dr. Mundell received Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Clemson University and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UGA in 1985 and has been practicing in the Midlands area ever since. He especially enjoys all types of surgery, particularly orthopedics. Dr. Mundell resides on a “farm” in the Newberry area and currently has approximately 84 pets, including horses, bunnies, cats, dogs, quail, pheasants, chickens and cray fish. He has a wife and three children and enjoys fishing, horseback riding, and building.
Dr. Steven Glenn
Dr. Glenn was born in Abbeville, SC. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1978 from Clemson University and a Master of Science degree in 1980 from Purdue University. He then received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 1984. He is married to Dr. Susan Glenn and has three sons and numerous pets. He has practiced in Newberry County since 1984 and resides in Prosperity. Dr. Glenn enjoys golf and biking. He believes that our pets have a special bond with our families.
Dr. David Hurst
Dr. Hurst began his veterinary career as a veterinary healthcare technician at the age of sixteen. After only three years of undergraduate study, Dr. Hurst was accepted early to the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hurst graduated cum laude with special recognition in small animal medicine and surgery. In addition to being a veterinarian, Dr. Hurst is also a licensed interior structural firefighter and a retired police officer for the State of South Carolina, under the Federal LEOSA, after serving a little over 11 years. Dr. Hurst resides in Lexington County with his loving wife, beautiful two daughters, and an array of pets including a bird, dog, and several cats.
Dr. Sarah Marra
Veterinarian
Dr. Sarah Marra grew up in Homewood, Alabama. She completed her undergraduate Animal Sciences degree in just three years and was accepted early to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University. Dr. Marra began her veterinary career in 2012, practicing mixed animal medicine in Washington, Georgia, where she enjoyed caring for cattle, horses, and small ruminants as well dogs and cats. Dr. Marra’s veterinary interests include endocrinology, soft tissue surgery, and wound healing. She is also a skilled lecturer and is frequently asked to be a keynote speaker at regional continuing education events for other veterinarians and veterinary staff members. Dr. Marra’s family includes her hard-working husband, her spirited daughter, her charming son, and a loving pit bull mix named Jill. Dr. Marra enjoys camping with her family, reading, and baking custom cakes and cookies.
Dr. Emily Baier
Veterinarian
Dr. Emily Baier is a skilled veterinarian who graduated summa cum laude from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her time in veterinary school, she was honored with the American College of Veterinary Radiology Student Award for her excellence, enthusiasm, and interest in Diagnostic Imaging. Dr. Baier is also Fear Free Certified, ensuring that she provides the most comfortable and compassionate care for all animals. While she has the most experience with dogs and cats, she has also worked with a variety of exotic species. In the summer of 2022, Dr. Baier had the unique opportunity to join a select group of veterinary students from around the world to learn about wildlife conservation and provide care for animals in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, furthering her global perspective on veterinary medicine. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Baier enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. She grew up as a competitive swimmer and now enjoys traveling, camping, scuba diving, and snowboarding with her husband, Robert. Together, they share their home with several beloved pets, including five cats—Batman, Robin, Izzy, Milo, and Stewie—and one dog, Ebony.
Dr. Brock Hendrix
Dr. Brock Hendrix earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University and has 20 years of experience in small animal medicine. He has special interests in soft tissue surgery and orthopedic procedures, supported by his strong surgical background and leadership experience.
Dr. Hendrix is passionate about providing compassionate care and building lasting relationships with clients and their pets. He values mentorship, teamwork, and creating a supportive environment for both patients and colleagues.
Outside of the clinic, he enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, and working on classic trucks and tractors.
Our Hospital Manager
Heather Pavlick
Heather joined our team in February 2010 and has over 19 years of experience as a technician. Heather resides in Lexington with her 12 year-old son and two cats (Teddie and Doge).
Heather stays very busy on the weekends supporting her son’s travel baseball team… Go Palmetto Impact!
Our Receptionists
Caroline Lavigne
Receptionist
Caroline was born and raised in Columbia, SC. She has 3 crazy little dogs and 1 cat that keeps her on her feet! In her spare time she loves watching movies, being outside and hanging out with her two handsome nephews! She has been working with animals off and on for several years and loves every minute of it.
Noelle Howell (CSR)
Noelle has worked in veterinary medicine for over four years, primarily in reception, while also gaining hands-on experience assisting technicians in the treatment area. She’s passionate about helping both pets and their people feel comfortable and supported during every visit.
Raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Noelle has worked in clinics across North Carolina, New York, and now South Carolina, giving her a well-rounded perspective on client care.
Outside the clinic, Noelle’s life revolves around animals, especially her three dogs: two beloved senior rescues and a growing Cane Corso puppy who keeps things interesting at home. When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find her enjoying Football Sunday (Be Good. Do Good. God Bless. GO BILLS), kayaking, fishing, or exploring her new town with her husband.
Carin (CSR)
Carin joined the Friarsgate family in 2024. She is a graduate of Columbia College and spent twelve years teaching in School District Five before transitioning into receptionist roles at St. Andrews Chiropractic Clinic and Harvin Pediatric Clinic with Dr. Tom Kelly.
Family is at the center of Carin’s life, and she loves spending time with her children and seven grandchildren and her lovable pup, Archie. She also enjoys daily Zumba and exercise classes that keep her active and energized.
Becky (CSR)
Becky has spent the last several years working with animals in various capacities, including vet med, rescue, and doggie daycare. She was raised right here in Irmo and now resides in Lexington with her clowder of nearly 30 cats. When she’s not spending time with her feline companions, she enjoys thrifting, various crafty endeavors, and watching baseball (Go Braves!) In addition to being a passionate animal rights advocate, Becky is also Fear Free and TNR Certified.
Our Assistants
Kelly West, Technician Manager
Kelly joined our team in July 2020 and brings 18 years of experience in veterinary medicine. Originally from Greenwood, SC, she now lives in Lexington with her daughters, Ava and Zoe, along with their dog, Dolly and two cats, Cheese and Pixel.
Savannah Sweigart, Lead Assistant
Lead Assistant
Savannah joined Friarsgate Animal Hospital in July 2021. She was born and raised in Irmo, SC. She has two dogs, Shelby and Cheyenne, and a cat named Mimi. Savannah has loved animals her whole life. In her spare time, she loves to be outside, spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys watching Clemson football!
Alexis Hewitt
Assistant
Alexis joined the Friarsgate family in July 2021. She was born and raised in West Columbia, SC. She currently resides in Lexington with her daughter, A’Lori. She has a sweet pitty, Banx, and a rescue kitten, Nine. She has loved animals her whole life and has enjoyed working with animals for the past 2 years.
Carolie Dominick
Jordynn Ballard
Bio Coming Soon!
