Get To Know Our Team 

Smiling Female Veterinarian — Banner Elk, NC — High Country Animal Clinic PA

Dr. Brad Knowles

Dr. Knowles is a graduate of North Carolina State University college of Veterinary Medicine. He grew up in Georgia and North Carolina, when after a youth group ski trip to Beech mountain, he realized that he wanted to live in the mountains one day.

 

After working in the Charlotte area for several years, he became owner/operator of Banner Elk Animal Hospital in 2002. Dr. Knowles favorite area of small animal practice is improving the lives of our older/geriatric canine and feline patients and showing their owners how they can do the same.

 

Outside work, his interests include hiking. Biking and relearning how to play the guitar after not playing any musical instrument since childhood.

Woman Is Sitting At Reception Desk — Banner Elk, NC — High Country Animal Clinic PA

Jo Chacto

Jo has been a permanent resident of Avery County and employee of Banner Elk Animal Hospital since 1992 while her sister, Dr. Carol Chacto, was the owner operator. When Dr. Knowles became the owner/operator in 2002, she remained with our hospital in her present capacity as receptionist/ office manager.

 

She graduated from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

 

Her interests and hobbies include reading, handicrafts and amusing Sinbad, her handsome 5 year old tuxedo cat.

Man Holding Small Dog — Banner Elk, NC — High Country Animal Clinic PA

Kristin Hill

Kristin is a local resident of our area. She graduated from Watauga High School in 2003 and is now raising a family here in Avery County. She has a passion for animals, art and helping others. Kristin loves nature, crafting and spending time with her loved ones.

Smiling Male Veterinarian With Dog — Banner Elk, NC — High Country Animal Clinic PA

Meadow

Meadow is our 7 year old short haired tabby cat who loves to greet our customers. We are honored to be allowed to work in her home while she eats, sleeps and investigates new human intruders.

 

Despite lack of any known formal education, all medical and administrative decisions must be approved by her before proceeding with any course of action.

Kaylee Leihbacher — Banner Elk, NC — High Country Animal Clinic PA

Kaylee Leihbacher

Kaylee joined our team in early 2023. Originally from Hilton Head Island, SC, she now lives on a small family farm in Banner Elk where she tends to her horses as well as dogs, cats and birds. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her horse, writing, singing and playing guitar. The main focus of her life though, is spending time with and caring for all her family members, both human and animal.

Samantha Smith — Banner Elk, NC — High Country Animal Clinic PA

Samantha Smith

Sam is a 2024 Lees-McRae graduate in pre-veterinary medicine who worked with us part time throughout her student years and is now with us full time. She grew up and went to school in Wilmington, NC, and now lives here in Avery County with her 2 golden retrievers, Apollo and Yoshi. When not working she enjoys traveling, snowboarding here in winter, and surfing back on the NC coast in summer.