Dr. Cory Ellis is one of the owners of Fort Mill Animal Hospital. While not native to Fort Mill, he has been a resident here since 2008. He grew up in the small coastal southern town of Ocean Springs, MS spending much of his early life exploring the Gulf of Mexico waters and the barrier islands that lie just off the coast of the mainland.
Before pursuing higher education, Dr. Ellis dedicated two years to the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, a domestic Peace Corps program. During this time, he and his colleagues provided various forms of service to communities across the southeastern United States. This enriching experience led Dr. Ellis to further adventures in the Great Northwoods of Minnesota, where he served multiple seasons with the Minnesota Conservation Corps. Dr. Ellis has maintained a profound passion for community service and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Ellis attended the College of Charleston and received his bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in biology from the historic institution. He then went on to attend veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. This unique opportunity provided many amazing experiences as well as challenges that further strengthened and defined the kind of doctor that Dr. Ellis would one day become. After completing his pre-clinical studies on the island, he finished his clinical training at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He proudly graduated magna cum laude with a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Over the years, Dr. Ellis has worked in many veterinary general practice settings around the greater Charlotte area. Additionally, he served as a regional manager for the largest domestic and international teleradiology consultation company in the world for seven years. In late 2019, after careful consideration, Dr. Ellis purchased what was formerly known as Fort Mill Veterinary Clinic, embarking on a journey to transform it into the thriving practice it is today. The progress achieved in a relatively short period of time is a source of pride for him and his team.
During his time in Charleston, SC, Dr. Ellis met and married Erica, who currently serves as an assistant principal at an elementary school in Charlotte. Together they are the VERY proud parents to 3 beautiful daughters—Brinley, Isley, and Emery. In his limited free time, Dr. Ellis enjoys long-distance running, spending quality time with his family and friends, tending to his yard, and embarking on adventures to exciting new destinations.
Dr. Ellis strongly believes in living a life of service. Through the years he has discovered that his calling lies in caring for the beloved pets of others. His guiding principle is encapsulated in the quote: “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” – Leo Buscaglia.
Dr. Molly Culberson
Dr. Molly Culberson was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, and has known from her first word (“dog!”) that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Animal Science in 2006, and went on to receive her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University in 2010.
Knowing her dream from a young age, Dr. Culberson grew up working and volunteering with local veterinary hospitals and shelters (both small animal and equine). She also competed in multiple sports in high school, and was a collegiate athlete at N.C. State, competing at the NCAA level in springboard and platform diving.
After graduation, Dr. Culberson completed both academic and private practice internships, and went on to provide veterinary care to the horses of Lexington, Kentucky. After a few years, she moved home to Charlotte in 2014 to be closer to family, and to transition to small animal medicine.
Dr. Culberson’s professional interests include preventative care, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine. She enjoys communicating with owners, and providing a thorough and well-rounded approach to complete veterinary care. Dr. Culberson spends her free time with friends and family, riding her off-the-track-thoroughbred horse (Ben), and enjoys adventures with her German Shepherd, Maizey.
Dr. Matt Ritter
Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon (ACVS)
Dr. Ritter is a mobile board-certified orthopedic surgeon; he is available on an as needed basis for orthopedic surgeries.
Dr. Matt Ritter attended Iowa State University where he received his undergraduate degree in Zoology. He then continued on at Iowa State University where he graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ritter completed an internship in medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and a residency in surgery at Michigan State University.
Dr. Ritter became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in January 2007 (Dipl. ACVS). Dr. Ritter owns Bedrock Veterinary Specialists and provides assistance to our veterinary team with advanced surgical cases.
Sam joined Fort Mill Animal Hospital in November of 2019, bringing over 20 years experience in the veterinary field. She achieved her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) accreditation in 2016.
Her childhood was filled with a variety of pets, including cats, dogs, hamsters and horses. When her dog was diagnosed with epilepsy, it sparked her passion for animals and her commitment to their care.
She resides in Rock Hill on a small farm with her husband, Travis and their 3 kids- Austin, Parker and Callen. “All creatures large and small, the Lord created them all”. Sam and her family really took this to heart. Their farm is home to their three dogs (Sully, Chloe and Evie), a cat named Bob, a tortoise, bunny, horses, chickens and their recent addition of ducks! She stays pretty busy with her children and her small farm full of creatures large and small. When she does have free time, Sam enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors and cooking.
Lead Veterinary Assistant
Who’s that girl… it’s Jess! A native of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Jessica has worked in the veterinary industry since 2011. She has always had a big heart for animals which led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology from North Greenville University. Jessica has an active and young at heart 13 year old terrier mix named Tanner. During her free time, Jessica enjoys hiking, spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and being active with her church family.
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Hector was born in Columbia, South America and grew up in Queens, NYC from the age of 4 until he moved to the Carolinas after high school. This taught me to have tough skin and be quick on my feet. I was raised by my grandmother which also taught me how to be patient, compassionate and loving towards every living creature. Hector started in the veterinary industry at the age of 25 and have loved it ever since. In his free time Hector loves to skateboard and snowboard. He also owns and operates a gardening supply store in Gaffney, SC called, Hector’s Garden.
Registered Veterinary Technician
Born and raised in a small town, Andrea grew up with all types of pets. After her first veterinary assistant job, she decided to go to school to become a licensed veterinary technician. She has 10 years of experience working in veterinary hospitals.
Andrea does her best to care for patients and their owners.
At home she has three cats and a dog. In her free time she likes to go kayaking and hiking.
Born in Charlotte, Esme always knew she wanted to work with animals. Advocating for animals who don’t have a voice has always been a passion of hers. After graduating from high school Esme devoted her time to starting her career in the veterinary field. In 2019 Esme attend animal behavioral college, as a first step into working with animals. Currently she is working on getting her registered veterinary technician certification. In the future Esme hopes to make a difference in feline medicine, as our feline friends are her favorite patients of the day. In her free time, you will find her watching movies with her son and cat Tobi or planting new plants with her new puppy Rosita.
I have been obsessed with animals since I was a little girl. I always grew up with cats so I guess you could say I am a “crazy cat lady”. I currently own 3!! I also have a dog, can’t leave her out, she is the best girl ever!
I started out just working at a pet store then moved to a doggy hotel / daycare. I eventually decided it was time to make a difference with the animals and moved on to veterinary care. It was the best decision I have ever made. I love educating clients and assisting the doctor to treat your babies.
I hope you all will allow us/me to love your babies and be the voice they don’t have.
Lead Customer Service Representative
Born and raised in Fort Mill, SC Jordan found her love for animals throughout grade school participating in 4-H; raising and showing dairy cattle and horses. At an early age Jordan developed a passion for caring for animals and helping others. She has continued her passion for small and large animals by working at Fort Mill Animal Hospital and teaching horseback riding lessons in her spare time. Jordan has worked at Fort Mill Animal Hospital for a total of two and a half years. She is currently in the role of receptionist, where she gets to work closely with clients helping them with their pet’s needs. Outside of the office you may find Jordan hanging out with her three labrador retrievers, Diesel, Sprig, and Riley, or riding her horse, Rosie, out on the trails.
Customer Service Representative
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Nicky has lived in Fort Mill since 2014. She attended Fort Mill High School and is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science. While she has no prior experience in the veterinary field, Nicky loves learning about our furry and feline friends! In her free time, Nicky enjoys travelling, playing video games, and attending anime conventions.