Our Heart-Led Approach to Healing
Discover the philosophy and the people at the core of Tri-City Animal Clinic.
Where Kindness Meets Expertise
We founded Tri-City Animal Clinic on the principle that medical excellence and emotional support should go hand-in-hand. We believe in creating a sanctuary where pets feel safe and owners feel empowered. Our team is dedicated to continuous learning and applying the most compassionate techniques in veterinary medicine.
Meet our Team
Our veterinary team is highly trained and committed to providing exceptional care,
ensuring every pet is treated with compassion and attention each time they walk through our doors.
Dr. Caroline Bullman, DVM
Dr. Bullman grew up in Forest City and is a graduate of RS Central High School.
She went on to attend Clemson University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Animal Science. Dr. Bullman continued her education at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May 2014. In 2016, she fulfilled her dream of practice ownership by purchasing Tri-City Animal Clinic. She and her husband, Brent, have one son, Callahan, and a daughter, Joanna. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Bullman enjoys spending time with her family . She is passionate about veterinary medicine and loves having the opportunity to
serve the community she knows and loves.
Stephanie Phipps
Stephanie joined the TCAC team in 2021 as a Client Services Representative. A Rutherford County native, she has always had a passion for animals and enjoys building relationships with clients and their pets each day. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys helping her husband, Justin, on their farm and spending quality time with their daughters and granddaughters. She also shares her home with her two dogs, PJ and Chip, along with many beloved
farm animals.
Kelly Nolen-Circello
Kelly has been a valued member of the Tri-City Animal Clinic family since 2014 and serves as our full-time groomer. With many years of professional grooming experience, Kelly is passionate about helping pets look and feel their best while providing a safe, calm, and stress-free grooming experience for both pets and their owners. Kelly’s caring personality and attention to detail make her a favorite among clients and their furry family members. Outside of the clinic, Kelly enjoys traveling with her husband, Mike, and their two children, Liam and Nora. She also loves attending concerts and spending time with her pets at home.
Brent Bullman
Brent joined the TCAC team in 2019 and serves as our Office Manager. Coming from a background in construction and business management, Brent brings strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to help wherever needed around the clinic. He works closely alongside his wife, Dr. Bullman, to help keep the clinic running smoothly each day. Brent enjoys building relationships with our clients and getting to know both them and their pets.
Lauren Eaker
Lauren is currently in her third year of veterinary school at St. George’s University in Grenada, where she is pursuing her dream of becoming a
veterinarian. A familiar face at Tri-City Animal Clinic since 2022, Lauren enjoys helping out at the clinic whenever she is home from school. Her passion for animal care and dedication to veterinary medicine continue to shine through in everything she does. Outside of school and work, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
Cadence Humphries
Cadence joined the TCAC team in 2023 as a Veterinary Assistant. With a huge heart for animals, Cadence is known for never turning away an injured or abandoned pet in need. Her compassion and caring nature shine through in
everything she does, both inside and outside the clinic. Outside of work, Cadence enjoys baking, spending time with dogs, and participating in Bible studies. Guided by her faith and love for the Lord, she strives to live with kindness, compassion, and a servant’s heart each day.
Savannah Culler
Savannah has been a part of the TCAC family since 2019 and serves as one of our Veterinary Assistants. She is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she is needed and loves caring for each patient that comes through our doors. When she’s not at the clinic, Savannah enjoys spending time outdoors hiking with her husband, James, and their three fur babies.
Dawn Eldridge
Dawn joined the TCAC family in August 2022 as one of our kennel assistants. She has a huge heart for animals and is known around the clinic for wanting to take every unwanted pet home proudly calling herself a “foster failure.” Dawn
loves making sure each pet gets plenty of treats, cuddles, and extra attention while in our care. Outside of work, Dawn stays busy as a mom of seven and caring for her own crew of dogs and cats at home.
Peyton Watson
Peyton joined the TCAC team in 2025 as a Kennel Assistant. She comes to work each day with a positive attitude and is always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Peyton has a natural love for animals and can often be found giving extra attention and affection to every pet in her care. Her compassionate heart and dedication to helping animals make her a valued part of our team. Outside of the clinic, Peyton enjoys spending time with her dogs and practicing jujutsu.
Jessie Carpenter
Jessie Carpenter (veterinary assistant/ veterinary school student) “Jessie is currently studying at Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. During breaks from school, she enjoys returning to the clinic to continue learning and helping care for patients. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her cat, Joey!”
John Padgett
John joined the Tri-City Animal Clinic family in November 2020 and serves as a full-time kennel assistant. John is known for his hardworking attitude and the compassionate care he gives to every pet staying with us. He can often be found in the play yard spending time with our boarding guests and making sure they feel comfortable, loved, and entertained during their stay. Outside of the clinic, John enjoys spending time with his wife, Yvonne, and caring for their pets. His love for animals and friendly personality make him a valued part of the TCAC team.
Katherine Chung
Katherine was born and raised in North Texas, where she grew up playing soccer and showing horses. Following her upbringing, she proudly served in the United States military from 2012 to 2016. In 2022, Katherine married her husband and relocated to Washington, where she began her career in veterinary medicine while continuing to train horses part-time. In 2024, she and her husband made North Carolina home, where they currently live with their two dogs, Chloe and Magnus. Katherine brings dedication, compassion, and a strong work ethic to the veterinary field, and she enjoys caring for both animals and the people who love them.
A Peek Inside Tri-City
A calm, clean, and welcoming space designed for comfort, rooted in our stress-free philosophy.
