Our Techs & Receptionists

Technicians

	RJ (Large Animal) Ronald “RJ” Palmer was born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences in 2019. As a large animal technician, RJ’s responsibilities include maintaining a clean environment within the barn and assisting the large animal veterinarians with their procedures, the former in which he especially takes great pride. He and his wife, Emily, live in Hattiesburg and are proud parents of three cats.

	Heidi (Small Animal) Heidi Miller was born and raised in Starkville, MS, where she later attended Mississippi State University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree Fall 2020 in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, and Management. Heidi moved to Hattiesburg shortly after graduation and joined the Pine Belt family December of 2020. She is currently enrolled at San Juan College in the Veterinary Technology Program to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. She has three dogs (Fawn, Zeppelin and Nelly) and a guinea pig (Peanut).

	Laura (Small Animal) Laura Lucas is our Lead Veterinary Technician who currently resides in Petal, MS. Laura grew up in Madison, MS where she graduated from Madison Central High School. Laura attended Hinds Community Colleges Veterinary Technician program directly after high school. She is currently enrolled in Penn Foster to complete her certification. Laura knew from a young age that she wanted to be in the veterinary field due to her love of animals and the care they need. Laura joined the Pine Belt Family in May of 2015 and has been with us ever since. Laura has 4 dogs (Maizey Kate, Theodore Riley, Jett Michael, and Macey Michelle), 1 cat (Bunnie Lou), and 1 horse (Max o Mos). Laura currently lives in Petal with her significant other, Joshua. In her spare time, Laura enjoys cooking out with family and friends, riding horses, and relaxing at home with her family.

	Sydney (Small Animal) Sydney Brown was born and raised in Seminary, MS and began working at Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital and Kennel June of 2016 while she was attending Seminary High School. She later attended Jones County Junior College (Jones College) for her first two years of college to earn her Associate Degree then transferred to William Carey University to earn a Bachelor of Science. She owns a dachshund named Kahne and one cat, Maggie.

	Jordan (Small Animal) Jordan is from Perkinston, MS and has been a member of the Pine Belt family since February of 2025. He is a 2024 graduate of the Veterinary Technology program at Hinds Community College, and he has been a Certified Veterinary Technician since the fall of 2024. He is currently enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi and is working towards his bachelor's in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Conservation Biology. Jordan began his veterinary experience with wildlife medicine, and he hopes to one day work in the rehabilitation of coastal avian species and the conservation of coastal animals. Jordan has one cat, Cricket, who enjoys bowties and ice cubes.

Kennel Technicians

Makaylia

Makaylia was born and raised in Jackson, MS. She has her associates degree in Veterinary Medicine and has worked with animals for 10 years and has loved every minute of it.

Makaylia and her fiance, Matthew have one son, Mason and they enjoy spending time outdoors and taking their Chiweenie, Lainey with them everywhere they go.

She has always had a passion caring for animals and she thrives on making sure they have the best experience and feel comfortable when they come for either a visit or boarding.

Delaney

Delaney Jordan is from Seminary, MS. She was born in Flowood, MS and lived there for her first 7 years of her life until she moved to Seminary.

Delaney has been in the Pine Belt Family since she was about 7 years old! Her aunt, Laura Lucas, is our lead Veterinary Technician and she has always wanted to follow in her footsteps. She began working at Pine Belt in March of 2024. She is currently enrolled in Penn Foster's Veterinary Technician program to become a future Technician.

Delaney has 2 dogs (Titan Andrew and Zouri Marie), 2 cats (Meow Katherine and Tiny), and a hedgehog named Finley! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her animals and loved ones!

Receptionists

	Jessy Jessy Daniels, originally from Southaven, MS moved to Hattiesburg, MS in 2015 along with her husband and son. She worked at Forrest General Hospital as a Emergency Technician and Patient Accountant Assistant for 4 years. Knowing her calling was in animal medical care, Jessy began work at Pine Belt Veterinary Hospital August of 2020. She is the proud mom of not only her son, but a dog named Cayde and 3 cats named Tuna, Cup and Shaker.

	Ashley Ashley Neal, originally from Mandeville, LA, joined the Pine Belt Family in 2022, as a small animal client and later began working as a receptionist. She attended both the University of Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana University, graduating with a B.A in Strategic Communications. Ashley lives in Ovett, MS, and spends her free time showing and raising chihuahuas on the family farm!

	Livia Livia joined the Pine Belt Team in March of 2025 but has been no stranger to being involved with animals and their care. She previously worked part time at the zoo as a diet technician/commissary assistant, but had been volunteering there since she was 16. Livia also was raised as a volunteer at Worthy Stables for therapeutic horsemanship, and even worked there for a short period. She is currently pursuing a Biology degree from PRCC. Livia has a small herd of goats, some bunnies, and all sorts of poultry on her family's homestead.

	Allie Allie joined the Pine Belt team as a receptionist back in August of 2024. She is originally from Sheridan, Arkansas. Allie loves to hunt, fish, and run her dogs. She spends a lot of her free time with an Ultra Light rifle in her hands or in a stand in the woods. She also loves to work her 4 Catahoula Curs on blood trailing.