Meet The Team
Our story began in 1989
when Dr. Eric Sjoberg and his family opened a small veterinary clinic to serve the Ila, GA community. For over 30 years, this little country clinic has helped countless pets and their families. Today, under the name Ila Veterinary Clinic, the practice remains rooted in those same values of compassion and community.
Meet Dr. Christina Halpin
Dr. Christina Halpin, leads Ila Veterinary Clinic with over a decade of experience, offering compassionate and personalized veterinary care to pets and their families.
Dr. Halpin shares her home with a lively crew of animals, including her domestic shorthair cat, Catty Wompus, her barn cats George, Audrey, and Señor Medianoche, a flock of chickens, a small herd of sheep, and Pepe, her donkey. Though she recently lost her two senior dogs, their memory continues to inspire the care she provides to her patients.
Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys fishing, gardening, cooking, and traveling. Her passion for animal care stems from the rewarding experience of helping pets live long, healthy lives alongside the people who love them. She finds joy in witnessing the deep human-animal bond and believes in always giving her best—guided by the verse, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Halpin spends her time hiking trails, tending her garden, and attending local livestock shows with her two rescue dogs, Max and Luna. Her commitment to staying ahead in veterinary medicine is reflected in her active involvement with the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. Whether she’s mentoring colleagues or attending conferences, Dr. Halpin is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Christian Veterinary Mission. She remains dedicated to learning and growing so that she can continue providing the best care possible to the animals and families of Ila.
“The best care happens when you build relationships. It’s about listening, understanding, and working together to do what’s right for every animal and their family.”
Dr. Halpin
Dr. Jana Mullis
Dr. Jana Mullis has been working in the veterinary field since 2017, starting as a veterinary assistant before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She joined Ila Veterinary Clinic in June 2024 and enjoys working with pet owners to provide compassionate care, from routine visits to surgical procedures.
Originally from Marietta, GA, Dr. Mullis moved to Athens for her veterinary studies at the University of Georgia. Drawn to rural medicine, she found her place at Ila Veterinary Clinic, where she values building relationships with clients and their pets.
At home, she shares her life with Trooper, her 13-year-old mutt who never goes anywhere without his favorite purple chew toy. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new restaurants, baking, and spending time with her husband. Inspired by the deep bond between people and their pets, she strives to provide care that strengthens those connections every day., including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Christian Veterinary Mission. She remains dedicated to learning and growing so that she can continue providing the best care possible to the animals and families of Ila.
Kaleigh
Veterinary Assistant
Kaleigh has been part of the veterinary field since June 2024, bringing her passion for animals to every patient she helps. As a veterinary assistant, she supports the veterinarians with everything from bloodwork to patient history and gentle restraint, ensuring every pet gets the care and attention they deserve.
Growing up in Madison County, Georgia, Kaleigh always knew she wanted to work with animals. After gaining experience at a doggy daycare for over a year, she was drawn to Ila Veterinary Clinic’s small-town, homey atmosphere and joined the team. She shares her home with Darla, a terrier mix she rescued from MOAS when Darla was just seven months old.
When she’s not at the clinic, Kaleigh enjoys spending time with her family and fiancé, swimming, and taking scenic drives. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is seeing animals recover from their worst moments to their best—and knowing she played a role in their journey. She carries with her the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
McKinsey
Operations Manager
McKinsey joined Ila Veterinary Clinic in 2022 and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. With a degree in Animal & Dairy Science from UGA, she manages inventory and day-to-day workflow, supporting both the team and clients. Raised just down the road in Comer, McKinsey grew up around animals and horses—and even took riding lessons from the Sjobergs. She now shares life with two horses (Cowboy and Ray), two Labs (Indy and Goose), and a chihuahua named Paisley. Outside the clinic, you’ll find her with family, friends, and animals.
Bri
Veterinary Assistant
Since 2018, Bri has brought her trademark enthusiasm to veterinary medicine. At Ila Veterinary Clinic, she preps for surgeries, comforts patients, and helps the team deliver top-notch care. Originally from Massachusetts, she found her way to Ila through a friend’s recommendation. Bri has two black cats, Jack and Anderson, and loves hiking, fishing, painting, and riding horses. Her philosophy? “Go with the flow—and trust that even tough days will pass.”
Ivy
Client Care Coordinator
As the first face you see and the first voice you hear, Ivy keeps things personal and welcoming. She’s worked in vet med for nearly three years and thrives on connecting with both people and pets. A lifelong resident of Madison County, Ivy came to IVC as a longtime client—her family breeds American Springer Spaniels. She’s a proud wife and mom, happiest in the mountains or on the lake with her husband and son. Her favorite part of the job? Helping ensure every pet feels loved and cared for.
Lisa
Receptionist
Lisa has been a friendly and familiar face in veterinary medicine since 2006. Originally from New York, she joined Dr. Halpin at Ila after working together at a previous practice. She shares her home with six Border Collies, four cats, a mixed-breed dog, a herd of sheep, and 12 koi fish. Lisa’s favorite moments are spent walking her dogs and attending sheep herding trials with her husband. She brings humor and heart to every day—and loves helping clients keep their animals healthy and happy.