About Us
Dr. J. Church
Born and raised in Peoria Heights, Illinois, my roots in hard work and dedication run deep. Growing up, I spent countless hours at Kelly Seed and Hardware, a family-owned business where my grandparents, Harold and Helen, instilled in me the values of personal integrity, business savvy, and the art of building lasting relationships.
My journey in education began at St. Thomas Grade School in Peoria Heights, continued through high school at Peoria Notre Dame, and led me to Iowa State University for my undergraduate studies in Biology and Ecology. Then, I pursued my lifelong passion for animal care at the University of Illinois, where I earned my veterinary degree.
In 2007, I traded the Midwest for the warmth of Raleigh, North Carolina, and had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Lee Darch for 6 years at North Wake Animal Hospital in Wake Forest. By 2013, I was ready to embark on my own adventure and opened Smithfield Road Veterinary Hospital in Knightdale, NC. After six rewarding years of serving the community, I decided to spend more time with my children, Parker and Eleanor. I sold the hospital in 2019, entering a 5 year non compete.
Now with a wealth of experience and a heart full of passion for veterinary care, I'm excited to bring my expertise to Southern Heart Veterinary Hospital.
When I'm not caring for your pets, you might find me traveling, especially to my lake cabin in northern Minnesota. I'm an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys fishing, jet surfing, water sports, snow sports, and campfires with lake neighbors. Most importantly, I cherish spending quality time with my family and our furry companions.