Dr. Joni Shimp - Practice Owner

Dr. Joni Shimp has been in practice in Southeastern NC for almost two decades. She grew up in Minnesota, showing Arabian horses with her family.  She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and attended North Carolina State University. She graduated from NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 and moved to Pender County to work as an Associate Veterinarian at Scotts Hill Animal Hospital. 

When she is not working, Dr. Joni spends time with her husband Scott, son, Justin and daughter, Sophia.  She has competed on a National Level with Arabian Horses, German Shepherd Dogs in the sport of Schutzhund/IPO, and holds a Federal Falconry License.  She is also the founder and executive director of Cape Fear Raptor Center. 

Dr. Carolyn Edson- Staff Veterinarian

Dr. Edson grew up in Greenville, NC, graduating summa cum laude from East Carolina University with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. Her strong passion for all creatures led her to follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She worked as a veterinary technician for several years before attending NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and graduating in May 2017.  
 
Dr. Edson loves to travel and during the winter of 2015 volunteered in Africa working with several different species with a rescue organization in Tanzania. She has also completed a shelter medicine externship in Asheville, NC and a Dental externship in Durham, NC. She has a special interest in animal behavior and surgery. Dr. Edson has worked in Ocean Isle Beach and Myrtle Beach, and is very excited about joining our family here at Rocky Point Animal Hospital! 
 
During her free time, she enjoys the beach, traveling, and spending time with her significant other, Aaron, and her two rescue dogs, Bailey and Titus. 
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Tamara Suggs - Veterinary Technician

Tamara is from the area and has been with us for over 2 years now.  She started as our Kennel Attendant and has since gained the necessary skills to be a veterinary assistant.  She is also very involved with CFRC.   She has two cats named "Tezma" and "Ozzie".

Carlyn Mingus - Veterinary Technician

Carlyn is new to our family here at Rocky Point Animal Hospital, but she has extensive animal experience which makes her a huge asset.  She also enjoys helping out with CFRC.

Inga Larson - Receptionist

AKA "the cat whisperer", Inga was born in the local area.  She moved away and lived in several different states including TX, OK, NJ, AL, GA, and MS.  Luckily for us, she did move back to the area and has been in the veterinary field for about 5 years now.   In her spare time, she helps to manage a few local feral cat colonies, and enjoys watching old movies, reading, and spending time with her fur babies.