Our Team
mOLLY BRINKMANN, President + vETERINARIAN
Dr. Molly Brinkmann believes the human animal bond is sacred and important. This Franklin, TN native is a small animal veterinarian and medical director at a local small animal general practice. She has been in practice for 9 years and her experience spans both large and small animal medicine. Dr. Brinkmann has been a part of initiatives and organizations that serve both people and animals for nearly 20 years, both locally and internationally. She is a cofounder and currently holds a leadership role in a local housing ministry. Dr.Brinkmann is a known on social media as @drmollysays. She loves using this platform to educate pet parents, provide a humorous and positive voice for the veterinary industry and gives insight into the life of a veterinarian. Her motivation for starting The Companion Project is her love for people and their pets. She believes the human animal bond is sacred and important for all. Dr. Brinkmann recognized the rising cost of veterinary medicine is making it more difficult for some to get their pets the care they need. By partnering with established organizations that have identified humans in need, Brinkmann hopes to also provide high quality veterinary care for their pets.
ASHLEY kOLL, Vice President + vET tech
After earning her Bachelor's in Veterinary Technology, she delved into the clinic world for six enriching years. Today, she stands as the Founder and CEO of Lemon Collaborative, an influencer management agency dedicated to the veterinary industry. With a roster boasting over 14 veterinary professional creators, including Dr. Molly (@drmollysays), President of The Companion Project. After building a close friendship with Molly, they decided to make their dreams a reality and launch The Companion Project. It was her deep bond with Molly that catalyzed the birth of The Companion Project. Ashley's passion for animals runs deep; she has always had a heart for rescue animals and currently shares her home with three beloved rescue dogs. Through her work, she champions the profound human-animal bond, recognizing its capacity to heal the soul and uplift the mind of every pet owner and that every pet deserves care regardless of their owners financial situation.
Sara Fricke, treasurer
Sara Fricke is from Brentwood, TN and has always held a passion for serving others. She has served her local community over the last 12 years by coaching youth sports, volunteering at local schools and holding a leadership position in a housing ministry she cofounded with Dr. Brinkmann. Sara’s experience extends into the veterinary space as she works in record management at a local veterinary hospital with Dr. Brinkmann. Her attention to detail and organizational skills are assets she brings to The Companion Project.
Christine Staten, DVM, mba
Dr. Christine Staten graduated from CSU in 1999 and owns an 10-doctor mixed animal practice in Tucson, Arizona that she grew from a solo-ambulatory practice. Desiring to learn more about entrepreneurship and business management, she earned her MBA in 2023. With her company Veterinary MBA, she is helping other practice owners and managers create more sustainable business models while gaining more time, money, and freedom in their lives. She is also passionate about encouraging and mentoring the next generation of veterinarians into the greatest profession in the world.
Juan Sebastián Orjuela, Emergency Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. Juan Sebastian Orjuela, a 2022 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, is an emergency veterinarian based in London, ON. Known as “Juancho,” he is the co-founder of the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association, a leading nonprofit in veterinary medicine. As a bilingual content creator (@juancho.dvm), he focuses on education, advocacy, and has a deep passion for community outreach and accessible care.
Matt McGlasson DVM, CVPM, Fear Free Certified, Cat Friendly Practitioner Feline VMA
20 years clinical practice experience. Matt is also Educating & Inspiring pet parents as a speaker, author and thought leader. Follow @drmattmcglasson!
Mike Walker, DVM, Practice Owner
Dr. Mike Walker is the owner of two small animal hospitals in the Austin, Texas area called Apollo Veterinary. He has a passion for practice ownership and showcasing the amazing medicine his team practices by providing open-concept veterinary care.
Tannetje Crocker, DVM
Dr. Tannetje’ Crocker is a speaker and social media personality. She works as an ER Veterinarian for Veterinary Emergency Group in Dallas, TX. She also owns Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Fort Worth, TX. She plans to continue her support of fellow veterinary professionals, both virtually and in person through her various endeavors. Follow her veterinary journey @dr.tannetje.crocker or www.drcrockerpetvet.com
Whitney C. Terrell, dvm
Dr. Whitney C. Terrell is a small animal veterinarian and partner at her practice in Florence, AL. She is a member of both the AVMA and ALVMA, having served for 5 years as her local chapter’s representative and is this year’s ALVMA Member-at-Large. Dr. Terrell is passionate about focusing on client connections, spectrum of care, and promoting awareness within the community. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with friends, working out at the CrossFit No’Ala, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband, Matt, two daughters, Rylie and Raelynn, basset hound, Dobby, and cat, Cass.