Meet Our Veterinary Team

Maria Flippo, DVM & Owner

Dr. Maria Flippo is the proud owner and lead veterinarian at Riverfront Vet. With a passion for fostering the human-animal bond and a deep commitment to quality medicine, Dr. Flippo has dedicated her career to ensuring pets and their people receive the gold-standard care they deserve.

Dr. Flippo’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University, SC. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University, in Alabama, followed by a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals in Chattanooga, TN. These experiences laid the foundation for her expertise in diagnosing complex cases and providing compassionate, personalized care.

At Riverfront Vet, Dr. Flippo’s mission is to create an exceptional experience for clients, pets, and staff alike. She is devoted to her patients and will go to great lengths to find answers, collaborating with specialists as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Outside of work, Dr. Flippo enjoys traveling with her husband and children, practicing Pilates, and spending time with her two beloved dogs—a Chihuahua and a Labrador Retriever. She treats every patient as if they were her own pet, building trust and forming lasting relationships with her clients.

Dr. Flippo’s dedication to her profession, her patients, and her team is evident in every aspect of Riverfront Vet. She’s proud to provide a space where pets and their families can feel cared for and supported, ensuring every visit is a positive and productive one.

Collete Hardin, Hospital Manager

Collete Hardin brings her passion for animals and years of experience in veterinary medicine to her role as Hospital Manager at Riverfront Vet. Since starting her career in 2018, she has worked in various roles, from receptionist to assisting in exams and surgeries, and now oversees the day-to-day operations of the clinic. Her dedication to supporting the team, patients, and clients is at the heart of her work.

For Collete, veterinary medicine is more than a career—it’s her lifelong passion. She describes her role as ensuring everything outside of diagnosing and surgeries runs smoothly, creating an exceptional experience for pets and their owners. One of her proudest achievements is landing her position at Riverfront Vet, which she calls her “dream gig”.

At home, Collete shares her life with three rescue dogs: Kodi, a sweet 10-year-old pit mix; Banks, a playful 6-year-old pit mix; and Sailor, a 2-year-old foster fail who’s now a snuggle bug. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, coffee, and spending time with her husband, son, and pups. Her family is her greatest inspiration, driving her to excel in veterinary medicine while being the best mom and wife she can be.

Known for her infectious laugh and warm personality, Collete is an invaluable part of the Riverfront Vet team.