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.

Katie Maivelett, DVM

Dr. Katie Maivelett is a Veterinarian at Riverfront Vet who brings both compassion and global perspective to her work. She has been practicing as a veterinarian for about a year and a half, with several additional years of hands on experience as a kennel technician and veterinary assistant prior to attending veterinary school.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Lander University in South Carolina before pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England, graduating in 2024. During her time abroad, she achieved the distinction of becoming a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, qualifying her to practice veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom and several other countries. After graduation, she returned to the United States to begin her veterinary career closer to her parents and four siblings. She practiced briefly in a private general practice in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, before moving back to the North Augusta area to join the Riverfront team.

Dr. Maivelett chose veterinary medicine to combine her deep passion for animal welfare with the intellectual challenge of diagnosing and treating patients who cannot speak for themselves. She is especially passionate about high quality medicine, preventive care, and client education. She believes in treating every patient as if they were her own and strives to build trusting, lasting relationships with the families she serves.

At Riverfront Vet, Dr. Maivelett works closely with the veterinary care team to provide comprehensive medical care and thoughtful guidance for pets and their owners.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with her family and her beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Jax. Jax may be an old soul and a dedicated couch companion, but he still has a special place in her heart. In fact, Dr. Maivelett once drove more than eighteen hours to Texas and back just to bring him home as a puppy.

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”.

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

Nicole Ash, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Nicole has been dedicated to veterinary medicine since 1996, building a career shaped by exceptional mentors across four long-term positions in four different states. As a Licensed Veterinary Technician, she brings decades of hands-on experience in general practice and a passion for providing thoughtful, compassionate care to every patient and client.

Her journey began at 17, when she left a grocery store job to take a Kennel Technician position—choosing a career path that quickly became her pride and joy. Over the years, Nicole has embraced the many roles veterinary professionals play: teacher, counselor, anesthesiologist, phlebotomist, dental hygienist, and compassionate caretaker. She believes each patient and client deserves her full attention, and she strives to make them feel like the only ones who matter in that moment.

One of Nicole’s proudest professional achievements is mentoring new veterinary team members and students, helping them find their niche in the profession, and watching them grow into mentors themselves.

Outside the clinic, Nicole loves adventure and the outdoors. You’ll often find her trail running, camping, kayaking, or relaxing with a good book on the porch. She’s proud of setting her mind to challenges and growing through them.

Hannah Morris, Veterinary Technician

Hannah brings over 7 years of hands-on experience in veterinary medicine to her role as a Veterinary Technician at Riverfront Vet. Her journey began in 2018 as a receptionist in general practice, where her passion for animals quickly led her into technician work. Over the years, Hannah has gained diverse experience in both small and large animal care, including emergency and critical care, oncology, internal medicine, and surgery. After returning to Augusta in 2023, she joined the Riverfront Vet team—where she’s proud to support Dr. Flippo and continue growing in a field she loves.

Known for her bubbly personality and deep compassion, Hannah thrives on being an advocate for animals. Whether she’s drawing blood, placing IV catheters, helping in exam rooms, or guiding owners through tough decisions, she approaches each task with empathy and care. Her goal is simple: to keep learning and be the very best she can for the animals who need her.

Hannah shares her home with Hazel Grace, a spirited 3-year-old pittie mix who was rescued as a puppy from the streets of Savannah. Hazel is Hannah’s loyal sidekick, a true soul dog who’s always ready for a swim or a snack.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys time with family, serving and teaching children at True North Church, and spending time outdoors. A quirky fun fact? She’s one of the bubbliest people you’ll meet—just don’t ask her to go near a tall building!

Cassie Cook, Veterinary Technician

Cassie Cook brings nine years of hands-on experience in veterinary medicine to her role as a Veterinary Technician. Her journey in animal care began early in life and has taken her around the world—including a memorable experience studying veterinary medicine in South Africa.

A graduate of an AVMA-accredited program in Veterinary Technology, Cassie is passionate about providing high-quality care and being a voice for animals who can’t speak for themselves. She assists in a wide range of clinical tasks, from monitoring surgeries and taking vitals to capturing radiographs and running diagnostics. Whether she’s helping a patient through recovery or supporting the veterinary team behind the scenes, Cassie’s dedication and love for the field shine through every day.

Outside the clinic, Cassie loves spending time with her one-year-old son and husband, soaking up family moments and the occasional shopping trip. And for a fun fact? She’s a seasoned vet tech who isn’t afraid of much—except spiders!

Haleigh Sidener, Veterinary Technician

Mollie Wise, Veterinary Technician

Mollie Wise is a Client Liaison and Veterinary Technician at Riverfront Vet, where she brings enthusiasm, compassion, and a strong desire to learn to every part of her role. Although new to the veterinary field, Mollie stepped into the profession with a clear purpose: to care for animals in need and help ensure they live the lives they deserve.

She works closely with her team, assisting wherever needed and soaking up knowledge as she builds her skills and experience in patient care.

Mollie is driven by big goals, including becoming a licensed Veterinary Technician and working with animals of all sizes and species. Her passion for animal welfare extends beyond the clinic, as she hopes to one day open her own rescue dedicated to giving dogs, cats, and livestock a second chance at life and a path to loving homes.

At home, Mollie’s world revolves around her two dogs. Kodi, her 7 year old husky, is her soul dog and adventure companion, always ready for the outdoors or a cozy nap. Rosie Mae, her 4 month old English Springer Spaniel, is full of personality and rarely leaves Mollie’s side, with food ranking just behind her mom as her favorite thing.

Known for her upbeat energy, Mollie has a fun habit of breaking into song at the most unexpected moments, bringing a little extra joy to both her team and the clients she serves.

Alyssa Gates, Client Liaison

Alyssa is one of the welcoming faces you’ll see at Riverfront Vet where she serves as our dedicated Client Liaison. Though new to working in a veterinary office, Alyssa brings a strong background in animal care through her extensive experience in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. She’s worked hands-on with a wide range of species, including primates, exotics, and marine life, and her passion for helping animals has been a constant throughout her life.

In her role, Alyssa ensures that every pet and their human feels cared for from the moment they walk through the door. Her goal is to make visits smooth, positive, and stress-free for both our patients and their people.

One of Alyssa’s proudest moments in animal care was nursing a severely ill woodpecker nestling back to health—an effort that led to a successful release back into the wild after weeks of rehab and care. That same dedication and compassion now benefit the clients she supports at Riverfront Vet.

At home, Alyssa shares her life with a lively mix of animal companions. She has two cats, Gemma (the energetic one) and Casper (the chill guy who gets a little anxious when she leaves), a sweet ball python named Hera, and two low-key spiders—Gypsy, a jumping spider, and Salem, a tarantula.

Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys creating art, cooking (especially experimenting with homemade sourdough), and staying involved in wildlife conservation and education efforts.

Sylvia O’Brien, Client Liaison

Sylvia O’Brien joined our team in July 2025 as our Client Liaison and has quickly become a welcoming face at the front of the hospital. Known by our manager as the “front of the house extraordinaire,” Sylvia truly loves her role and the opportunity to connect with clients each day.

While her previous veterinary experience comes from caring for her own pets, she brings more than 13 years of experience in accounting, along with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. After taking an intentional career break to focus on raising her four children, Sylvia is excited to be back in a professional setting where she can combine her drive, warmth, and dedication to exceptional client service.

As part of the veterinary care team, Sylvia focuses on building meaningful relationships and ensuring every client feels welcomed, supported, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. She is a dedicated team player who thrives on positive people interactions.

Outside of work, Sylvia shares life with her husband — her friend since they were five years old (they even have their kindergarten class photo together). When they’re not at the ballfield watching their teenage son play baseball or their daughter compete in soccer and volleyball, they love traveling to the beach and going on stadium-hopping adventures that combine their love of sports and travel. At home, they also dote on Luka, their 19-month-old Shih-Poo, who enjoys daily walks, pool days, playtime, and riding along on shopping trips in his stroller.

Sylvia can strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and genuinely loves connecting with people. She may occasionally mix up a name, but she’ll never forget a face!