Meet the Team

Dr. Erica Bello’s journey to becoming a veterinarian started on a small family farm in New Jersey, where her deep love for animals blossomed early. Her passion became a purpose and she worked her way up from a kennel assistant to veterinary technician.

Dr. Bello earned her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University, followed by her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She completed her clinical training at the renowned Colorado State University before spending a decade in private practice in South Florida. Her journey eventually brought her here to Chattanooga, TN and there was no better place to see her vision of Vetopia come to life.

Clinically, Dr. Bello has a strong interest in ultrasonography, soft tissue surgery, emergency and urgent care, and internal medicine. She is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care that supports both pets and the people who love them.

Dr. Bello shares her home with husband and Vetopia Co-Founder, Jerren Hanley, their animal obsessed daughter Jaelyn, and 2 dogs, Irie and Nala. When she’s not caring for animals, you’ll likely find her paddleboarding at Chester Frost, exploring local waterfalls, or discovering hidden gems in Chattanooga’s vibrant small business community.

Dr. Bello is honored to be part of your pet’s healthcare journey and truly believes that every pet and their people deserve a place like Vetopia.

Jerren's worn a few hats in his career, from project management to product design (figuring out how people actually use things and making them better) to business strategy and innovation. He's always been focused on one thing: making businesses run smoother and feel better for the people inside them.

At Vetopia, Jerren leads the experience. That means making sure every part of your visit feels thoughtful, warm, and easy. From the first phone call to the way the team supports each other behind the scenes, he's here to build trust and create a place where people and pets feel like they truly matter.

Crystal has spent over 18 years working in veterinary medicine and has cared for everything from pets to chimpanzees to horses. She spent three years training chimpanzees to voluntarily participate in their medical care and later ran a horse rescue dedicated to rehabilitation and positive training methods.

At home, Crystal’s heart (and house!) are full with five dogs, two cats, two horses, three bearded dragons, and a recently rescued iguana. She also volunteers with local veterinarians to provide free care for pets in Chattanooga’s homeless community. Crystal is passionate about animal behavior and especially loves helping anxious or sensitive dogs feel calm, safe, and understood, making every visit a Fear Free experience for both pets and their people.

I grew up in Miami, Florida, and have had a passion for animals for as long as I can remember. That passion led me to a career in veterinary medicine, and nearly 10 years later I am just as dedicated to helping pets live happy, healthy lives.

As a Fear-Free Certified Veterinary Technician, I focus on making every visit as calm and comfortable as possible. My main interests are surgery and anesthesia, however I truly love every part of helping pets feel their best. Outside of work you can usually find me rock climbing, hiking, or reading a good book. I'm so excited to work with you and your pets!

Ava hails from Sale Creek and has always had a love for animals. She earned her BSc in Communication from University of Tennessee, but it didn’t take long for her to realize that her true passion was working with animals.

Ava is a Fear Free Certified Veterinary assistant, she focuses on keeping pets calm, comfortable, and stress-free during their visits. She lives on a horse farm with her five horses and her sweet dog, Liz. When she’s not working, you can usually find her at the barn or out showing horses.

I love being part of a team that helps animals live their happiest, healthiest lives!