About the Team (it's nice to meet you!) | Veterinarian in Irmo, SC - Cornerstone Animal Hospital

A respectful and caring culture is one of our core values.
Plain and simple: we love what we do!

Internships | Job Opportunities | Photo Gallery
We're hiring! Click on 'Job Opportunities' to apply.

Dr. Charla Draper, Veterinarian

Dr. Draper is a rural Illinois native who earned her BS in Biological Sciences from Oklahoma State and her DVM from Ross University. Dr. Draper practiced large and small animal medicine in several states across the country while her husband, Dr. Bill Draper, completed his specialty in veterinary neurology. Her professional interests include surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology and exotics. Dr. Draper's family includes her husband, two daughters and twin boys, and a farm of horses, chickens, cats and Pete the Labrador Retriever.

Dr. Keith Benson, Veterinarian

Exotics have always been the focus of Dr. Benson's career, and he remains the only residency-trained zoo veterinarian practicing in South Carolina. After graduating Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, he completed additional zoo and companion exotic species instruction at University of California. Upon completion, Dr. Benson worked as Senior Veterinarian at Riverbanks Zoo for over 16 years. His family includes his wife, two children, three wonderful dogs and a handful of leopard geckos.

Hannah, Practice Manager

Hannah was born in Nashville, but graduated with her BA in Biological Anthropology from the University of South Carolina. She worked previously as an ICU Technician and Referral Coordinator for VCA Animal Specialty Center before moving to general practice in 2014. After hours, she is a member of the Alliance of Force-Free Animal Professionals, and enjoys participating in a variety of competitive dog sports with her Dutch Shepherd, Border Collie, and Malinois mix.

Lisa LVT, Licensed Technician Supervisor

Born and raised in Irmo, Lisa graduated with her BS in Veterinary Technology from Newberry College in 2002. She worked at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care for 8 years, where she served as the Nursing Manager. Lisa joined the Cornerstone team in 2014 as the hospital's Technician Supervisor, and has unparalleled skill with exotic patients. Outside of work, her family includes her husband, two children, and a menagerie of rescued animals.

Hannah LVT, Licensed Technician

Hannah grew up in Gilbert, SC and graduated with her BS in Biology with a Minors in Art Studio in 2013. She has worked in the veterinary field since 2006, but joined our team following an externship through Piedmont Technical College, graduating with a Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2018. She has a menagerie of pets including a dog, cats, rats and a guinea pig, and loves to spend her free time making art and camping, hiking, and kayaking with her husband.

A dark haired veterinary assistant with seal blue scrubs smiles brightly at the camera.

Kendal, Technician

Kendal was born and raised here in Irmo. She is a passionate advocate for all patients, and never forgets a face - pet or parent alike! Working primarily on our exotics team, she loves the the variety that comes with small mammal, reptile, and avian animal care and husbandry. She joined Cornerstone in 2016 after working 3 years in shelter medicine. At home, she and her husband are owned by their very sassy dog Wilma.

A blonde women smiling brightly at the camera, wearing a pink stethoscope.

Tyler, Technician

Tyler was born and raised in Irmo, and has worked locally as a Veterinary Technician for over 10 years. We were thrilled to have her join the Cornerstone crew in 2020, and couldn't imagine life without her! Outside of work, she loves any reason to be on the water, and spends as much time as she can on the lake or by the beach with her two pups Dory and Turner.

A veterinary assistant with wavy auburn hair and grey scrubs.

Sherry, Assistant

Sherry was raised in Florence, SC, and worked for 4 years in the internal medicine and oncology departments at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists before joining the Cornerstone family in 2019. She is a compassionate caregiver and loves caring for senior pets both here, and as a foster for Carolina Boxer Rescue. Outside of work, her family includes three wonderful children and Rosie the elderbull.

A staff picture of a smiling receptionist with dark glasses and red hair, wearing a knitted grey scarf.

Kat, Receptionist

Kat was born and raised here in the midlands, and joined Cornerstone the summer of 2018. She recently graduated with her BS in Biology and a Minor in History from Columbia College, but plans to pursue her Masters in Anthropology. Kat loves working with all creatures great and small, but her true passion is helping their people. She is the proud dog mom of Hidalgo, Pepper and Snort, and spends her free time playing competitive softball and traveling.

Dejah, Receptionist

A recent transplant from Alabama, Dejah joined the Cornerstone crew in 2020 after graduating with a BA in English from Jacksonville State University. Her previous career as a 911 dispatcher shines through in her intuition, patience and problem-solving. Outside of work, she enjoys writing and recording music, studying language, and hanging out with Asher the Australian Shepherd and Poe the one-eyed cat.

A portrait of a smiling veterinary receptionist wearing glasses and a white sweater.

Gabby, Receptionist

Born on Long Island and raised in Florida, Gabby is loving our South Carolina southern hospitality! She's no stranger to exotics and loves them all, but birds and ferrets have her heart. She's worked in the veterinary industry for 6 years, including the popular TV series "Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER." Gabby shares her home with a fabulous ferret, Otis, and Walter the French Bulldog. In her spare time she can be found thrifting, spending time with her partner Jon, and practicing her newfound love for axe throwing.

Job Opportunities

Our clinic offers competitive pay in a wonderful work environment with low staff turnover, paid vacation, CE allotments, employee discounts, flexible hours and room for growth in a newly renovated facility. We're currently hiring for veterinary technicians with experience preferred! If you're interested in submitting your information, click below or send to info@cahcares.com - don't forget to include your professional references. Check back periodically for availability!

SUBMIT YOUR RESUME

Unfortunately, due to limitations from COVID-19, our internship programs are on hold at this time.

Internship Programs

We feel strongly that internship opportunities are a crucial part of gaining experience in the veterinary field. We allow one carefully selected intern annually from the following programs:

Piedmont Technical College offers a competitive Veterinary Technology licensing program limited to 24 students per semester. This AVMA accredited program is one of only 3 of its kind in South Carolina.

The Center for Advanced Technical Studies is a program through Richland-Lexington School District 5 that allows students to pursue additional companion animal education concurrent with their high school diploma.

Shadowing/Volunteers

Sadly, Cornerstone Animal Hospital is unable to allow any job shadowing. As one of the few hospitals who treats exotic animals in South Carolina, our staff must take extra precautions to prevent zoonotic disease - harmful germs that can spread between species.

Did you know Riverbanks Zoo offers volunteer opportunities for qualified applicants? There are varying levels of time commitment based on experience and level of education.

If you're interested in pursuing a career with exotic animals, first pursuing education through an accredited institution is strongly recommended. If you have any other questions, just reach out to us - we'll help in whatever way we can.