Your Care Team - Meet the Pack!

Meet your crew at Cornerstone, where a respectful and caring culture is one of our core values.
​Internships  |  Job Opportunities  |  Photo Gallery

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.

Dr. Nikol Irizarry, Veterinarian

Dr. Nikol obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University after earning her undergraduate at the University of Puerto Rico. She traveled across the Carolinas providing surgery and emergency care with Veterinary Emergency Group, and completed multiple surgical rotations across the country - most recently as the on-call surgical intern at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital in Columbia. She excels in offering a down-to-earth, low stress experience for you and your pet. In her free time, you can find her working on her latest quilt or crochet project, and hanging with her beloved rescue ferret, Churro!

Hannah CVPM, 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 in specialty medicine, and earned her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation in 2022.  After hours, she enjoys participating in a variety of competitive dog sports with a trio of working dogs (and Hamburglar the Miniature Bull Terrier).

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.

Kendal, Technician Assistant

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 sweet son and very sassy dog Wilma.

Nurriah, Technician Asisstant

A Cornerstone team member since 2022, Nurriah is known by all for her level-headed approach and calm, patient demeanor.  She is a true asset to the team! Nurriah thrives in the dynamic world of exotic animal medicine, and excels in working with nervous or reactive pets.  Outside of work, You can find her showcasing her creativity as a talented songwriter and recording artist, and hanging out with her menagerie of pets.

Lou, Technician Assistant

Lou was born and raised in Irmo, we were thrilled to have her join our team in 2023 after working in a large, fast-paced practice.  Her joyous spirit infuses positivity into every corner of the clinic!  When she's not providing support to both pets and their parents, she cherishes precious moments with her beloved family, and a farm full of happy pets.

Lesley, Technician Assistant

Lesley joined the Cornerstone team in 2024, and has loved learning about exotic veterinary medicine!  Her previous experience includes both general practice and non-profit shelter and rescue work.  Outside of work, she loves spending time with her two sweet sons. 

Kat, Lead Receptionist

Kat was born and raised here in the midlands, and joined Cornerstone the summer of 2018.  With a BS in Biology and a Minor in History from Columbia College, she eventually plans to pursue her Masters in Anthropology.  Kat loves working with all creatures great and small, but her true passion is helping their people.  If there's ever a problem, Kat's there to solve it! She's a competitive softball player who - when not being a proud dog mom of Hidalgo, Pepper and Snort - loves music, concerts and non-stop traveling. 

Jenn, Receptionist

A former client, we were so lucky when Jenn joined the Cornerstone crew in 2023! Her previous career as as a horseback trail guide through the mountains of Colorado shines through in her crazy enthusiasm and multitasking skills.  A hard-core Swiftie, she spends her time outside of work with her horse Jen (yep - you read that right!), adventuring with her husband, or hanging out with the precious dog-cat duo  Pebbles and Mr. Binx.
  

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 are currently accepting resumes for a Licensed Veterinary Technician, or equivalent 5+ years of anesthesia or critical care.  If you're interested in submitting your information, click below or send to [email protected].   Check back periodically for availability!

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

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.  Sadly, this does mean Cornerstone Animal Hospital is unable to allow any job shadowing.  

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.

Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life.