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 with our local specialty practice. 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 Assistant

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 enjoying time with her family, and showcasing her creativity as a talented songwriter and recording artist.

Jenn, Technician Assistant

We were thrilled to have Jenn join our team in 2024.  For pets and their parents alike - to meet her is to love her!  After a career in law enforcement and specialty medicine, she brings a unique perspective and approach to any situation.  When not pulling hospital pranks or rolling around on the floor with patients, she cherishes time with her husband and grands, hiking, and music.

Kat, Lead Client Care Coordinator

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.  She's a competitive softball player who - when not being a proud dog mom of Hidalgo, Pepper, Snort and Kreacher the whippet - loves music, concerts and traveling. 

Jenn, Client Care Coordinator

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.

Haleigh, Client Care Coordinator

 Haleigh joined our team in 2024, and is known for her problem-solving mindset and experience and patience with nervous pets.  If there's a problem, Haleigh's game to help you solve it!  Her previous experience includes both general practice and non-profit shelter and rescue work.  Outside of the clinic, you can catch her visiting new restaurants and breweries, exploring thrift stores, and spending time outdoors with her sweet rescue Harmony.

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 always keep resumes on file to contact when positions become available.  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 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.