Meet Our Staff

Amy Halvorson, DVM

Dr. Halvorson was born and raised in Wilson, NC. She attended NC State for her undergraduate degree in Animal Science and then continued her stay with the Wolfpack at the NC State Veterinary School where she graduated in 2003. Her dog Summer lives with Dr. Halvorson along with her husband and 2 children.

Dr. Halvorson has been working in the Veterinary field since she was in high school and when she is not working, she enjoys boating, walking, and being at the beach.

Carrie Dixon, DVM

Dr. Dixon grew up in West Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech with a biochemistry degree in 2000. She then attended veterinary school at the Ohio State University. After graduating in 2003, she practiced in Morgantown, WV for several years before moving to Wilmington with her family. Dr. Dixon loves all areas of companion animal practice, but especially enjoys dermatology, pain management, caring for senior pets, and promoting the human-animal bond. When she’s not working, Dr. Dixon enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, playing on the beach, and serving in her church. Her family shares their home with two cats that undoubtedly run the household.

Kristina Deak, DVM

Dr. Kristina Deak grew up in Warwick, NY. She attended Siena College and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Next, she attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating in 2007, she pursued a small animal internal medicine and surgery internship at Auburn University. Dr. Deak practiced ER medicine for 6 years before switching to general practice for the last 8 years. Dr. Deak and her husband have 5 dogs and 2 cats. She loves visiting the mountains and hiking with the pups in her spare time.

Leah H., Practice Manager

Leah brings 29 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician and has been passionate about caring for animals since childhood. She graduated as a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2002 and has experience in emergency, critical care, anesthesia, and internal medicine. For six years, she has also served in leadership and management roles focused on mentorship, collaboration, education, and operational excellence.

Known for building supportive teams and systems that elevate patient care, Leah is passionate about fostering professional growth and creating an environment where team members feel valued and empowered. She is excited to bring her clinical expertise and people-first leadership to LaCroix Veterinary Hospital.

Outside of work, Leah enjoys spending time with her three sons and three rescue dogs — Ace, Percy Jackson, and Duke. She loves hiking, spending time at the beach, relaxing with a good book, listening to music or true crime podcasts, and watching favorite movies.

Candice F., RVT, Surgery Lead

Candice is a Veterinary Technician that any hospital would be lucky to have. She is kind, compassionate and gentle with even the most challenging patients. She has been a constant for our clients since joining the LaCroix team in 2010 and is currently our Lead Surgery Technician. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, boating, the beach, Jeeping, and just being outdoors.

Emily L., CSR 

Emily has loved life on both coasts, from stargazing in the Mojave Desert to beachcombing along local shores. No matter where life has taken her, her deep love of animals has remained constant and inspired her path into veterinary medicine and customer service. She enjoys connecting with both pets and the people who love them.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys hobbies like flying, motorcycling, and pottery. The light of her life is her tuxedo cat, Kiwi, a snuggly and mischievous companion who loves playing fetch and keeping everyone on their toes.

Hannah S., RVT

Hannah grew up locally and has spent her life in and around the Wilmington area. She graduated from the Veterinary Medical Technology program at Cape Fear Community College in 2019 and is a Registered Veterinary Technician. Hannah enjoys laboratory procedures and is passionate about client education that supports the long-term health and well-being of pets.

Drawn to veterinary medicine by her lifelong love of animals, Hannah finds fulfillment in providing compassionate care and helping pets feel better. She values supporting both patients and their families through every stage of care.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys video games on her PC, Nintendo Switch, and virtual reality systems. She also loves traveling and exploring new places whenever she has the opportunity. At home, she enjoys spending time with her bearded dragon, Yoshi, and her black cat, Salem.

Natalie C., CSR

Born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, Natalie grew up surrounded by pets, which inspired a lifelong passion for animal care. After more than six years as a veterinary assistant, Natalie now serves as a veterinary customer service representative, continuing to support both pets and their families.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys attending concerts with her husband and spending time with their pets — Frank the poodle and three cats, Gigi, Clark, and Poppy.

Olivia G., CSR Lead

Olivia Griffin grew up in southern Maryland and has had a deep love for animals since childhood, which inspired her path into veterinary medicine. She is passionate about helping people care for their pets and enjoys supporting both patients and their families.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys reading, watching movies and TV shows, and spending time with her husband, daughter, two cats, and dog.

Susan, Veterinary Assistant

Susan joined our LaCroix team in 2018 but has lived in Wilmington for 15 years! She is a pet lover for sure and our patients love her too. Susan is glad to be back working with fur babies after taking several years off and we are so fortunate that she is a part of our team. Susan enjoys free time at home with her family, 2 cats, and her dog Clark.

Stephanie M., RVT

Stephanie grew up in New Jersey and moved to North Carolina in 2019. She graduated from the Cape Fear Community College Veterinary Technology program and became a licensed veterinary technician in 2022. Stephanie has special interests in dermatology and dentistry and is passionate about advocating for both pets and their families.

Drawn to veterinary medicine by the opportunity to become a credentialed technician and support animal care, Stephanie especially enjoys building lasting bonds with clients and their pets.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys shark tooth hunting and relaxing at home watching TV with Bean.