About Apex Veterinary Surgery

Apex Veterinary Surgery was founded with a simple mission: to provide cutting edge surgical care to our patients while enhancing the overall client experience. With over 20 combined years in private practice, our surgeons decided to leave the corporate world to start Apex Veterinary Surgery. Originally just an idea, this has now transformed into a passion to provide advanced surgical care while making Apex the premier boutique surgical center in Nashville and Memphis. Dr. Atwood and Dr. Maxwell’s expertise, compassion, and surgical experience, along with our highly trained staff, allow us to achieve the best possible outcome for your pet. Come see what Apex is all about!

 

Meet the Apex Nashville staff

Chase Atwood

DVM, DACVS-SA
Surgeon

Dr. Chase Atwood was born and raised in Vicksburg, MS. He attended Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife with an emphasis in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. In 2010, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State. He then completed a small animal rotating internship followed by a 3-year surgical residency at Memphis Veterinary Specialists where he performed a variety of specialty surgical procedures as well as helped train numerous residents and interns. In 2015, he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Since Apex Nashville opened in 2023, he has performed thousands of referral surgeries and is excited to continue his tradition of excellent patient care and customer service.

Kelly Kennedy

M.S.Ed., LVMT
Anesthesia Supervisor

Kelly moved from Martin, Tennessee to work at Apex after previously working at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she taught in the Veterinary Technology program. She graduated from UTM in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Veterinary Technology and soon after, obtained her state license. After graduation, she worked for Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in small animal anesthesia. She moved to Memphis Veterinary Specialists in 2015 where she worked as an anesthetist for Dr. Atwood. Following MVS, she continued as an anesthetist at Huntington Animal Clinic. Kelly has been teaching anesthesia, as well as other courses, since 2019 and obtained her Master of Science in Education in 2022. She has 2 dogs, Levi and Ducky, and a cat, Thackery Binx, that take up most of her free time. On the weekends you will most likely find her playing disc golf with her boyfriend, Seth.

Kelly Kennedy

M.S.Ed., LVMT
Anesthesia Supervisor

Kelly moved from Martin, Tennessee to work at Apex after previously working at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she taught in the Veterinary Technology program. She graduated from UTM in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Veterinary Technology and soon after, obtained her state license. After graduation, she worked for Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in small animal anesthesia. She moved to Memphis Veterinary Specialists in 2015 where she worked as an anesthetist for Dr. Atwood. Following MVS, she continued as an anesthetist at Huntington Animal Clinic. Kelly has been teaching anesthesia, as well as other courses, since 2019 and obtained her Master of Science in Education in 2022. She has 2 dogs, Levi and Ducky, and a cat, Thackery Binx, that take up most of her free time. On the weekends you will most likely find her playing disc golf with her boyfriend, Seth.

Shannon Dorow

Office Manager

Shannon has lived in the Middle Tennessee area since she was 9 years old. Attending both Columbia State Community College, and Middle Tennessee State University. Obtaining both an Associate degree in Agriculture, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. Having worked in Veterinary specialty medicine for the past 12 years, she loves helping animals of every kind. In her free time she loves any outdoor activity, including gardening, kayaking, and horseback riding. She also loves to spend time with her family, friends, and hanging out with her dogs, cats, and two horses.

Sheyann Koshak

Surgical Assistant

Sheyann is from California. She began her veterinary medicine career interning at a general practice in high school in 2014, working at multiple general practices throughout the years, including mobile vets and in an ICU. She left general practice to begin working with a surgical specialty hospital in Ventura, California. Later, she moved to Colorado Springs to work at a veterinary dental specialty hospital. In 2023, she moved to Nashville to be closer to family and continued in dental specialty for the next two years, just recently making her jump back to surgery to continue learning new skills. Sheyann has four dogs (Willie, Cooper, Bear, and Buster) and two cats (Tucci and Jerry). She spends her free time playing tennis, spending time with friends, and attending baseball games with her boyfriend, Bailey.

Sheyann Koshak

Surgical Assistant

Sheyann is from California. She began her veterinary medicine career interning at a general practice in high school in 2014, working at multiple general practices throughout the years, including mobile vets and in an ICU. She left general practice to begin working with a surgical specialty hospital in Ventura, California. Later, she moved to Colorado Springs to work at a veterinary dental specialty hospital. In 2023, she moved to Nashville to be closer to family and continued in dental specialty for the next two years, just recently making her jump back to surgery to continue learning new skills. Sheyann has four dogs (Willie, Cooper, Bear, and Buster) and two cats (Tucci and Jerry). She spends her free time playing tennis, spending time with friends, and attending baseball games with her boyfriend, Bailey.

Meet the Apex Memphis staff

Mac Maxwell

DVM, MS DACVS-SA
Surgeon

Dr. Mac Maxwell graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and a three-year surgical residency at MSU. He later served as an assistant professor of small animal surgery at MSU, became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2009, and earned a Master’s degree in 2010. He has authored and coauthored book chapters, published scientific research papers, and spoken at numerous continuing education meetings, both local and state-wide.

For the past 16 years, he has lived in the Memphis area, collaborating with local veterinarians to provide advanced surgical care for pets in the Mid-South. He has trained surgical residents, performed thousands of complex procedures, and specializes in TPLO/cranial cruciate ligament surgery, minimally invasive procedures, spinal and oncologic surgery, and fracture repair. He also served eight years as Medical Director of a large multi-specialty and emergency hospital until 2025.

Jackson, Mississippi natives, Dr. Maxwell and his wife of almost 30 years, Christy, have two children, Clayton and Emily–both students at Mississippi State–and two rescue dogs, Sadie and Dixie. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Katie Barnett

LVMT
Regional Manager

Originally from Austin, TX, Katie has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2007. She began her 18-year career in general practice before joining the Department of Defense Veterinary Command at Camp Lejeune, where she worked with military working dogs and their handlers before and after deployments – an experience that deepened her appreciation for advanced veterinary care and teamwork.

In 2015, Katie and her family relocated to Olive Branch, MS, where she joined Memphis Veterinary Specialists, focusing on emergency medicine and critical care. There, she discovered her passion for supporting patients during their most critical times and for mentoring staff to confidently manage complex cases. In 2023, she transitioned into management, applying her clinical expertise and leadership to hospital operations and team development.

Katie now lives in the Mid-South with her two children, Madelynn and Grayson, and their beloved dog, Callie. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling overseas with her best friend.

Katie Barnett

LVMT
Regional Manager

Originally from Austin, TX, Katie has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2007. She began her 18-year career in general practice before joining the Department of Defense Veterinary Command at Camp Lejeune, where she worked with military working dogs and their handlers before and after deployments – an experience that deepened her appreciation for advanced veterinary care and teamwork.

In 2015, Katie and her family relocated to Olive Branch, MS, where she joined Memphis Veterinary Specialists, focusing on emergency medicine and critical care. There, she discovered her passion for supporting patients during their most critical times and for mentoring staff to confidently manage complex cases. In 2023, she transitioned into management, applying her clinical expertise and leadership to hospital operations and team development.

Katie now lives in the Mid-South with her two children, Madelynn and Grayson, and their beloved dog, Callie. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling overseas with her best friend.

Rachael Carpenter

LVMT
Anesthesia Supervisor

Originally from North Alabama, Rachael has been practicing as a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2018. She began her career as an anesthesia nurse at a surgical referral center, where she developed a strong foundation in surgical anesthesia and patient monitoring. After moving to Memphis in 2019, Rachael joined Memphis Veterinary Specialists, where she spent seven years as the Lead Anesthesia Nurse for the Surgery Department. During that time, she honed her advanced skills in anesthesia safety, monitoring, and critical case management. Rachael lives in Memphis with her husband, daughter, and three dogs—Milo, Lincoln, and Bishop. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and going to concerts.

Chelsea White

VA
Surgical Assistant

Chelsea was born and raised in the Mid-South and has been a dedicated veterinary assistant for over 11 years. She began her career in general practice but discovered her passion for emergency and critical care while working at Shores Veterinary Emergency Center in Pennsylvania. After returning to Tennessee, Chelsea joined the Emergency Department at Memphis Veterinary Specialists, where she spent four years honing her skills in patient care and critical cases. At home, Chelsea shares her life with her daughter and two dogs—Harley and Ozzie—and her cat named Diggory. When she’s not caring for patients, you can find her spending time on the lake with her family.

Chelsea White

VA
Surgical Assistant

Chelsea was born and raised in the Mid-South and has been a dedicated veterinary assistant for over 11 years. She began her career in general practice but discovered her passion for emergency and critical care while working at Shores Veterinary Emergency Center in Pennsylvania. After returning to Tennessee, Chelsea joined the Emergency Department at Memphis Veterinary Specialists, where she spent four years honing her skills in patient care and critical cases. At home, Chelsea shares her life with her daughter and two dogs—Harley and Ozzie—and her cat named Diggory. When she’s not caring for patients, you can find her spending time on the lake with her family.

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Careers at Apex Veterinary Surgery

Join our team of dedicated professionals helping shape the future of veterinary surgery.

If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated animal care professionals, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. In addition to a work environment focused on teamwork and exceptional patient care, we offer competitive salary, benefits, and a schedule that allows a great work/ life balance.

Our Locations

NASHVILLE

1804 Williamson Ct, Ste 208
Brentwood, TN 37027
615.997.3960 – Office
615.861.0386 – Cell

MEMPHIS

2999 Center Oak Way
Germantown, TN 38138
901.430.9997 – Office