Dr. Steven R. Shrum
Dr. Steve Shrum, born in Charlotte, is a 1985 graduate of North Carolina State University and a 1989 graduate of NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. After working in Kitty Hawk, NC, and Ocala, FL, he moved to the Upstate to open Holly Tree Animal Hospital in 1994. Dr. Shrum is a member of the Liberty Fellowship Class of 2009.
He is Past President of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians, the Greater Greenville Veterinary Medical Association, the Greenville Animal Emergency Clinic Board of Directors, and the Greenville Breakfast Rotary Club. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Greenville Humane Society, Generations Group Home and was the Founding President of the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society. Dr. Shrum’s love for animals extends beyond the office. He and his wife, Mandi, along with their sons Logan, and twins Ben and Nate, share their home with a variety of pets. The family enjoys hiking, watching Wolfpack football, and listening to live music. Dr. Shrum, a railroad enthusiast, shares this passion with his sons and also enjoys building rustic furniture.
Kristi
Practice Manager
Kristi has been a cornerstone of Holly Tree Animal Hospital since 2004. She began her journey as a Veterinary Technician and now oversees all aspects of the hospital as our dedicated and knowledgeable Practice Manager.
At home, Kristi stays just as busy with her two children, Jillian and Justin, and their lively crew of pets—including three dogs June, Faye, Tilly, and a cat named Fred. When she’s not managing the clinic, Kristi can be found in the kitchen or behind a grill—cooking up something delicious and competing in BBQ competitions across South Carolina.
Valerie
Licensed Veterinary Technician/ Lead Technician
Valerie has been a valued member of the Holly Tree team since March 2015. Originally from Michigan, she proudly served in the military for over 10 years before deciding to follow her heart into the world of veterinary medicine. Her dedication, discipline, and compassion shine through in everything she does—making her a trusted and beloved part of our team.
Sarah
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Sarah joined the Holly Tree team in May 2025, bringing over 16 years of experience in the veterinary field. As a Licensed Veterinary Technician, she is passionate about providing compassionate care, especially for senior pets and the occasionally “spicy” cat. At home, she’s surrounded by her own beloved fur babies, making her love for animals truly a part of her everyday life.
Travis
Veterinary Technician
Travis joined the Holly Tree team in September 2020 and has been an incredible asset ever since! With over 20 years of veterinary technician experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and heart to the team. His love for animals runs deep—especially for his two beloved cats, Venkman and Winger. Whether he’s caring for patients or cracking a clever joke, Travis’s passion and personality shine through in everything he does.
Katie
Veterinary Assistant
Katie has been part of the Holly Tree Animal Hospital team since November 2007. A graduate of Greenville Technical College with a degree in Small Animal Care (Class of 2005), she brings years of experience and a heart full of compassion to our clinic. Katie has a special talent for helping our boarding and hospitalized patients feel safe, comfortable, and right at home—treating each one like a beloved member of the family.
Anna
Veterinary Assistant
Anna became part of the Holly Tree family in April 2025. She is currently pursuing her education to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician, driven by a deep passion for animal care and wellness. Helping animals heal, feel better, and thrive is where she finds her purpose. Outside of the clinic, Anna enjoys traveling, staying active, and constantly learning something new. She brings compassion, curiosity, and positive energy into everything she does—both in and out of scrubs!
Denise
Veterinary Assistant
Denise joined Holly Tree in April 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience as a veterinary assistant and a heart full of compassion. She’s a fierce advocate for her patients and believes every pet deserves a voice—and a whole lot of love. Denise also treasures building connections with clients and making each visit feel like catching up with old friends.
At home, she shares life with quite the animal crew: three dogs (Pebbles, Emily, and Journey), two cats (Wiska and Jingles), and a miniature donkey named Sweet Summer—because why not? When she’s not in scrubs, Denise is happily spoiling her two grandsons, Aiden and Dean, who keep her laughing and on her toes.
Heather
Lead Receptionist
Heather joined the Holly Tree team in March 2021, bringing with her nearly two decades of experience in both veterinary reception and assisting. She is Certified in Veterinary Burnout Preparedness, and is passionate about supporting both pets and the people who care for them.
Heather and her husband Rick share a blended family with two sons, Michael and Kane, along with a lively pack of four dogs and a cat. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find her painting at her sister’s pottery studio or planning her next visit to The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, where she’s a proud member.
Michelle
Receptionist
Michelle joined the Holly Tree team in July 2025, bringing nearly 15 years of experience in both boarding facilities and veterinary hospitals. She’s passionate about creating a welcoming experience for both pets and their people, always striving to deliver the best service possible.
A proud South Carolinian, Michelle was born in Greenville County and raised in the Columbia area. She’s a Camden High graduate with additional studies at Midlands Technical College and returned to her Upstate roots in 2012. Michelle shares life with her wife, Tammy, three amazing kids—Andrea, Beta, and Gage—and two beloved grandkids, Jordan and Brady. Now empty nesters, Michelle and Tammy live with their six-pack of dogs: Rebel, Skeeter, Levi, Ruby, Zelda, and Dixie.
When not at the front desk, Michelle enjoys antique shopping, cooking, or relaxing at home with Tammy and the pups—most likely binge-watching Netflix.
Justin
Kennel Assistant
Justin joined the Holly Tree team in June of 2025. Born and raised in Asheville, he brings with him a deep-rooted love for animals and a passion for the work he does. When he’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find him out on the open road with his motorcycle, a Rottweiler by his side, and music in his soul. A self-proclaimed music snob (in the best way), Justin enjoys digging through vinyl crates and strumming his guitar in his downtime. He’s excited to be a part of the team and looks forward to helping care for the pets and people of our community.
Taylor
Kennel Assistant
Taylor joined the Holly Tree team in June 2025, bringing a bright smile, youthful energy, and a genuine love for animals. An Upstate native and recent Mauldin High School graduate, she spent her high school years competing on the swim team and pet-sitting for Kristi—an experience that helped inspire her to pursue a career in animal care.
When she’s not in the clinic making sure our boarding pets are having the best stay ever (treats, belly rubs, and all), you can find Taylor fishing on the lake, trying out new foods, or hanging out with her beloved cat, Sunshine. She’s excited to be part of the Holly Tree family and to grow in a field that blends her love for animals with her passion for learning.