Meet the Team - Our Veterinarians
Dr. Charla Draper
Dr. Nikol Irizarry
Dr. Charla Draper
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 in
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, emergency medicine, 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
Dr. Nikol Irizarry
Dr. Charla Draper
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. Benso
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
Dr. Nikol Irizarry
Dr. Nikol Irizarry
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-cal
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, dancing, and hanging with her wild kitten, Chirp.
Support Staff
Hannah CVPM, Practice Manager
Hannah LVT, Licensed Technician
Lisa LVT, Technician Supervisor
Hannah was born in Nashville, but graduated with her BA in Biological Anthropology from the University of South Carolina. She worked previously in veterinary care 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 p
Hannah was born in Nashville, but graduated with her BA in Biological Anthropology from the University of South Carolina. She worked previously in veterinary care 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, Technician Supervisor
Hannah LVT, Licensed Technician
Lisa LVT, 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 s
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 LVT, Licensed Technician
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
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. At Cornerstone Animal Hospital, we believe in giving back to the community. We support local animal charities and organizations, and are committed to improving the lives of pets in our community.
Susie LVT, Licensed Technician
Hannah LVT, Licensed Technician
Hannah LVT, Licensed Technician
Coming soon!
Kendal, Technician Assistant
Nurriah, Technician Assistant
Nurriah, 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 she
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
Nurriah, Technician Assistant
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, an
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
Nurriah, Technician Assistant
Makenzie, Veterinary 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.
Makenzie, Veterinary Assistant
Nurriah, Technician Assistant
Makenzie, Veterinary Assistant
Coming soon!
Kat, Lead Client Care Coordinator
Kat, Lead Client Care Coordinator
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 s
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
Kat, Lead Client Care Coordinator
Kat, Lead 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), adve
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
Kat, Lead Client Care Coordinator
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 re
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 rescues Harmony and Opal.