Meet Our Staff

Hans Bernhard, DVM

Dr. Bernhard is a Raleigh native. He has been a member of the Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital team since completing veterinary school at North Carolina State University in 2005. In 2018, he joined forces with NC based Vets Pets veterinary management group to become a managing partner at Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital. He has a deep passion for client, employee, and patient care.

Away from the office, “Dr. B” loves spending time with his husband Mitch and their two children, Eva and Landon – often taking trips to the beach or traveling to the nearest baseball park to watch a game. During the winter, he enjoys traveling to the most majestic mountain he can find to go downhill skiing. His personal pets include dogs, Molly & Belle and cats, Myrtle & Stormy.

Aaron Tolhurst, DVM

Dr. Tolhurst is a 2012 graduate of the North Carolina State University – College of Veterinary Medicine, where he focused his studies in small animal medicine. His particular interests include preventive medicine and surgery. Prior to attending veterinary school, he received a BS degree in Biology in 2003 from Penn State Erie – The Behrend College in Erie, Pennsylvania. He moved to North Carolina in 2008 and still misses the snowy Pennsylvania winters.

When not at work, Dr. Tolhurst enjoys home improvement projects, relaxing outdoors, and spending time with his wife and their cat named Miles.

Katie Jackson, DVM

Meet Dr. Katie Jackson, a dynamic vet who’s journeyed from the rolling hills of North Carolina to California’s Central Valley to the snowy settings of Vermont, expertly handling everything from cows, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas to toy poodles. A Chapel Hill native and a double alumna of NCSU, Dr. Jackson completed an 8-year stint at her alma mater, earning a B.S. in Animal Science and then her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She is now back in the Raleigh area, juggling life with her husband, daughter and twin boys, while fondly remembering her beloved dogs, Honey and Kailey. She loves general practice for the variety and ability to focus on preventive medicine but also has a budding interest in dermatology. Dr. Jackson likes to combine humor with heartfelt care, ensuring everyone feels welcome. She is happy to have any uninterrupted free time at the moment and hopes to continue baking her way through life!

Julia Petrucci, DVM

 Dr. Petrucci is a Wake County native who ventured south for her schooling and returned to the area in 2020 after receiving her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) Now she lives in Fuquay Varina with her husband, daughter, and their dog Vinny. Dr. Petrucci is passionate about minimizing stress for patients in the clinic and pet parent education. Outside of the clinic you can find her toting her little one to parks and play dates, or sampling the iced coffee around town. Dr. Petrucci is so excited to be serving the community she grew up in and can’t wait to meet you and your furry family members!

Sandi Foley, Practice Manager

Sandi was born and raised in the Midwest. Sandi just joined our team in November of 2020. Her previous veterinary positions allowed her to transition into the hospital and team with ease.
Growing up Sandi had horses, dogs, and farm cats. She learned how to care for, respect, and appreciate animals at a young age. Her passion for animals continued to grow and she eventually became a horse trainer and instructor which allowed her a flexible schedule while raising a family.

Her goal at HSVH is to ensure that our clients’ as well as their pets’ needs are met. Sometimes situations are difficult and stressful, but she does her best to make each client feel welcome and comfortable. When not at work, she’s an outdoorsy girl at heart. You can find her on the water (skiing, tubing, or just relaxing) or in the mountains (hiking, camping, or snow skiing). You can always find her two Aussies tagging along as well, Mr. Snix and Sapphire. She feels blessed that the HSVH team has opened their arms to her and allowed her to share her love of animals and experience with them.

Ivy, RVT

Ivy was born and raised in Chapel Hill. She graduated from UNCG with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She then went to Penn Foster to obtain her Veterinary Technician degree. She obtained her RVT licensure in May of this year. She has been working in veterinary medicine for 10 years and has always enjoyed working with animals. She just started here at Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital in July and loves it here. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 dogs and 2 cats. She also enjoys reading and going to concerts.

Avery, Veterinary Assistant

Avery was raised in Southport, NC. She has always had a passion for working with all types of animals from cats and dogs to horses and exotics. Avery has two small dogs, Sasha and Rascal, two cats and two reptiles. Avery is currently attending the Veterinary Technician program at Penn Foster College and plans to become an RVT upon graduating. Outside of work Avery enjoys spending time with her animals, reading, and doing arts and crafts.

Gabby, Veterinary Assistant

Gabby grew up in Angier, NC, and has always had a lifelong love for animals. She is new to the veterinary field and has been enjoying learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience every day. Gabby attended Central Carolina Community College from where she earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. She recently passed the VTNE and is currently working toward becoming a fully licensed Veterinary Technician. Gabby has two pets: a golden retriever named Cooper and a calico cat named Maple. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping, and watching new shows/movies.

Laura, Veterinary Assistant

As a Veterinary Technician, Laura Leonetti combines her love for animals with her commitment to quality medical care. She enjoys helping patients feel safe and comfortable, whether she’s assisting in surgery, running diagnostics, or educating pet owners. When she’s not at the hospital, Laura’s world revolves around her daughters and her dog Princeton—her loyal Dutch Shepherd mix who always keeps life interesting.

Sarah, Veterinary Assistant

Sarah grew up in Bucks County, PA and relocated to North Carolina in 2022. She is studying under the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program. Sarah has been working in veterinary medicine for six years. She strives to be the voice for those that cannot speak for themselves. Sarah was trained in fear free veterinary experience for animals.

Sarah grew up around horses and started riding at the age of 6. She has a German shepherd named Ruger, a cat named Ricky Bobby and a horse named Cowboy. In her free time you can find her at the park with her dog or out on the trails with her horse.

Deborah, Receptionist

Deborah was born in Oxford, UK and has been in the U.S. since 1981, living in several states. Deborah has four children: Heather, Jeremy, Olivia and Miles, and five dogs: Jasper, Lucie, Oreo, Lola and Eazel. Deborah has always loved animals and has been a foster mom for dogs and horses. She enjoys walking, camping, swimming, gardening (flowers) and horse riding.

William, Receptionist 

William grew up in Illinois. He has been volunteering with humane societies for six years and was awarded for his dedication to caring for animals. In his free time he enjoys creating art, jewelry, embroidery and playing board games with friends.  

Kaylie, Kennel Assistant

Kaylie grew up in Fuquay-Varina after being born in nearby Chapel Hill. Her love for animals has been a constant throughout her life, and she’s excited to pursue her goal of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician in the coming years.

Living with Type 1 diabetes since she was 11 years old, Kaylie has a unique understanding of what it’s like to manage this condition — for both herself and the many animals she’s met who face the same challenge.

When she’s not busy caring for pets, Kaylie enjoys spending her free time reading and writing.

Romeo, Kennel Assistant

Romeo grew up in Los Angeles, CA, having been born in nearby Long Beach. His lifelong love for technology and animals has been a constant, fueling his passion for complex systems and problem-solving. Currently, Romeo is focused on pursuing the goal of becoming a Cyber Security Expert in the coming years. When not immersed in digital defense, he spends weekends working hands-on with animals and enjoys building, fixing things, and capturing unique perspectives through photography.