Meet Our Veterinarians

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Michael Gentry, DVM – Founder

Our Founder, Michael Gentry, DVM was born and raised in Western Kentucky.  He received a B.S. degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University and graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.  He married his wife, Carolyn Sparks, of Lexington and practiced in Marion, Kentucky before moving to Lexington.  Dr. Gentry has two children, and four awesome grandchildren.  Michael is in the construction business, is married to Allison and has two sons, Trey and Grady.  Kathryn works at Sheabel and has a son, Cy and a daughter Rachael.

Dr. Gentry purchased Town and Country Pet Hospital on New Circle Road and in 1980 was one of the veterinarians who started the AA Small Animal Emergency Service.  He then built Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic before locating here at Sheabel in 1989.  He has been known for his compassionate care for pets and creating a happy, caring workplace for his team members.   This is evidenced today by the many long term clients and team members who are still a part of the Sheabel family today!!

While Dr. Gentry still remains involved in the business aspects of Sheabel, he is happy to ride horses, travel and spend time on his farms.  He is enjoying a well-deserved retirement after many years of hard work and dedication to his profession.

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Michelle Jude, DVM

Michelle Jude, DVM graduated from Campbellsville University. She worked as a technician here at Sheabel under Dr. Gentry before going to Veterinary School at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her one goal was to always come back to Sheabel. Dr. Jude is now the Medical Director at Sheabel.
 
She is married to Steve Jude and they have two wonderful daughters named Hailey and Peyton, and a new little boy named Gabe. They have two cats named Shea Belle and Punkin. Dr. Jude enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and her career. Her favorite part about Sheabel is the family atmosphere shared amongst the employees.

Mary Mattingly, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Mary Mattingly studied biology and chemistry at Northern Kentucky University. She then received a master’s in pharmacology from University of Kentucky and went on to study at Auburn University, where she received her doctorate in veterinary medicine in 2000. She’s been at Sheabel Veterinary Hospital since December 2016, and she practices traditional, Western medicine and surgery along with Eastern medicine like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
 
In her spare time, she enjoys riding bikes and taking walks with her kids, McKenzie and Haley, and sweet, furry friends, Moses and Moxie. Moses is a 7-year-old Boston terrier that she rescued from the streets of Florida. Moxie is a French bulldog. Dr. Mattingly also has a cat and a guinea pig.

Dr. Kimmerer

Dr. Mekus

Originally from Chicago, Dr. Mekus first moved to Kentucky to attend college at Murray State University, where she competed on the college’s Hunt Seat Equestrian Team. She received her DVM in 2016 from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and while at Auburn she was very involved with the local Pony Club. Dr. Mekus is passionate about working with children and teaching them about animals, so when she returned to western Kentucky to practice veterinary medicine, she started volunteering with the local 4H club. She joined the Sheabel Team in 2017 and has a strong interest in client relations, dermatology, soft tissue surgery, and ultrasonography.

When she’s not at the hospital seeing patients, Dr. Mekus still enjoys horseback riding, as well as working out, hiking, baking treats to share with staff, and hanging in the hammock with her Rhodesian Ridgeback Gracie Mae. She also has a tuxedo cat named Guinness and a special place in her heart for chocolate Labs—so if you’re in need of a Lab-loving veterinarian, she’ll be happy to help!