Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Kerissa Bailey
Although I was born near Atlanta, my father’s job as a minister meant that we lived in many different states, including Maryland, Ohio, and Tennessee. Both of my parents were animal lovers and there was never a time when our family didn’t include pets. Our miniature dachshund, Snuggles, developed megaesophagus, and caring for her and seeing how brave she was despite her medical challenges helped foster my interest in veterinary medicine. I found another of our dogs, Lady Bug, on the side of the interstate and within days of bringing her home, she had nine puppies.
I attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee. I fell in love with Knoxville and its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains and I have practiced small animal medicine here for more than 20 years. I have always had strong clinical interests in geriatric medicine and pain management. Our home is continually filled with senior pets. Providing a voice for my patients and being able to advocate for their well-being is incredibly humbling and fulfilling. Working closely with pet parents to help ensure the highest quality of life for their furry family members is highly rewarding.
I have loved many amazing animals throughout my life. I am grateful for each one who has touched my soul and taught me innumerable life lessons. Nothing prepares us to lose a faithful friend and the experience is always heartbreaking. A quote by Helen Keller brings me comfort during these times: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.” The experience of losing beloved family members of my own over the years has shaped my understanding of how these losses profoundly affect our lives. Being able to care for and support families during their pets’ end-of-life journeys is meaningful to me. I hope to bring comfort and peace to loved ones during these times of grief.
Throughout my life, I witnessed my parents care for people in need. After his retirement, my dad was able to continue helping people during periods of vulnerability and immense grief as a hospice chaplain. I feel honored to have the opportunity to walk through difficult times with families and be there to support and guide them.
About Dr. Allie Prokop
Even before entering the veterinary field, I felt the strength of the human-animal bond. Our first family dog, Becca, was a gentle giant of a Boxer who graced us with many fun, loving, selfless years. My favorite memories of her include her wrestling us as children to tickle our faces with her muzzle, sledding with her at our home in Massachusetts, and when she came home leading a hiker who had been lost in our woods. When she passed, I remember the void that was left behind in her place, and I was so grateful to have such wonderful memories to keep with me in her absence.
Becca was one of many reasons I pursued a career in veterinary medicine. After attending Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, I followed my passion to the University of Tennessee to complete an internship in Equine Field Service. It was at my first job, a mixed animal practice in Oregon, that I gained a true appreciation of the importance of at home end of life care. What an honor it is to be able to give my patients a peaceful passing in their own homes, surrounded by their loving families. It is a privilege to provide this service and bring comfort to such grateful families in their time of need.
I am so glad to be back in Tennessee, and I look forward to helping families in and around Knoxville. When not working, I enjoy traveling, hiking in the Smokies, watching the Vols, and spending time at home with my kitties.
About Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Million
I grew up riding horses and hiking in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. I knew that I wanted to go into medicine and care for people and animals after joining my dad, a physician, on house calls for his homebound patients as a child in Cocke County. It was my experience working alongside the compassionate, patient veterinarians in my hometown veterinary hospital in Newport as a high school student that solidified my decision to pursue veterinary medicine for my career.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, I worked in a busy companion animal practice outside of Houston, Texas and developed a strong interest in geriatric pet care and end-of-life care. Being able to connect with families and help them during such a delicate time while also providing excellent communication has truly become a passion of mine. Since 2017, I have also been working in the academic and assessment side of veterinary medicine, helping students and graduates navigate the process of taking their national licensing exam.
I was lucky enough to serve families in Atlanta with Lap of Love from 2019 - 2022 before moving back home to Tennessee. Being able to provide this kind of care and support to families here is even more special knowing that my dad is the medical director for a Home Health and Hospice company just down the road — I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It is my greatest priority and honor to provide a peaceful passing for beloved pets and a comfortable experience for the people who love them.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Nicole DeLozier
Born and raised in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in a town called Maryville—“Mar-vul” to locals—my love for animals blossomed at an early age. I idolized my Aunt Maggie, a veterinarian and avid horsewoman, but it wasn’t until I was a sophomore in college that I was absolutely sure I wanted to be a veterinarian. After nearly losing my horse to a horrible disease and experiencing the kindness and compassion with which her veterinarian treated us both, I knew I too wanted to help people and animals during their hardest moments.
I received my undergraduate and doctorate of veterinary medicine degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Having grown up around horses, I had planned to start a career in equine medicine, but later decided to broaden my reach and began working at a small animal practice in Sevierville, Tennessee. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed small animal medicine, and most of all, how much I loved senior pets. Most people assume we get into this job for the puppies and kittens, but my true love and passion is for the grey-muzzled seniors who have taught me more than any other.
Loving a senior pet, especially if they become terminally ill, can be a roller coaster ride. Being able to advocate for them and give support to their owners fills my heart with incredible joy. My greatest teacher has been my 14-year-old yellow Labrador, Bella. Navigating the ins and outs of aging with her has taught me the true beauty of providing a quality of life for the precious angels who deserve all the best we can give.
I truly feel it was my calling to be led to this amazing Lap of Love family. I’m honored to have the opportunity to help pets and their families during those last intimate and precious moments, and I look forward to serving those amazing families for years to come.
About Dr. Liz DeVoe
I grew up outside of Knoxville in the small town of Vonore, Tennessee. I lived on a lake close to the mountains, so many summers were spent camping or in the water. My grandfather was a veterinarian and loved to tell stories about helping animals. He has always been a role model for me, and I am proud to have followed in his footsteps.
I attended the University of Tennessee for my undergraduate studies as well as veterinary school. After receiving my veterinary degree, I worked as a field service technician veterinarian, and I loved visiting the interesting areas where I practiced. I have worked in mixed animal and small animal practices, and I’ve always enjoyed working on complicated medical cases and providing geriatric care to improve my patients’ quality of life.
The decision to end a beloved pet’s suffering is kind, difficult, and personal, and I believe the end-of-life experience should be personal as well. I said a peaceful “goodbye” to my 14-year-old golden retriever mix in 2021, in the comfort of my home, and it made all the difference for him and my family. It is such an honor for me to be able to provide this for other pets—allowing them to pass in their home, surrounded by loved ones, while ensuring all families have access to these services.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking—we love Frozen Head—gardening, reading, watching B-list horror movies, crafting, and traveling.
About Dr. Kerissa Bailey
Although I was born near Atlanta, my father’s job as a minister meant that we lived in many different states, including Maryland, Ohio, and Tennessee. Both of my parents were animal lovers and there was never a time when our family didn’t include pets. Our miniature dachshund, Snuggles, developed megaesophagus, and caring for her and seeing how brave she was despite her medical challenges helped foster my interest in veterinary medicine. I found another of our dogs, Lady Bug, on the side of the interstate and within days of bringing her home, she had nine puppies.
I attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee. I fell in love with Knoxville and its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains and I have practiced small animal medicine here for more than 20 years. I have always had strong clinical interests in geriatric medicine and pain management. Our home is continually filled with senior pets. Providing a voice for my patients and being able to advocate for their well-being is incredibly humbling and fulfilling. Working closely with pet parents to help ensure the highest quality of life for their furry family members is highly rewarding.
I have loved many amazing animals throughout my life. I am grateful for each one who has touched my soul and taught me innumerable life lessons. Nothing prepares us to lose a faithful friend and the experience is always heartbreaking. A quote by Helen Keller brings me comfort during these times: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.” The experience of losing beloved family members of my own over the years has shaped my understanding of how these losses profoundly affect our lives. Being able to care for and support families during their pets’ end-of-life journeys is meaningful to me. I hope to bring comfort and peace to loved ones during these times of grief.
Throughout my life, I witnessed my parents care for people in need. After his retirement, my dad was able to continue helping people during periods of vulnerability and immense grief as a hospice chaplain. I feel honored to have the opportunity to walk through difficult times with families and be there to support and guide them.
About Dr. Allie Prokop
Even before entering the veterinary field, I felt the strength of the human-animal bond. Our first family dog, Becca, was a gentle giant of a Boxer who graced us with many fun, loving, selfless years. My favorite memories of her include her wrestling us as children to tickle our faces with her muzzle, sledding with her at our home in Massachusetts, and when she came home leading a hiker who had been lost in our woods. When she passed, I remember the void that was left behind in her place, and I was so grateful to have such wonderful memories to keep with me in her absence.
Becca was one of many reasons I pursued a career in veterinary medicine. After attending Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, I followed my passion to the University of Tennessee to complete an internship in Equine Field Service. It was at my first job, a mixed animal practice in Oregon, that I gained a true appreciation of the importance of at home end of life care. What an honor it is to be able to give my patients a peaceful passing in their own homes, surrounded by their loving families. It is a privilege to provide this service and bring comfort to such grateful families in their time of need.
I am so glad to be back in Tennessee, and I look forward to helping families in and around Knoxville. When not working, I enjoy traveling, hiking in the Smokies, watching the Vols, and spending time at home with my kitties.
About Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Million
I grew up riding horses and hiking in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. I knew that I wanted to go into medicine and care for people and animals after joining my dad, a physician, on house calls for his homebound patients as a child in Cocke County. It was my experience working alongside the compassionate, patient veterinarians in my hometown veterinary hospital in Newport as a high school student that solidified my decision to pursue veterinary medicine for my career.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, I worked in a busy companion animal practice outside of Houston, Texas and developed a strong interest in geriatric pet care and end-of-life care. Being able to connect with families and help them during such a delicate time while also providing excellent communication has truly become a passion of mine. Since 2017, I have also been working in the academic and assessment side of veterinary medicine, helping students and graduates navigate the process of taking their national licensing exam.
I was lucky enough to serve families in Atlanta with Lap of Love from 2019 - 2022 before moving back home to Tennessee. Being able to provide this kind of care and support to families here is even more special knowing that my dad is the medical director for a Home Health and Hospice company just down the road — I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It is my greatest priority and honor to provide a peaceful passing for beloved pets and a comfortable experience for the people who love them.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Nicole DeLozier
Born and raised in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in a town called Maryville—“Mar-vul” to locals—my love for animals blossomed at an early age. I idolized my Aunt Maggie, a veterinarian and avid horsewoman, but it wasn’t until I was a sophomore in college that I was absolutely sure I wanted to be a veterinarian. After nearly losing my horse to a horrible disease and experiencing the kindness and compassion with which her veterinarian treated us both, I knew I too wanted to help people and animals during their hardest moments.
I received my undergraduate and doctorate of veterinary medicine degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Having grown up around horses, I had planned to start a career in equine medicine, but later decided to broaden my reach and began working at a small animal practice in Sevierville, Tennessee. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed small animal medicine, and most of all, how much I loved senior pets. Most people assume we get into this job for the puppies and kittens, but my true love and passion is for the grey-muzzled seniors who have taught me more than any other.
Loving a senior pet, especially if they become terminally ill, can be a roller coaster ride. Being able to advocate for them and give support to their owners fills my heart with incredible joy. My greatest teacher has been my 14-year-old yellow Labrador, Bella. Navigating the ins and outs of aging with her has taught me the true beauty of providing a quality of life for the precious angels who deserve all the best we can give.
I truly feel it was my calling to be led to this amazing Lap of Love family. I’m honored to have the opportunity to help pets and their families during those last intimate and precious moments, and I look forward to serving those amazing families for years to come.
About Dr. Liz DeVoe
I grew up outside of Knoxville in the small town of Vonore, Tennessee. I lived on a lake close to the mountains, so many summers were spent camping or in the water. My grandfather was a veterinarian and loved to tell stories about helping animals. He has always been a role model for me, and I am proud to have followed in his footsteps.
I attended the University of Tennessee for my undergraduate studies as well as veterinary school. After receiving my veterinary degree, I worked as a field service technician veterinarian, and I loved visiting the interesting areas where I practiced. I have worked in mixed animal and small animal practices, and I’ve always enjoyed working on complicated medical cases and providing geriatric care to improve my patients’ quality of life.
The decision to end a beloved pet’s suffering is kind, difficult, and personal, and I believe the end-of-life experience should be personal as well. I said a peaceful “goodbye” to my 14-year-old golden retriever mix in 2021, in the comfort of my home, and it made all the difference for him and my family. It is such an honor for me to be able to provide this for other pets—allowing them to pass in their home, surrounded by loved ones, while ensuring all families have access to these services.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking—we love Frozen Head—gardening, reading, watching B-list horror movies, crafting, and traveling.
About Dr. Kerissa Bailey
Although I was born near Atlanta, my father’s job as a minister meant that we lived in many different states, including Maryland, Ohio, and Tennessee. Both of my parents were animal lovers and there was never a time when our family didn’t include pets. Our miniature dachshund, Snuggles, developed megaesophagus, and caring for her and seeing how brave she was despite her medical challenges helped foster my interest in veterinary medicine. I found another of our dogs, Lady Bug, on the side of the interstate and within days of bringing her home, she had nine puppies.
I attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee. I fell in love with Knoxville and its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains and I have practiced small animal medicine here for more than 20 years. I have always had strong clinical interests in geriatric medicine and pain management. Our home is continually filled with senior pets. Providing a voice for my patients and being able to advocate for their well-being is incredibly humbling and fulfilling. Working closely with pet parents to help ensure the highest quality of life for their furry family members is highly rewarding.
I have loved many amazing animals throughout my life. I am grateful for each one who has touched my soul and taught me innumerable life lessons. Nothing prepares us to lose a faithful friend and the experience is always heartbreaking. A quote by Helen Keller brings me comfort during these times: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.” The experience of losing beloved family members of my own over the years has shaped my understanding of how these losses profoundly affect our lives. Being able to care for and support families during their pets’ end-of-life journeys is meaningful to me. I hope to bring comfort and peace to loved ones during these times of grief.
Throughout my life, I witnessed my parents care for people in need. After his retirement, my dad was able to continue helping people during periods of vulnerability and immense grief as a hospice chaplain. I feel honored to have the opportunity to walk through difficult times with families and be there to support and guide them.