About the Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort

Claire Woodall Bellman

DVM, MRCVS

Born & raised in Alabama, Dr. Claire Bellman is an accomplished veterinarian with a Pre-med degree, a veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College of London, and real-world veterinary experience at a variety of animal hospitals in and around Birmingham, Alabama.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the largest & longest-established vet school in the English-speaking world. In operation since 1791, the RVC’s undergraduate veterinary curriculum is a comprehensive 5-year program. (Most undergraduate vet schools in the US are 4-year programs.)

Dr. Bellman earned a Bachelors of Science in Biology/Pre-med from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, followed by a Bachelors of Veterinary Medicine from the Royal Veterinary College. During her years of study at the Royal Veterinary College, Dr. Bellman received Merit awards and Awards of Distinction. She also has extensive experience as a general veterinarian and an emergency room veterinarian at a variety of local veterinary hospitals including: Liberty Animal Hospital, Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital, Animal Medical Center Anniston, and Steel City City Emergency Vets. Dr. Bellman has a special interest in orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries. Dr. Bellman is certified in “fear-free” handling techniques that minimze the stress of visiting the vet.

In her spare time, she enjoys her family and burns off steam as a competitive endurance runner. She and her family share their home with Hampstead, a black lab mix; Molly Moo, a teacup Yorkie; and Miss Finchley, a gray tabby cat.

Michaela Wright

Practice Manager

Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort Practice Manager Michaela Wright keeps hospital operations running smoothly. Another local, she also was born & raised in the Birmingham area.

Miss Wright has experience both as a veterinary hospital administrator and as a veterinary technician. Most recently, she served as assistant hospital administrator for Steel City Emergency Vets – a busy, 24-hour emergency animal hospita located in Hoover, Alabama. Previously, she served as a front office supervisor and veterinary technician at Liberty Animal Hospital. She is certified in fear-free handling of pets.

In her spare time, Miss Wright enjoys spending time with her family, music / concerts & traveling. She shares her home with Rusty, a maltezu dog; Ruby Sue, a great Pyrenees mix; and Louie, a rowdy young feline.

Julia Anna Ezell

DVM

Dr. Ezell was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors in Biology and Avian Biology and then went to veterinary school at Auburn University. Dr. Ezell has been practicing for 7 years with a strong interest in dermatology, nutrition and internal medicine.

Dr. Ezell shares her 5 pets with her fiance, Taylor: Bonefish, a pointer mix; Donte, a pitbull mix; and 3 cats – Oliver, Debbie and Nate.

In her spare time, Dr. Ezell loves to travel, spend time with her friends and family, and read!

Sheila LaRussa

DVM

Dr. Sheila LaRussa (Dr. Shei) is a 2019 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to attending the AUCVM, she obtained her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, from Auburn University.

Dr. Shei was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. She moved to Auburn in 2013 to attend Auburn University. She met her husband, Taylor, during her times as an undergraduate, and the couple was married in 2019. Taylor also attended Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and is a practicing veterinarian. They have one baby girl named Sofia and six furry kids. Three standard poodles named Mateo, Luna, and Samson; a Siberian Husky named Kuru; a toy poodle named Prada; and a cat named Kitty.

Dr. Shei’s professional interests include cardiology, ultrasonography, oncology, soft tissue surgery, and preventative medicine. She is an active member of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association.

Taylor LaRussa

DVM

Dr. Taylor LaRussa (Dr. LaRussa), a native of Birmingham, Alabama, is a 2021 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (AUCVM). He is also a graduate of Mountain Brook High school. Prior to attending the AUCVM, he obtained an undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, and a Master’s of Science degree from Auburn University.

Dr. LaRussa and his wife, Dr. Shei, have one daughter and six fur children. Three standard poodles named Mateo, Luna, and Samson; a Siberian Husky named Kuru; a toy poodle named Prada; and a cat named Kitty.

Dr. LaRussa’s professional interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, radiology/ultrasonography, dentistry and pain management. He is an active member of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association.

Olivia

Veterinary Technician Supervisor

Olivia has worked in veterinary medicine for nearly 3 years. She graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2019 with a BA in Psychology (specializing with Comparative Psychology). She has two cats (Ike & Mia) and a black Labrador (Pearl). She grew up in Birmingham, AL! Olivia loves to bake. Her favorite colors are purple and green. When the weather isn’t unbearably hot – she enjoys “hot girl” walks with Pearl at Moss Rock or somewhere neat!!

Lauren

Client Support Coordinator

Lauren was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. Lauren has been working in Veterinary Medicine as a receptionist since 2018. She has 1 dog and 2 cats. She enjoys theater, singing, acting, and just performing for people in general. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her boyfriend.

Lindley

Client Service Coordinator

Lindley is one of our amazing receptionists. Born and raised in Birmingham, AL, she has been working in the veterinary world since 2017. Animals have always been her passion. She began rescuing animals and pet sitting at only 10 years old! She shares a dog with her mom and has three cats her household – Nugget, Andy, and Kiki.

Clint

Resort Supervisor

Clint was born in Birmingham, Alabama and has been working in the veterinary field since 2005. He has worked at both Liberty Animal Hospital and Riverview Animal Clinic, and he has experience working as both a veterinary technician and a kennel technician. Clint is a very passionate person and loves being able to help both people and animals. When Clint is not working, he stays busy cooking, and he’s a long-time breeder of Yorkshire Terriers.

Denise

Resort Technician

Denise hales from Calera, AL. She has 30 years of experience in the veterinary field and is certified in innovative Fear Free pet handling techniques. Denise has worked alongside our Practice Manager, Michaela Wright, for 17 years and our veterinarian, Dr. Claire Bellman, for 4 years. She enjoys working with any pet that comes her way and truly puts her heart into her job and animal care/wellbeing. During her downtime, she enjoys taking care of her plants, being outdoors, or relaxing with her two dogs – Mystic and Diamond, and cat – Sebastian.

Shanell

Grooming Goddess

Shanell has been living in Birmingham since she was 8 years old. She grew up helping at vet clinics, much like her two boys are now! During her teenage years, she served as a volunteer at the Birmingham Zoo before entering the world of grooming at 17 years old. She now has 14 years of grooming experience. Her boys Rowan (5 years) and Liam (16 months), and their many pets are her world. They have two rescue cats, two rescue dogs, 10 chickens, and a parakeet named Friend. Working with animals is her passion, and she provides a safe, caring environment for pets that need baths, trims, and more.

Milly

UGA Veterinary Student – Summer Intern

Milly is originally from Georgia but found her love for Birmingham while studying at Birmingham Southern University. Milly’s love for animals started at a young age, and she has worked and volunteered at multiple veterinary clinics. Her love for animals had led her to the veterinary profession. She is currently in Vet School at the University of Georgia. Aside from her vet school studies, Milly enjoys spending time with her dogs, Olive and Penne; her cat, Sundae; and her 3 beautiful parakeets: Cuervo, Lemon, and Lentil.