Dr. Sam

Veterinarian

Dr. Samantha Rape is originally from Blacksburg, SC, and called Blacksburg home until she left for her undergraduate degree from Clemson University. Samantha graduated from Clemson University in 2010 with a degree in Animal Science. After Clemson, she attended NC State for her Masters in Reproductive Physiology, graduating in 2015. Lastly, she attended Mississippi State University, where she graduated in 2019 after receiving her DVM.

During her time in school, and her time practicing veterinary medicine, Samantha has traveled to many places and volunteered in many different organizations to help advocate for animal health and well-being. Among the places has traveled to are: Uganda, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Hawaii, just to name a few. Samantha has had a desire to work with animals from a very young age, and having a “plan B” was never an option.

When she’s not working, Samantha loves to spend time with her husband, Brian, and their full house of fur-babies. They have 8 dogs - currently - Jayce, Maddux, Koa Lani, Beau, Ripley, Tubbs, FN-2187 (Finn), and Dex; 4 cats - Jasper, Jax, Helen, and Roux; 3 turtles - Mac, Bertha, and one that has yet to be named; and lastly a squirrel - Craig. She loves going to Clemson Football games, apple orchards, and festivals of all shapes and sizes!

Alissa

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Alissa has been in the Veterinary field since 2019. She graduated from Tri County Technical College in 2021 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She has a passion for animals of all shapes and sizes. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, and cooking. She has two dogs, Teddy and Xena, one fluffy rabbit named Basil, 3 crested geckos, Dreki, Little Foot, and Spike, and many chickens. Her daily goal is to give the best care and all her love to the pets at Thornblade.

Katie

Veterinary Assistant

Katie, hailing from Greenville, SC, is presently pursuing her associate's degree in Veterinary Technology at Penn Foster, reflecting her dedication to the care and well-being of animals. Her passion for animals has been a constant throughout her life, initially aspiring to be a Horse Trainer and evolving into a broader commitment to the welfare of all creatures.Having grown up surrounded by dogs and cats, Katie's affinity for animals has only deepened over the years. Her profound desire to rescue and safeguard animals is evident in her willingness to stop and assist any animal in need, demonstrating her compassionate nature.In addition to her academic pursuits, Katie harbors a dream of establishing a farm where she can provide a sanctuary for animals without a home. Her vision is to be a saving grace for these animals, offering them a place of refuge and care. Beyond her dedication to animals, Katie values her free time spent with family and friends. Whether it's enjoying the serene atmosphere of the lake, the beach, or the mountains, or simply relaxing at home on rainy days watching movies, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. On sunny days, you'll likely find her on the porch, engrossed in a good book or playfully interacting with her beloved "brother-in-laws," Loki and Carson, her Labrador Retrievers.

Mikayla

Client Service Coordinator

Mikayla joined us in August 2023. She has a background in customer service and the medical field, but has always had a heart for animals. Her and her husband recently moved to Gray Court with their two dogs Finn; coonhound mix and Malibu; pit-bull/German shepherd. In her free time, Mikayla likes to spend time at the lake, traveling, and curling up with a good book. She is very excited to grow in this field by using her previous experience to make a positive impact on the community.

Liz

Practice Manager

Liz is originally from Charleston, SC but has been living in the Upstate for 4 years. She worked as a medical esthetician before pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, which she considers her true calling in life. Always an animal lover, from a young age Liz had a passion for giving a voice to the voiceless which led her to constantly bringing home stray or injured animals. Liz was in the veterinary field for less than a month before she was taking home a stray dog that was found by a client of the animal hospital in which she was working. Outside of work Liz enjoys listening to and playing music, reading, and having game nights with friends (Uno is a must).