Our Staff
Gordon Conklin, RT (MR)
I was born and raised in Michigan, moved to Tennessee in 2002 and joined UTCVM in 2008. I came to UT with more than 30 years of experience in Radiology and advanced imaging. Previously I supervised implementation of startup of MRI services at several hospitals and clinics and travelled the Eastern United States training technologists in a variety of MR systems. After years of scanning human patients I really enjoy working with companion animals and a diverse group of physicians, staff and students in a fun work environment. I am also happy to have the opportunity to help in Radiology with equine and exotic animal patients. When not at work I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. I enjoy animals, bird watching, gardening, and I have also been known to watch the grass growing while enjoying a cold drink.
Katherine Haifley, DVM
I grew up in Washington DC competing Hunter/Jumper horses and ponies. My experience with horses sparked my interest in a veterinary career when I was seven years old. I spent my pre-veterinary education in Roanoke, VA at Hollins University. It was a long time coming when I was accepted to St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Island of Grenada, in the West Indies! Although I regretted being so far away from my family, my education in Grenada has been the most rewarding experience of my life. In my three years there I fell in love with the island, the people, and the culture. During veterinary school I expanded my interests to small animal medicine and surgery. I chose Knoxville for my clinical year because it is close to my family. I really enjoy Knoxville and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. After graduation, I stayed on at the University of Tennessee as a Clinical Instructor in the Small Animal Anesthesia Department. This position fueled my interest in small animal clinical anesthesia and I soon accepted my current position heading up anesthesia for the MRI service. My work with this program has enabled me to see a wide variety of cases and continue to expand my knowledge and interest in anesthesia. I look forward to meeting many more patients and caring for them with the best of my ability. When I am not at work I enjoy walking by the Tennessee River with my boyfriend JP, and my two dogs Izzy and Stewie, gardening, cross-stitching, and baking. I am always on the lookout for hunter/jumper horses in need of an extra ride!
Melissa Wilson
I was born and raised here in Knoxville. Originally, I went to MTSU to become a teacher, but when I started working in a small animal private practice I decided to try a different career. I am currently enrolled in the St. Petersburg Online Veterinary Technology Program to become a licensed veterinary technician. I work as the MRI Veterinary Assistant. I have two dogs (a pit bull named Koda and a terrier mix named Stoli) and two cats (Dumpy and Bagheera).
I love: animals, candy corn, music, reading, movies, family, friends, being outdoors, the beach, art, Europe, and deep sea fishing.
I don't love: beets, sand in the bed at the beach, indifference, and spiders.
I have two favorite quotes:
"There is some good in this world... and it's worth fighting for" J.R.R. Tolkien
"Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together" Carl Zwanzig