CEO/Practice Director
Since 2000*
“Dr. Will” grew up in Inglewood, California, and graduated from Morningside High School in 1984 before matriculating to Tuskegee University (4th generation) for both undergraduate and veterinary medical studies. He was accepted to veterinary school after only 3 years of undergraduate studies; and after receiving his DVM in 1991, he continued his training at North Rockville Veterinary Hospital in Rockville, Maryland before moving to Atlanta in 1992.
He loves music (big Dave Matthews Band fan), movies, painting with acrylics, and enjoying family activities. His favorite veterinary interests include dermatology, internal medicine, and surgery. He married his classmate, Dr. Françoise Tyler, in September, 1993. They have 4 children; son David (9/97) and daughters Tyler (5/99), Gabrielle (11/01), and Olivia (7/03). They also have 4 dogs (Max, Louie, Frankie, and Etta James) and 2 cats (Zig-Zag and Charlemagne).
Dr. Will has served as the featured veterinarian on WebMD's web series, "Ask The Veterinarian”, and serves as a veterinary expert in WebMD magazine. He received the Purina ProPlan 2013 National "Veterinarian of the Year", and has been honored as one of Atlanta's "Best Vets" in Atlanta Magazine consistently since 2001, and was selected as a FIVE STAR veterinarian in that same publication- an honor bestowed to only 7% of the veterinarians in the metro Atlanta area.
*Practice Founder and Partner
Contact Dr. Will Draper
Practice Manager/COO
Since 2001*
Donnie is the Practice Manager/COO of The Village Vets Decatur. He is also a partner in all three practices. He received his B.S. in Biology from Georgia State University in 1992 and worked with Dr. Draper for years before taking on the role of running the Decatur office. He and his wife Jennifer, a local radio broadcaster, live in Jefferson, GA and have a combination of 7 dogs, 7 cats and 2 pot- bellied pigs, and a chicken.
Donnie has been with the Decatur practice since it opened in 2001, but has worked with Dr. Draper since they both worked for a practice in Tucker, GA in the early 90's.
Donnie enjoys reading and cycling, but his passion is running; he usually gets in about 8 miles daily before most people even wake up.
Why he does this: "I have loved animals since I was a kid."
*Practice Partner
Medical Director
Since 2008
Raised on Long Island, NY, Dr. Melissa Finke received both her Bachelor's degree in 1995 and her DVM in 1999 from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Finke and her partner Jon live in Vinings, GA with their son Landon Jacob Roth (1/15). Having previously worked at a practice in Woodstock for 6 years, she loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a special interest in surgery.
Dr. Finke's hobbies include traveling and horseback riding. She has a French bulldog - Moxie.
Hospital Manager
Since 2011
Originally from New Jersey, Heather and her husband, Geoff, were married in 2015 and now live outside the perimeter with their two cats, Millhouse and Beaker. Both of her cats are rescues and bring so much joy and laughter in to their household. She and her husband enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring the mountains, and also love spending evenings with friends and family. Heather graduated from the University of Georgia in 2007 with a bachelor of science degree in Ecology.
Why she does this: "I enjoy working with and helping animals - they give love unconditionally".
Hospital Manager - After Hours Emergency
Since 2007
Tomika has been an animal lover as long as she can remember. Originally from Columbus, Ohio. Tomika’s immediate family is still in Ohio which includes her mother, father, an older brother, a younger sister, 1 niece, and 3 nephews. After moving to Atlanta in 1996 she began working at various animal emergency practices.
Why she does this: “I LOVE working in emergency medicine and tending to the sick and injured furry creatures. My hope is to help heal the patients and ease their owners’ minds during what can be a traumatic situation.”
Tech Manager
Since 2006
Melita is a native-Atlantan. When not working, she enjoys "reading a good book" and spending time with her four beautiful children, and most especially, her grandson.
Why she does this: "As a child, whenever anyone asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said that I wanted to take care of animals. I enjoy working at The Village Vets because the atmosphere is always pleasant and my co-workers are family away from my own family.".
Assistant Manager
Since 2011
Susan was born and raised in Decatur. After attending Woodward Academy, she attended the University of Mississippi and later returned to Atlanta to study interior design at the Art Institute of Atlanta. She grew up working in her father’s veterinary hospital and has always loved working with and being around animals. As a true Atlanta native, and a Decatur native no less, Susan loves being a part of such an amazing community. She lives with her partner Russell and their two cats Roger and Randolph.
Why she does this: "I work for The Village Vets Decatur because of everything they do for the community and its animals. They go above and beyond to make a difference in our animal world."
