Medical Staff

Sabrina Jacobs, DVM  –  Owner

Dr. Sabrina Jacobs is the owner and founder of the Performance Equine Vets and Performance Vet Supply.  A Texas native, she graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. Dr. Jacobs has a particular interest in advanced reproductive techniques. She has performed thousands of oocyte recoveries and embryo transfers. Dr. Jacobs is proficient at performing the most complicated embryological procedures, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Embryo Biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Embryo Vitrification (Embryo Freezing). Tasked with leading the team, she is passionate about optimizing every detail of the process to ensure the best possible results. Dr. Jacobs is held in high regard by colleagues and clients alike for her advanced skills, leadership and deeply caring attitude. Dr. Jacobs is a professional member of the American Associateion of Equine Practioners (AAEP), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Society for Theriogenology (SFT). She is licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee. 

In her free time, Sabrina enjoys tinkering in her ever growing garden and spending time with her husband Clay and daughter Ansley. 

Stephanie Caston, DVM, Diplomate ACVS  –  LA Surgeon

Dr. Caston grew up in Southeast Texas, she is a specialist veterinary surgeon and a 2002 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. After completing a one year internship at Iowa State University, she remained on staff to finish her surgical training and achieve her diplomate status. Dr. Caston then accepted a position and spent the next 15 years at Iowa State in academia servicing an extensive sport horse community in both surgery and advanced lameness diagnosis. Dr. Caston has been actively involved in numerous research projects including, complicated lameness, orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgeries, emergency surgical colic interventions, advanced imaging and regenerative medicine. She has authored over 150 scientific papers and book chapters on topics ranging from orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgery, developmental orthopedic disease, minimally invasive procedures, advanced upper airway surgical techniques, as well as regenerative therapies including Stem Cells, IRAP and PRP. As a recognized specialist in her field, Dr. Caston is an invited speaker in both national and international conferences on various topics each year. Dr. Caston is involved as an active competitor in Three-Day Eventing. She utilizes this unique knowledge daily as she applies her experience as a rider to her profession as a Veterinarian.

When she is not working, Dr. Caston enjoys competing her own horses in eventing, fox hunting, and spending time with her dogs.

Alanna Farrell, DVM, Diplomate ACVS  –  LA Surgeon

Dr Alanna Farrell is from eastern Washington State. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University.  She completed a one year internship at Bend Equine Medical Center before completing anote one year internship at Iowa State University.  Alanna completed her Surgical Residency at Iowa State.

Douglass Berry II, MS, Diplomate ACVS  –  Surgeon

Dr. Berry is board certified surgeon and has extensive experience as equine surgeon and educator with interest in sports medicine, young horse training, orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Rachelle Thompson, DVM –  Internal Medicine

Dr. Thompson obtained her doctor of veterinary medicine from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia in 2017. She then completed an internship at B.W. Furlong and Associates in Oldwick, New Jersey. Afterwhich, Dr. Thompson accepted a position at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine to obtain her residency training in Internal Medicine and her diplomate status. Dr. Thomson’s special interest include neonatal medicine, neurological disease, respiratory disease, colic workup and preventative health. She has contributed extensively to active research in the field of equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Dr. Thompson excels in client communication, where she truly enjoys educating clients and helping them work through challenges with their horses. 

Originally from West Virginia, Rachelle drew a picture of herself in school as a Veterinarian when she was only five years old. Rachelle’s background in riding horses began in Eventing, where she actively showed for several years. She enjoys sewing and loves to hike when she can spare some free time. Rachelle has three horses, Gingersnap, Willie, and Lucy.

 

Cassie Baumgarten, DVM, MS – Internal Medicine

 

Dr. Baumgarten is from Becker, Minnesota. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts. She then completed an internship at Weatherford Equine in Weatherford, Texas. Afterwhich, Dr. Baumgarten accepted a position at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University to obtain her residency training in internal medicine, as well as defended a masters thesis in biomedical sciences.

Breanne Maraman, DVM, CVA

An Alabama native, Dr. Maraman’s interest in horses began remarkably early in life. Her love of horses originated from her mother, Randy, who blessed her with pony rides before she was able to walk. Dr. Maraman was destined to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine and graduated from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. She spent a year at Elgin Equine Hospital in Texas before joining us at Performance Equine Vets. Dr. Maraman’s professional interest include Emergency Medicine, Preventative Health Care, Integrative and Alternative Medicine, as well as Anesthesia. She is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture from the Chi University under the direction of Dr. Xie, one of leading authorities in Veterinary Acupuncture. Dr. Maraman has commendable interpersonal skills, tenderness and the ability to communicate effectively with her clients in a compassionate and caring manner. Dr. Maraman is pleased to offer small animal services both in the clinic and on the farm. 

Each Autumn, you will find Breanne adorned in orange due to her passion for Auburn Football. When she is not in the clinic, she is most likely snuggling on the couch with Tootsie and Finn (her two dogs) or bathing her horse, Cupid, who she has cared for over 21 years. Breanne has an adorable boyfriend Mike, whom together have a keen interest in baking and cooking scrumptious dishes.

Sharlee Lowe, DVM

Dr. Lowe was born with a passion for horses. She was riding by age three, and the proud owner of a chestnut pony at five. From her earliest years on, she has been dedicated to becoming the best horseman possible. Dr. Lowe is a United State Pony Club alumni, having earned the “A” Traditional Certification. Her primary love is Three-Day Eventing, in which she has competed successfully through the intermediate level. She also has a strong background in foxhunting and was privileged to serve several seasons as whipping-in for her home hunt. Dr. Lowe has tried and enjoyed most other horse sports as opportunities arose. A favorite experience was galloping racehorses.

Dr. Lowe earned an Equine Pre-Veterinary degree from Otterbein University in Ohio. This was followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University, where she was additionally honored with the Hutton-Riley Award for outstanding abilities demonstrated in equine surgery and medicine. 

When she is not with horses, Sharlee enjoys hiking, gardening, and baking. Though she originally hails from the small horse-centric town of Metamora, Michigan, she never did appreciate the snowy winters. She is thrilled to make her new home in Aiken and plans to smile through the heat of South Carolina summers.

Jose Zambrano –  Veterinary Assistant, Stallion Manager

Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Jose began his career in the United States in 1991. His addiction to horses began at the racetrack Delaware Park, where he began as a groom and was promoted to the title of Assistant Trainer. After spending 15 years working at Delaware Park, Jose relocated to Aiken with his family. Jose joined Performance Equine Vets in 2014. He naturally became the head stallion handler with his gentle nature and calming personality, he is truly an asset to our operation.

Jose is the proud father of three wonderful children, Pepe, Heidi, and Omar. He is expecting his first granddaughter this spring. Jose enjoys managing his elaborate garden and spending time riding his horses while he is away from the hospital.

Cheyanne Gray –  Hospital Coordinator and Patient Care Specialist

Cheyanne is from the South Carolina low-country where oysters, fish and low country boils are a rite of passage.  Cheyanne joined the PEVS team in 2019 and is an avid rider.

Natalie Cwik – Veterinary Assistant

Natalie Bio

Ariel Taitel – Veterinary Assistant

Ariel Bio

Reproduction Staff

Emily Jones, M.S. Equine Reproduction –  Mare Manager, Director of Client Services (Reproduction)

Emily is Clemson graduate with her bachelors degree in Equine Business. During her stay at Clemson, Emily interned with us for two summers. After graduating from Clemson, Emily accepted a position at Kansas State University where she obtained her Master’s in Equine Reproductive Physiology. After leaving Kansas, she headed out west to manage a privately owned breeding and foaling operation. Emily was excited to join us here at Performance Equine Vets. She brings to us extensive training in stallion management and semen preparation. Her combination of medical knowledge and professional experience has proven especially useful to our clients and patients. A warm and compassionate multi-tasker, she works to ensure each and every client and patient receive unparalleled communication and care. Emily tackles each of her numerous duties with passion, relishing the opportunity to educate clients throughout the process.  On top of everything else, Emily also assists in management of the recipient mare herd with Marcella.

Emily enjoys spending time relaxing at the beach and taking her dog for long hikes. She loves to cook and consistently bakes yummy treats! Although Emily has been a western girl most of her life, she has recently begun training in dressage.

Emileigh Dinkel –  Stallion Manager

Client Services

Lisa Durant –  Client Services

Dominique Matos –  Client Services

Dominique is an avid photographer and equestrian.

Peggy Keeler –  Corporate Relations

Originally from Connecticut, Peggy bought her first pony when she was just 10 years old. Her career in horses began on the open hunter and jumper circuit where she actively showed for over ten years. Peggy graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. After college, she made a transition to the racetrack for five years, where she was a groom and exercise rider in Rhode Island. Following the racetrack, she entertained herself with Eventing, Hunter Pacing, Foxhunting and then eventually found her passion in Driving. During this time, Peggy was managing a thriving miniature horse breeding and show barn in Bridgewater, Connecticut. After that adventure, Peggy accepted a position at the New England Equine Practice in Patterson, New York. In 2015, she and her husband made the move to Aiken, to enjoy the sunshine and the wide variety of equestrian activities. Peggy began at PEVS assisting with the NICU, and was quickly swept up into a part time position. There are few tasks at the clinic that Peggy doesn’t have her hands in, she is truly an asset to our daily operations.

Peggy is an active competitor in both Pleasure Driving Shows and Combined Driving Events. When Peggy is not at the clinic lending a hand, she is most likely spending time with her husband Jerry, their three horses, Celtic, Dan, and Daisy or their two cats, Missy and Stoney. She stays busy outside of work taking long walks with Dillan, her Swedish Valhund, and volunteering at local riding and driving events. 

Monica Hankins – Finance / Accounting

Monica Bio