Linda Balot, DVM
Born and raised in New Jersey, Linda Balot headed south to Clemson University for her Animal Science pre-vet degree and has never left. After spending three years at Clemson, she was accepted into the veterinary program at North Carolina State University and graduated in 1996. Her first year of practice was spent just outside Charlotte, NC at a large animal practice. She then came to Greenville and started Greenville Mobile Equine in 1997. The rest, shall we say, is history.
Personally, Linda has been around horses since attending riding camp at the age of 13. By 16 she was the head camp counselor. During her days a Clemson, she lived on a horse farm and was responsible for the care of 25 plus horses, besides being able to ride whenever she wanted. While showing is not her “main thing”, she competed successfully at intercollegiate horse shows for Clemson, and locally at combined events and hunter shows. These days Linda lives in Simpson with her 3 cats and husband, Bob. While working and running the practice has taken up much of her time in the past years, she still finds time to play volleyball and golf. Today, you can also find her teaching wine classes for the Wine Education & Enjoyment Club twice a month (WEE Club) as well as traveling multiple times a year.
Lauren Taylor, DVM
Dr. Lauren Taylor was born and raised in New Bern, NC, where she began trail riding with her father on their American Saddlebreds at the age of 8. She had the opportunity to show both huntseat and saddleseat while attending high school at Chatham Hall in Virginia and graduated from there in 2000. After graduating from Meredith College in 2004 she spent a year working at Cool Breeze Stables in Zebulon, NC helping train and exercise Thoroughbred racehorses under the supervision of professional trainer, Lawson Walston. She graduated from NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, and went on to complete an internship at Equine Services in Simpsonville, KY, where she worked under Dr Scott Bennett and Dr Richard Griffin pursuing her interests in lameness, medicine, and surgery. After completing her internship, she jumped at the opportunity to come back home and work here at GMES. When she’s not busy at work, she still enjoys riding and showing her family’s Saddlebreds. She recently because certified in Equine Osteopathy.
Dr. Megan Medoff
Meet Dr. Megan Medoff, who is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her love for horses blossomed at Calder and Gulfstream racetracks, where she worked as a veterinary assistant. In 2017, she earned her Bachlor of Science in Biology from Florida Atlantic University. During this time, she spent free time at a local equine rescue helping to care for horses and went trail riding as much as possible. In 2022, she completed a doctorate in veterinary medicine at the University of Florida. Next, she completed a one-year equine internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic with her time split between hospital and ambulatory patients. She stayed on for an additional year as a hospital fellow/ ambulatory associate veterinarian. Her interests are in general practice, imaging and large animal rescues.
She has a dog, Kaya Bear and 2 cats, Killian Jones and Chubby Checkers (also known as Roush). In her free time, she likes anything involving nature, hiking with her dog and working out. She hopes to one day own a couple of retired horses that enjoy weekend camping trips.
Dr. Melissa Kelson
A native of the UK, Dr. Melissa Kelson has an extensive background in the equine industry working with every type of horse from companion ponies to Olympic gold medal winners. Dr. Kelson obtained Equine Science degrees from DeMontfort University, Lincoln and the University of Wales, Aberystwyth before moving to the USA in 2003 to pursue her equine career. She returned to the UK in 2013 to undertake veterinary medicine the Royal Veterinary College in London. Dr. Kelson has developed many areas of interest over the years including geriatric care, metabolic disease and podiatry and is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. She spends her free time tending to her vegetable garden and rehabbing rescued Standardbreds.
Lisa Martin, Vet/Office Assistant
Lisa has been with GMES since 2006. Working with horses most of her life she has trained and taught riders to many local, state and national titles. Originally beginning her veterinary assistant career in a small animal practice she enjoys being in a horse only practice. She currently resides in Bethel with her husband, Tony, and 3 daughters where she operates Messenger Brook Farm a family oriented lesson facility and is currently starting Trotting Forward, a life coaching program.
Katie Gaylor, Office Manager
Katie is originally from Washington, NC and has been involved with horses since she was 10 years old. Her love of horses has taken her many places. In the spring of 2003 she graduated from Meredith Manor with honors and became a certified riding instructor. From there she moved to San Antonio, TX where she rode and taught for Russell Equestrian Center. Her experiences brought her back to Washington where she ran a small lesson and boarding stable until 2008.
Now you can find her at GMES dividing her knowledge between assisting the Doctors and working in the office.
Reva Dandrow, Veterinary Assistant
Reva is from Monroe, NC and has grew up around horses since she was born. Her love for horses started at the age of 6 when she got her first QH. From there the love of horses grew and she started to compete in 4-H horse shows, local shows, and trail riding. Years later she got a Paso-Fino filly and started training her with the help of a trainer. She then went on to compete in rated shows and Pony Finals. Reva graduated from ECU in 2023 with a bachelors degree in Public Health. After graduation she moved to Bethel with her boyfriend and two Pitt Bulls. A few months later she joined our team to help assist the doctors. In her free time she enjoys going to car shows, fishing, hunting, and spending time with her horses.
Mary Spain, Veterinary Assistant
My name is Mary and you’ve probably seen me at the farm or in the clinic. I’ve been with GMES full time now for close to 3 years. I spend my free time taking care of my retired horses at home, showing at AQHA events, and hanging out with my favorite boy Felix.