Kristen Lewis graduated Magna Cum Laude from Piedmont College with a BA in Sociology in 1999 and a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 2000 with top honors. She began her career in Public Administration in 2001 as the Executive Director of a tri-county child advocacy center. Kristen is married to Dr. Lyn Lewis and they have two children, Addison and Patrick. Kristen began working in the veterinary field in 2004 when she and Dr. Lewis first bought into Appalachian Animal Hospital in Ellijay, GA. With experience in administration, Kristen began focusing on learning the veterinary management side, while Dr. Lewis maintained his focus on providing high-quality medicine. In 2008, they became the sole owners of Appalachian Animal Hospital, together leading a five-doctor practice with approximately 25 support staff. Then, in 2009, they purchased a second practice, Wayside Animal Hospital in Jasper, GA. In 2010, she assisted Dr. Lewis as he became the Founder of the North Georgia Animal Emergency Hospital in Blue Ridge, GA, now called Mountain Emergency Animal Center. Together, she and Dr. Lewis won the UGA Top 100 Fastest Growing Business Award for their success with Appalachian Animal Hospital. Later, in 2010, Dr. Lewis and Kristen sold Appalachian Animal Hospital to focus primarily on Wayside and the Pickens County community. Then in 2015, Wayside Animal Hospital was named Small Business of the Year for Pickens County. Later that same year, Kristen worked behind the scenes to open a satellite office called Wayside Animal Hospital at Foothills in Marble Hill, GA. In 2023, Kristen and Dr. Lewis recognized the growth of Wayside and the need for a third location, especially with the addition of large animal services. At that time, Kristen diverted her attention to the Ellijay location, which opened in September 2024. Since then, Kristen continues to oversee all three practices. Kristen has served on the State Board of Directors for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia for three years, along with the State Advisory Board for three years. She is a member of the Piedmont Torch Club, and she also received the Piedmont College Pacesetter Award in 2009. In her free time, Kristen loves supporting her children, Addison and Patrick. She also enjoys traveling with Lyn, boating, swimming, and making family memories with the kids; of course, with Chubb (Golden Doodle) too! [citation]