Meet Our Team
At Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Flat Rock, our team of veterinary professionals are devoted to providing the best possible care to your pets.
Dr. Joshua Hower
Medical Director
Dr. Joshua Hower, WCRAH Medical Director, was born and raised outside of Philadelphia PA. As a child he was drawn to all things involving animals and science. He attended the University of Rhode Island for his undergraduate degree in Marine Biology, with a special interest in sharks and fishes. He then returned to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and received his doctorate in 2015.
Dr. Hower spent the first 5 years of his veterinary career in Wilmington NC, where he worked in general practice and emergency medicine. He joined the WCRAH team following a move to Asheville in early 2020, and has continued to expand his interests in soft tissue surgery and emergency/intensive care medicine.
Outside of work, Dr. Hower spends his time enjoying the mountains of Western North Carolina and cheering for Philly sports teams. His hobbies include camping, fishing, photography, and hiking with his two black lab mixes named Keira and Wren.
Dr. Brandon Hughes
Emergency Director
Bio Coming Soon.
Jordan Morton
Practice manager
Jordan is originally from Asheville, North Carolina, She began her career in veterinary medicine in 2010 as a kennel technician. Driven by a passion for patient care, she earned my Registered Veterinary Technician certification in 2011 and spent the next 15 years serving as an RVT at Western.
In 2024, she stepped into the role of Hospital Manager, where she is committed to fostering exceptional patient care and creating an outstanding client experience for every family who walks through our doors.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children. Jordan is a huge fan of sports, fine dining, and is the proud pet parent of little Ruby, her spirited little Chihuahua.
Shannon Goyette
Assistant Manager
Originally from Massachusetts, Shannon moved to North Carolina in 2019 and has enjoyed making it her home ever since. She began her career in the veterinary field in 2005 as a receptionist. Over the years, she has grown within the profession and developed a strong passion for delivering exceptional client care. She also enjoys supporting our team with IT needs and improving the overall client experience.
As Assistant Manager and Client Services Supervisor, She is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, efficient, and compassionate environment for both our clients and their pets.
Outside of work, Shannon loves spending time with her grown children and her wonderful grandchildren. She shares her home with two cats, and in her free time enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and settling in with a good movie.
Brandy Steadman
Inventory Manager
Brandy, is the Inventory Manager here at WCRAH. She joined the team in 2018, but has been part of the veterinary field since 2003. This field is truly her life’s passion—she has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, and still wouldn’t trade it for anything.
She's been married to her best friend for 15 wonderful years. Together they share their home with six cats and sweet chocolate Lab/Shepherd mix, Rex. She is also a proud aunt to 14 amazing nieces and nephews who mean the world to her.
When she is not working, she loves spending time with her family, thrift shopping for hidden treasures, and taking joy rides through the mountains.
Jessica Patton
Nurse Supervisor
Jessica has been a Certified Veterinary Assistant since 2015 and now serves as Nurse
Supervisor at Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital. She brings over a decade of
experience and a strong passion for emergency and critical care, helping lead the nursing team
with compassion, skill, and a calm presence under pressure.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her own animals, and
continuing her education in veterinary medicine to stay current with the latest advancements in
patient care
Lindsay Hatfield
Lead Technician/ Training Lead
Lindsay Hatfield is a registered veterinary technician with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from North Dakota State University.
With a strong foundation in clinical practice and a passion for patient care, Lindsay has developed a special interest in anesthesia.
Beyond her clinical strengths, Lindsay is equally passionate about education. She thrives on teaching others, whether guiding new team members, mentoring students, or helping clients better understand their pets’ health needs.
Driven, compassionate, and continually curious, Lindsay is committed to elevating veterinary standards and supporting both animals and the people who care for them.